In the world of architecture, where precision meets creativity, Iulia Miron has carved out a distinct path. Originally from Moldova, educated in the cultural hubs of Rome, Paris, and Moscow, she now calls Palma home, where she blends diverse influences to shape the evolving architectural landscape of Mallorca. In this candid conversation with Humans of Mallorca, Iulia shares her thoughts on the future of design, the shift away from muted tones, and why maintaining relationships is essential on the island. Her journey, both personal and professional, reveals how architecture is as much about people as it is about buildings.
Where were you born?
I was born in Bălți, Moldova.
Where did you study?
I studied in Rome and I had the opportunity to spend some semesters abroad, first in Paris and then in Moscow.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a psychologist.
Who are your parents?
My mother is a housewife and my father sadly passed away few years ago. He mostly worked in business his whole life.
What did they give you in life. What are you grateful for?
I’m mostly grateful for the freedom and space they gave me to develop my own thoughts and perspective on the world. They grew up in a very rigid society, under communism, but they always encouraged me to think independently and this was very empowering for me, especially as a woman.
Where do you live now and why do you like this place?
I live in a residential neighborhood in Palma. It’s the kind of place where you can still find local shops, and coffee is more ‘rustic’ than ‘specialty.’ But honestly, I love its ordinary vibe. That’s what makes it feel so authentic.
How did you choose your profession?
During high school, I really loved both math and art. I decided to give architecture a try, as it perfectly combines these interests.
What was your first professional success?
I’m not sure I remember, but I remember my first failure very well.
Early in my career, a simple bathroom remodel turned into a full-house renovation. In the rush, we missed a measurement, and when the bed arrived, it didn’t fit into the room. Fortunately, we made it work by removing a sideboard, but now I’m extra careful with measurements to avoid any future furniture gymnastics.
I think the ability to learn and constantly improve is what truly helps us to reach success.
What challenges have you faced?
The biggest challenge I face is coordinating everyone involved and keeping the construction site running smoothly. It’s funny how, in a way, I’m living out my childhood dream of being a psychologist — making sure everybody gets along and that the project stays on track.
How do you tackle a challenge such as this?
With a lot of patience and by reminding myself that our work, while important, isn’t a matter of life or death. Keeping that perspective helps me stay calm and focused.
Who are people you work with?
My business partner is Mallorcan, and our team has people from Italy, Russia, and Poland. We are all in our 30s. Our clients share our passion for Mallorca, but come from all over the world, so having such a diverse mix in the office definitely help us to connect with each other even better.
What are the latest tendencies when it comes to building a dream place in Mallorca?
Lately, organic shapes and colorful architecture is gaining momentum. We’re shifting away from the all-beige and sandy aesthetic towards something more vibrant and lively.
Are the trends here different from other places and countries you work with?
The language of design nowadays is quite universal. Recently, I visited the Maison & Objet Fair in Paris, and I noticed that the trends there aligned with what we’re seeing in Mallorca.
We’re fortunate that many projects on the island allow us to use high-quality natural materials, resulting in pure and authentic architecture.
What are you most proud of?
To be honest, I often struggle to feel proud of anything specific in my work.
The only thing I can think of are my two cats. They are both rescues. Knowing I can give them a peaceful and safe life is something that brings me fulfillment.
What do you think about the protests against mass tourism in Mallorca?
I think the protests come from years of worsening mass tourism. Part of the issue is that people are no longer happy staying in hotels — they’re eager to find secret beaches, eat authentic food and mingle with locals. When millions of people start doing this and share it online, the situation gets only worse. Irreplaceable natural resources are damaged, services get overpriced and locals are expelled from their towns.
Stricter environmental controls, better transport and housing policies could mitigate some of problems, but overall it’s difficult to find a good solution for everyone.
In what ways is Mallorca better than Barcelona or Madrid?
Being an island, relationships and trust are very important. For example, people tend to avoid burning bridges because they know they may run in the same person and have to work with them in the future.
What plans do you have for this year?
With just one trimester left this year, I plan to focus on two big construction sites we just started. Looking ahead to next year, my goal is to dive into even larger-scale projects.
What is your goal in life?
Professionally, I want to set an example for young women, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and build their own career paths. I often see exceptionally talented women missing opportunities because they feel they need to be 100% prepared, while men might take the same opportunities even if they’re only 50% ready. I think as society we should encourage women to be brave and take more leadership roles.
How do you see Mallorca in 2030? What changes would you like to see?
Construction wise, I hope to see policies that make it easier for people to live in the countryside. Strict regulations on rural areas, while necessary to protect the territory, have created artificial scarcity, making the rural lifestyle only accessible to millionaires. I envision projects that provide social housing in rural areas, allowing regular people to live close to nature.
Text by Anastasia Barysheva
