Interview with Ian Mills, AIA
Executive Director of Morris Adjmi Architects (MA)
Our next speaker spotlight features architect Ian Mills, Executive Director of Morris Adjmi Architects (MA) —a multidisciplinary design practice that provides a comprehensive approach to urban planning/placemaking, architecture, interior design, and art services. In his role, Ian helps lead the firm in its ambition to continue the legacy of architecture in history by honoring the legacy of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Aldo Rossi, FAIA—Morris Adjmi’s mentor and former partner.
In 2018, Ian helped open MA’s New Orleans office, overseeing many of the firm’s projects in the south, including ongoing work in Nashville, TN, and on the west coast. Leveraging his passion for placemaking, Ian’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of mixed-use, multiparcel developments that strive to spur community revitalization and sustainable growth. Notably, Ian recently oversaw the delivery of two neighboring towers as part of the master-planned Water Street Tampa development in Florida. One of these towers is The EDITION Hotel & Residence, which stands as Tampa Bay’s inaugural five-star hotel. The second tower, known as Asher, holds the distinction of being the largest multifamily building in the district. Prior to joining MA, Ian worked as an architect at OMA in New York and Rotterdam. He received his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture from Yale University and currently serves as the Docomomo Louisiana Chapter President.
Read more about Ian in our Q&A below.
First, would you give a short summary of what you’ll be speaking about at the AIA TN conference and its importance for architects?
Aldo Rossi, an influential Italian architect and theorist (1931-1997), made significant contributions to the field of urban design which laid the foundation for new policies and priorities that still guide American city development patterns today. This course delves into his most influential theories and studies on the relationship between architectural design and city planning, and his belief that to be successful, the two practices should be considered inseparable. The course also explores how Morris Adjmi Architects (MA) has participated in Aldo’s legacy through a review of architectural and placemaking case studies completed by the firm.
It is fascinating that Morris Adjmi has strong ties to the architectural philosophy of Aldo Rossi related to placemaking and the greater context of the city. What do you personally find most relevant from his ideas of contextual architecture in designing in today’s cities?
Rossi ideas form the foundation of our practice so it’s hard to say what is most relevant but if I try to be succinct I would his way of combining history and invention in all his design pursuits.
In your experience working on these types of projects that involves placemaking, what have been your greatest rewards, challenges and/or valuable lessons you’ve gathered?
The greatest reward is that the place is used well and remembered by the people who pass through it.
What has been the biggest lesson your firm or you personally have learned from the pandemic for your design practice?
It has actually brought us closer together in many respects. I work in our satellite office in New Orleans so the pandemic allowed the New Orleans office to feel more part of the NY office since for a time, everyone was remote.
Would you share some advice to younger architects or those new to architecture about the profession and the process of design?
I would say soak up as much knowledge and experience as you can. Work for different firms, try new things. Your career will be long so don’t be in too much of a rush to get where you’re going.
All project images courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects.
2023 AIA Tennessee Conference on Architecture
After living with the isolation of an ongoing pandemic, how can we celebrate, explore, and learn from spaces that bring people together and promote joy in a community setting. The types of spaces that showcase some of the greatest human accomplishments – from performance to food to hospitality. We want to highlight the places that unite rather than divide.
Ian Mills, AIA will present his session on Wednesday, August 2nd at 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.