TheFace: Shahad Alazzaz, founder of Azaz Architects

Shahad Alazzaz
  • Alazzaz founded Azaz Architects in 2017
  • Alazzaz is a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) representative in Riyadh

Shahad Alazzaz, the founder of Azaz Architects, was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to a famous journalist and photographer, Saleh Alazzaz. In 2007, Alazzaz graduated from high school, ranking among the top three graduates in the Najd region of the Kingdom. 

She earned a BA in Architecture from the University of Manchester and an MA in Architectural Design and Project Management from the IE Business School in Madrid. Her career in the industry took off as she joined a Spanish firm as a summer intern, but was quickly appointed to manage projects she brought in from the Middle East. With a continuously growing passion for the job and restless ambition, Alazzaz is responsible for projects that span residential spaces to massive judicial projects. The architect’s new venture is described as a continuation of the design process, but with a different philosophy.

In 2017, Alazzaz founded Azaz Architects, approaching her passion for design with what she describes as a “new philosophy.” The boutique firm provides architectural services to projects of all scales. The team, internationally based between Riyadh and Madrid, tailors each project to the client’s needs, adding to the broad portfolio of the firm. Shahad Alazzaz is also a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) representative in Riyadh.