Architecture is rarely the work of one individual. Behind every successful project lies a collaborative effort between senior architects, project team leaders, and the next generation of designers who help bring ideas to life. In this second instalment of our blog series, we highlight the experiences of some of our young architects, offering a rare insight into their role within the creative process.
Through their own words, they share what it is like to be entrusted with key tasks by senior architects and project leads, how they approach these responsibilities, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their reflections reveal not only the technical journey of project development but also the personal growth that comes with contributing to complex design challenges. To bring the narrative to life, we are also showcasing a selection of sketches from the participating architects—capturing the genuine, behind-the-scenes evolution of ideas that often remains unseen. Together, these stories and visuals offer an authentic glimpse into the teamwork that drives our designs forward, and the promising future of architecture shaped by rising talent.
Steven Reyes, Architect
Steven opens up about his approach to taking on project tasks handed down by senior architects and project leads. "Whenever I’m assigned a new project, I always start by reviewing the client’s brief and any supporting documents," he explains. "I also make a list of key areas that need to be addressed, just to keep everything clear from the beginning."
Whether direction comes through informal team meetings or client kick-off sessions, Steven approaches every brief by breaking it down into manageable components, helping him to develop focused and practical solutions. "From early on, I’ve been encouraged to contribute my own ideas. When I present my concepts, they’re usually well received by the team leaders and clients, which really motivates me."
Although Steven is comfortable solving design challenges independently, he emphasises the importance of collaboration. "I always believe the best results come from working together. Even when I have a solution, I seek feedback to make sure we’re achieving the strongest outcome possible."
Steven’s creative process is a blend of sketching, 3D modelling, and developing mood boards to bring ideas to life visually for the client. Working closely with senior architects, he is careful to communicate efficiently: "Before speaking with them, I prepare my questions properly and offer possible solutions. I respect their time and experience, and that’s helped me build a good working relationship with them."
Reflecting on his journey, Steven notes that working across a variety of sectors — hospitality, corporate, education, and residential — has broadened his design perspective. "Each project teaches me something different about how people interact with spaces." One project that had a lasting impact was a high-end hospitality development in the UAE. "It really deepened my appreciation for local culture and traditions, and it continues to influence how I approach architecture today."
As we transition from Steven’s analytical and collaborative approach, we move to another young architect whose journey highlights the importance of adaptability, creativity, and a deep sensitivity to context. Anna Carandang, with her thoughtful and methodical perspective, exemplifies how embracing early responsibilities and learning from diverse experiences can shape a strong and versatile architectural foundation.
Anna Carandang, Architect
Anna offers a grounded and reflective take on how she approaches a new project when it’s assigned to her. “I start by reviewing the project brief and gathering any initial information,” she shares. “It’s important to understand not just the requirements, but also the site’s context—how the project will sit within its surroundings.” Whether the assignment is introduced formally in a kick-off meeting or through a casual desk-side discussion, Anna ensures she grasps the key objectives and expectations, often asking questions to clarify design intent.
Early input is something she values—and receives. “Even as an intern, I was given small responsibilities that allowed me to share my ideas. Not every idea goes through, of course, but I always get constructive feedback that helps me grow.” That mindset carries into more complex tasks. She recalls having to model a free-flowing design for a hospitality project using only a reference image. “I was hesitant at first, but I referred to the design intent and past discussions. After developing a few options, I presented them to my senior architect, who was supportive and helped refine the idea until it was incorporated into the final design.”
Her workflow is a dynamic blend of hand-drawn sketches, intuitive digital modelling, and visual research. While she often uses platforms like SketchUp and Rhino for developing massing and parametric forms, she balances this with hands-on notes and visual references to anchor ideas in both creativity and context, paired with hand sketches and detailed notes—“I’ve filled several notebooks since I was an intern,” she laughs, “and I plan to digitise them eventually to make referencing easier and maybe share them with others.”
Communication with senior architects is something she approaches with care. “If I feel stuck, I try to work through it first. But if I need guidance, I always reach out—they’re approachable and always ready to provide insight.” Regular check-ins help align progress with deadlines and keep tasks focused.
Anna also speaks candidly about the challenges of stepping into ongoing projects—especially under tight deadlines or when collaborating on shared models. “Everyone works differently, so it’s not always straightforward. But with good communication and teamwork, we figure it out.”
