Shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2025 architect of the year, MAD is a global architecture practice that works across product design, architecture, interiors, design and art.

The firm was founded in 2004 by principal partner Ma Yansong, and has studios in Beijing, Los Angeles and Rome. It aims to design immersive spaces that evoke emotion and deeply connect with the natural environment.

The studio approaches architecture with an aim to balance humanity and the natural world, creating spaces that support wellbeing and prompt imagination.

Recent projects include a canopy that reinterprets traditional Chinese paper umbrellas at this year's Venice Architecture Biennale and a pair of giant staircases for Fenix Museum of Migration in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

MAD has been shortlisted in the architect of the year category of Dezeen Awards 2025.