We try to understand the person and the place before setting the design.

Once these, along with climate, local planning regulations, available materials and crafts are researched, only then the design process can begin, leading to specifically based outcomes. Function is resolved first, only then the form is introduced as a part of emotional and experiential understanding of the whole.
MI.A works across residential, commercial and retail projects, creating spaces that contribute to user's experience. We also work in the field of graphic design. Our work is connecting art, engineering, environment, sustainability and economics and striving to form emphatic and cohesive spaces.

01

function and shape / size and proportions

In MI.A we follow the guideline that it is essential to properly design the space from the point of view of proportions in connection with the content. Architecture is just a base for life, which the user later brings into the space with his culture and activity. Has the space been properly designed, it should express its logic and beauty in just any kind of decor set-up.

02

materials as a basic tool

Materials and detailing are used carefully and consistently as part of a coherent whole. The physicality is in a sense dematerialized with the framed views, light and shadow being the elements perceived.

03

experience

The experience of working in different countries has a unique perspective, starting with a sincere understanding of the local conditions and cultures deepening the richness of design potentialities. Occasionally our designs get partly modified and are therefore difficult to present but we believe that is the part of life, many times led by financial or other difficulties.

04

interdisciplinary approach

The combination of various elements and methods of approach leads to highly resolved buildings quietly and sensitively placed in the landscape. This kind of approach not only applies to building structures, it also fits in more artistic fields such as graphics design, scenography, exhibition set-ups etc. MI.A's founders have various backgrounds and cover different fields of professional knowledge, from art based to technical knowledge. MI.A collaborates with illustrators, painters and other professionals in their fields.

photography: Hana Alhadi

meet our creative team

Founded in 2020, MI.A is emerging as a creative design practice, with a recognizable individuality. The team works collaboratively under the guidance of co-founding architects, Ivana Ljubanović and Matjaž Križman. The Team consists of experts from various fields who, as external collaborators, are included in an interdisciplinary unit, specifically designed for each individual project. Working closely with each other and our clients, the group delivers each project with dedicated professionalism and a unique design expression.

05

news feed

news // announcements

July 2021

Magazine Hiše is publishing
our project

In the next issue of HIŠE (H121), our project Hiša nad Piranskim zalivom will be featured. This house in Piran exemplifies modern construction that addresses energy efficiency from multiple perspectives. Welcome to read ...

19.09.2022

New internet site

MI.A is happy to announce the launch of our website. Feel free to browse and discover our work. A lot of our projects have not yet been properly photographed but we are working on it. It shall be updated and bilingual in a while.

25.09.2022

Arhitektura Inventura
2020 - 2022

We invite you to visit us at the eleventh biennial exhibition of Društvo arhitektov Ljubljana (DAL), from February 10 to March 23, 2023 at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana. See you there ...

October 2022

Magazine Hiše is publishing
our project

In the next issue of the magazine HIŠE (H127), our work Stanovanje MALO will be presented, in which sustainability in architecture is shown in its most basic possible form. In this renovation, we embraced the existing elements, even those less refined or outdated, and focused our investment on art, lighting, and thoughtful composition. Modular elements were carefully integrated to optimize space.
Welcome to read ...

08.11.2022

Little Lazy Olive can design arrival

We are proud to announce our Little Lazy Olive cans are soon arriving from Greece. MI.A was collaborating on the logo and the oil can design with colleague illustrator Matic Kržan and was inspired by the founders of an amazing little company - The Lazy Company.

October 2023

Article Published in journal AB

An article titled "The Invisible Structure of Cukrarna" by Ivana Ljubanović Križman has been published in the architecture journal Arhitektov Bilten no. 234/235. Many thanks to the editorial board of AB for the kind invitation to contribute.

May 2023

Article Published in Magazine Hiše

An article titled "More and More – But Until When?" by Ivana Ljubanović Križman has been published in the architecture magazine Hiše, issue H129. The piece explores how high-quality living spaces can be created within the constraints of spatial standards, furniture dimensions, and regulatory guidelines — particularly when working with compact floorplans.
Many thanks to the editorial team at Hiše for the invitation to contribute.

