Maria Aslam is a multifaceted individual, renowned as a prolific writer, architectural historian, and environmental activist. Her expertise spans the fields of interior design, architecture, heritage, and urban revitalization. As the founder and Editor-in-Chief of ADA Magazine from Pakistan, Maria has made significant contributions to the discourse on architecture, design, and art. She holds the distinction of being the first female entrepreneur from Pakistan to venture into publication, spearheading the ADA Awards, a ground-breaking initiative in the disciplines of Architecture, Design, and Art. In addition to her editorial role, Maria Aslam is the Founder and Principal Architect of ArchWorks, a Karachi-based creative and research practice. ArchWorks operates at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, landscape, interiors, and cultural geographies. Maria’s work at ArchWorks encompasses diverse projects, including architecture, interiors, environmental geographies, community settlements, and curatorial ventures such as exhibitions, seminars, installations, and speculative projects. Furthermore, Maria is actively involved in advocacy and activism for sustainable design through her role as the Co-founder and President of SDC – Sustainable Design Council from Pakistan. She is committed to addressing issues related to the health of the planet and promoting environmentally conscious practices within the design industry. Maria Aslam has held leadership positions in prominent professional organizations, including serving as Chairperson of the Karachi Chapter of the Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) and currently as Chairperson of the Pakistan Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). A published author, Maria wrote ‘Interiors of Pakistan Volume I’, published in 2016, and her second book on seven decades of Pakistan architecture landscape co-authored with Hasanuddin Khan is in production. She is currently working on two more publications. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture and a master’s in architecture from McGill University, Maria advocates for the environment, built structures, and equitable spaces. Maria Aslam will be representing Pakistan in WAF – World Architecture Festival, November this year. Her influence extends beyond national borders, as she has represented Pakistan on numerous international platforms as a juror, critic, convener, and speaker, contributing to the global dialogue on architecture and design.
How did the concept of ADA awards come about?
The concept of the ADA Awards was born out of a reflective moment during our decade-long journey of documenting, archiving, and fostering critical discourse within the realms of architecture, design, and art. As we celebrated ten years of ADA’s existence, we asked ourselves a fundamental question: What more can we do?
While our publication had successfully provided a platform for intellectual engagement and scholarly documentation, we realized that a crucial element was missing-formal recognition. There was a glaring void in acknowledging and celebrating the immense creative talent and groundbreaking work emerging from Pakistan and the region.
The ADA Awards were thus conceived as a means to bridge this gap-an initiative that would not only honor exceptional contributions in architecture, design, and art but also elevate the creative fraternity by fostering visibility, appreciation, and dialogue on a grander scale. It was our response to the need for a dedicated platform that would champion innovation, sustainability, and cultural identity while inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of creative excellence.
What were the challenges you faced while establishing the idea.
Establishing the ADA Awards came with its own set of unique challenges. One of the primary hurdles was the absence of any local precedent for such a platform in Pakistan. There was a significant gap in recognizing creative excellence across architecture, design, and art, making it essential to build an entirely new framework from scratch-one that would be both credible and impactful.
Creating awareness and understanding about the significance of such an award system required extensive engagement with the creative community, industry stakeholders, and institutions. Establishing a structured process for evaluation, curation, and selection was another key challenge, as it had to uphold the highest standards of excellence while being inclusive and representative of the creative fraternity.
Guidance from advisors played a crucial role in shaping the ADA Awards, providing strategic direction and ensuring that the awards aligned with international best practices. A major milestone in this journey was the support and inspiration drawn from the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which provided valuable insights into how such an initiative could be structured effectively.
Additionally, forging alliances and learning from global organizations operating in similar domains helped refine the vision and execution of the ADA Awards. Building credibility required not just a strong jury and evaluation mechanism but also the trust of the creative community. Over time, through persistence, collaborations, and a commitment to excellence, the ADA Awards have grown into a prestigious platform that continues to celebrate and elevate Pakistan’s creative talent on both national and international stages.
What makes you choose historical locations especially in Lahore for the awards?
Our selection of venues for the ADA Awards is not solely about historical significance, nor is it limited to Lahore. Rather, it is a conscious decision to host events in spaces that have undergone conservation, adaptive reuse, restoration, and have been reintegrated into communal life. By doing so, we highlight the importance of preserving and repurposing architectural heritage while demonstrating the potential of these sites as vibrant, functional spaces for contemporary cultural dialogue. We were the first one to step in the power corridors of the Governor House in Karachi, when it was opened to public in 2019.
All our events-whether the awards, exhibitions, or seminars-are intentionally hosted in such venues, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement. However, hosting formal, invitation-only events in public spaces brings its own set of challenges, from logistical planning to ensuring smooth execution while maintaining the sanctity of these heritage sites.
Looking ahead, we are eager to extend this initiative beyond Lahore, exploring venues in the northern regions and other cities of Pakistan. Our approach is holistic; it is not just about a single awards night but a series of engagements, including talks, knowledge-sharing seminars, and exhibitions. Each city’s infrastructure, accessibility, and suitability for national and international participation are carefully considered in our planning. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the ADA Awards and its associated events continue to grow as an inclusive, impactful platform for Pakistan’s creative community.
How rewarding has been this strive for the pursuit of excellence?
The journey of the ADA Awards has been immensely rewarding, yet we continue to evolve. The response from each host city plays a crucial role in shaping our experience, and Lahore, with its unmatched hospitality, vibrancy, and active participation, has set a high benchmark.
Beyond just creating awareness about excellence and cutting through mediocrity, we see a deeper impact unfolding. The awards have become a catalyst for introspection within the creative community. When architects, designers, and artists tell us that they now strive for more meritorious work, it is an affirmation of the purpose we set out to achieve.Encouraging self-exploration, pushing boundaries, and fostering a culture of critical questioning-these are the true rewards. The fact that creatives are reflecting on their own work and asking, How can I respond better to a project? How can I integrate climate-conscious design, sustainable materials, and cultural relevance?-this is the most significant achievement of all.
