Dipl.-Ing. Michael Hormann Architect, Engineer, Technician
RIBA / ARB
Welcome to Hormann Architects,
a passionate, personal design practice based in the heart of Falmouth. I love creating unique spaces that bring people together and leave a lasting impression.
Architecture is more than just buildings - it’s storytelling, connection, and creating places where life happens.
Seven years ago, as the sole founder, I had to leave a German name behind – Märraum, a word I invented from the beautiful-sounding words Mär (story) and Raum (space). Though Märraum has been only a memory, the philosophy of creating spaces that tell stories lives on in every project I take on.
My projects today are more meaningful - My Ideas clearer, and My Voice louder. I am Curious, Independent and Critical. I design with renewed Energy and Purpose, ensuring every space reflects the People and Stories it holds.
Each project is a collaboration - with clients, builders, and specialists - working together to shape something truly special. From the first sketch to the finished space, I’m here to turn your ideas into a reality that feels right, works well, and fits beautifully into its surroundings.
Over the years, Felicity, Susanne, Ben, Chelsea, and Joseph have supported and assisted us on various projects — Thank you!
And of course, we’re grateful for the many others around us: Friends, Clients, Builders, Consultants....
Michael Hormann is a German technician, engineer, and chartered architect (RIBA) with over 25 years of experience.
His work spans from small extensions, attic conversions, garages, to listed building restorations, new builds, conversions, and all kind of adaptation of both residential and commercial spaces.
In the Falmouth area, he has been involved in projects such as Jubilee Warehouse, Devoran Old School, Kimberley Park Bandstand, Prislow Woods Boardwalk, and numerous residential extensions and layout reconfigurations.
In his early career he started as a technician in civil engineering in Germany — working on bridges, roads, re-naturalisation and drainage systems — which was the foundation to study architecture with an engineering degree in Germany.
However, his experience is part of a long journey that extends far beyond this , which made him more sensitive and respectful toward people.
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Technical Expertise
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German Dipl.-Ing. Engineer in Architecture
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Qualified Technician in Civil Engineering
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Over 400 completed Projects
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German construction knowledge and detailing
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Building regulations and codes
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Sustainability and Environmental design
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Digital tools (CAD, BIM, Visualisation)
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Risk awareness and safety
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Engineering optimist: critical and constructive
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Design and Spatial Understanding
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Dedicated to creating functional, beautiful, future-proof spaces
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Shaping spaces that are functional, beautiful, and human-centred
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Responding to site, context, and real-world constraints
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Structural understanding, part of my university education
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Collaborating with others to bring ideas to life with energy
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Make it happen attitude
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Special Expertise
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Spotting buildings and spaces that don’t work for people
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Health, wellbeing, and performance impact of spaces
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User-focused design, powered by diverse personal experience
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Ability to deeply understand complex processes
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Embracing irrational and playful ideas
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Co-creating with users to bring spaces to their full potential
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Advanced chemical understanding
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Human Qualities
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Care and love for design
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Empathy and emotional intelligence
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respect, patience and diplomacy
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Cultural awareness and social sensitivity
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Integrity and ethical responsibility
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Curious and Critical
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Genuine interest in people, their work, experiences and feelings
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Open to new ideas and questioning assumptions
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Using critical awareness to improve decisions and designs
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Aim to leave the world better than I found it
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Travelled in Europe, UK, Australia, USA
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Worked in many Jobs, insight into real-world needs
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Multidisciplinary and scientific mindset
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Member of community choir
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Communication Skills
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Listening and interpreting client needs
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Explaining complex information clearly
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Visual and verbal presentation skills
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Mediation and conflict resolution
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Overcome criticism and solve problems
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Project and Practice Management
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Time and resource planning
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Budget awareness and cost control
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Coordinating consultants, engineers, and contractors
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Legal and professional responsibilities
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Making decisions under pressure
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Weakness
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Attention regulation restless mind
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Self-Critical nature
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Need stimulation and interaction
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Never stop to learn and research
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My Professional Journey has been broad and hands-on, shaped by a wide range of experiences across different fields. Only now do I recognise how valuable this journey was — even though it often felt like a huge challenge, filled with doubt.
I had to leave secondary school early after Year 10 at a Gymnasium for higher education. I was seen as not academic enough and not conforming — too lively and different for the system. I was later diagnosed with ADHD. But I believe I’ve proven them wrong about my ability to be academic. I can only imagine how many students have been broken by the system.
I began a three-year Apprenticeship and then worked as a Technician in Civil Engineering. My work included bridges, large-scale renaturation schemes (including projects involving flamingos near the Dutch border), roads, drainage and sewage systems, and flood risk evaluations and mapping. I worked on large drawing tables.
