Lighting and interior designer Olivia Ann Calleja was recently awarded the German Design Award 2026 in the category of ‘Excellent Architecture’ for a private villa situated in central Malta.
The recognition followed a lengthy and competitive international selection process, highlighting Maltese design on a global platform.
Participation in the awards required firstly submitting an application outlining the project, together with professional images and detailed background information. Following this stage, Calleja and her team were notified that the project had passed the eligibility screening and was invited to proceed to the next round.
In the second phase, they were required to submit extensive documentation covering the entire design journey – from pre-construction through to the completed residence. This included architectural and interior concepts, lighting strategies, drawings, official documentation, plans, and visual evidence of the works carried out.
Calleja also prepared and submitted a video presentation personally explaining the project, the challenges encountered, and the creative vision behind it.
After careful evaluation of all submitted material by the German Design Awards jury, the project was ultimately honoured with the Award for ‘Excellent Architecture (Interior Architecture – Residential)’.
Brief description of the project
The project is a semi-detached villa located in central Malta and involved the demolition of an existing structure and the construction of an entirely new home. It was managed and designed from the earliest pre-construction stages through to full completion.
The villa comprises a basement entertainment level, ground-floor living areas with direct access to a heated outdoor pool, and a first floor containing three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The interiors celebrate craftsmanship by Maltese artisans, featuring bespoke elements such as a hand-crafted wooden staircase, French panelling, custom crystal chandeliers reflected in a mirrored dining ceiling, and a sculptural travertine marble bathroom carved from a single block.
Materials such as wood, marble, mirrored finishes, and acoustic surfaces were carefully layered to create a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere, defined by a palette of midnight blue, dark grey, crystal tones, and polished stone.
