We were lucky to catch up with Juliana Touma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Juliana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

We create a more inclusive architecture firm by supporting working caregivers. For example we schedule meetings before children are released from schools or daycares. We also plan project deadlines that consider school holidays and children sick days from school. We inform our clients that the firm employees or consultants have families and other responsibilities that must be managed along side their project.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Juliana Touma, RA, is the founder and principal of Atelier Akari Architecture which is based in Miami Florida. For the past 19 years Juliana has been known for her creative vision and dedication to the craft of architecture, design and building. She has had a hand in designing and the construction of private residences as well as commercial spaces including the Manoush showroom in Paris France, the Friday Media Group office in Miami and most recently the New Parliament of Jamaica, acting through the Houston based firm Hines Architecture and Design

Juliana began her career in architecture as a student at the University of Miami interning for the summer in Boca Raton with KCA Design Group Inc. Juliana then went on to work with many other firms which include; the Historical Detroit based firm Howard Sims Design Group Inc, local Miami Professional Structural Engineer Hoshmand Vaziri, and Coral Gables based firm Eastshore Architects

Juliana obtained her Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from the University of Miami in 2005. She then continued to work full time for Eastshore Architects as a junior architect designing high-end residences in South Florida and the Caribbean. While at Eastshore Architects, Juliana was also a part-time adjunct with Florida International University and the Design Senior High School in Miami where she taught computer aided drafting courses

While completing her Master of Geography, Planning/Zoning, Environment, Logistics and Trade at the University of Paris Sorbonne IV, she worked for the local Parisian architecture studio Arnaud Thomassian and Guillaum LeClercq. During her time in Paris her client list grew to include: Clarins,
Berluti, Manoush Showroom and Manoush Boutiques.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

We are very honest with our clients, especially with the timeline and budget. Many times this information is disappointing because either the timeline is too long or the budget is too high. All in all the clients always respect that fact that we tried our best to prepare them for the journey of design and construction.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Networking, networking and a little luck !

Contact Info:

• Website: www.atelierakari.com
• Instagram: atelierakari_
• Linkedin: atelier akari architecture