A London-based Nigerian architectural and urban design professional proficient in envisioning sustainable, integrated, and community-centered solutions for urban spaces. Fluent in both English and Turkish, offering the capacity to navigate and collaborate in diverse, multicultural environments.
Open to exploring opportunities in the development sector across the globe. |
 Contact Mariam Yusuff
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Area of Expertise: |
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Disaster, Aid, Emergencies, Relief
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Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
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Infrastructure, Technology, Engineering, Science
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
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Social, Education, Gender, Youth, Child
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Professional Experience: |
With four years of robust experience in Lagos, Nigeria, I am a forward-thinking Architect and Urban Designer with a proven track record in planning, designing, and executing development projects. My time in Lagos, a dynamic and rapidly evolving urban landscape, has provided me with unique insights into the complexities of designing for growth, sustainability, and cultural relevance.
Key Expertise & Accomplishments:
Urban Development & Master Planning: Spearheaded urban design initiatives that holistically considered the spatial, infrastructural, and social aspects of city planning. My work encompassed a broad spectrum from conceptualization to detailed master plans, ensuring the visions were aligned with Lagos's unique identity and growth trajectory.
Architectural Design: Crafted innovative architectural designs for a range of projects from residential to commercial, public spaces, and mixed-use developments. With each design, I aimed to merge functionality with aesthetics, while factoring in the local climate, materials, and cultural nuances of Lagos.
Sustainable & Resilient Design: Advocated and incorporated sustainable design principles, recognizing Lagos's vulnerability to climate change. My designs emphasize passive solar strategies, natural ventilation, and sustainable material usage. I also focused on urban resilience, addressing concerns like rising sea levels and urban heat islands.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged proactively with a variety of stakeholders including government bodies, local communities, and international investors. Understanding their perspectives and constraints ensured that the designs not only looked good on paper but also thrived when implemented.
Technology Integration: Leveraged advanced design software and technologies to enhance design precision and to facilitate collaborative workflows. By keeping abreast of technological advancements, I ensured that the designs were both innovative and efficient.
Team Leadership & Collaboration: Led multidisciplinary teams of architects, urban planners, and environmental specialists. Through collaborative efforts, we ensured that our projects were well-rounded and considered every facet of urban design.
Cultural Sensitivity: In a city as diverse and rich in history as Lagos, it was paramount to respect and incorporate local architectural traditions and urban patterns. By doing so, my designs were not only functional but also resonated with the city's residents.
Continued Learning: Regularly attended workshops, seminars, and conferences both locally and internationally. This commitment to continuous learning ensured that I remained updated on global best practices while rooting my designs in local relevance.
In my four-year of practice in Lagos, my approach to architecture and urban design has been to harmonize the old with the new. Recognizing that Lagos is a city of contrasts - where historical structures stand adjacent to modern high-rises, and bustling markets coexist with serene parks - I always aimed for my designs to serve as bridges between these juxtapositions.
My Lagos experience has been a profound journey of growth and understanding. It taught me the importance of being adaptive, innovative, and above all, empathetic to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by such a vibrant urban context. As I continue my professional journey, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and insights from this transformative phase of my career.
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Education: |
The Building and Urban Design in Development master's program at UCL provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues in building and urban design from a development perspective. This program emphasizes the critical role of design intervention within the challenges faced by cities globally, particularly in the Global South.
Key Modules Covered:
Post Disaster Recovery: Policies, Practices and Alternatives
Transforming Local Areas: Urban Design for Development
Participatory Processes: Building for Development
Building and Urban Design Practice
Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities.
A unique aspect of this program was the month-long overseas practice in Moravia, Colombia. This hands-on experience allowed me to:
Engage Directly with Communities: Collaborate with local communities in understanding their needs, aspirations, and challenges.
Practical Design Application: Develop design interventions that address local socio-economic challenges, integrating sustainability and resilience.
Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Work alongside professionals from varied backgrounds such as urban planners, sociologists, and local activists.
Cultural Immersion: Gain a deep understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of Moravia, ensuring context-sensitive designs.
Skills and Competencies Acquired:
Interdisciplinary Approach: Ability to work at the intersection of architecture, urban design, and social development.
Participatory Design: Engaging communities in the design process to ensure their needs are at the forefront.
Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable practices and methodologies in building and urban design.
Global Perspective: Understanding and addressing urban challenges from a global perspective, with specific knowledge of issues pertinent to the Global South.
Project Management: From initial research to design implementation, I acquired end-to-end project management skills during the overseas engagement.
As a Nigerian architect, my participation in this master's program has greatly broadened my perspective on urban design and its potential for transformative impact in the developing world. The overseas practice in Colombia allowed me to navigate and adapt design strategies within a unique cultural and urban context, providing invaluable experience in international collaboration and adaptive problem-solving.
This holistic training not only honed my design and analytical skills but also reinforced my commitment to creating more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces. Armed with this rich blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, I am eager to contribute innovative solutions to architectural and urban development challenges in across the globe.
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Affiliations and Achievements: |
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (CSC), 2022-2023
• Gold Award for the Best Graduating Student, Department of Architecture, Crescent University Abeokuta (CUAB), 2018
• National Award for Best Design, National Association of Architecture Students (NAAS), 2018
• Best Student, Crescent University Architecture Students Association, (CUASA), 2017
• Active Student of the Year, Crescent University Architecture Students Association, (CUASA), 2017
• Best CGPA, Crescent University Architecture Students Association, (CUASA), 2015
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Available for: |
- Consulting assignments
- Job opportunities
- Internships / Fellowships
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Years of Experience:
2-5 years |
Highest Qualification:
Masters |
Languages:
English, Turkish |
Nationality:
Nigeria
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