Mars Podvorica

The New Yorkbased architect who got his start in the small town of Prishtina makes big leaps in innovative design.

New York-based architect Mars Podvorica always found the style and structure of buildings fascinating. He studied and sketched as a child, but he never knew the heights he’d reach in practicing his hobby. Born and raised in Prishtina, Kosova, Podvorica began his architecture studies early, as an undergraduate student at the University of Prishtina, Faculty of Architecture, before moving to the United States for more schooling. At Pratt Institute in New York City, he earned his degree as a Presidential Merit–based scholar and graduated with honors. Shortly thereafter, Podvorica decided to put his skills to the test: He worked on various medium and large-scale projects in New York and Connecticut, ranging from residential and commercial to medical and religious, before deciding to step it up and launch his own business. Podvorica founded MAP’D Studio, a New York City–based architecture and design firm dedicated to designing high-end residential, commercial, and fine-art projects.