She credits her growth to working on a diverse range of projects—hospitality, residential, masterplans, and schools—each teaching her something new. A hospitality masterplan on an island stands out most. “It taught me to balance micro and macro thinking—everything from coordinating with visualisers and subcontractors to studying the user journey and how site layout affects the overall experience.” It’s clear that Anna brings both curiosity and care to each phase of design, with a deep appreciation for thoughtful, integrated architecture.
Sumaiya Ifthikar, Architect
Following Anna’s considered approach, Sumaiya Ifthikar’s journey adds another layer of insight, particularly into how thoughtful planning and adaptability come together under pressure. Her process often begins by reviewing the project brief and analysing the site to understand the full scope. She combines this groundwork with informal brainstorming sessions or document reviews, which she uses to spark strategic thinking.
Sumaiya highlights the importance of exploration in understanding design intent. “Whether drawn from the brief or gathered through research and case studies, the design vision is clarified through open discussions. Internal reviews provide space for improvement and benchmarking against best practices.”
She finds the collaborative environment empowering—one where young architects are encouraged to present ideas that reflect their interpretation of the project. “It’s a dynamic process. Everyone’s voice is valued, and that really helps refine individual strengths.”
In one instance, she described how a design proposal evolved over multiple rounds with the client: “Initial concepts rarely stay unchanged. But this fluidity is essential—it helps us adapt and ensures the outcome aligns with the brief while upholding quality.”
Her toolkit for concept development spans research, sketches, and 3D models, sometimes enhanced with parametric studies for environmental performance. Communication with senior leads is just as critical. “Their experience is invaluable. Whether through formal reviews or casual chats, their insights help resolve challenges and push designs forward.”
While frequent revisions can sometimes feel tedious—especially when goals seem repetitive—Sumaiya sees them as part of a learning curve. “It teaches patience, sharpens focus, and builds resilience. Every challenge adds something to your toolbox.”
Diverse projects—from interiors to commercial buildings—have shaped her understanding of design, compliance, and user needs. “For example, working on interiors taught me about light and spatial dynamics, while commercial projects helped me better understand local regulations and planning considerations.”
The growth, she says, is both professional and personal. “Each project builds your sense of responsibility. You begin to see how your work affects people and places.”
Esraa Abdellah, Associate
To round off, we turn to a more senior perspective from Esraa Abdellah. As an associate architect, she often leads early-stage engagements with clients, shaping projects from their very inception.
Esraa begins by immersing herself in the project brief, identifying key objectives, and clarifying expectations with the client. “If there’s no brief provided, I create one in collaboration with the client, using design questionnaires and stakeholder meetings to build a clear, informed direction.”
She thrives on direct client dialogue, using open-ended discussions and mood boards to help clients visualise design possibilities. “These early conversations really influence the project’s direction—they build trust and shape the entire design narrative.”
Unlike junior architects who are brought into an already framed vision, Esraa is often at the helm from the beginning. “During concept development, we’re given the space to shape the project from scratch. It’s an exciting time—where big ideas start to form and translate into real outcomes.”
When challenges arise, Esraa is proactive in identifying issues early. “We might find that certain elements in the brief don’t meet design standards or omit essential components. Flagging these gaps early on helps prevent complications with budgets, space planning, and authority approvals later.”
Her design process follows a trusted rhythm: hand sketches, bubble diagrams, CAD validation, then 3D massing in SketchUp. This loop continues throughout the project’s life cycle, whether she’s working on a masterplan or an interior fit-out.
When handed an ongoing project, she ensures that the transition is seamless. “It’s critical to understand not just the files and drawings, but also the design evolution—why things were decided and how client expectations have shifted. That clarity ensures we move forward, not backwards.”
Esraa emphasises the value of working across different project types and regions. “Each type—whether educational, hospitality, or residential—has unique requirements. Being exposed to international contexts as well teaches you to design for different regulations, users, and environments.”
Her reflections offer a clear takeaway: “Every project brings something new. And that diversity sharpens your thinking—it trains you to respond creatively and practically, with purpose and empathy.”
Conclusion
Each of these architects—from those just beginning their journey to those leading from the front—offers a perspective shaped by real experience and thoughtful reflection. Their stories remind us that architecture is more than design; it’s dialogue, collaboration, and growth.
Whether working on site layouts or spatial details, navigating early uncertainty, or helping a client define their vision, these architects demonstrate how challenges become lessons—and how every contribution matters. Through this shared insight, we see not only the process behind the drawings but the passion and care that power the work.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the next generation of architects is already shaping it—one sketch, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time.