Starting Lines: Three Journeys in Design and Work

The skyline of tomorrow is not yet built. Its foundations are being laid not on construction sites, but in the bustling, late-night studios of our nation's universities. In an industry constantly evolving to meet the demands of sustainability, technology, and urban growth, the most valuable resource is a fresh perspective. The future leaders who will tackle these challenges are currently immersed in their studies, translating theory into tangible designs. Their experiences in the studio the triumphs, the frustrations, and the breakthroughs, offer a crucial glimpse into the future direction of our property and real estate landscape.

This journey begins with a spark of inspiration. For Mehlail Ehsan, a student in the Department of Architecture at BUET, that spark was a creative drive cultivated throughout his school years. "I realised during my admissions that I had a knack for creating things that I can call my own and solving the unique problems that come up during the process," he shares. Meanwhile, Nafisa Matin graduated from BRAC University's Architecture department, where it was quickly taught that design was more than just drawing pretty buildings, a realisation solidified through internships at SILT and URBECO Ltd. For Simran Jabin, also an Architecture student at BRAC University, the attraction was more gradual, like falling for a city at dusk "slowly, with a few surprises and a lot of noise." She soon learnt that the profession's demanding deadlines require a fundamental shift in perspective; architecture becomes "a lifestyle", not a hobby.

Lessons in Steel and Brick

Each student has a defining moment that crystallises their understanding of the field. A pivotal moment in Mehlail's academic career came from a project where he was tasked with designing an architecture school from scratch. "I learnt the most from that project because it was the first time I explored structural systems for architecture; it made me fall in love with steel structure constructions," he explains. Simran's lesson came from a humble brick wall. During an internship, her team redrew a single detail repeatedly for two weeks. The maddening process paid off when the built wall proved that stubborn persistence turns irritation into something rewarding. For Nafisa, a proud moment came when her urban studio project made it to the top five at the Inspireli Awards, the world's largest architectural student competition, affirming her belief in community-centric design.

Only choose architecture if you truly love it. Professors often say from day one that architecture becomes a lifestyle, not just a degree. Whenever I have wanted to quit, I remind myself that I am here by choice and passion. If you do not have that passion, the pressures will completely overwhelm you.

— Simran Jabin Final-year student, Department of Architecture, BRAC University

Green Buildings to Urban Design

These formative experiences help shape their professional interests. Mehlail's focus has turned toward commercial and housing buildings, where he is eager to tackle the environmental challenges of high-rises with green building systems. In contrast, Nafisa's heart belongs to urban design. "It's never just about the house; it's about the community, the systems, and the people shaping city life. My urban studio work helped me appreciate the need to engage with engineers and policy issues. Urban design allows me to work at the scale of the city while integrating social

In our field of work, workload can be intense due to the immense responsibility a design team holds in the whole process. Luckily, peer support and mentorship are strong in the Architecture field.

— Mehlail Ehsan Fourth-year student, Department of Architecture, BUET

and technical considerations."

To bring these ideas to life, these students rely on a strong technical foundation. "I am most confident with 2D draughting and 3D modelling," Mehlail notes, listing AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Rhino as his preferred tools. Looking ahead, Simran and Mehlail both feel the need to improve their BIM (Building Information Modelling) skills to stay competitive.

Overcoming Hurdles

However, the path is not without its challenges. The transition to university life presented a significant hurdle for Mehlail. "The biggest challenge for me was adapting to a culture that I had never experienced before," he admits. "I did get quite frustrated in my first semester at BUET. I was struggling to find solutions to my academic problems. By the second semester, I got more familiar and adaptation became natural. I don't think there is or can ever be a universal formula for this; everyone has their own way of adapting to the studio culture, managing the sudden bursts of workload, and gaining the necessary competency of time management." This sentiment resonates in Simran's voice, who emphasises that passion is non-negotiable. "If it's passion, it's a thrilling, messy, lifelong ride. The routine can be spontaneous, demanding and isolating at times as I have already lost connections because my schedule didn't match others'. Many students drop out under family pressure or because they weren't prepared for that intensity. Whenever I've wanted to quit, I remind myself that I'm here by choice and passion. If you don't have that passion, the pressures will likely overwhelm you."

Designing a house is not only about the building itself but also about the community, policies and systems that shape urban life. Nafisa Matin

— A recent architecture graduate from BRAC University

Professional Landscape

Bangladesh offers a pragmatic view of the professional landscape. Mehlail points out a significant issue, "Fresh graduates are severely underpaid in many of those companies." He hopes the Institute of Architects, Bangladesh (IAB), will soon establish payment standards. Nafisa's experience in both small and large firms taught her that every young architect wears many hats, from designing models to running site visits, yet salaries don't always match the effort.

Despite these hurdles, there is optimism. Mehlail notes that mentorship is strong in the field, continuing from university into the professional world. The career path itself is versatile. "From designers to visualisers, draughtsmen to consultants, project managers to entrepreneurs, architects pursue it all," he says.

Reflecting on broader challenges, Mehlail identifies a systemic issue beyond the studio. "The biggest obstacle is the negligence of the common people on the effectiveness and usefulness of good architecture and building codes," he states, emphasising that good design is about safety and efficiency, not just aesthetics. This lack of public awareness creates unnecessary hurdles, particularly for female architects. "I only hope that the firms and universities, as well as all of us involved, work actively on public knowledge and against stereotypes," he concludes.

While they face systemic challenges such as low entry-level pay and a lack of public awareness about the value of good design, their optimism is unwavering. With technical skills and a deep-seated desire to create meaningful spaces, these emerging professionals are not just designing buildings; they are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, efficient, and community-focused future. Their path from the studio to the construction site is a journey of turning academic theory into the nation's future skyline.