Ziya Ismail_Architecture Portfolio 2023

Hi. I’m Ziya, an architect and an artist.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2016 and I have been working as an architect and artist since then.

After my graduation, I worked as a freelance architect for a year simultaneously researching and developing various art concepts. Following two years I worked in DAC, a well known firm in India, as the lead architect for more than fifteen architecture and interior projects during my time there, most of them being residential interiors. I was responsible for client coordination, material, and furniture selection, and drawing analysis as a team leader. Along with this, I am happy to have worked on-site with artisans and carpenters for achieving details and trying out design elements with innovative materials. Regular coordination with the development team, contractors, and clients has honed my practical knowledge and decision-making.

I’m always keen on designing space with the users’ perception in mind, also recognizing the significance of a balanced colour palette and visual proportion in the design.

Since I moved to Dubai in 2020, I have been working as an interior curator in Dubai for the same firm I used to work for in India along with exploring the possibility of art. In June 2022 I joined with Plural architecture and designs (PAD) for leading the interior design of ‘Villas and townhouse development’ project in Saadiyat island Abudhabi. Currently I am working as an architect in PAD.

Other than design, architectural sketching has always been my strength throughout my professional practice. I have been teaching perspective sketching to undergraduate students since 2018 in association with firms and institutes.

Curriculum Vitae

CONTACT

Ziya Ismail

DOB - 7th February 1994

E - ziya.ismail@gmail.com

Instagram - zia_ismail plantae.by.zia

Behance - Zia Ismail

EDUCATION

2016Bachelor of Architecture, MES School of Architecture, Kerala, India

2011Completed higher secondary education from B E M HSS Kerala, India.

2009Completed secondary education St Joseph’s Anglo Indian HSS Calicut, Kerala, India.

WORK EXPERIENCE

June 2022 to current

- Architect at Plural Architecture and Design, Dubai

-Practising contemporary art with Artist Mozhdeh Grayson.

January 2021 to June 2022

- Interior Curator and furniture sourcing at DAC global, Dubai

- Working with Ar. Dairush Zandi on an architectural reconstruction Book

-Practising contemporary art with Artist Mozhdeh Grayson.

- Visual Artist, Dubai

January 2020 to January 2021

- Visual Artist, Dubai

- Interior Curator and furniture sourcing at DAC global, Dubai

- Guest Tutor at The Design Studio, Dubai

- Conducted art workshops at Sharjah Architecture Triennial.

October 2017 to December 2019

- Senior architect & project artist at DAC global, India

August 2016 to October 2017

- Self employed architect at Spacesmiths, India

June 2014 to December 2014

- Intern architect at RSP Design Consultants, India.

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Autodesk AutoCAD

Trimble Sketchup

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Microsoft Office

OTHER SKILLS

Painting

Pen & Ink rendering

Architectural Sketching

Digital sketching

INTERESTS

Restoration architecture

Art

Botanical studies

Design Process

I believe that, having a strong reason for any element that’s been added or removed from the existing, makes a design purposeful. Designing with user perception and user function along with balancing the aesthetics in texture, color, and visual access has consistently been the essence of my design process.

Through out my practice I collect the details that I ideate or see in various spaces, as a reference for my future projects (image on right). I believe that the design details are continuously evolved and improved through all the people I meet, experiences that I have had, and places that I have been.

Architecture Design 01

Abi’s Saree Sellers

Sector: Retail Architecture, Restoration project

Project status: Completed project

Project Site: Calicut, Kerala, India

Project duration: September 2019 - November 2019

Role: Design and Execution

Info & Design process

Saree Sellers Boutique was designed with a core concept of creating a cozy ambiance, enveloped in an interpretation of traditionalism. The usage of antique furniture found in a coastal town in Kerala and local plants were at the crux of the interior design discussions. Due consideration to the user-experience of the focal areas, which is of utmost importance in use cases of boutiques, resulted in a colour palette that embodied it - warm and bright, with a tinge of green. The tropical wall art becomes the centrepiece, well framed from the entrance as well as from within the space. A casual discussion area required by the client was also added, to enhance the welcoming character of the space.

Role and responsibilities

-Exterior Facade Design (renovation)

-architectural drawings

-Interior Design

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection and execution

-Coordination with contractors, onsite assistance

-Furniture refurbishment

-soft furnishing, interior curation and setting up

-Landscape design and execution

Paint Finish (White)

Teak wood reeper

12mm Plywood backing

White opaque paint coat

Emerald green spray paint for Glass backing

10mm Glass of 12cm x 5cm, 45 deg chamfered on all edges

Paint finish (Yellow Ochre)

Photography courtesy: Aghin Komachi Above: Wall detail done throughout the space.

Above: Exterior facade of Boutique

Left (above) : Site photo before landscape work

Left (below): Hurudis used for paving pathway to increase earth porousity

Photography courtesy: Aghin Komachi

Photography courtesy: Aghin Komachi

Boutique area

Above (right) : Furniture found at local antique stores which were later refurbished. rightmost bottom corner is the site photo after flooring, before walls were done.