The journey is not just about recognition; it is about nurturing a mindset where excellence becomes a standard, not an exception. And to keep questioning, challenging, and pushing forward remains our driving force.
Do you want to take the awards international?
Good question!
How do you see art, design and architecture industry being evolved in Pakistan?
The art, design, and architecture industry in Pakistan is undergoing a dynamic evolution, shaped by a confluence of tradition, innovation, and global influences. Over the years, we have seen a remarkable shift in how creative disciplines are perceived, practiced, and integrated into the larger socio-economic and cultural framework of the country.
One of the most significant transformations has been the increasing emphasis on sustainability and contextual relevance. Architects and designers are now more conscious of materiality, climate responsiveness, and the environmental impact of their work. There is a growing movement towards adaptive reuse, restoration, and conservation, as creatives recognize the importance of preserving heritage while reinterpreting it for contemporary needs.
Another key shift is the interdisciplinary approach that is emerging across creative fields. The boundaries between architecture, design, and art are becoming increasingly fluid, and entangled leading to more experimental, research-driven, and socially responsive projects. Public spaces, community engagement initiatives, and urban interventions are becoming more prominent, reflecting an awareness that design and architecture are not just about aesthetics but about shaping experiences and fostering inclusivity.
Moreover, technology and digital advancements are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the industry. From parametric design and AI-driven solutions to digital art and virtual exhibitions, Pakistani creatives are embracing new tools to push the limits of expression and functionality. The global reach of our creative fraternity is also expanding, with more artists, designers, and architects gaining international recognition and engaging in cross-border collaborations.
However, challenges remain-there is still a need for stronger institutional support, policy frameworks, and industry-wide standards that can further nurture innovation and excellence. The role of platforms like the ADA Awards is crucial in not only celebrating achievements but also creating critical discourse, mentorship opportunities, and avenues for knowledge exchange.
In essence, the creative industries in Pakistan are in a state of flux, moving towards a more conscious, collaborative, and critically engaged future. The conversation is no longer just about designing spaces or objects but about designing impact-culturally, socially, and environmentally.
Are there any back lash and or criticisms after the results are announced?
Yes absolutely! Like any prestigious recognition platform, the ADA Awards are not immune to backlash. The challenges primarily stem from disappointed participants, subjective interpretations of merit, and misconceptions about the jury process.However, those who do not win often assume bias, favoritism, or lack of understanding of their work. The lack of winners in certain categories, especially when the jury deems submissions not up to standard, can lead to misconceptions that categories were canceled or unfairly judged.In the age of instant reactions and viral discussions, public events are subject to real-time criticism. Some artists and designers take to emails, messages and social media to express disappointment, occasionally stirring controversy. The challenge is to differentiate between constructive feedback and unfounded negativity.
While backlash is an unavoidable aspect of any competitive platform, the ADA Awards will continue its strive for the pursuit of excellence in architecture, design, and art.
Interdisciplinarity will be the future working in the design world.; how do you see that evolve the awards process?
Each cycle is a learning process, is an evolution in itself!
Interdisciplinarity is undoubtedly shaping the future of design, architecture, and art. The ADA Awards, which already celebrate a holistic approach to creativity, will continue to evolve by embracing cross-disciplinary collaborations and recognizing works that transcend conventional boundaries. Each cycle the discipline categories are reviewed by the respective chairs and in consonance will expand categories to reflect hybrid practices. The future of design is collaborative, and the awards must reflect this. Categories or subcategories may need to highlight co-creation between disciplines-for instance, a project where an architect, environmental scientist, social anthropologist and artist collaborate to design resilient urban spaces. Awards will be mindful of the recognition of such projects and team by reframing evaluation metrics. The two distinctive awards are already in the program and well received by the fraternity, these are projects with long-term effect on community, environment and industry.
Interdisciplinary work demands a diverse jury panel with expertise beyond traditional architecture, design, or art. The ADA Awards will benefit from including scientists, technologists, anthropologists, and urban planners, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of projects from multiple lenses.Interdisciplinary work often requires public participation, whether through community-driven urban projects, interactive installations, or participatory art. ADA is working in introducing public voting elements or impact-based awards that highlight how a project engages with society.
I am supremely aware that the ADA Awards must continuously adapt to recognize and honor boundary-pushing, interdisciplinary work that reflects the evolving creative landscape. The future is not about siloed disciplines-it is about the synergy between them, and ADA can lead the way in showcasing this new paradigm of design thinking.
What advise do you have for artists who want to participatein ADA awards in coming years?
For artists, designers, and architects aspiring to participatein the ADA Awards coming years, my two cents would be centered around authenticity, innovation, and impact.The jury looks for meritorious work that pushes creative boundaries.Whether it’s material exploration, sustainability, or storytelling, originality is key.Whether you are working in fine arts, architecture, or design, consider how your work responds to its environment, materials, and sustainability challenges. The jury values projects that address contemporary issues with responsibility and awareness.
A strong submission is not just about great work; it is also about how you present it. Ensure that your project is well-documented through high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and a compelling narrative that conveys the essence of your work.Not being selected in one cycle does not mean your work lacks merit. Use the experience to refine, grow, and evolve. Keep challenging yourself with self-exploration and critical questioning.
Familiarize yourself with past winning projects, jury citations, and selection criteria. This will help you understand what the ADA Awards stand for and how your work can align with the vision of recognizing excellence and innovation in creative fields.
In short, focus on creating work that is meaningful, thought-provoking, and impactful-that is what sets apart true award-worthy projects.
