How London-based Architectural practice MCMa streamlined operations, boosting creativity and transforming architectural design.
In London, where tradition meets innovation, MCMa - Miltiadou Cook Mitzman Architects has cultivated a reputation for thoughtful, transformative design. Since its founding in 2000, the firm-helmed by partners Socrates Miltiadou and Rupert Cook-has specialised in residential, educational, and cultural projects that emphasise sustainability, collaboration, and a sensitivity to place. Their award-winning portfolio reflects a deep commitment to their craft and clients, but as with many creative practices, managing the business side presented challenges. Enter Fresh Projects, a software solution that’s streamlined their practice, giving the team more control, and time back to focus on creating and collaborating with clients.
MCMa’s portfolio is rich with projects that demonstrate its dedication to blending form, function, and social impact. Among their recent achievements is the South Staffordshire College Fitout, a transformational project showcasing their commitment to education and sustainability. This initiative converted a granary barn into a state-of-the-art Green Energy Centre, an innovative hub for training tradespeople in green technologies, from photovoltaics to electric vehicle servicing. By preparing the next generation of professionals, the project supports the transition to a net-zero future, embodying MCMa’s vision of architecture as a tool for societal progress.
In residential design, the Finsbury Park House exemplifies the firm’s ability to reimagine and rejuvenate existing structures. A dark, disjointed Victorian home was transformed into a light-filled, contemporary space through structural reorganisation and seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
These projects underscore MCMa’s ethos: creating spaces that are not only functional but inspiring. However, managing the complexities of these undertakings-shifting client budgets, intricate timelines, and team coordination-requires robust operational tools,
Like many boutique firms, MCMa initially managed its business with spreadsheets. This approach proved cumbersome, particularly as projects became more intricate. Later, they adopted software to help, but it fell short of expectations. “It lacked flexibility,” recalls Socrates Miltiadou. “When we needed customised reporting, they simply refused. The licensing model was also rigid, locking us into unnecessary costs.”
Additionally, financial tracking-an essential element of any architecture practice-remained a challenge.
“If you don’t have a clear view of project profitability, you risk losing money and jeopardising the practice,” Miltiadou explains. The firm needed a solution that could adapt dynamically to their needs.
Fresh Projects quickly became a cornerstone of MCMa’s operations. Designed specifically for architects, the software offers tools for project resourcing, invoicing, and financial tracking. “It’s like having a finance manager in-house, but without the cost of a full-time hire,” says Miltiadou.
The platform’s intuitive project planner is a game-changer for the partners at the practice, providing real-time visibility into workloads and resource allocation. “We can see who’s busy, who’s under pressure, and who’s underutilised,” he notes. This insight ensures fair distribution of tasks and optimises productivity.
Financially, Fresh Projects has transformed how MCMA manages invoicing. The software tracks both income and expenses, ensuring accuracy and highlighting overdue payments. “Getting the finances right-money in and money out-is key,” Miltiadou stresses. This clarity has significantly reduced errors and saved time.
The adoption of Fresh Projects has cut administrative tasks by 75%, allowing partners to redirect their energy toward clients and design work. For a firm whose success is measured by client satisfaction, this shift is invaluable. By automating operational tasks, Fresh Projects ensures that MCMa’s creative focus remains uncompromised.
“Fresh Projects does 90% of what we would dream of in a practice manager,” says Miltiadou.
“It’s brilliant at supporting our goals, both creatively and financially.”
With Fresh Projects streamlining operations, MCMa continues to push the boundaries of thoughtful design. Their projects, such as the Canonbury Courtyard House and Finsbury Park House, are testaments to their ability to marry innovation with timeless aesthetics.
For MCMa, Fresh Projects is more than software-it’s a partner in their mission to create spaces that inspire, proving that even in architecture, efficiency and artistry can go hand in hand.
Get inspired by more of their projects here.
