Bio:
The great architect, Magali Regis was born in Haiti. She is the first U.S. licensed Haitian female architect. She has her own New York-based private practice, e_space design. She is also a community gardener and green space activist, working to preserve New York’s communal public green spaces from looming development. In 2010 she co-founded HIBISCUS, a non-profit organization of architects, engineers and planners, to assist with rebuilding efforts after the 2010 Earthquake which devastated Haiti.

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 Rome, a city blessed with rich architecture spanning many centuries. It was there that I fell in love with buildings and the emotions they can convey. I had never met an architect prior to studying architecture; it just felt right.

What do you do?
I’m a placemaker. I do that by defining a project’s identity by closely listening to clients. This requires sensitivity to their dreams and values, sensitivity to historical and architectural context, and creativity to make the place memorable.

What excites you in the work you do?
Translating the needs and wishes of end users into innovative and creative solutions, and letting the challenges and constraints of the site, budget or program drive the design to meet clients’ aspirations beyond their expectations.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
An intimate understanding of the site, its surrounding environment, collective memory and end users’ aspirations as well as balancing the competing needs of program requirements, culture, aesthetics and budget.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I get much satisfaction from observing people use places that I created, but as a member of the Beyer Blinder Belle team that renovated the iconic New York Grand Central Terminal, I am immensely proud to have had a hand in its historic renovation.

Featured Project Name: 
Public Square Renovation
 
Featured Project Location: 
Aquin, Haiti
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2017 -Unbuilt

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
HIBISCUS collaborated with Fondation Solidarité Aquin and Aquin residents to design the main town square. FAS is a local NGO in Aquin, Haiti working to improve its town. We designed a multi-purpose park in the existing neglected square to meet the needs of the community. Aside from a festival held once a year, the square remains barren. The design includes a large inclined gathering space and amphitheater, a strong connection to the church, areas of recreation, contemplation and a green environment.

Photography Credit:
Manfred St Julien