As he awaits the call to leave his mark on his hometown of Ivanjica, architect Predrag Milutinović continues to shape a diverse array of buildings across the region—from villas to hotels—earning accolades for his innovative work. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his career beginnings, his approach to investor relationships, urban development, and how architecture influences the quality of life and our shared future.
As a student often seen drawing, did you ever envision how far your ideas and visions would take you?
— I wasn’t entirely certain from the start that I’d pursue architecture, although the concept intrigued me. However, I realised early on that my real interest lay in physical space itself.

The ability to reflect on space and then shape it, to be part of change, drew me in. I recognised that I could influence both small and large environments and, by extension, affect people—whether users, consumers, or inhabitants. That idea really appealed to me: the possibility of creating something functional yet also beautiful, intriguing enough to capture people’s attention. That’s when I knew my calling was architecture.
After graduating in 2002, you spent 13 years working in a corporation. How valuable was that experience to you?
— That experience was invaluable. Working on projects from concept through to design and execution in a corporate setting gave me a unique perspective. It taught me to approach projects from both a financial and a design standpoint, which later helped me understand the investor’s position. When I later moved into roles as an investor or project coordinator, I could see things from both sides. Now, when I sit down with an investor, I’m often one step ahead in terms of what they’re thinking, making my service more comprehensive. I’m able to answer questions that some of my colleagues might overlook, which gives me an edge. As a successful architect today, I must also be a capable manager.
In your view, what role does architecture play in shaping the identity of our cities and the region as a whole? Should more respect be given to heritage?
— I believe architects who experienced the post-communist period have inherited a complex legacy. During the socialist era, extensive construction was conducted with a strong emphasis on fundamental design principles. Great care was taken in every aspect of design and standardisation. Today, innovation in materials or construction itself is plentiful, but we see much less creativity in design, where originality has been greatly diminished.
Besides Montenegro, we’ve done significant work in Croatia in recent years, and I think it’s vital to maintain regional relations
Rather than building more, I think we should focus on building more innovatively, which could mean faster, cheaper, and perhaps even better quality. The construction boom we see in densely built areas is a symptom of lifestyle shifts, influenced more by social changes than by architects themselves. I wouldn’t say our cities are developing poorly, but neither can I say they’re flourishing—there’s no isolated perspective from which to view such things. Architects should have more influence over regulations, planning, and programming, but the reality doesn’t reflect that.
Architects once educated investors, while today, you’re often presented with fixed project briefs. Does this necessarily limit creativity?
— Investors today often come with images and ideas they’ve gathered on social media, telling us what they want and saying, “I’ve shown you everything; I’ve invested the money; now, all you need to do is put it together.” I believe that our work remains serious despite the conflicting trends and extremes in architecture today, particularly in Belgrade.
My clients are typically accomplished people who lead their own companies or hold senior roles within organisations, so I truly enjoy exchanging knowledge with them. I’ve learned a great deal from my clients as an architect. Some architects may feel embarrassed to say that they learn from investors, as this is often linked to “investor-driven architecture.” I disagree. Some clients have seen more of the world than we have and can bring new perspectives to the table. By listening to their stories, we can learn something new and improve our work.
You’ve worked independently as an architect and consultant for hotels in Montenegro, but your regional experience doesn’t stop there.
— My experiences across the region have been largely positive, especially because we’ve often worked through personal connections. Besides Montenegro, we’ve done significant work in Croatia in recent years, and I think it’s vital to maintain regional relations. The geopolitical landscape is shifting. While many are moving westward, some of our neighbouring Balkan countries are turning toward us in the east. Perhaps our services are more affordable, or they lack local expertise as their architects move abroad, or maybe they appreciate our approach.
Rather than building more, I think we should focus on building more innovatively, which could mean faster, cheaper, and perhaps even better quality
Today, many of our architects work in Slovenia and Croatia. We’ve designed numerous homes in Istria and along Croatia’s coast. Thanks to social media, newspapers, magazines, and websites focused on interiors and architecture, our work is now more accessible than ever.
You won the audience award at the Architecture Salon for a villa you designed in Dedinje. What do you think made the audience vote for your work?
— Some of my colleagues say that the audience award is more meaningful than the main award, which is given by a jury that may only focus on one aspect or theme in architecture at any given time. The audience award, on the other hand, is given by a specialised group of viewers.
As for the villa that won, I’m genuinely pleased with the result, and so is the investor. We managed to create something that combines good architecture with user-friendliness, a place where people feel the way they wish to. The best sign of success is when, upon returning from a trip, the residents say they’ve truly returned home.
Returning to your roots, to Ivanjica, where it all began—have you had the chance to create something in your hometown?
— Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to build anything in Ivanjica yet. I’m unsure if that’s due to my nature or the nature of Ivanjica’s residents. No one has invited me to create something there, though I’d genuinely like someone to ask, and I’d gladly take on such a project pro bono.