NETWORK / CONTRIBUTORS

Mohamed Kassab


Profession: Architecture Student
City: Manchester
Country: United Kingdom


What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
What inspired me to pursue a life in architecture and the creative industries is the belief that design can be a powerful tool for healing and rebuilding, both physically and emotionally. I’ve always been drawn to spaces with meaning—buildings that carry the weight of memory, culture, and identity. That connection deepened through my academic work and personal experiences, where I saw how architecture could go beyond aesthetics to serve communities truly.

In the short term, I’m focused on gaining experience at an international firm prioritising humanitarian or community-centred design. Long term, my goal is to work on international projects that contribute to the rebuilding of post-conflict regions like Syria, supporting the regeneration of communities through architecture, even without being permanently based there.

For me, architecture isn’t just about constructing buildings—it’s about restoring dignity, creating belonging, and building futures.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
My parents helped me.  I’ve had obstacles along the way, but they’ve always believed in me, and my college teacher is the best teacher I’ve ever had; I owe him everything, and my parents have helped pick me up when I was down and reminded me of my dream of becoming an architect and continuing to follow my dream of hopefully one day rebuilding and helping shape a better future for the place I love Syria.

How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?:
I overcome obstacles and bias in my work by grounding myself in the reason I started this journey—to use architecture as a tool for hope, healing, and regeneration. I’ve faced challenges along the way, but I’ve never faced them alone. My parents have been my foundation, constantly picking me up when I’ve felt lost, reminding me why I chose this path. And my college teacher—truly the best mentor I’ve ever had—has guided me with belief and encouragement that changed everything for me. I owe him more than I can say.

Their support has helped me stay focused, even when I’ve encountered doubt or bias. I’ve learned to respond not with frustration, but with clarity of purpose: showing through my work that meaningful architecture comes from understanding, empathy, and persistence. Whether it’s fighting for underrepresented voices or working toward my long-term dream of helping rebuild Syria, I let the work speak for itself. My goal isn’t just to design better spaces—it’s to build a more inclusive and hopeful future, one step at a time.

What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?:
To promote effective change in both academic and working environments, I believe we need to prioritise inclusivity, mental well-being, and mentorship. Too often, creativity and performance are measured in rigid ways that don’t account for the diverse backgrounds and experiences students and professionals bring to the table. We need spaces where individuals feel heard, supported, and represented—especially those from underrepresented communities.

In academia, I’ve seen how the right teacher can make all the difference. My college tutor believed in me when I needed it most, and that kind of mentorship should be more accessible. It builds confidence, encourages risk-taking, and helps students from all walks of life see a future in this field.

In practice, workplaces should champion community-focused values, not just commercial ones. Firms that actively support humanitarian and socially driven projects can inspire young architects like me, who want to create work that truly matters. That kind of culture—open, supportive, and purpose-driven—is what leads to meaningful, lasting change.

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Changing the Narrative