My life in art and design is a continuous thread, woven from a deep and enduring passion for creation. It is a path that began in the foundational world of fine arts, was refined through the technical discipline of architectural drafting, and ultimately elevated by the theoretical depth of architectural academia.
For over two decades, this unique synthesis of skills has been the bedrock of my professional practice. I do not see borders between architecture, art, and graphic design; to me, they are interconnected languages. Architecture is art you inhabit, graphic design is art that communicates, and pure art is the soul that informs both.
What guides Mona?
My work is a dialogue between scale and detail, structure and emotion, function and beauty. It is an ongoing exploration dedicated to crafting spaces and visuals that are not only visually compelling but also resonate with purpose and integrity.
“My fascination with architecture began not with a building, but with a line. I remember standing before a Gothic cathedral for the first time, feeling a profound sense of awe. It wasn’t just the scale that moved me, but the intricate conversation between the soaring verticality and the meticulously carved details on the capitals. This duality—the grand gesture and the human-scale detail—has never left me.
It’s a principle I see echoed in the works of the Dutch Masters. In a Vermeer painting, the entire world exists within a quiet room, defined by how light falls on a map, a hand, a pearl earring. This mastery of composition, light, and intimate storytelling directly influences how I approach a residential project: every space, no matter its size, must have its own narrative and a thoughtful relationship with light.”
Creativity as Sincerity: Faith and Art
For me, creativity is not just a profession, but an extension of an inner dialogue with the world and with God. My faith in Christ is not a separate part of my life, but the very foundation upon which my understanding of harmony, meaning, and purpose is built.
It teaches me humility before a grand design and responsibility for the talent I have been given. In the European architecture I so admire, I see not just stone and glass, but a prayer made material—a human aspiration upward, toward the light. In the precision of Dürer’s engravings and the spiritual depth of the Dutch Masters, I see a reverent attention to Creation, where every detail matters.
In my own work—whether it’s a house design, a painting, or a logo—I strive not for self-expression, but for service. My goal is to create not merely beautiful forms, but spaces and images filled with meaning, those that carry within them a particle of goodness, truth, and peace. Ultimately, I believe that genuine beauty always leads back to its Source.
Meet my worcks
Where Architecture Meets Art
FAQs
Which field do you work in—architecture, design, or art? And how do you combine them?
I consciously don’t limit myself to a single field. My practice is a synthesis. Architecture provides an understanding of scale and function, art offers freedom and conceptual thinking, and graphic design brings precision and clear communication. This fusion allows me to create comprehensive projects where the building, its interior, and its visual style exist in harmony, as parts of a unified whole.
How did your education in art school influence your work?
Art school is my foundation. It taught me to see and feel: to work with composition, color, form, and light on an intuitive level. It’s not just about the skill of drawing; it’s a particular way of perceiving the world that I bring into every project, whether it’s a facade drawing or a logo design. It’s what makes the result feel alive and emotionally resonant.
What types of projects do you prefer to work on?
I’m most interested in projects that present a challenge and allow space for creativity. Whether it’s a private home where creating a unique living atmosphere is key, developing a brand for a new company, or an art object integrated into an urban environment. The most important thing for me is the meaning behind the project and the opportunity to use design to solve a specific task, enhancing the quality of the environment or the perception of a brand.
What does your process look like when working on an architectural project?
The process always begins with a dialogue and a deep immersion into the client’s needs. I don’t just create a form; I design a lifestyle within it. Then, drawing on technical knowledge (from my architectural technical college) and conceptual thinking (from my institute), I move through all stages: from initial sketches and spatial planning to developing detailed project documentation and conducting author’s supervision.
SHABAN 