Bio:

The Great designer, Fauzia is the founder of Studio For, an architecture and interiors firm based in NYC with residential, commercial, and public projects spanning the globe. She received her M.Arch from UC Berkeley and her previous career in social science research and public health continue to have a strong influence on how the firm approaches design. She has been recognized not only for the firm’s projects and innovative process but also for her promotion of minorities and women within the field of architecture.

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

My intro was the building of my family home at age 6. As an undergrad, I studied sociology followed by a career in public health. Years later I received my M.Arch. For me, architecture has the ability to improve quality of life for all people.

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What do you do?

I’m an architect and founder of Studio For, a NYC- based firm. In April, I co-founded a non-profit, Design Advocates, a platform for designers to share resources and collaborate in serving the public good through pro bono work, research, and advocacy.

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What excites you in the work you do?

To me, architecture is truly about people. Collaborating with clients and stakeholders throughout the design process is engaging for them but also for me. Providing them with the space and tools to directly impact the resulting product is fulfilling.

 

Who or what inspires you professionally?

Recently, I’ve been inspired by people I’ve connected with through Design Advocates and Design As Protest, a coalition of designers mobilizing to dismantle the privilege and powers structures that use architecture and design as tools of oppression.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I was featured in a 5th grade social studies textbook, “Immigrant Success Stories.” It focuses on the stories of immigrants to the US. It was a humbling experience and I hope my story will provide inspiration to immi- grant and BIPOC boys and girls.

 

Featured Project Name: 

The Bloc

 

Featured Project Location: 

New York, NY

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2015

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Role in Featured Project: 

Lead Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The Bloc is an internationally acclaimed health wellness creative engagement agency. Its new office, located in Manhattan’s Financial District on the edge of the East River, has a casual, creative feel that reflects the agency’s own brand. With a variety of spaces, as well as standout views, the design fosters efficiency and inspiration. The historically industrial, mercantile and marine context of what is now the Financial District in Manhattan inspired the overall aesthetic of the space.

 

Photography Credit:

Garrett Rowland

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Featured Project Name: 

Youth Camp

 

Featured Project Location: 

California

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2020

 

Role in Featured Project: 

Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

This conceptual design was created for a non-profit youth camp based in Northern California. The organization, founded in the 1960’s, holds an annual week-long summer camp that brings together families from all over the country to celebrate diversity through learning and experiences in nature. After 58 years of renting sites, the group plans to build a permanent campsite. Our design concept was developed hand-in- hand with the founders, staff, and attendees-ranging from kids to grandparents.

 

Photography Credit:

Studio For

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