Pape Info Point competition Honorable mention winner - Sami Sahib Kassim

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our "Pape Info Point" competition – Sami Sahib Kassim from United Kingdom!

Sami Sahib Kassim

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Based in London, I am currently studying my Masters at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), having previously completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Westminster and worked as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant for 2 years.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

During my time as an architectural assistant, I have enjoyed exploring the multi-faceted nature of the built environment whilst developing my ability to coordinate and liaise with a wider design team, adapting to new surroundings and understanding a variety of industry standards through a variety of project types; from major refurbishment works, to large-scale residential and mixed use and high-end office fit-outs. Most importantly, however, I have begun to understand the logistics that surround both the design and realisation phases of a project, and adapting to form new solutions in a short period of time. Through my previous experiences with the various teams and project typologies that I have worked on, I have ignited a stronger interest to pursue my passions in architecture through this.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

For me, the most important thing about architecture is that it is an interdependent practice where the needs of different fields and clients intertwine. Through architecture and its interdisciplinary fields, multiple practices can be synergised to create spaces of meaning, where a place and community's attributes can be celebrated and transformed.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I made the decision to start participating in architectural competitions in order to creatively test myself as a student, especially during periods where I am not currently studying.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

I would say that the best thing to do is just try it out - for individuals and teams, it gives you the best opportunity to showcase one's abilities, test out new ideas and offers a new experience. I can't recommend it more, as it has given me the platform to improve my confidence in decision-making, visualisation and detail resolution.