Architecture . Interiors . Adaptive Reuse
Milan . Malta
Parallel is an architecture and design studio where meaningful architecture emerges through parallel dialogue between people, place, heritage, and craft.
Operating between Milan and Malta since 2012, the practice, led by architects Edward Coppini and Elisa Fedeli, works across residential, hospitality, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects throughout the Mediterranean region.
Rather than pursuing a recognisable style, Parallel develops each project from its specific context, balancing spatial precision, material authenticity, and a restrained architectural language.
Working across historic environments and contemporary developments alike, the studio draws on Italian design culture and international experience to create architecture rooted in the character of its setting.
Edward Coppini
Founder & Partner
Edward Coppini is a Maltese Architect, Civil Engineer and Founding Partner of Parallel Architects. Since co-founding the practice in 2012, he has led the design and delivery of residential, hospitality, workplace, commercial and adaptive reuse projects across Malta and the wider Mediterranean. His work is defined by a thoughtful dialogue between contemporary architecture and existing buildings, combining technical rigour with a deep sensitivity to context, materiality and construction.
A graduate of the University of Malta, he holds a Bachelor of Architecture & Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Architecture. He obtained his professional warrant in 2010 and has been a member of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers (Kamra tal-Periti) since 2011. Before establishing Parallel Architects, he gained experience with several of Malta's leading architectural practices, including Matthew James Mercieca Design Architects, Forward Architects and Chris Briffa Architects. These formative years established the rigorous, detail-driven approach that continues to underpin his work today.
He believes that architecture should be enduring, responsive and rooted in its setting. Rather than imposing a predetermined aesthetic, he develops each project through careful observation of its context, balancing creativity with technical precision to create spaces that are both functional and quietly expressive. He has a particular interest in adaptive reuse and the relationship between contemporary design and historic fabric, creating architecture that respects the character of existing buildings while responding to present-day life.
Under his creative leadership, Parallel Architects has developed a diverse portfolio that includes luxury residences, heritage rehabilitations, hospitality venues, workplaces, retail environments and mixed-use developments. Working closely with clients, consultants and craftspeople throughout the design and construction process, he ensures that each project is realised with clarity, integrity and attention to detail.
His work has been featured in professional publications and includes projects throughout Malta and Italy, with recent commissions in Milan, Valletta, Sliema, Floriana, Mellieħa and Gozo.
Elisa Fedeli
Partner
Elisa Fedeli is an Italian Architect and Partner at Parallel Architects. With over seventeen years of professional experience, she has developed a multidisciplinary body of work spanning residential, hospitality, commercial and mixed-use projects, combining architectural design, interior architecture and academic engagement.
A graduate of the Università degli Studi di Pavia, she holds a Master's Degree in Architecture and Construction Engineering. Her academic formation provided a strong foundation in architectural composition, urban design, construction technologies, restoration and structural design, establishing the rigorous approach that continues to inform her professional practice today.
Prior to joining Parallel Architects, she gained extensive experience working in both Italy and Malta. She began her career in Milan, collaborating with Studio di Progettazione Arch. Sandro Verga before joining leading Maltese architectural practices including AOM Partnership, DeMicoli & Associates and Forward Architects. Throughout these formative years, she worked on a diverse range of projects, from residential and hospitality developments to public buildings, office headquarters and urban regeneration initiatives.
She joined Parallel Architects as a Partner in 2015, contributing to the growth of a design-led practice recognised for its thoughtful, context-driven approach to architecture and interiors. Since then, she has played a key role in shaping the studio's creative vision and overseeing projects from concept development through completion. Her portfolio includes private residences, multi-dwelling developments, hospitality venues, retail environments, workplace interiors and heritage-sensitive interventions across Malta and internationally.
Her work is distinguished by a strong sensitivity to spatial quality, materiality and the relationship between architecture and everyday life. She believes that successful design emerges through a careful balance of functionality, creativity and attention to detail, creating environments that are both timeless and deeply connected to their users.
Alongside her professional practice, she is actively engaged in architectural education. She serves as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Malta, where she coordinates Design Workshops for Year 1 of the Bachelor's degree in Built Environment Studies. She also lectures on the Design and Aesthetics of the Built Environment study unit in the Department of Technology and Entrepreneurship Education. Through her academic work, she encourages students and emerging architects to develop critical thinking, design excellence and a strong awareness of architecture's cultural and social responsibilities.
A member of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers (Kamra tal-Periti) since 2011, she continues to combine professional practice, teaching and research, contributing to the advancement of contemporary architecture through both built work and education.