A recent transplant from New York, Kareem was drawn to 3North for its deep ties to Richmond and its work with the city’s cultural institutions. With a background in painting and economics, he took a non-traditional path to architecture, drawn by its collaborative and creative nature. Kareem believes well-designed spaces–from homes to museums–shape how we experience each other and reflect what society values. His design inspiration comes from the visual arts, including bold palettes of the Fauvists, the atmospheric work of James Turrell and Olafur Eliasson, and the precise detailing of Donald Judd furniture.
Outside the studio, Kareem maintains an active oil painting practice focused on domestic interiors and portraits, where he experiments with color and observation. He enjoys hiking, collecting non-functional ceramics, reading science fiction, and discovering new breakfast spots.
Kareem received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Studio Art for The College of William & Mary, and earned his Master in Architecture from the University of British Columbia He is a registered architect in both New York and Virginia.