Abdo Malhas

I build people’s dreams. As an aspiring architect-to-be, artist and photographer.   

Currently a RIBA part I Architectural Assistant, however everything started at my artist aunts’ studio and simultaneously in the classroom of my truly dedicated art teacher Marla Shukri where I fell in love with art back in 2003. 

Marla Shukri. who was my art teacher and mentor for 11 years taught me the skillsets I need, various techniques, and constructive feedback to develop my artistic talent.  I truly owe where I am to her mentoring and continuous support to this day. 

As an aspiring artist-to-be, I used to spend endless hours with my mother, who's a renowned jewellery designer and my aunt, who's a renowned Jordanian artist alongside her artist friends who opened my mind to new depths in the field. 

Since then, with their continuous teaching and mentoring, I've been drawing, painting, sculpting, doing mixed media, organising festivals, and curating exhibitions.  Not long after that, I discovered my super-power: photography. After receiving my first camera, I explored the city looking through my lens and discovered that the same object can be perceived differently depending on how you capture it. In high school I ran workshops to share my passion and skills with others. 

Photography and travel opened my eyes to new field: architecture. As I continued my discovery travelling across the world, different styles form across countries opened my eyes to new opportunities. The first architect that captured and intrigued me into the field was Zaha Hadid. At that moment, I discovered that this is the field for me to amalgamate all my passions into one. The UK is where I would like to study since it has such a broad spectrum of the world’s best architecture, combining the modern with classical. Oxford Brookes University with their high ranking, heritage in Oxford, architecture of the city including Zaha Hadid’s building; made the decision for me.  

University time exposed me to different fields, methods, technics and technology of architecture. Organised field trips broadened my knowledge. Now as a graduate with a first job, I know that I made a right choice and can’t wait to learn more.   

For every true architect walking around this world, you will find a pen in his pocket, and a notebook in his hand. I am currently in London, maybe you can pass me on the street. You will recognise me amongst all the architects, just replace the aforementioned pen with an art brush, the notebook with a sketchbook, and add a camera wrapped around my neck and a second one in my hand.