Studio
Architect Rafiq Azam is a renowned Bangladeshi architect who has been in practice for over 30 years and has developed a distinct style of his own. His architecture is a harmonious blend of tradition, nature, and mysticism. Nature’s tiniest elements are poetically adorned in his buildings. A house, according to him, is not only a place for humans to live but also a place for butterflies and birds to nest. Rafiq’s mastery of light and shadow, water, and the air is influenced by mysticism, as mentioned by Lalon and Tagore. His maneuvers in “green architecture” appear to be an inspiring process of energy gain rather than a mere mechanism of energy saving.
VISION:
SHATOTTO architecture for green living, vows its voyage with the intent to unearth the lost history and heritage of Bengal and recreate the missing link of its urban and rural culture. Such expedition supplements its endeavor to institute a connection of local culture and its significance with the world culture of architecture.
MISSION:
SHATOTTO architecture for green living is also trying to bridge the missing gaps between the architectural values and the current crisis of responsible architecture to generate conversation between people, community, and nature for a healthy society.
FEATURES OF THE FIRM:
• It has developed into a consultancy organization that provides consultancy for detailed planning, design and engineering for the varied and diverse discipline of projects.
• Its professional achievements include a large number of Consultancy assignments.
• It is staffed by experienced and qualified professionals.
• The professional staff of SHATOTTO architecture for green living comprises Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, and Engineers of various disciplines. SHATOTTO architecture for green living also has an active panel of associate consultants and advisors with rich experience in various fields.
• SHATOTTO architecture for green living specializes in the provision of design, supervision for clients in the governmental, private and public sectors and offers a comprehensive package of services to its clients.
SHATOTTO intends to revive the lost history & heritage of Bengal & recreate the missing link of its urban and rural culture. Such expedition supplements its endeavour to build a connection of local culture and its significance with the world culture of architecture. SHATOTTO is also trying to bridge the missing gaps between the architectural values and the current crisis of responsible architecture to create a dialogue between people, community, and nature for a healthy society. With this mission, more than 25 people are persistently working at the firm at present.
The Principal Architect of SHATOTTO architecture for green living, Md. Rafiq Azam conferred his Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1989 and participated in Glenn Muster Master Class in Australia in 2004. Since May 1995, he has been operating his own firm. He has been teaching for the last 13 years as visiting faculty in various universities such as The National University of Singapore, NED University in Pakistan, North South University, University of Asia Pacific, Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology, BRAC University Dhaka, and worked as a Research Associate at BUET. Rafiq Azam has gained many achievements in architecture and painting which includes three World Architecture Community Awards 2008-09, shortlisting in Leading European Architects Forum Award (LEAF) '09, Emerging architect of the world by Urban Land USA '08, AR Emerging Award London '07, two times finalist for Aga Khan Awards for Architecture '04 and '07, Berger Award for Excellence '07, Kenneth F. Brown Asia Pacific Culture and Design Award USA '07, four times South Asian Awards for Architecture, IAB design Award '96, Mimar Design Award London '91, Nehru Gold Medal '76, National Television Award (Notun Kuri) '76 and so on. He has lectured around the world as a keynote speaker, including RAIA, Australia, Datum KL, and Vision 2020 Malaysia, Reggio Calabria University, Italy, University of Hawaii, The Catholic University of Washington D.C, Jadavpur University, India, NCA Lahore, IAP Karachi, Pakistan and many other. His solo and group exhibits have been held in the United States, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Singapore, Germany, England, Korea, and Bangladesh, among other places. Rafiq Azam has received extensive media coverage both nationally and internationally. His projects were also published in Architectural Review & AD magazine from London, Toronto Star from Canada, Ananda Bazaar from Kolkata, D+A Singapore, Indian Architect and Builder, Architecture Asia magazine Malaysia, Design for Housing Magazine from Italy, Urban land magazine, USA, Architecture Plus from UAE, Architecture Design Art (ADA) and International Journal of Urban & Regional Planning (IJURP) magazine from Pakistan, interviewed by New Strait Times and The Star from Malaysia, Karachi Times from Pakistan, The Daily Star from Bangladesh, Financial Times London and many more. Recently, the architectural magazines "NIRMAN" from Kolkata and "SHILPO ROOP" from Bangladesh released an entire issue dedicated to Rafiq's work.
Rafiq Azam (born 29 December 1963) is a Bangladeshi architect who is principal architect at Shatotto Architecture. He graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 1989. “Shatotto” in Bangla means “doing something continuously.” Azam creates spaces and structures for one’s senses and thoughts in the context of South Asia’s past and future.
Zannat Jui is a Bangladeshi architect, system thinker, and sustainability strategist, practicing as the Head of Design of the internationally renowned firm “SHATOTTO architecture for green living” for the last eight years. She has done her master’s from the National University of Singapore on Sustainable design. Besides her professional interest, she is also engaged in Photography and received the international award on photography in Professional Category 2019. She has also won the “Young Achiever Award 2020” from India for her contribution as a young professional in the field of architecture.
As a traveler she moves to learn from architecture, merging it with her passion and profession. While visiting 25 countries, she has been video shooting for different architectures in parallel to learning through it.
