A Day for Maida
As a professional, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her expertise in historic buildings and conservation was unparalleled. Every project she touched bore the hallmark of her immense skill, deep knowledge, and passion for preserving the past for future generations. Whether she was leading complex restoration work or imparting her expertise to younger colleagues, she always approached her craft with dedication and precision. Her calm demeanour and quiet confidence in the face of challenges made her a pillar of support for us all. There was never a problem too great, nor a deadline too tight, that she couldn’t handle with grace and poise.
But more than her professional brilliance, it was her character that truly set her apart. Maida was someone who always had time for others, no matter how busy or demanding her day was. She understood that the true heart of our practice lay not only in the work we did, but in the relationships we built. She was the mentor we all wished for – one who shared her knowledge generously, encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, and inspired us to be better architects and better people. Her calm, serene presence was a source of stability for so many of us, and all felt her kindness.
Beyond her work, Maida was a devoted wife and mother, and nothing brought her greater pride than her two boys, Dino and Benny, both of whom are training to be professional footballers. One has recently signed to a Premier League team – an amazing achievement – proudly and unwaveringly supported by her husband, Davor. She often spoke of her family, and we could all see the love and devotion she had for them. Maida and Davor were the guiding hands behind their sons’ dreams, and while she will not be here to witness every milestone in their lives, we know that the strength and resilience she instilled in them will carry them forward.
Her sudden departure has left us struggling to understand how such a talented and vibrant person could be taken so suddenly and so unfairly. Yet even in her passing, Maida continues to teach us – through her example of kindness, perseverance, and grace under pressure. She showed us that true leadership is not only about technical expertise, but about how we make those around us feel. She taught us the importance of mentorship, of lifting others, of making time for those who need it, and of showing up with warmth, no matter the circumstances.
Maida was, in every sense, irreplaceable. Her legacy lives on in the work she left behind, the countless lives she touched, and the lessons she taught us all. She may no longer be with us physically, but she will forever remain a part of our practice – in the walls we restore, the projects we undertake, and the values we continue to uphold. We will miss her dearly: her skill, her wisdom, her calm demeanour, and above all, her heart. We honour her memory, and we commit to carrying forward the incredible example she set.
In her memory, we are establishing A Day for Maida. Each spring, we will host a charity bake-off celebrating her love of baking and cakes. We will invite friends and colleagues to participate, and donate all proceeds to Maida’s chosen charity, The Princess Alice Hospice, which supported her and her family through their most difficult times.
