Desert City House, Paradise Valley, Ariz. Image courtesy of Marwan Al-Sayed Architects Ltd.

"Awareness"

Marwan Al-Sayed studied architecture and art history at Vassar College before completing a masters in architecture at Columbia University in New York. He practiced for 12 years in New York City before starting his own firm in 1997.

He is extensively traveled and his journeys were in part inspiration for his noted House of Earth and Light. In 1995, the Architectural League of New York recognized his work by awarding him for his Fifth Avenue Penthouse renovation.

His work has been featured in the Smithsonian/Cooper Hewitt Museum and the Design Culture Now 2000 exhibition, and it has been published in leading architectural and cultural books and magazines. Recognition of his work includes a 2006 Academy Award in Architecture, from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, New York, NY.

Based on his extensive background of travel and architectural experience, the studio has successfully merged a conceptual, poetically driven design aesthetic with an extensive background and deep interest in building and construction expertise. The work of the studio is defined by principles including the creation of a sensual modern architecture that aspires to surround the client in an atmosphere of art and serenity through the formulation of new concepts of space, form and light.

His lecture will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in Shollmier Hall.