From clay and tile to carved wood, Moroccan architects are reimagining traditional materials into contemporary structures that remain boldly and distinctly Moroccan.
Morocco has long been celebrated for its rich architectural heritage, which includes crumbling ancient ruins and majestic palaces. Under colonial rule in the twentieth century, European architects set about reshaping the cityscapes, introducing the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles that the country is well known for. The long-awaited departure of the French put some well-needed focus back on homegrown talents, including the likes of Elie Azagury. In recent decades, a new generation of architects has carried this legacy forward, creating bold, forward-looking structures that weave heritage with contemporary aesthetics. When we think of Moroccan architecture, these are the talents who we should be celebrating today.
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Elie Azagury
Elie Azagury (1918–2009) is widely recognised as the father of Moroccan modern architecture. Born in Casablanca, he was the first Moroccan graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Returning home, he developed housing projects such as Cité Verticale and Hay Hassani, integrating Le Corbusier’s modernist ideas into Moroccan urban life. A committed advocate for socially responsible architecture, he argued that design must respond to the realities of rapid urbanisation. Azagury’s legacy still remains central to Morocco’s architectural identity today.
Younes Diouri
Educated and trained in Paris, Younes Douri returned to Morocco with a commitment to design contextually responsive and environmentally conscious constructions. In order to do so, he founded YDA Architects in 2015, establishing offices in Tangier and Casablanca. His projects include the transformation of Coca-Cola’s industrial buildings into retail hubs and the creation of Anfa Park in Casablanca. Recipient of several Young Moroccan Architecture Awards, Diouri’s work reflects a vision of architecture that is both sustainable and adaptive. @yda_architects
Aziza Chaouni
Through her firm Aziza Chaouni Projects (ACP), the Fez-based architect is recognised for her sustainable ethos, which often focuses on rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of spaces. Chaouni worked on the restoration of the Qarawiyyine Library in Fez, which reopened the world’s oldest functioning library to the public. The architect has also undertaken conservation projects like the Sidi Harazem Thermal Bath Complex and Dakar International. Winner of awards from the Holcim Foundation and World Monuments Fund, Chaouni advances ecological and community-driven design. @azizachaouniprojects
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Tarik Oualalou
Tarik Oualalou is one of the co-founding principals of OUALALOU + CHOI, a studio internationally recognised for its ambitious projects. Educated in Paris, Oualalou holds degrees in architecture, art history, and civil engineering. His practice merges academic rigour with large-scale civic design; landmark works include the Moroccan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Grand Stade Hassan II, set to become the world’s largest football stadium with a 115,000 capacity. Designed in collaboration with Populous, the stadium will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. @oualalou.choi
Reda Tilsaghani
Based in Marrakech, Reda Tilsaghani studied architecture in Tunisia before returning to Morocco to work at leading local firms. In 2021, he established his own practice, where he pursues a design approach marked by spatial clarity and sculptural boldness. Drawing inspiration from international practices like SAOTA, his work integrates minimalist gestures with site-specific considerations. Recent projects include private residences and hospitality spaces. @architectmarrakech_tilsaghani
Sofiya Iraqi
Sofiya Iraqi graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-La Villette in 2010 and later founded S.I.A in Casablanca. Her practice reflects a multicultural outlook, drawing from both international experience and traditional Moroccan design. Whether designing private housing, hospitality environments, or civic buildings, Iraqi’s ensures that architecture remains both functional and poetic. Her work is particularly well known for emphasising light, landscape integration, and the user’s sensory experience. @sofiyairaqiarchitecte
Zineb Ajebbar
Born in Marrakech and trained at the National School of Architecture and Landscape of Lille with further studies at La Sapienza in Rome, Zineb Ajebbar brings a cross-cultural perspective to her practice. As founder of ZArchitecture Studio in Rabat, she draws inspiration from Morocco’s natural materials and artisanal traditions. Her projects often reinterpret this local craft knowledge through contemporary structures, ranging from housing to civic commissions. @zarchitecturestudio
Kenza El Harouchi
Casablanca-based architect Kenza El Harouchi studied at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris before founding her studio, which works across Morocco and Africa. Known for its context-sensitive design, the practice seeks to craft experiences through light, material, and form. Its portfolio ranges from residential commissions to civic projects, with a guiding focus on community impact. @kenzaharouchi
Driss Kettani
Driss Kettani graduated from the National School of Architecture in Rabat in 2003 and established his own practice in 2005. His work has been internationally recognised for its emphasis on cultural and place as foundations for contemporary expression; alongside Saad El Kabbaj and Mohammed Amine Siana, he won the Taroudant University competition in 2006. His projects have also earned the Aga Khan Award shortlist, the Mimar Sinan Prize, and the Archmarathon Award, positioning him as a leading Moroccan architect. @driss_kettani
Omar Khaldi
Marrakech-born architect Omar Khaldi studied at the École Nationale d’Architecture in Rabat and HFT Stuttgart, completing his diploma in 2018. After working with leading Moroccan studios, he became chief architect at Imaad Rahmouni’s practice, where he designed luxury hotels, including projects for Park Hyatt and Sofitel. In 2023, he founded Atelier d’Architecture Khaldi in Marrakech. Current projects range from boutique riads to a 37,000 m² hotel development. His work emphasises simplicity, harmony, and timeless form, balancing European influences with Morocco’s rich architectural heritage. @atelier_architecture_khaldi
Mohammed Amine Siana
Casablanca-based architect Mohammed Amine Siana founded his practice in 2005 after graduating from the National School of Architecture in Rabat. Together with Driss Kettani and Saad El Kabbaj, he won the Taroudant University competition, setting the trajectory for his career. Subsequent projects such as Villa Z in Casablanca and Villa Butterfly in Marrakech illustrate his refined approach. @sianaarchitecte
Yachar Bouhaya
Educated at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris, Yachar Bouhaya founded his Casablanca-based studio in 2010. His work reflects a modernist clarity influenced by Jean-François Zevaco, emphasising proportion, light, and material honesty. Projects range from private homes to larger hospitality and real estate developments, with notable examples including a series of coastal villas in Dar Bouazza and the Mazagan Beach Resort extensions. @yacharbouhaya
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