Afterwards, I completed one and a half years of Alternative Military Service or Civillian Service, first working very reliable but boring Logistics in a Hospital, and half a year later in a Care Home where I provided Full Care. This experience showed me how demanding and essential proper care work is - and how poorly both staff and patients are often treated. It also confirmed for me that a career in the medical or care professions was not the right path.
I trained as a Licensed Tennis Coach, focusing on encouraging children to enjoy sport and tennis. Having played tennis at a competitive level myself, I saw many lose their joy in sport — not due to a lack of ability, but because of pressure and performance expectations.
To qualify for university, I had to attend an additional year of schooling.
While waiting to start my architecture studies, I worked in a Joinery for three months, assisting in the construction of exhibitions for Audi, Mercedes, and the fashion industry - experiences that taught me the value of Craft, Detail, and Teamwork.
I studied Architecture in Münster (NRW), where I earned my degree as an Engineer in Architecture.
During my studies, I supported myself with various jobs - working as a Tennis Coach, in a Call Centre (a disturbing insight into how people are targeted and exploited), in a Skateboard Warehouse, a Moving Company and on Demolition and Construction Sites. I enjoyed at that time these mixture of studying and physically demanding work - there was no need to visit a gym.
After graduating, I found it difficult to get a job as an architect,
Eventually, I worked for Several Architecture Practices over a period of three years. However, what I experienced in many architecture studios was disheartening: low pay, long working hours, bullying and the constant lie of a promise of a permanent position if a Competition was won. It was stressful and dehumanising - much like part of studying architecture had been.
Then I had the opportunity to contribute to fascinating projects for two years as a Cartographic Assistant — including border mapping between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and aerial analysis of EU farmland. This was an eye-opening experience: seeing how detailed aerial and satellite imagery is, and how maps and information come together and how they are being used to analyse, manage and control our environment including humans.
After this I worked for two-month at the renowned treehouse studio Baumraum.
I also completed two-month Internships in TV-Media and Advertising to explore whether a profession outside of architecture might suit me better. The working conditions appeared quite similar to those in architecture.
However, working in TV and advertising in Hamburg and Bremen was very interesting, scientific, versatile, and intellectually stimulating. Being involved in films for Airbus, VW engines, Deutsche Seenotrettung service boats, and art history required a fascinating deep understanding of diverse subjects. However, I was not prepared to commit to being an apprentice for 2.5 years.
Eventually, I moved from Germany to green Cornwall to join CAD Architects in Penryn. However, the opportunity was cut short by the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, which had a major impact on the architectural and construction sectors across the UK.
After this and one year preparation I solely founded the practice, Märraum Architects , in 2009 in Falmouth in the Attic of No2 Stratton Place. Myra and Brinley Morris were the best mentors and supporters.
Two and a half years later, my former CAD colleague Adam Laskey joined the business — followed shortly thereafter by his wife Daisy.
However, in 2018, I was forced out of the company I had founded by my former business partner and his wife.
Their actions were calculated, underhanded, and ultimately cruel —
The name Märraum and many of his original ideas continue to be used by the Ex-business Partner and Wife, despite the fact that they cannot speak the German language and are both not Architects.
Märchen – fairy tales – are fascinating and tell of trust and betrayal: I have experienced much of what unfolds in these tales — almost too much — leading to a long professional journey.
The use of a German name by those who neither speak the language nor honour its meaning – who erased my role and took every credit – is a strong reminder of why honesty and integrity matter, and perhaps a powerful reason to choose against such people and culture.
Would you trust the Queen, the Witch, the jealous Sisters, the wicked Stepmother, a Snake, or the Wolf?
The Experiences in Architecture are like a very long Märchen and almost led me to leave the profession entirely.
I feel there is a lot wrong in our field, and it begins at university, continues into practice and in our professional bodies. The architecture profession presents itself with so much glory and elegance, but there's another side to the medal — a darker side that can damage your mental health and hope.
Most disappointing is that architecture claims to be for people — yet often it is not, neither for the staff nor for the communities.
I have experienced much of this myself, and we just need to look around to recognise the harm and cost caused by boring, soulless design and architecture. I will make sure my daughter gains these insights and learns about our economy.
However, all of this motivates me to make things better.
