Marija Pantović

Marija Pantović is the Senior Design Manager who has grown with the design team ever since she joined in 2015; she is an analytical team player, working strategically in alignment with the needs of the cross-functional stakeholders. Her dedication, sense of ownership, and warmth is why she is one of the true ambassadors of the construction team and the project.

1.Authenticity and sustainability are at the core of what Luštica Bay does – how is this reflected in the initial design process?

We are building a town that is deeply rooted in and connected to Montenegrin culture; that alone is one of the key authentic elements. A self-sustainable and carefully planned town that is meticulously developed by a team of experts working collectively each step of the way. Luštica Bay has a bona fide approach to master planning, as we work on delivering all the essential needs for our residents. Every design detail reflects the richness of Montenegrin heritage, inspired by traditional fishermen villages and implemented with aesthetic functionality. Sustainability is at the root of the initial phases of master planning and continues to be reflected as we carefully study the building orientation in relation to climate aspects, while integrating the structures in the intricate terrain and nature, low density, building scale and forms, traffic solutions, archaeological sites preservations, and so on. We further base our design specifications on energy efficiency through the use of native plant species, locally sourced materials, waste treatment, smart irrigation systems, and renewable energy resources. Our environmental awareness and commitment to sustainability go beyond the aesthetic principles; they are weaved and integrated in every element of design, as we opt for valuable bioclimatic techniques and energy saving methods, including an organic approach to site planning, capitalizing on natural light, and cross-ventilation to state just a few examples.

2.Small details make all the difference in design and architecture; which elements would you say have been the most important in developing Luštica bay?

It is always challenging to design and reflect uniqueness while ensuring continuity and the impact the design would have on the generations to come. We are driven by an equation that we are constantly working on balancing the clients’ needs, aesthetic functionality, Montenegrin heritage, and the inspiration we want to leave behind and pave forward. To put it simply, we are not trying to create and design buildings, we are creating experiences, setting the base for people to make lives and nurture homes; we are the building blocks for communities to connect in a place they would fall in love with and belong to. We play with design tools to utilize natural lights, transform public spaces into shared joy, blend materials and textures delivering neighborhoods that respond to a variety of individual needs. We are creating a contemporary and refined ambience and a nature-rich family home, complimented with design flair.

3.What makes Luštica Bay a true reflection of Montenegrin heritage and culture?

Our creative vision is anchored in our master plan, local vernacular duly inspired by traditional materials and old building techniques generating contemporary forms. Our design principles are based on the natural character of the site and context of the local heritage, while its modern twist offers ecofriendly living spaces that resonate with our commitment to nature. Mediterranean features like arches, shutters, and pergolas create homes integrated within both the landscape and the local architectural character, while natural materials such as stone, clay tile, plaster and wood are used in thoughtful ways that reflect a more minimalist and streamlined aesthetic.

“Our design principles are based on the natural character of the site and context of the local heritage, while its modern twist offers eco-friendly living spaces that resonate with our commitment to nature.”

4.It is inspirational to see women in your team taking on protagonist roles that are usually more male-dominated; how is the perspective of women and their attention to detail critical?

I do reflect on that sometimes and realize that it was once impossible to imagine being in the place I am today. We believe in the team and I see the male-dominated society changing into a more inclusive one that respects talent, rather than working on principles of gender-bias. The devil is in the details when we go from masses to forms, when we go from colors to textures, when we go from senses to experiences; women in our team feel and breathe the design, we design with our fingertips, we design with passion, we design with enthusiasm.

5.What makes you proud of your work?

Watching our vision become the skyline of a traditional, yet modern Montenegrin town. It brings me great pleasure to work with the team that is motivated and driven by the same passion; because truly, the team is what makes all the difference and our collective ambition is what pushes the dream forward .