ABOUT MAJA BRUCIC

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The Visionary Architect
 

Architecture isn’t just what Maja does—it’s how she sees the world.

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Maja Bručić, M.Arch., is the visionary force behind the Lotus Architecti brand, LAD 1 Studio, and LAD 2 Studio—which together form one of Zagreb Croatia’s most distinctive architectural voices. For 18+ years, she has transformed visions into structures that breathe life into landscapes throughout the world.

With deep expertise in project management, construction organization, and supervision, Maja navigates complex regulatory frameworks with precision. Licensed across Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia, she ensures every project is conceived with brilliance and delivered with the highest standards of compliance and craftsmanship.

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Professional Journey

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Maja earned her Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Zagreb and expanded her expertise at Parsons School of Design in New York, followed by architectural explorations across Japan and Spain. Always striving for growth, she has also pursued specialized training in architectural lighting design in Austria and Sweden.

Her career foundation was built on ambitious roles that shaped her holistic architectural approach—where vision, context, and execution merge to create enduring value. At Kincl LLC, she contributed to large-scale international projects, including Donetsk Airport in Ukraine, New Zagreb Airport, an aquarium, an art gallery, and Zagreb Mall. As Chief Architect at S.B. Engineering LLC, she led the design and execution of developments such as Villa Vienna in Austria, Campus Kajzerica in Zagreb, residential complexes, and schools.

As a Partner at Alis Aquilae LLC and Porta Aurea Ventures LLC, Maja thrived in projects requiring both creative vision and technical precision. Her floating villas concept and Marco Polo Floating Bridge proposal exemplify this intersection—where imagination meets engineering.

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Lotus Architecti 

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In 2011, Maja founded Lotus Architecti and its sister studios, establishing one of Croatia’s most distinguished architectural collectives. Known for bold, high-quality, and forward-thinking designs, the firm is driven by more than aesthetics—it orchestrates complete experiences, blending thoughtful design with structural sophistication.

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Lotus Architecti’s portfolio spans avant-garde tourism developments, striking office buildings, landmark public institutions, and refined private villas. Maja is driven by the orchestration of complete experiences—where the smallest detail contributes to a greater narrative. Each project is a cultural, spatial, and social opportunity to enrich lives.

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Notable projects include:
 

• Petram Resort & Residences, Istria – A luxurious seafront resort redefining Adriatic living.

• The One, Belgrade – A contemporary residential complex setting new urban design standards.

• Milna East – A thoughtfully planned coastal development.

• Hotel Green Tower, Umag – A sustainable hotel concept merging architecture with nature.

• Chicago South Works 8080 – An ambitious urban renewal project.

• Savudrija Cliffs Golf Club & Hotel – A seamless fusion of sport, hospitality, and coastal scenery.

• Vlushka District, Zagreb – A large-scale mixed-use urban intervention.

• Zagreb Residences– A refined residential enclave in the capital.

• Kindergarten in Budinščina – A child-centric space designed with warmth, functionality, and imagination.

• Home for the Elderly in Lobor – An architectural response to aging with dignity and care.​

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Lotus Architecti Today

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Today, Maja collaborates with multinational corporations, municipal governments, and private investors. Registered in the U.S. Government’s System for Award Management (SAM), the firm is trusted for its ability to transform complex visions into enduring structures that serve the people who use them.

Through Lotus Architecti, Maja isn't just building structures—she's crafting experiences, shaping environments, and telling stories that will outlast us all.

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Recognition & Achievement 

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Maja’s architectural vision has been recognized across Europe and beyond. Accolades include:

• Europe 40 Under 40 Award – From The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum.

• Monaco Architecture Award – For the "Magnificent View" project.

• Chicago Architecture Biennial Honors – For the innovative "Chi-osk" urban architecture project.

She has also participated in the Casa dell’Amicizia Italo-Croata, fostering cross-cultural architectural dialogue. ​​​

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