FATEMA SULEMANJI

Bio:

I'm a British-born designer based in Michigan, with a BA from the University of Westminster and a MA in Architecture from Kendall College of Art and Design. I am interested in adaptive reuse and repurposing building materials. I enjoy experimenting with alternative practices across design disciplines. Outside of architecture, I publish articles for the Dawoodi Bohras Detroit chapter. I also collaborate on ambitious design projects with my husband, all while enjoying life with our toddler!

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I grew up in London, a city which has a rich architectural history. I was also privileged to travel extensively from a young age which influenced me. In university, the mix of cultural and contextual studies with technical design piqued my interest.

What do you do?

Currently, I am a mother, designer, maker, researcher. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of places and projects where innovative work is being done and that has allowed me to continue experimenting with the type of designer I want to be.

What excites you in the work you do?

I enjoy the design process, especially the creativeness of different ideas and the vision of what the outcome could be.

Who or what inspires you professionally?

I’m inspired by individuals who help me to think differently and encourage me to grow my skill sets. I believe that when we motivate others, it is both personally and professionally enriching.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest professional accomplishment so far is completing my degree and being awarded the AIA Henry Adams Award for my achievements. I am also proud of being awarded two grants where I got to conduct interesting research into material salvage.

Featured Project Name:

Rethinking the Suburban Strip Mall

Featured Project Location:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Featured Project Completion Date:

N/A

Role in Featured Project:

Designer, Author, Researcher

Featured Project Description:

In this project, I wanted to challenge the lack of site specificity of current suburban strip mall development. The project aims to adaptively reuse space, creatively reprogram and ‘play’ with the existing typology. By creating a sports plaza, it is one of the many ways we can revive spaces to improve existing social infrastructure and spatial experiences.