What sparked your passion for architecture?
I knew I wanted to be an architect when I was 12. I received a Crayola pen set, a drawing board and a T-square as a gift. I drew room, after room, after room. I grew up in a historic part of Amman in Jordan, surrounded by heritage buildings, but also by lots of new buildings as the city rapidly expanded to house a growing population. This was all really inspiring to me – to see how thoughtful design and ever-developing construction technologies could help create new, innovative spaces. 

What architectural styles do you admire?
At university, I studied works from the Modernist movement by Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. Their desire to ‘juxtapose the sleek, streamlined design of modern structure with the organic environment of the surrounding nature’ inspires me to this day. I’m a huge fan of indoor-outdoor openness and dual aspects – as you see in Van der Rohe’s Farnworth House.

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m passionate about sculpting interior spaces with simple solid surfaces, framing natural light and natural vistas.

What would you consider to be your USP?
Bringing new ideas to challenging renovations. If we’re working on a historic building, we are naturally limited by how it’s been listed. That doesn’t mean we can’t find solutions, and I love a challenge! I also have a particular interest in sustainability – for instance, how to minimise solar gain in hot climates through clever use of materials.

What makes a house a home?
Homely means different things to different people. For some, it’s a crackling fire and traditional or classical features; for others, it’s an open-plan space with huge windows overlooking parkland. These architectural features so often reflect who people are and how they like to live, which totally fascinates me. Personally, I love beautiful, natural material inside and outside, lots of natural light, high ceilings and (ideally) expansive sea views.

What types of projects do you find most inspiring?
I like period buildings, the ones that have a history and personality. I like seeing them returned to their former glory, while simultaneously being elevated with ultra-luxurious touches.
 

What’s your favourite part of the creative process?
Definitely the handover. That moment when the client walks in and sees that everything they’ve seen on CGI is now real… and they love it. It’s incredibly rewarding.
 

In another world, you would have been…
Still an architect!