19.09.2024

Unveiling of the 360 Karting’s New Headquarters

We announce the opening of Ensol 360’s new 4,500 m² headquarters — a project designed and realized in close collaboration, with our office leading the architectural vision and execution. The transformation reveals the industrial character of the existing structure, while introducing dynamic new functions: offices, a showroom, and storage facilities, all set within carefully preserved greenery.
With the company now fully moved in, the building begins its new chapter as the operational heart of Ensol 360.

27.10.2024

Landscape Architecture Croatia: Designing for the Deaf

Ivana gave a lecture titled “On Space and Architecture” to students from the University of Washington’s Department of Landscape Architecture. The lecture was part of a tutorial visit to the design-build workshop Designing for the Deaf and was open to the public.
She spoke about the importance of treating space as a limited and precious resource — one that requires care, respect, and responsibility. Her talk explored how architecture can contribute to a more thoughtful world through principles of reuse, restraint, and intentional design.

01.11.2024

Crafted in Steel, Defined in Style: The Company’s New Visual Identity

Known for their production precision and quality, the company brings a distinctive touch to every metal product. Now, this craftsmanship is reflected in their new visual identity as well. Scroll through selected fragments from the visual identity manual, developed by MI.A.

10.11.2024

Landscape Architecture Croatia: Reclaiming Space for Cultural Memory

Ivana payed a short guest tutoring visit at a workshop led by landscape architect Mate Rupić and Prof. Daniel Winterbottom (University of Washington). Landscape architecture students have developed a conatural intervention for the revival of the island’s former military fortification site, along with a master plan proposal for the wider area. Image credit: Ynah Dimalanta, Mate Rupić

04.01.2025

Selected Proposal in an Invited Architectural Competition

MI.A was invited to participate in a closed architectural competition organized by a private investor for completing a partially constructed building in Istria, Croatia. Despite the challenges posed by the existing structure, our design made the most of the available framework, transforming it into an appealing concept for tourist accommodation with supporting facilities. Our proposal was selected as the winning entry, allowing us to proceed with the next phases of the project’s development.

21.02.2025

Arhitektura Inventura
2022 - 2024

We participate in the 12th Biennial Exhibition of the Društvo Arhitektov Ljubljana (DAL), held from February 21 to March 17, 2025, at Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana. Together with PPlus Arhitekti, we presented our collaborative project for the new concept design, interior, and exterior of the Ensol 360 Headquarters.

06

current projects

work in progress

Old stone house in Istria

We are currently engaged in the renovation of an old house in Slovenian Istria. Our goal is to completely preserve the ruins, upgrade them with ecological materials and equip it with waste water recycling technology and other ecological solutions, such as reviving the village rain collection system. Sustainability is getting a new home ... We are very happy to be invited to this project from the part of such environmentally conscious investors.

Compact Living, Thoughtful Design

A spatially demanding residential unit is now in renovation — where every centimeter carries weight and intention. Thoughtful design reveals the hidden potential of small spaces. Through dialogue and shared vision with the owners, the best version has emerged: a quiet balance between space, light, and purpose

A Modest Stone House in Inland Istria

Renovation is underway on another charming stone house, located on one of the most beautiful old squares in inland Istria. The challenge lies in achieving the best possible result with minimal investment, guided by the principles of reduce–reuse–recycle — and a hands-on approach to building. The narrow floor plan demands precise spatial thinking and minimal interventions. The new outlines are already taking shape, and we look forward to sharing the final project soon.

Project in the Heart of Istria

In central Istria, MI.A is redesigning and completing a partially constructed building. The unfinished structure serves as the basis for a tourist accomodation that integrates stone, steel, wood, and glass into a clear and functional architectural concept. The project transforms an incomplete start into a coherent and usable space, tailored for its future purpose.

Sustainable renovation

Our advantage is a good knowledge of building materials and details in architecture. This is of great importance when renovating buildings that are affected by groundwater and moisture presence in the structure. One such example is the house by the Škocjan Bay in Koper. The renovation plan largely follows the use of ecological materials to elevate living comfort to a completely new level, considering the current state. In addition to residential space, a yoga center is also planned in the house. The building will be equipped with an elevator.

