Zaha Hadid: brave and resilient innovator, futurist, renaissance woman. Zaha viewed architecture as a tool for how people interact with space and paved her own way in an industry notoriously known for being a boy’s club. A true master of design, her work spanned not only structures, but also interior design, furniture, and fashion. Her imagination was limitless.

Her buildings seem to define rather than occupy the space they hold, and each holds a distinct identity in the surroundings on which they stand. I’m drawn to the unexpected movements of her buildings and the way she is able to manipulate angles and curves to create character. 

Described as a ‘futurist’ amongst her peers, her imagination propelled her forward and allowed her to view things as they had never been seen before. It’s this idea that speaks to me the most, her relentless pursuit to look forward and motivation to make the impossible possible. She delighted in risk and the unknown, which brought her to create a dream world within reality. She was often told that her vision could not be built, which instead of deterring her, left her determined to find a way. To me, Zaha embodies the strength of believing in yourself and allowing yourself to defy expectations.