She has been an associate member of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh and attended the Arcasia ACA18, Tokyo, Japan, as a Congress Delegate in 2018. She has been in the organization panel as an Organizer of the International Architecture Conference, Engage Dhaka organized by IAB in Bangladesh, and also participated in UIA-Durban,2014. She was the Juror of Photography course in Mogadishu University Architecture Department.
Zannat has been the coordinator of the Rafiq Azam Travel Bursary since 2016. Rafiq Azam Travel Bursary was launched in 2010, as a travel grant to architecture students, and running successfully in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia. She is recognized as a young emerging professional in Bangladeshi Sustainable architecture.
Sihaam Shaheed puts forth her experience in delivering architectural design both in Bangladesh and internationally. These projects include complex staged delivery methodologies and extensive project stakeholder and sub-consultant, teams. In her 16 yearlong professional career, she has worked in three top-notch architectural firms and realtor companies of Bangladesh namely SHATOTTO, Shanta Holdings Ltd. and Volume-zero Ltd. Her leadership and ability to communicate in different and at times, challenging environments allowed her to attain the best outcome throughout the process of all projects she has been affiliated to. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in architecture in 2005 from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology.
Sihaam is proficient in working as a team leader, head of design, senior architect in a number of design and construction firms, etc. which crafted her scopes to acquire experiences in residential, commercial, and mixed design, senior architects, etc. which offered her the scopes to acquire experience onto the residential, commercial and mixed-use building as well as master planning projects from beginning to end. She brings a strong focus on creating a positive interaction between spaces to each of her projects.
Sihaam Shaheed is currently working as a Senior Architect in SHATOTTO architecture for green living. She is serving as the Design Architect for the Integrated City Master Plan for Dhaka (2020-2050), a high-profile and nationally significant project for Dhaka South City Corporation.
Tohidul Islam completed his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree from Stamford University Bangladesh in 2017. He has four years of working experience in architectural design, architectural presentation drawing, detailed working drawing, project implementation, project coordination both as a team leader and a team member. Tohidul Islam is a very enthusiastic architect, content creator, and 3d visualizer.
Kamrul holds a Diploma Degree in Architecture from Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, completed in 2008. With over 15 years of professional experience, he has collaborated with world-class teams to deliver architectural solutions that are functional, safe, and aesthetically refined.
He is currently serving as Partner, Technical Operations, He leads the technical execution and quality control of projects, ensuring excellence at every stage. His expertise spans client consultation, 3D modeling, and comprehensive architectural detailing, with a strong proficiency in material and finish selection.
Kamrul is dedicated to managing projects from concept to completion, maintaining the highest standards of precision, quality, and timeless design excellence.
Owns all your cheesecake
I am Snigdha Arzoo, an architecture practitioner committed to working with diligence, patience, and professionalism. I completed my Bachelor of Architecture in 2021 from Stamford University Bangladesh.
At the beginning of my career, even prior to graduation, I served for two years as a Junior Architect in an architectural firm. Subsequently, I joined INDIGENOUS as an Architect, where I participated in a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as several national and international design competitions.
I am currently working at SHATOTTO architecture for green living as an Architect, further strengthening my professional abilities and contributing to meaningful architectural practice.
Driven by a deep passion for architecture, I continue to move forward with dedication, determination, and the aspiration to create work of lasting value.
He is a practicing Architect with a strong commitment to integrating the built environment with the natural world. His work is grounded in minimalism and modernism, with a clear focus on ecologically sensitive, nature-based, and landscape-integrated design. He obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2024 from Stamford University Bangladesh, then joined SHATOTTO Architecture for Green Living as an Architect. He received an international award as a Student Winner of the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) 2025 for his thesis project, “Mangrove Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Conservation Center, Sharankhola, Sundarbans, Bangladesh”. During his student life, he was actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including organizing events, sports festivals, and competitions related to Architecture at both the university and IAB.
He is a dedicated BSc Civil Engineer specializing in Structural Engineering, with a strong foundation in structural mechanics, advanced design methodologies, and core engineering principles. Proficient in leading structural analysis and modeling software, he consistently delivers accurate, efficient, and innovative engineering solutions. His research experience in Earthquake Engineering has deepened his understanding of structural behavior under seismic loads, seismic hazard assessment, and modern seismic design provisions. He holds practical expertise in seismic assessment and retrofitting techniques, including vulnerability evaluation, performance-based design, and the application of effective strengthening solutions such as FRP systems, base isolation, steel bracing, and energy-dissipating devices. Combining analytical rigor with practical design insight, he aims to contribute to forward-thinking infrastructure projects involving structural simulation, seismic performance evaluation, and resilience-based design. Motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous growth, he seeks to deliver engineering solutions that uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and durability.
Md. Mohiminol Islam is an experienced electrical engineer with a track record of success in the design field. He is proficient with the AutoCAD and DIALux systems. He knows several languages such as English, Arabic & German. He has some working knowledge in Python and Data Science. He graduated from the University of Information Science & Technology (UTIS) in Electrical & Electronics in 2015. He did his Master’s Degree in Applied Physics and Electronics 2019 from Jahangirnagar University (JU).