ICFF’s 2023 Designer of the Year: Morris Adjmi

Words by: MA in conversation with Laura Joralemon

Words by: MA in conversation with Laura Joralemon May 10, 2023

"We create buildings and environments that stand out by fitting in—they're iconic, but, at the same time, they can disappear into the background. We try to find that world where the building has a strong sense of identity, yet it still feels like it plays nice with others"
Morris Adjmi

This year, ICFF will award the prestigious Designer of the Year award to Morris Adjmi, founder and principal of the eponymous multi-disciplinary studio.

Morris Adjmi, FAIA is dedicated to understanding the history and complex forces that shape cities to create buildings that are contextual but unmistakably contemporary. Adjmi’s passion for contextual architecture was formed by the cast-iron French Quarter balconies and crumbling Creole cottages in his hometown of New Orleans and was refined in both New York and Milan during his 13-year collaboration with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Aldo Rossi.

Morris established MA in 1997 following his collaboration with Rossi, and on that strong foundation built a multidisciplinary design practice known for its thoughtful engagement with history, distinct interpretation of industrial forms, and creative expression of innovative materials. The resulting work has become a favorite of both forward-thinking developers and history-minded preservationists.

An exhibition of Aldo Rossi's drawings on display in MA's NYC office.

134 Wooster

See a selection of notable projects from MA below and stay tuned as we sit down with Morris in our Designer of the Year interview following ICFF 2023.

The Grand Mulberry

Located at the intersection of Grand and Mulberry Streets in the heart of Little Italy, the design of The Grand Mulberry draws inspiration from the rich heritage of historic Italianate tenements found throughout the neighborhood. The custom-profiled brick that clads the contemporary condominium building creates a spectral reference to this heritage.

The WELCOME Sign

The WELCOME sign shines as a beacon of hospitality over the New York City waterfront.

The Pinch

One of Charleston’s newest boutique hotels, The Pinch offers guests a blend of historic ambiance, modern amenities, and residential comforts. Located on lower King Street, the unique hospitality development is an assemblage of three buildings—a new three-story brick structure and two restored buildings dating back to 1843.

The Pinch is shortlisted for the ICFF Interiors Awards.