Can you tell us about your journeys to becoming architects? What motivated you to pursue a career in architecture?

Marwan: Initially, I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue in college, but I ended up studying art history. Through that, I developed an interest in architectural history. My passion for architecture also originated from my travels, where I became fascinated by the diversity of countries and lifestyles. Each place had its distinct characteristics shaped by climate and culture, yet there were also intriguing similarities.

Mies: I've always been passionate about architecture. Even as a child, I was constantly drawing plans and designing things. My journey began with a fine arts degree, which served as a foundational reference for my work in design and architecture. Over time, I've specialized in interior architecture, a field that is more recognized in Europe than in the United States. This discipline focuses on spatiality—how people move through and live in spaces, the scale of environments, and the balance between intimacy and openness. Unlike interior design, which often centers around furniture and decor, interior architecture is about creating built-in spaces and furniture. This aspect has been integral to the collaborative work we've done together.

Marwan: I’d say we integrate our work in such a seamless way that it is hard to tell where one part ends and another begins. Reflecting on the art aspect, with her background as an artist and my background in art history, we have always approached projects from an artistic perspective. I see myself less as a traditional architect, even though I practice architecture. Instead, we focus on developing artistic concepts that are brought to life in the spaces people inhabit.​​

Marwan, you were born in Iraq and later moved to Tangier, Morocco. How did the unique characteristics of Tangier shape your architectural style during your teenage years? And Mies, how did growing up in Australia influence your approach to architecture? When collaborating, how do you blend these diverse influences into your projects?​​

Marwan: Morocco, especially Tangier, where I attended boarding school, had a significant impact on me. My parents were teaching overseas at the time and enrolled my sister and me in an American international school there. This environment exposed me to the unique intersection of Africa and Europe. Morocco is a fascinating country with diverse landscapes, villages, and cities. I was intrigued by the way people lived, particularly the indoor-outdoor lifestyle where courtyards play a central role. In Moroccan homes, the courtyard is like the soul of the house, and this concept has influenced all of our projects. This started with a penthouse in New York City, where we incorporated a courtyard to create a contemplative, inward-facing space—an inner world of sorts. Growing up in Morocco and traveling in those regions shaped my perspective on places, one that contrasts sharply with a purely American or European context. In Morocco, the environment, architecture, and landscape are interconnected in a fluid way, rather than being rigidly formal.

Mies: The most important aspect of growing up in Australia is the exposure to the climate. This warm climate has greatly influenced me, fostering an outdoor lifestyle that was a significant part of my experience. Almost everyone had doors that opened into gardens, plenty of outdoor spaces, and an emphasis on al fresco living, with pools and gardens being common features. This background made it easy for me to connect with certain sensibilities in our work together, particularly when it comes to designing spaces that reflect how people live and interact with their environment. The desert experience in Australia was also formative, even though I didn’t grow up in the desert. Architect Glenn Murcutt’s work broadened my mind and gave me a deeper appreciation for how architecture can harmonize with natural environments. When collaborating, these diverse influences from our background–whether it is the beach lifestyle, the desert experience, or the warm, outdoor-oriented living–blend seamlessly into our projects, enriching our approach to how people inhabit spaces.

“Art is the foundation of everything we do together. As the project progresses, our roles may become more distinct, but we come back together to make sure everything aligns. It’s a dynamic process of collaboration, where we continuously refine and enhance the project as a team.”

When collaborating, how do you blend these diverse influences into your projects?

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Marwan: Reflecting on some of our earlier work, our shared experiences through travel played a significant role in shaping our projects. Our first project together was a house in Arizona called the House of Earth and Light, which reflects our focus on the environment and natural elements. The design was deeply connected to the location, but it also incorporated elements from Mies’ art background, like cast glass, and played with light, built-in furniture, and seating. These features not only highlighted her artistic influence but also demonstrated how we brought our different perspectives together in the architecture and interiors.

Mies: It is a complex process that has evolved over the years. Marwan mentioned our first project together, where he primarily took on the architectural role, while I contributed to certain interior and exterior elements. Over time, our collaboration has become more fluid, with us moving in and out of roles as needed. When we start a project, it usually begins with conceptual work, where we both enter a creative, artistic space and explore all possibilities together. In these early stages, we exchange ideas, like how much space is needed for certain programs, and then Marwan works his magic to fit these ideas into the architecture. Our collaboration is really about this back-and-forth exchange. For example, when we're working with models or computer simulations, Marwan might focus on the technical aspects, like the siting of the building, while I consider how we move through the space, asking questions like, “What can we see if we move this window three feet?” Art is the foundation of everything we do together. As the project progresses, our roles may become more distinct, with Marwan and his team focusing on architectural details, while I work on interior architectural finishes, surfaces, materials, and furniture. Then we come back together to make sure everything aligns. It’s a dynamic process of collaboration, where we continuously refine and enhance the project as a team.

Marwan: For me personally, and I think for you as well, the inspiration at the beginning of a project comes from several sources. One of the most important is the place itself—really absorbing the essence of the location, understanding what needs to be preserved, what can be enhanced or elaborated, and what might need to be shielded to create a more serene, harmonious environment. But this connection to the place is always intertwined with an artistic concept that might initially feel almost foreign or abstract. The challenge is to merge these two elements—the essence of the place and the artistic vision—to see what emerges. It’s not just about honoring the location or executing a concept; it’s about finding the balance between the two and filtering through ideas to discover what truly resonates.