Vision and Mission of the Museum of Architecture

Vision

To be a global centre for entrepreneurship and innovation in the architectural industry and the place where both professionals and the public come to learn about and get involved with and informed about advancements in architecture and related industries.

Mission

The Museum of Architecture (MoA) is a charity dedicated to finding new ways for the public to engage with architecture and to encouraging entrepreneurship within architectural practice in order to stimulate learning, collaboration and action.

MoA provides opportunities for architects to work with other industries and communities to be better informed about the places and people for which they are designing.
MoA has been a pop-up museum since 2006 and positions itself as a place where people come to learn about what is currently happening in architecture through exhibitions, events, talks, and public installations. MoA’s programming provides insightful information for both the public and architects alike, linking architecture to contemporary culture to make it accessible to all.

History

The story of Museum of Architecture embodies the strength and vision of the young architectural community today. Museum of Architecture builds on the work of Nous Gallery, launched in 2006 by Melissa Woolford, Paul Coates and Christian Derix as a platform for up-and-coming architects to showcase innovative research and new technologies. The first exhibition was held on Gifford Street, off York Way. The first opening alone attracted over 200 people, signalling the future success of the Gallery.

In 2012, responding to the wider needs of the public and architectural community, Nous Gallery was re-launched as Museum of Architecture to enhance our social mission. The Museum aims to empower individuals to shape the future of their communities.

What we offer

MoA Business Academy: Entrepreneurship for Architects
We help architects be better entrepreneurs. We provide courses for directors and partners, architects, students and children. This is done through courses, workshops, lectures conferences and events.

Public Programming
Every season, MoA investigates how architects can and are adding value to work being done on a particular topic. This investigation will include: talks, research, conferences, workshops, trips and exhibitions. MoA will launch an open call each year and invite practices, students and the public to propose ideas for programming. This will result in additional projects and events.

Vacancies

We currently have no vacancies.

If you'd like to enquire possible volunteering opportunities, please email us at office@museumofarchitecture.org

Who we are

Melissa Woolford
Founder and Director
melissa@museumofarchitecture.org

Melissa is the Founder and Director of the Museum of Architecture which she started in 2006 to help architects be more entrepreneurial and help the public better engage with architecture. Melissa has created projects such as The Gingerbread City, Sandcastles, and has initiated innovative programmes such as MoA Directors and Associates Club to share best practice in the industry. She has lectured on new business strategies for the built environment at institutions including: Harvard GSD, UCL, and the Architectural Association. Melissa has a Masters in Architecture from Pratt Institute and a BA architecture from the University of Massachusetts. She worked as an architectural designer for Zaha Hadid Architects from 2006-2009. Melissa is also the Founder and Director of Nous Collaborative, an agency that specialises in bringing architecture and the creative industries together with brands. Her clients include the Wild Turkey Bourbon, Dove, Ocean Spray, and the Delfina Foundation.

Linda Lu
MoA Business Academy
linda@museumofarchitecture.org

Linda trained as an architect at University of California at Berkeley and worked in architectural and design practices in NYC, Tokyo, and Hong Kong before settling in London. She manages and plans for the MoA Business Academy, including the MoA Directors and the Associates Club programmes.

Florence Maschietto
Assistant Curator
florence@museumofarchitecture.org

Florence has experience working in contemporary design and art galleries, collaborating with curators, designers and makers, designing and managing booths at the leading international art and design fairs, namely Design Miami, Masterpiece, PAD London and Frieze London. She has carried out independent curatorial work and exhibition design in London and contributed to the publication accompanying a major exhibition on Plywood at the V&A in 2017. She holds an MA in Design History from the Royal College of Art and a BA in Art History from Sussex University.

Morvi Koochak
MoA School for Creative Thinkers
morvi@museumofarchitecture.org

Morvi ran her own design studio for 7 years in Iran, exhibited her collections around the country, collaborated with designers and artists on different projects from concept development to production. In 2013 she moved to London to pursue her MA in Fashion, and she graduated with distinction from Kingston university. She continued her career assisting creative directors, working with the public and gaining experience in management. She took part as an educator in developing experimental workshops with BMW Tate Live.

Board Members
Catherine Pease, Director vPPR Architects
Carl Turner, Turner Works
Chris Hildrey, Hildrey Studio and ProxyAddress
Dr. Geoff Woolford, Business Consultant
James Harvey, Weil
Josef Hargrave, ARUP Foresight
Pooja Agrawal, Regeneration at the GLA
Rob Fiehn, PR and Communications
Tyen Masten, Director Phase3