TeaM Members
Nahed Jawad Chakouf
Dr. Nahed Chakouf is the founder and lead architectural designer of NJ Architecture, bringing over 20 years of international experience across practice, research, and teaching. Her career began at Zaha Hadid Architects, where she contributed to landmark projects including the Signature Towers in Dubai and the Kunst Museum in Basel.Through NJ Architecture, Nahed has led a range of projects in London, from bespoke residential homes and loft conversions to cultural installations and pavilions. Her design approach is defined by a balance of craft, sustainability, and innovation, always tailored to client needs and context.Alongside practice, Nahed is a researcher and educator whose work explores Islamic geometry, computational design, and digital fabrication. This dual role enriches the studio’s perspective, ensuring that each project bridges tradition and contemporary design thinking.
Matthew Johnston
Over the course of his career, Matthew has worked for number of award-winning architectural practices including two of the world’s most renowned design offices: UN Studio and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA).
During his time at UN Studio, Matthew worked on both the World Trade Centre Competition and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. However, his principal involvement was with the recently completed Arnhem Centraal Masterplan, where he formed part of a small team that was responsible for masterplan coordination as well as for the design and execution of the project’s centerpiece, the Transfer Hall.
Matthew has developed the unique set of skills that allow him to deal with complex geometries. These include both advanced 3D modelling and parametric design techniques, as well as an advanced understanding of how to work with both structural and services engineers in order to create fully integrated designs.