New Business–Production Complex

We’re honoured to have been entrusted with the design of a business–production complex for a valued client and collaborator. This is just a glimpse into the building’s evolving form — one we continue to refine to create an optimal environment for the continued work and growth of MAK METAL, a company appreciated for its precision, dedication, and reliability. The design draws inspiration from the careful craftsmanship of metalworking that defines their practice. The interior workspaces are shaped by principles of equality and respect, aiming to provide a high-quality working environment for every member of the team.

Excellent knowledge of materials, issues related to moisture in construction, and details in architecture is crucial for planning the renovation of a building.

AT MI.A, WE COVER IT ALL!

Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.

Dr. Edward O. Wilson

Storage facility building
place: Komenda, Slovenia
year of project: 2009-2011
year of completion: 2011
architecture: Matjaž Križman in collaboration with Peter Pavšič and Arhi-3K
award: ZBORNICA ZA ARHITEKTURO IN PROSTOR SLOVENIJE
Zeleni svinčnik 2012
Recognition for the best implementation in the field of sustainable construction
photography: Peter Irman

07 project gallery

some of our realisations

WELCOME TO OUR PROJECT GALLERY

Here, you can explore a selection of our completed projects that showcase our creativity and dedication. Each project reflects our commitment to quality and innovation, highlighting the diverse range of work we’ve accomplished.

Click on the image to enlarge and enjoy ...

MI.A is Slovenian seaside based creative thinking.

We are executing projects widely teaming with a network of local partners. Working closely with each other and our clients, the MI.A delivers each project with dedicated professionalism and a unique design expression.

Contact Us

ADDRESS
Lucan 23, 6320 Portorož, Slovenija

EMAIL
info@mi-arhitektura.com

PHONE NUMBER
+386 40 187 681
+386 41 434 454

We try to understand the person and the place before setting the design.

01

function and shape / size and proportions

02

materials as a basic tool

03

experience

04

interdisciplinary approach

meet our creative team

05 news feed

Magazine Hiše is publishingour project

New internet site

Arhitektura Inventura 2020 - 2022

Magazine Hiše is publishingour project

Little Lazy Olive can design arrival

Article Published in journal AB

Article Published in Magazine Hiše

Unveiling of the 360 Karting’s New Headquarters

Landscape Architecture Croatia: Designing for the Deaf

Crafted in Steel, Defined in Style: The Company’s New Visual Identity

Landscape Architecture Croatia: Reclaiming Space for Cultural Memory

Selected Proposal in an Invited Architectural Competition

Arhitektura Inventura 2022 - 2024

06 current projects

Excellent knowledge of materials, issues related to moisture in construction, and details in architecture is crucial for planning the renovation of a building.

AT MI.A, WE COVER IT ALL!

Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.

Dr. Edward O. Wilson

07

project gallery

WELCOME TO OUR PROJECT GALLERY

Renovation of a historical building into cultural center and artist residencies of Mini theater

Renovation of a historical building into cultural center and artist residencies of Mini theater

Crafted Renovation of a Housing Unit through Reuse and Care

Crafted Renovation of a Housing Unit through Reuse and Care

Crafted Renovation of a Housing Unit through Reuse and Care

Crafted Renovation of a Housing Unit through Reuse and Care

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Renovation of a housing unit

Family house

Zero-emission family house

Restructuring an unfinished shopping center bulding into a convention and exhibition center

Restructuring an unfinished shopping center bulding into a convention and exhibition center

Restructuring an unfinished shopping center bulding into a convention and exhibition center

A renovation and addition to a historic pavillion, now houses a boutique hotel and a restaurant

A renovation and addition to a historic pavillion, now houses a boutique hotel and a restaurant

A renovation and addition to a historic pavillion, now houses a boutique hotel and a restaurant

A renovation and addition to a historic pavillion, now houses a boutique hotel and a restaurant

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Renovation of a former industrial building into the new headquarters of Ensol 360, d.o.o.

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Park Area Design for Families at the Beach within the Martin Horvat Hospital Premises

Contact Us

05

news feed

Magazine Hiše is publishing
our project

Arhitektura Inventura
2020 - 2022

Magazine Hiše is publishing
our project

Arhitektura Inventura
2022 - 2024

06

current projects