 Conversion of a bungalowCollaboration with Peter Skerrett to convert this single story bungalow into a double story house for a family. A lovely exterior appearance, more insualtion, better layout and more space. |  Upgrade and conversionMetamorphosis of this hidden small place adjoining the rear of a house. More light, better layout, more space, good insualtion and affordable. |  Conversion & RestorationNo24 Dunstanville Terrace in Falmouth. For the previous owner I designed and managed the conversion of this 3 flat property into a single house. The solution was to construct a house in the existing house to stabilise the existing structure, which when we exposed all structures was in a dangerous non load bearing condition. Part of the project was to sort out damp issues and to restore unique features such as internal stonework and a deep stone faced well on the terrace behind the house. |  extension & alterationsHouse near Penzance |  'Brain of Brian'At night. Penryn |  'Brain of Brian'Michael's signature still visible on the plaque |  'Brain of Brian'Model |  Founder of MärraumIn 2010 I officially founded Märraum and created the brand and its German name, which means story of space. In the first 2.5 years after founding I was a sole practitioner in which the Barge "Brain of Brian", the Jubilee Warehouse, Helland House, Old Devoran School and so many other building have been designed, completed or the construction started. The new owners joined Märraum at the end of 2012 and still advertise with 75% of my work. See the original sketch of the logo made on a blackboard. |  Interior designConcept for wine restaurant on the Isles of Scilly |
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 New buildNew build of a residential property and conversion of a granite outbuilding to studios in Gweek |  New buildConversion of a bungalow utilising the roof space. Near High Cross, Constantine |  Jubilee WarehouseConversion of a 1950's warehouse into thirteen high quality work studios, with a stunning central atrium. Features include rainwater-flushed toilets, table tennis table, photovoltaic panels and a piano. Penryn |  Jubilee WarehouseTennis table |  Jubilee WarehouseAtrium, kitchen, piano, table tennis, library and a large octagonal table |  Sports centreThe design included a 25m swimming pool, 3 squash courts, a cafe, a large sports hall and an office block and received planning permission. Perranporth. |  Sports centre |  Sports centreThe design included a 25m swimming pool, 3 squash courts, a cafe, a large sports hall and an office block and received planning permission. Perranporth |  Sports centreThe design included a 25m swimming pool, 3 squash courts, a cafe, a large sports hall and an office block and received planning permission. Perranporth |
 New hotelNewquay |  CompetitonThe Lightbox Summer Pavilion Concept created in collaboration with Philip Sinclair of Handmade Images Studio |  FarmhouseConversion. Germany |  New houseDevoran |  Sports hallExtension in Truro |  Sports hallExtension in Truro |  Measuring20 multi-residential houses in Bonn |  Student housingPlymouth |  Cafe extensionFor a school in Truro |
 Urban designNewquay |  Urban designNewquay |  Urban designNewlyn East |  Urban designConcept model |  Urban designConcept model |  Urban designDiagram with analysis relationship to built areas, green areas and traffic areas. Redruth |  Visitor centreFor cider farm near Newquay |  Visitor centreConcept of visitor experience and separation of production |  Visitor centreCider exhibition and production facility |
 Commercial unitsNear Plymouth |  ExtensionTimber-clad extension to an existing granite farmhouse, Roscollas Farm |  New pubNear Newquay |  New pubNear Newquay |  Modular designFor agriculture unit in Europe |  CompetionFor a school in Germany |  ConstructionDrawings for a bridge in Germany |  Petrol stationNear Newquay |  Petrol station |
 Petrol stationNear Newquay |  Petrol stationNear Newquay |  TreehouseVisualisation for Baumraum. Featured in 'Treehouses' by Andreas Wenning |  Interior workGrade II listed cottage in Durgan |  Outdoor artFour on Tresco, design and construction preparation. Photograph © Richard Broomhall |  Outdoor ArtA strong and safe solution was required for an outdoor exhibition stand which could be easily delivered and constructed on site. Tresco, Isles of Scilly |  Outdoor ArtPhotograph © Richard Broomhall |  New buildResidential property in Truro |  Loft conversionPenryn |
 LibraryConcept for a university library in Eberswalde, Germany |  LibraryConcept for a university library in Eberswalde, Germany |  Bird StationConcept for a bird observation in the Rieselfelder in Munster, Germany |  Exhibition TentTensegrity exhibition tent at the University of Munster, Germany |
SAM LANYON
founder of Concept Shed
engineer and client
Thank you Michael. Without your vision, intelligent design and pragmatism we would not have been able to self-build.
With your expertise, we have a house that not only reflects our aesthetic, but also works to meet our needs as a family. Your guidance and constant support have been vital in realising this project.
CAROLINE COX
Development Director at Robotmother, the client of the "Brain of Brian" barge and the "Jubilee Warehouse" in Penryn
Michael’s visual skills were really valuable. He considered the context of the barge and made sense of the whole area.
KEES TOFT
Client and bandmember of the Wives of Farmer in Cornwall
Michael’s the kind of person who, if he knew you weren’t happy about something, wouldn’t sleep. And that’s rare nowadays. He cares, that’s the key to it.
GEORGE MACKAY
Client and founder of a flower studio in Cornwall
We could not have been happier with Michael’s passion, ideas, expertise and care over our project. He thought out of the box and made every inch of space count.