In the heart of Vienna, a creative force is reshaping the interior architecture landscape. Mezza—Maiso, founded by Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger, has emerged as a leader in luxury interior architecture, known for their ability to harmonize aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Their recent accolade, the German Design Award 2025 for Nils am See, underscores their visionary approach to radical material efficiency and emotional design. The award’s expert jury praised the project for its seamless connection between space, nature, and atmosphere, as well as its ability to merge high-end luxury with ecological responsibility. As we explore the world of Mezza—Maiso, we uncover the philosophy, inspirations, and disruptive approach that have positioned this studio at the forefront of contemporary design.
- What trends do you see emerging in interior architecture, and how is Mezza—Maiso staying ahead of the curve?
Interior architecture is undergoing a fundamental transformation, shaped by sustainability, digital innovation, and the evolving way people experience space. At Mezza—Maiso, we don’t merely follow trends—we shape the future of design.
Three key movements shaping the future are:
- Radical Material Efficiency & Sustainable Luxury | Our German Design Award 2025-winning project, Nils am See, exemplifies how sustainable materials can be integrated without sacrificing sophistication or comfort. We employed recycled marine plastic lighting, regionally sourced wood, and handcrafted natural textiles, proving that sustainability and high-end aesthetics are not mutually exclusive.
- Hybrid Spaces & Adaptive Design | The concept of static interiors is outdated—the modern home, office, or hotel must adapt to different moods, functions, and needs. Our designs incorporate transformative layouts, dynamic lighting systems, and multi-functional furniture, ensuring that each space is as fluid and versatile as its inhabitants.
- Sensory & Emotional Design | Spaces today must evoke more than just admiration; they must trigger emotions and deep connections. We integrate tactile materials, immersive scent experiences, and curated lighting to create interiors that resonate on a personal and psychological level.
Staying ahead of the curve means constantly challenging norms, collaborating with leading artisans, and experimenting with pioneering materials and digital integrations.
- Can you tell us about a dream project you’d love to work on in the future?
We have always been drawn to projects that challenge conventional luxury. One of our ultimate aspirations is to design a luxury, self-sustaining retreat, redefining the future of exclusive hospitality and private living.
Imagine a space where:
- Architecture and landscape are one, using local materials that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
- A zero-impact energy system provides power through solar glass facades, geothermal heating, and self-replenishing water systems.
- Art and design meet exclusivity, with bespoke interiors co-created with leading global artists and artisans.
This would be the culmination of Mezza—Maiso’s philosophy—a sanctuary of design, sustainability, and emotional connection.
- How do you approach the initial client consultation, and how do you ensure their vision aligns with Mezza—Maiso’s design ethos?
At Mezza—Maiso, each project is a collaboration between vision, emotion, and precision. We don’t just design spaces— we curate experiences that reflect our clients’ identities, aspirations, and values.
Our consultation process involves:
- In-Depth Exploration | We immerse ourselves in the client’s world, understanding not just what they want, but how they want to feel in the space. Moodboards, material samples, and storytelling techniques help define the emotional and functional essence of the project.
- Bespoke Design Curation | Instead of offering predefined styles, we curate tailor-made concepts, often integrating one-of-a-kind collectibles, custom-designed furniture, and artistic collaborations.
- Future-Ready Thinking | Every project must be timeless and adaptive, ensuring longevity in both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
By combining deep personalization with Mezza—Maiso’s signature design language, we create interiors that are both highly individual and unmistakably ours.
- Can you describe a project where you had to step out of your comfort zone or try something completely new? What did you learn from that experience?
Winning the German Design Award 2025 for Nils am See was the result of one of our most ambitious and unconventional projects. Instead of following a traditional hospitality approach, we decided to completely reimagine what a boutique hotel could be.
- Redefining Hotel Norms
- We challenged conventional hotel design, opting for a collection of highly personalized spaces, rather than uniform, impersonal layouts.
- Over 650 individually curated decorative elements transformed each room into a unique experience.
- Blending Artisanal Craftsmanship with Digital Intelligence
- We integrated handcrafted materials with cutting-edge smart technology, allowing guests to experience the warmth of artisanal design with the convenience of seamless automation.
- Creating a Fully Sensory Experience
- From the custom scent profiles to the soft, haptic surfaces, every detail was designed to engage multiple senses.
What we learned: True innovation comes from stepping beyond the familiar. Breaking industry norms and merging artistic expression with sustainability and technology is where the future of design lies.
- Looking ahead, what are your goals for Mezza—Maiso in the next five years?
The next five years will be about scaling our vision while deepening our artistic and sustainable ethos.
- Launching the Mezza—Maiso Collectible Design Collection | We are developing an exclusive collection of limited-edition furniture, lighting, and interior collectibles, fusing contemporary artistry with functional innovation.
- Advancing Sustainable Luxury | As pioneers of radical material efficiency, we are pushing the boundaries of quiet luxury, developing interiors that harmonize high-end aesthetics with ecological responsibility.
- Curating Experiential Destination Spaces | Whether it’s private residences, high-end retreats, or hospitality concepts, we aim to redefine how people interact with space—creating places that offer immersive, deeply personal experiences.
The world of interior architecture is evolving rapidly, and Mezza—Maiso is leading the transformation, where design is not just about aesthetics but about emotion, sustainability, and timeless identity. More than an interior architecture studio—it is a movement redefining the boundaries of luxury, sustainability, and experiential design. With a bold approach to innovation, a deep reverence for craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Mezza—Maiso is shaping the future of high-end interior architecture—one visionary project at a time.
Inside Architecture, Interior and Design and Culture. Vienna’s new bureau for inspiring interior design.
September 2021 saw the Vienna opening of Mezza—Maiso, an interdisciplinary bureau for interior architecture, interiors, and design dedicated to creating unique spaces, objects, and places.
Together with a carefully selected team of creative thinkers, interior designers, architects, and specialists, founders Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger offer an array of services covering the complete conception and implementation of projects. Despite having opened relatively recently, the bureau has already accomplished myriad prestigious projects at home and abroad, and also focuses on designing and curating unique collectibles.
