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About Me.

My name is Maha Kilo Najem, and my journey in architecture began in the historic and culturally rich city of Aleppo, Syria. Growing up amidst the architectural marvels of Aleppo, I developed a profound appreciation and passion for architecture from a young age. Unfortunately, the devastating war forced me to leave my homeland, but it did not deter my ambition and dreams. I moved to France to continue my architectural studies at École nationale supérieure d'architecture de Saint-Etienne.

My time in Europe was life changing. I immersed myself in diverse architectural styles, methodologies, and innovations. Working with a leading architecture firm in Europe allowed me to gain invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the industry.

After moving to the United States, I expanded my expertise in commercial architecture. I joined an architectural firm in New Jersey, where I worked as part of the production team creating comprehensive construction document sets (CDs) for national and international retail brands. My work has included projects for Blank Street Coffee, EATALY, GoodVet, Swatch, and other large-scale commercial clients. This experience strengthened my technical skills, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate across disciplines to deliver accurate, buildable drawings.

My focus is to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, sustainable, and reflective of the community’s identity.

STRATEGY

01

Analyzing

02

Conception

03

3D modeling

It's important to start from what we have. Build a conceptual model based upon the previously identified elements such as : historical, contextual and social factors, to ensure the best fitting for the project in it surrounding.

We wouldn't be able to complete a project without creating a story in every line and space. A concept is the heart of the architectural project. We are constantly working to improve our thinking and expand our design and production capabilities.

Creating images and 3D modeling is communicating emotions and intentions within the space. Clarify technical drawings into a model can create a visual experience which helps in the Construction phase.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Current

Lead Drafter

SARGENTI ARCHITECTES

Paramus, NJ, USA

Lead drafter on several big retail partner projects, specifically Eataly, Swatch, and Blanc Street Coffee, working on layouts, coordinating with team, the clients, including on-site visits

Developed Layout for Good Vets Pet Hospital, creating layouts that align with the project program with consideration of code requirements and compliance.

Produced construction documents using AutoCAD and Revit paying close attention to specification details related to medical equipment or specific kitchen equipment

Supported research efforts on Building Codes including Fire Safety, ADA, Plumbing, etc.

Quality control of the construction documents marked up by the Senior Project Manager, or the Project Manager adhering to the company prototypes.

2021 - 2023

Architect Collaborator

FOURNEL JEUDI ARCHITECTES

Roanne, FRANCE

Completed Layout for Louis Vuitton’s manufacturer, competing with four other competitors. The new facility was on 5 acres, consisting of 300 parking spaces, a loading dock, 5 workshops, a restaurant, 10 administration offices, production offices, and 5 large changing rooms/bathrooms.
Led the entire project for a Hardware company, ELAN’s new office space, on 11 acres of land, with a 12,000-sf office space that included a lobby, client services department, workshop, marketing department, commercial department, leisure space, dining kitchen, and 2 large meeting spaces. Also designing the landscape that include 44 places of parking, city Stade and bicycle racks.
Designed and developed a new extension for a high-end residential project. Detailed interior design drawings for the new space including material and finishes.
Worked closely with the lead Architect, completing over 15 projects in different phases of the project scope.
Conceptual hand drawings layout and diagrams for various projects including residential, industrial, and commercial workspace.
Code analysis, CD set production including administration documents for permit, followed by bidding documents, structural details and 3D rendering using ArchiCAD, Photoshop.

2019 - 2020

Intern Student

AUM ARCHITECTES

Roanne, FRANCE

Created 3D models and renderings of proposed design for a high school project using Revit and Photoshop.
Collaborated with vendors and engineers to ensure a successful project completion within the given timeline and budge.
Assisted in the selection of materials and fixtures for projects, resulting an important approach in the construction phase.