Q. What motivated you to choose the field of architecture?
A. I have always admired the intersection of art, design, and the built environment. Being from Morocco, I grew up surrounded by beautiful and diverse architecture, which made me aware of its power to shape human experiences and foster a sense of community.
Q. What type of work are you most interested in?
A. I am particularly drawn to projects that respond thoughtfully to culture, context, and community. This includes adaptive reuse, sustainable urban design, and refined interiors that balance craft and materiality. I enjoy creating spaces that are aesthetically compelling, detailed, and functionally thoughtful.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge since obtaining your architecture degree?
A. It’s a continuous learning process to balance creativity with practicality.
Q. What did you like about architecture school?
A. I appreciated the rigorous design process, emphasis on critical thinking, physical model making, and, most importantly, the collaborative studio culture. Architecture school gave me the freedom to experiment with ideas and understand how to communicate complex design concepts, preparing me to approach professional projects creatively and thoughtfully.
Q. Any criticisms of the architecture education experience?
A. While architecture school encourages experimentation and conceptual thinking, it sometimes underprepares for the realities of professional work. Considering the five years of education, a larger focus on real-world applications would make the transition from school to practice smoother. The culture can also sometimes promote a toxic work ethic that normalizes long hours at the expense of balance and well-being.
Q. What are your professional goals?
A. My goal is to lead more projects that merge thoughtful design, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity. I want to contribute to work that not only demonstrates innovation and attention to detail but also creates a lasting impact on people and place.
Q. Who do you consider to be some of your favorite architects?
A. I appreciate architects who focus on the sensory experience of architecture. Ryue Nishizawa and Kazuyo Sejima, their architecture is designed to be experienced and felt, rather than just seen. I am also inspired by designers like James Turrell, whose immersive installations use the simple yet powerful qualities of light and material to alter human perception.
Q. Do you have a favorite building or city?
A. I am inspired by cities like New York and Marrakech, with their own layered history, architectural richness, and unique urban rhythm.
Q. What do you hope to get out of your AIA Brooklyn Chapter membership?
A. I hope to connect with a community of like-minded professionals and engage in learning opportunities that broaden my understanding of architecture in practice.
