Michel Mossessian is a world-class architect delivering acclaimed projects in London and internationally.

Consistently at the forefront of new approaches, Michel believes in design that creates engaging spaces to work, live and play.

Born in Paris, Michel studied Architecture at the Ecole National des Beaux Arts, where he was honoured with the Villa Medici Hors les Murs prize, before choosing to continue crafting his approach at Cooper Union in New York and at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, MA. He was later appointed Associate Director and Senior Designer at the Chicago office of Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM). Michel went on to lead design for the SOM London office on a number of complex high-profile projects, notably including the winning design for the new NATO headquarters.

London became key in Michel’s passion for architecture, design and the arts, and so it was here, realising the global attraction for the new architecture and design centre of the world, that he chose to establish his own practice in 2005. His expert team encompasses a wide variety of nationalities, an invaluable advantage in the practice’s diverse international projects, yet is recognised as a constant force.

Since the foundation of Mossessian Architecture, Michel has designed landmark buildings in London and internationally. London projects include 5 Merchant Square in Paddington which is occupied by Marks & Spencer, and buildings S1 and S2 in King’s Cross, one of which will be the offices for Google Deepmind. Propelled by his vision of creating culturally responsive architecture, Michel has sought out like-minded organisations, such as UNESCO and the MCC, and worked on the world heritage site of Fez Medina in Morocco. He also completed 26 buildings across the four stages of Doha’s iconic Msheireb regeneration scheme including the main square. The ExonMobil Technology Centre in Shanghai is another example of Michel’s work.

Leading every aspect of the design process, Michel is dedicated to working directly with his clients and engaging them in a collaborative approach in order to achieve the best results. His pioneering attitude sees him at the helm of new approaches and technologies. Michel’s original Black Box method is now a staple of every project the practice delivers and ensures a shared vision from the outset.

Michel is deeply interested in cultural localism and architecture that is concerned with far more than the buildings themselves. He considers great design to be as much about where space and light begin, as where walls and boundaries end. Michel’s ability to view public space as a presence rather than an absence enables the practice to deliver successful community areas through their unique sculpting the void approach.

Outside of the practice, Michel’s love of design remains a key aspect in his life and he lectures widely at schools of architecture and cultural institutions. Currently Michel is a visiting professor at Imperial College London where he lectures on how architecture affects well-being. He also personally organises events to promote innovation and development in the industry.