studio mn&a

We are a practice of designers & professionals that provide a wide range of services in the architecture, planning & construction industries. Our approach entails rigorous research & response to the context of each individual project. We see value in translating this context to produce spaces, buildings & objects that reflect the understanding of both, history & tradition, as well as contemporary practices. Material research & methods of construction are at the core of our ethos to produce tactile, refined & beautifully crafted pieces of work. As such, we often collaborate with contractors, engineers, craftsmen, artists & other consultants within the industry to produce well coordinated, functional & sustainable spaces & buildings. We value our clients the most & we work with them closely to deliver their aspirations & vision in the best possible way. We involve our clients & users in the design process thoroughly; listening to their input carefully, responding to their feedback & offering advice & guidance along the way. This way we can ensure that the spaces, buildings & objects that we create focus on enhancing the user experience & impact people’s lives in a positive way. Studio MN&A is led by Mufaddal Nagree who is a registered member of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) UK, & a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) UK. He is also a registered member of Architects & Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB) Tanzania & Architects Association Tanzania (AAT).

Coffee Table 01 Directly inspired by the Bao games played on the coast of Tanzania, especially visible in Zanzibar, this Mancala coffee table pays homage to centuries of getting together, competing and spectating. The form of the legs are inspired by makonde sculptures that draw references from animal anatomy. The material used is Tanzanian teak to give it a strong character through contrasting grain and colour. This is a running experiment and we will be designing and producing more bespoke furniture. #furniture #interiordesign #coffeetable #mancala #bao #teak #art #design #game

Here’s a look at a conceptual drawing of a home extension project in London, designed in collaboration with Trevor Brown Architect. At first glance, it might just look like a new kitchen and dining space, but this small addition solves a surprisingly complex challenge. Like many homes on this street, the ground at the back of the house sits much lower than the front. That level difference often makes it hard for rooms to connect meaningfully to the garden. Instead of fighting it, we embraced the slope. By gently stepping the floor down from the hallway, we created a smoother, more natural transition through the home and out to the garden. This shift in level also adds volume and light to the new space, making it feel calm and open without being stark. A new bay window tucked beside the entrance adds to this connection; offering a place to sit, read, or enjoy a coffee while looking out onto the garden. It’s these small moves that add real character and comfort, making the space feel lived-in from day one. Throughout, we’ve used tactile materials - timber floors, panelled cabinetry, and stone surfaces - and focused on simple, well-crafted detailing. These choices give the space warmth and depth, grounding the new design in everyday use and long-term value. P.S. Can you spot the hidden cat-flap?! #architecture #london #residential #extension #interiors

A Smart, Adaptive Hub for Al Muntazir Islamic International School Designed for both function and flexibility, this temporary gatehouse at Al Muntazir Islamic International School integrates security, administration, and meeting spaces in a compact, efficient form. The undercroft provides a shaded space for security personnel, echoing the existing situation of "askaris" sitting under a "banda", while the ground floor hosts small meeting rooms. The first floor accommodates admin offices in an open-plan layout, creating an airy and comfortable working environment. Privacy is thoughtfully achieved through strategic furniture placement, allowing individual teams to work efficiently without feeling enclosed. The top floor features a boardroom with views of the school’s evolving landscape. Climate-conscious design ensures comfort—an insulated roof and louvered terrace help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping the spaces cool in Dar es Salaam’s heat. Additionally, the building is constructed using a prefabricated system, allowing it to be dismantled and relocated in 5–10 years as the school’s needs evolve. A design that’s both responsive and future-ready. #ClimateResponsiveDesign #PrefabArchitecture #SchoolSpaces #Tanzania #Architecture #InteriorDesign Concept Design in collaboration with @kreo_tz . Credits to our clients @ksijdar @almuntazirschool for allowing us to carefully unpack and define the brief in order to meet the school's needs.

Reflections from the Mountains in Morogoro: Using local stone in building projects offers many advantages, both environmentally and structurally. Sourcing stone locally reduces transportation emissions, supporting a lower carbon footprint and making it a sustainable choice. It also fits into the existing surroundings and is well-suited to the climate, providing natural insulation and durability against local weather conditions, enhancing the building’s longevity and reducing maintenance costs. Embracing local materials not only supports regional industries but also celebrates local heritage and craftsmanship. #SustainableArchitecture #LocalMaterials #BuildingWithStone #architecture #construction #Tanzania

