Architects for Change

Role: Founder & Curator

Location: Lebanon

Years Active: 2014–2019

As cities around the world grow at unprecedented rates, urban life is increasingly defined by inequality, environmental strain, and spatial injustice. Architects for Change was founded as a youth-led platform that believes in the social responsibility of architecture and design, and in the power of young creatives to lead this transformation.

Architects build communities, not just buildings.

At Architects for Change, we advocate for a model of design education and practice rooted in civic engagement, critical reflection, and collective action. We support emerging architects, designers, and artists in becoming active agents of change in their communities by engaging in extracurricular learning, public dialogue, and collaborative urban practices.

Our work challenges the conventional architectural curriculum by creating space for experimentation, peer learning, and real-world impact, bridging the gap between formal education and the urgent needs of society.

Key Programs & Initiatives

  • Entrepreneur Architect Conference

    Hosted annually (2014–2017) as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week Lebanon, the conference brought together influential local architects to share their entrepreneurial journeys and inspire the next generation of design professionals.

  • Breakfast with an Architect

    A casual talk series where students and young professionals engaged directly with practicing architects over coffee, exploring personal stories, project case studies, and design philosophies.

  • Discover Lebanon Tours

    Between 2015 and 2019, we led over 20 architectural tours, visiting more than 50 cities, villages, and historic sites to rediscover Lebanon’s built and cultural heritage, as well as its embedded craftsmanship.

  • Design & Architecture Workshops

    We facilitated hands-on workshops ranging from sketching and model-making to participatory mapping and urban design for children, youth, and adults.

  • Ideas for the City

    A participatory design initiative where students and young professionals proposed creative solutions for urban challenges, rooted in the local context and citizen input.

  • International Participation

    Architects for Change gained international recognition as a youth-led initiative, representing the perspectives of young Lebanese architects and designers at global conferences, forums, and design programs.

  • Membership Program

    Our network grew into a learning and action community, where members co-organized events, co-authored ideas, and exchanged opportunities for education and collaboration.

Architects for Change represents an early and ongoing commitment to reimagining architecture as a civic practice, one that listens, activates, and builds with communities rather than for them.

Previous
Previous

Design & The City - Beirut Design Week 2018