About us

Mer Architects is a Finnish architecture practice founded in 2015. We specialise in ecologically and aesthetically resilient buildings and environments.

Our aspiration is to be innovators in projects that seek to create memorable and meaningful spaces within planetary boundaries. Our projects combine individuality, client focus and high quality. Our work is grounded in the innovative use of natural materials and natural ventilation combined with thoughtful and timeless technical solutions. We strive for architecture that is calm and tactile with carefully considered details at every scale.

Our approach is rooted in close collaboration with engineers, guided by curiosity, responsibility and thoughtful design. We believe that good architecture arises through trust and interaction between clients, users, experts and designers.

We also host open DO Mer workshops, TALA Mer discussion evenings, and LUE Mer reading circles, exploring the role and potential of the built environment in shaping society.

Mer Architects is committed to addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through architecture. We have signed an architects’ declaration supporting this commitment, and we are a carbon-neutral organisation as of 2024.

Team

We have an enthusiastic, versatile, and experienced team with extensive expertise in exceptionally demanding architectural and principal design projects, ranging from real estate development to the most complex details of implementation design. Our team brings knowledge in both new construction and renovation or alteration projects. We are experienced in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and have expertise in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and carbon footprint calculations.

For each project, we assemble a tailored project team, supplemented when needed with technical designers, graphic designers, researchers, or experts from other fields. We encourage each other to challenge conventional practices in the built environment and to pursue architecture that resonates.

We aim to be partners for companies, communities and individuals who strive for sustainable building and want to create environments that are both memorable and meaningful.

Design Process

Our design approach is rooted in careful analysis, considering each site and project from both technical and social perspectives. Every project begins with defining its vision and constraints together with the client, ensuring a thoughtful balance from the very start.

Design is a collaborative process in our studio. Projects are developed in internal workshops, where ideas are explored and challenges solved in an open and engaging atmosphere.

Key pillars of our process include:

  • Attentive listening and observation
  • Thorough analysis of site, plot, and program
  • Balance between overall concept and detail design
  • Three-dimensional understanding
  • Coordination of specialized plans and integration of technical systems
  • Ecological and cultural responsibility
  • Refined, buildable details