Architecture Design 02

Rajendran Apartment

Sector: Residential Interior Design

Project Status: Completed project, 2019

Project site: Calicut, Kerala, india

Team: DAC

Role: Lead architect

Area: 1800 sqft

Info & Design process

Rajendran’s apartment was designed in luxe modern style with subtlety in texture. This particular style was very well thrown by the play between bold color blocks with very subtle texture and thin champagne gold elements. Partition done with hexagonal shaped metal sheet finished by gold powder coating was one of the main elements in the design. The big area of gold partition is neutralized by the selection of colors with a tint of grey used in other areas. In addition to this variety of textures is restricted to paint finish and metal finish to maintain subtlety.

Role and responsibilities

-Interior Design

-Structural changes for interior design purpose

-Coordination with client and client presentation

-Coordination with builders on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing

-Coordination with interior contractors

-Coordination with other vendors

-Site supervision

-Working drawing set

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection

-Interior curation and setting up

Visualizing courtsey: Shardes Design studio

Left above: Site photo of Living area

Left below: Working drawing done for of Bar counter

Above: Bar counter photo from site after interior work

Master bedroom Walk in wardrobe and toilet design

Visualizing courtsey: Shardes Design studio

Reflected ceiling plan drawing

Sections for each ceiling type shown at the right side

Visualizing courtsey: Shardes Design studio

Left: Renderings of master bedroom design

Above: Site photos after interior work

Architecture Design 03

Anwar Residence

Sector: Residential Interior Design

Project Status: On going

Project site: Calicut, Kerala, india

Team: DAC

Role: Lead architect

Area: 8000 sqft

Info & Design process

Anwar’s residence is located in Kerala, towards the south of Indian subcontinent. The double storeyed villa features an open floor plan with plenty of natural light and breeze flowing through the spaces designed with earthy subtle hues and lush tropical flora. To maintain the subtlety throughout the villa, a minimal variety of materials were used along with contrasting Balinese elements striking the balance visually.

Role and responsibilities

-Interior Design

-Structural changes for interior design purpose

-Coordination with client and client presentation

-Coordination with the development wing for technical drawing

-Interior working drawing set

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection

-Landscape design

Visualizing courtsey: Shardes Design studio

Ground Floor Plan First Floor Plan

Visualizing courtsey: Shardes Design studio

Left, Right (above): Bedroom designed with mezzanine reading space

Right (bottom): inner courtyard and dining area

Sectional elevation of the bedroom and Living area in the upper floor, mezzanine floor done at these area.

Right: Keyplan

Visualization courtesy: Shardes Interiors

Left: Site photo of the double height space

Right (above): Rendering of the design done for mezzanine at theupper living area double height space

Right (below): Sketch done during the design of mezzanine space to be done at double height space.

Architecture Design 04

OV Mustafa residence

Sector: Residential Architecture and Interior Design

Project Status: Completed project, 2021

Project site: Thalassery, Kerala, India

Team: DAC

Role: Lead architect

Area: 8,500 sqft

Info & Design process

The clients of this residence wanted to have a Mediterranean-style exterior with the interior being luxe modern. Working on a site with high contour helped me to have a hands-on experience in structural and site development challenges along with attaining the exterior facade of Mediterranean look and feel in an area with tropical climatic conditions. The Interior for this residence was done with a hint of English style with luxe modern furniture. As there were wall elements such as fluting, the whole presentation was done with interior elevations.

Role and responsibilities

-Exterior Facade design

-Structural and architecture design drawings

-Site development drawings

-Coordination with Landscape design consultants

-Interior Design

-Interior Elevations Drawing set

-Coordination with client and client presentation

-Coordination with engineering consultant

-Coordination with other vendors

-Furniture selection

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection

Visualization courtesy: Raymax

Above: Architectural drawings - Front and rear elevation

Left (above) : Site photos after completion of architecture work

Left (Below) : Rendering done for architecture design

Interior Elevation drawings Preliminary elevations done for below areas : Corridor, Library, Bedroom, Stair area, Upper corridor.

Above: Rendering of the design done for formal living

Left : Site photo of the same area after the completion of project

Visualization courtesy: Shardes Design studio

Above: Rendering of the design done for dining area

Left : Site photo of the same area after the completion of project

Visualization courtesy: Shardesdesign studio

Architecture Design 05

Fayeda Residence

Sector: Residential Interior Design

Project Status: On going

Project site: Muscat, Oman

Team: DAC

Role: Lead architect

Area: 10,000 sqft

Info & Design process

Mohammed Fayeda’s Residence is a three-storied building with each floor as a separate residence, located in Muscat, Oman. I began working on this project from the submission drawings and facade design stage, through which I was able to learn building code and rules in Muscat. The interiors follow a luxe deco style, with bright colors and finishes paired with accents of gold. The spaciousness of the house results in large walls which are carefully designed with a combination of metal trims and marble insert patterns.

