Zahra Ali

I am a US-registered architect who has recently settled in Berlin, Germany, a city whose cultural history intrigues me greatly and also inspires me with its architectural legacy.

I hold a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois in Chicago, one of the birthplaces of the International Style and arguably a second home to the Bauhaus movement. Having nearly a decade of professional experience in all phases of design and construction based out of firms located in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, most of my expertise is comprised of commercial architecture as well as high-end interior design. My specialties include space programming, sustainable design, and utilizing BIM technology.

For many years, I worked as a senior architecture professional at one of the largest US-based, international architecture and engineering firms, HOK, which has been ranked in a variety of publications as the #1 Architecture/Engineering Firm, #1 BIM Architecture Firm, and #2 in Sustainability and High-Performance.

I left NYC in 2015 to travel around the world with the primary goal of expanding my knowledge of various cultures, geography and urbanism. During this time, I also developed my ideas into a cohesive thesis, the main theme being that buildings and space should appeal to all our senses rather than being simply visually striking. We ought to see beyond the stunning photograph and strive to create a feeling: sublime yet dignified.

Rather than boldness, I find beauty in details, subtlety, innovation, and respect for context and local vernacular.

What I love about architecture and design is that a multi-disciplinary path approach to problem solving is nearly always required. It is artistic and technical at the same time.

If you would like to know more or have a look at my portfolio, feel free to send me a message.