A 2006 graduate from the BA Architecture course – who also did a PGDip in Architecture at Brighton – Farouk now works as both a painter and architect. Earlier this year, he was picked out for Architects Journal's “40 under 40” 2021 list of outstanding young practitioners. That accolade highlighted his work heading up collaborative London-based architectural practice .
One recent high-profile project that drew on Farouk's painting work – inspired by continuous abstraction of pattern through repetition and colours – was the striking design that now adorns the Brixton Road bridge in south London, which was inspired by string vests!
Farouk said: “Studying in Brighton, I wasn't only just studying in the city, it was my home. That relationship was instrumental in my personal growth, as it allowed for a well-rounded experience of studying, living and working. In a way it formed part of my design thoughts around people, place and community as some of my closest relationships till this day were formed by that experience.”