Role and responsibilities

-Exterior Facade Design

-Structural and architectural drawings

-Interior Design

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection

-Coordination with technical and building consultants

-Coordination with contractors

-Working Drawing set

-BOQ and Specification

Visualization courtesy: Shardes design studio

Visualization courtesy: Shardes design studio

Left: Rendering of the design done for Family living area

Above : Drawing done for back panel in family living area (view shown at leftside bottom)

Ceiling and Electrical layout of ground floor

Ground floor, first floor and second floor has same layout

Right:

Rendering of the design done one of the bedrooms.

Above :

Drawing done for interior and exterior of wardrobe in the same bedroom.

Visualization courtesy: Shardes design studio

Rendering of the design done for Formal living in ground floor

Ground floor, first floor and second floor has same layout

Visualization courtesy: Shardes design studio

Architecture Design 06

Jabbar Residence

Sector: Residential Interior Design

Project Status: Completed project, 2021

Project site: Calicut, Kerala, India

Team: DAC

Role: Lead architect

Area: 7,000 sqft

Info & Design process

Jabbar Amana’s residence is a building elevated from the excavated ground with an entrance to the ground floor and going down to the basement. The interior of this residence is rather simple when compared to the structure, it is done in a neutral color palette with minimal textures. The panelings were mostly done in walnut wood and grey lightly texture tile. The main features of this residence are the onyx screen and a slightly curved stair area which is visible right from the entrance.

Role and responsibil-

-Interior Design

-Structural changes for interior design

-Coordination with client and client pres entation

-Coordination with the development wing for technical drawing

-Coordination with engineering consultants

-Interior working drawing set

-Material, finishes, and fixtures selection

-Coordination with Landscape consultant

Visualization courtesy: Shardes

Above: Site photo of the informal and formal dining area after the completion of project

Left : Rendering of design done for informal and formal dining area

Above: Working drawing of the design done for stair area

Left : Site photo of slightly curved stair area

Above: Working drawing of the design done for stair railing

Left : Sketch done during the design process of stair well wall and railing

Rendering of the design done for Bedrooom and basement living area

Visualization courtesy: Shardes

Architecture Design 07

Rasheed Villa

Sector: Furniture Design

Project Status: Completed, 2020

Project site: Dubai

Team: DAC

Role: Designer

Area: 4,500 sqft

Info & Design process

The site is in ‘the district one’ community in Dubai. I began to work on this project during the furniture design and design of the soft furnishing stage. Furniture design was mostly for accent spaces, and the design had to enhance the area.

Role and responsibilities

-Furniture Design and Drawing set

-Furniture modeling

-Soft furniture selection

-Interior finishes selection and Drawing set

-Wall art selection

Left :

Sketch done during the design process of partition design

Above:

Model done during the design process of partition design

Left : working drawing done for partition and door design

Above: Model done during the design process of partition and door design

Other works 01

Sketches & Illustrations

Sketching has been an indispensable part of my design process during my professional practice. From the conceptual stage, throughout the development of design, I have been communicating to draughtsmen, technical team, visualizers, carpenters, and artisans using sketches. When presenting sketches to the clients, they get a personal touch from the designer. During discussions at the site for some unforeseen challenges or finalizing on detail changes, sketching has been a reliable tool to help the client and contractors visualize.

The Farm house - Study sketch,2022 ink on cartridge paper

Italy, 2021 ink on cartridge paper

Kolkata - urban sketch, 2020 ink and watercolor on cartridge paper

Preliminary design sketch,2020 ink on cartridge paper

Visuals

Left: Sketch done to communicate with visualisers for a classical residential project in Kerala, 2018

Above:

done by Visualisers as per the sketch given for a classical residential project in Kerala.

Architecture illustration done for an ‘Artist residence’ in Sketchup, 2020

Other works 02

Public participation

Since 2020, I have hosted Architectural sketching workshops in India and UAE for architecture and interior graduates. Starting from the basics of isometric projection, the course covers oblique projection, and twopoint and three-point perspective drawing. A thorough understanding of the basics leads to exercises on developing a view from the plan. Along with the workshops, I have also taught the ‘perspective drawing for the interior design course at TDS, an interior design institute based in Dubai.

Above:

Right:

Isometric practice sketch,2021

Architectural sketching workshop, at Dubai design district as part of Dubai design week,

Above: Botanical art workshop, at Sharjah architecture triennale as part of Al Manakh space programs, September 2021

Left: Architectural sketching workshop, India, January 2020

Automatic drawing workshop held at ‘Courtyard’, Dubai March, 2022

Other works 03

Artworks

My work has always been inspired by the concept of thoughtful design, each piece created to make the spectator mindful and present. This, along with my love for nature, has been the driving force behind my creative expression. Each artwork I’ve done has been an exploration of my surroundings as I see them, translating it into my perspective. While most of my works are created in watercolour and acrylic, I try different art mediums in reference to particular artworks - in one of my latest pieces, ‘Imprint,’ I have worked with light as the medium. Through these works, I strive to create a subtle yet bold statement. By my compositions, I hope to share the idea that a moment into the little things can help us see the beauty in the ordinary.

Exhibition at Total Arts gallery, Courtyard, Dubai November, 2021