Team

Ruhul Abdin

Co-Founder, Design and Research Lead of Paraa, since its inception he has been overseeing the development of many of the diverse creative projects within the studio. His focus is on conceptual design developments, designing participatory research within projects, writing, overall strategy and planning and design education.

Kazi Arefin

Arefin is the Co-founder & Director; leading architecture, design and strategy at Paraa. He works across formal & informal sectors, producing creative & socially just projects through design research, participatory design-making, and multidisciplinary design education. His recognitions include highest distinction & Chancellor’s Gold Medal from BRAC University, IAB-Berger Excellence Award from Institute of Architects Bangladesh, UIA Medal of Excellence for Inclusive Public Space from Union of International Architects, and V&A Residency at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. His interests include strategic design, democratic & decentralized tools, and urban program innovation.

Tarannum Ali Nibir

Tarannum Ali Nibir is a multidisciplinary artist, researcher, and filmmaker whose work explores memory, resilience, and social justice. With over 15 years of experience in qualitative research and communication, their practice weaves together storytelling, community engagement, and upcycled art. Through both research and creative expression, they seek to uncover hidden strengths within people and places, reimagining vulnerability as a space for connection and transformation.

A S M Khaled Saif Ullah

Architect and project manager. Khaled oversees architectural and interior design projects, manages technical coordination and administers digital production of shop / working drawings, procurements and design supervision.

Sharara Khan

Sharara is an architect by training, with primary interests in interior and fashion design. She divides her time between the studio and her own business venture. She supports some of the project's development and manages liaison with supporters and clients.

Ayesha Chowdhury

Ayesha Rahman Chowdhury is an Urban Research Coordinator at Paraa, keen on exploring the roles of arts and culture in urban place-making, some of which Ayesha attempts to do at SHALA_Neighbourhood Art Space. Ayesha is academically trained in Social Anthropology, and is interested in the mechanisms of Globalization and Urbanization, Post-colonial and feminist Urban Studies, and Place-making.

S M Kaikobad

Kaikobad is an architect with experience in designing, making, and teaching, with key interests in advanced design and production. He has been involved in the studio’s Korail project, student design competition, and the Moja Kori Design Festival. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in architecture at MIT.

Abdul Kadir

Kadir is an architect who oversees the studio’s architectural, interior, and product design work. His interests lie in drawing, plantation, model making, and installation. With a hands-on approach, he explores the relationship between form, material, and environment through iterative making and detail-oriented processes.

Robindranath Sarkar Robi

Robi is an engineer and construction manager with experience in construction processes across both formal and informal contexts and abroad. He oversees the studio’s construction division, managing procurement, site operations, and construction supervision.

Fahim Bin Hamid

Fahim Bin Hamid is an assistant urban researcher at Paraa, dedicated to exploring solutions for urban challenges. With a passion for a sustainable and equal society, Fahim envisions a future where communities thrive harmoniously with arts and culture.

Farhin Iqbal

Farhin is an architect with experience in well-regarded mainstream practice prior to joining Paraa. She administers digital design workflows and the generation of design documents for the studio’s architectural, interior, landscape, and other creative projects.

Adit Dewan

Adit is a filmmaker and curator, and the Programme Curator of SHALA, a neighbourhood art space run by Paraa. He belongs to the Chakma indigenous community of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and is the co-founder and current director of the Hill Film Festival, which focuses on indigenous language films of Bangladesh. Adit is a recipient of the Seed Award and Moving Narratives Fellowship from the Prince Claus Fund, and the CISA Fellowship from the Goethe-Institut New Delhi and Khoj. Not Only the Ants’ Story (2024) is his recent film.

Mahbub Ratan

Mahbub is the Space Manager of SHALA, a neighbourhood art space run by Paraa at Aloki in Tejgaon. He oversees the gallery’s day-to-day operations, technical coordination and additionally supports its curatorial activities.

Nasib Ahsan

Nasib Ahsan is working as a digital content creator at Paraa, He is a visual storyteller, writer, educator. With a background in Media Studies and Journalism from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Nasib specializes in interactive storytelling that inspires and engages communities. Nasib’s work spans video production, photography, teaching, and development communication.

Habibur Rahman

Habib is the master tailor and pattern cutter at Paraa’s sustainable fashion and embodiment studio, CHOL. He is keen on exploring recycled materials and experimental making processes.

Fahim

Fahim is the office assistant at the studio, responsible for managing the space and supplies. He is eager to learn about administration and enjoys supporting studio members.