As NRA Atelier marks ten years of practice, its founders reflect on architecture as cultural mission, responsibility to place, and the ambition to move from regional presence to international stage
Founded in 2016, NRA Atelier emerged at a moment when Montenegro itself was entering a new phase of spatial and economic transformation. Over the past decade, the studio has grown alongside some of the country’s most ambitious developments, contributing to projects that now shape its contemporary visual identity.
As they mark ten years of practice, Nikola Radović and Sonja Milićević speak about architecture beyond technical boundaries — as a discipline rooted in responsibility, shaped by regulation and context, and driven by a long-term vision that extends beyond the region.
NRA Atelier marks ten years this year. When you look back to 2016, what was your original ambition — and how much of today’s studio reflects that vision?
When we look back at 2016, it is clear that today’s NRA Atelier embodies the realization of the ambitions that guided us at the beginning. From the outset, we approached architecture as a discipline that transcends technical boundaries and evolves into a cultural and social mission — a medium through which ideas are transformed into environments that inspire, connect, and shape community identity.
A decade later, the studio stands as the outcome of those early aspirations: multidisciplinary, open to exploration and experimentation, yet firmly anchored in responsibility toward space and society. Each project carries a trace of that original vision, enriched by the experience we have gained over time.
At the same time, we recognize this moment not as a final destination, but as a midpoint. We stand between what has been achieved and what lies ahead — mature enough to value the path behind us, yet ambitious enough to pursue new horizons. It is this constant forward momentum that allows NRA Atelier to remain faithful to its founding ambition while opening new chapters for the future.
Your projects, particularly within the Luštica Bay development, have become part of Montenegro’s contemporary visual identity. How do you balance local context with international standards when designing spaces meant to endure for decades?
In every project, context is our starting point and the defining criterion for shaping space. We pay close attention to the character of the site and the specific qualities of the environment in which we intervene, because we believe architecture must emerge from the place where it is born.
At the same time, we operate within clearly defined planning documentation — from state and municipal regulations to international frameworks such as UNESCO guidelines, particularly when designing in Boka Bay. In such circumstances, international standards must be reconciled with local rules and values, a process that requires careful balance.
That balance is never simple. It is shaped between design vision and established regulations, between context and investor expectations. Through this equilibrium, we aim to create spaces that are sustainable in the long term — aligned with their local environment and regulatory standards, yet flexible enough to remain relevant in the years ahead.
Over the past decade, you have received several professional awards. Are they confirmation of quality, or an obligation to move further — especially in a rapidly changing market?
Awards stand as confirmation of a project’s quality and the value invested in the work. They demonstrate that our approach is recognized and appreciated within professional circles, giving us confidence that we are on the right path.
However, awards are not the driving force behind our philosophy. Our work stems from a vision and the conviction that architecture must be responsible, contextual, and sustainable over time.
The obligation to move forward exists constantly — whether recognition follows or not. The market evolves rapidly, and the expectations of investors and users continue to shift. Our responsibility is to raise standards, introduce new methodologies, and remain open to innovation. We therefore regard awards as encouragement rather than as an end goal.
Architecture today is no longer just design — it encompasses sustainability, energy efficiency, and long-term investment value. How do you see the role of the architect within large development business models?
The architect plays a pivotal role in large-scale development projects because we bridge the investor’s vision with the real context and the long-term needs of space.
Architecture today embodies responsibility — toward sustainability, rational use of resources, and the creation of enduring value. Energy efficiency and environmental performance are no longer optional considerations; they are integral to the design process itself.
In this sense, good architecture directly enhances investment value. A well-designed space does not simply meet immediate demands; it retains relevance and appeal over time.
This is why the relationship between architect and investor must be based on genuine partnership. The architect contributes vision and expertise, while the investor provides resources and business structure. Only through such synergy can projects achieve sustainability, functionality, and long-term economic viability.
Looking ahead to the next decade, what will define the success of an architectural studio in the region — and where do you see NRA Atelier?
In the coming decade, success will be defined above all by quality. Only projects that are thoughtful, responsible, and sustainable over time can remain relevant.
An uncompromising commitment to the importance of the profession must remain a priority, because without clear professional standards there can be no lasting trust or recognition.
Equally important will be dedication to vision, continuous improvement across all dimensions, and a willingness to embrace architecture as a collective process — where collaboration and the joy of creation matter as much as the final result.
For NRA Atelier, a central ambition is to strengthen our presence on the international stage. We believe that our approach — rooted in quality, contextual sensitivity, and openness to innovation — can be recognized beyond the borders of the region.
This combination of local experience, professional dedication, and readiness for global dialogue defines our direction for the years ahead.