Somewhere in the "bush" in Tanzania... Concept sketch of a humble 2-bedroom retreat for a young family with generous morning & evening verandas surrounded by landscape. The verandas are intended to bring the outside in & vice versa in order to provide shaded areas for play, relaxation, reading etc In addition to expanding the living areas, the open-plan arrangement helps with lots of cross-ventilation. The small circular roof lights provide instances of direct light deep into the plan adding to the playfulness & character of the building. The materials & finishes strategy is to keep things as simple & consistent as possible in order to render a cost-effective but high quality escape in the "bush". #architects #architecture #design #interiordesign #architect #architecturelovers #construction #interior #architecturephotography #archilovers #planning #homedesign #builders #house #arquitectura #interiors #home #modernarchitecture #interiorarchitecture #contemporaryarchitecture #africanarchitecture #tanzania #zanzibar #mikocheni #daressalaam #ujenzi #ramani #ramanizanyumba #interiorarchitecture

Exploring the idea of exposed raw materials. This image shows the possibility of having an exposed concrete frame and blockwork as a backdrop for all the fittings and furniture that bring with them a pop of colour of choice. This strategy forces the builders to carry out good workmanship with attention to detailing, whilst saving on plaster, paint and skirtings. 💰 It also then allows the occupants to express their personalities through colour; for example this quirky mustard yellow painted door made from treated softwood. 👀 What do you think? Are Tanzanians ready to accept tactile and raw interiors, or as @trevornoah once said about Africans, that exposed materials may imply a sign of poverty? 😂

What is BIM? Building Information Modelling (BIM) is like a digital twin for buildings. It's a collaborative process that allows architects, engineers & construction professionals to work on a unified 3D model, incorporating all aspects of a project - from design to construction & even maintenance! 5 Key Advantages of BIM: 1. Precision Planning: BIM minimizes errors by providing a comprehensive view of the project, enabling precise planning & coordination. 2. Enhanced Collaboration: Teams can work together in real-time, fostering better communication & collaboration. 3. Cost Efficiency: BIM helps in accurate cost estimation & resource allocation, reducing unforeseen expenses. 4. Sustainability: Designing with sustainability in mind becomes easier, ensuring a greener & eco-friendly approach. 5. Lifecycle Management: BIM doesn't stop at construction; it aids in managing & maintaining structures throughout their lifecycle. Remember, BIM is just a tool - creativity & spatial problem-solving is still done by a human. For example, this reel shows, in real time, all these options explored for a shelving unit, under a minute! Ready to revolutionize the way we build? Embrace BIM for smarter, professional & sustainable construction! #BIM #ArchitectsAtWork #ConstructionInnovation #DigitalTransformation #ArchitecturalRevolution

These are the two most popular routes for procurement in construction, in their simplest forms: 1. Traditional Contract - Where the client/owner hires a design team from concept to detailing - Then hires a contractor to execute the works based on the design - The design team has a professional relationship with the contractor as they are managing and supervising the works - Typically this route requires a contract administrator, which in most cases are architects, but can be any professional from the design team, or a separately appointed project management entity - In some cases, the Client may request the architect or lead consultant to directly appoint their own consultants team (this is not advisable and should be avoided) 2. Design & Build (D&B) - This is a one-stop shop type of arrangement for the Client - The Client hires the contractor for all design and construction services as a whole - The consultants are not answerable to the Client, instead they are answerable to the Contractor - This procurement route doesn't require a separate contract administrator - In some cases, the Client may choose to have a separate consultant as the "employer's agent" for advice on matters such as quality and time management Note: This is a very basic understanding of these forms of procurement in the construction industry. Whilst they each have their pros and cons, in a nutshell, Traditional contracts are quality-driven and D&B contracts are time & cost-driven. If you are thinking about building, get in touch for more specific advice. #architecture #ujenzi #construction #contracts #procurement

This holiday season, as we come together to celebrate various traditions & share the spirit of joy, let's take a moment to reflect on the challenges faced by all people who are enduring physical & systemic oppression. In the midst of our festivities, let's extend our thoughts & solidarity to those yearning for peace, justice, & the fundamental human rights that many of us often take for granted. Regardless of our individual backgrounds & beliefs, may this season serve as a reminder of the shared values of compassion & understanding. In the spirit of unity, let us work towards a world where every person, irrespective of their origins, can experience the warmth of love & the promise of a brighter future. May hope, solidarity, & empathy guide us on the journey toward a more inclusive & harmonious global community. We wish you a prosperous & peaceful year ahead. #christmas #newyear #architecture #structuralengineering

A sketch on a tissue paper when meeting a new client has its own charm. Here, we decided to use our BIM software to do a feasibility study for a potential scheme. You could say, it's a digital sketch. Sometimes it's okay to explore your tools to do some tests and prototypes, even though you might not have been commissioned yet. Lots of fine-tuning to do, but this shows the general concept, strategy & solution to a problem. What do you think?