“Alhamdulillah, I have completed my one month internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates, my experience with this place was phenomenal, I had the opportunity of working, with different Architects.

The work of Marvi Mazhar speaks itself of heritage, while there are very few firms that focuses on the heritage, I had the golden chance of working at a heritage property in Karachi, this experience opened my eyes, showed me a different perspective of heritage preservation, for example I saw how can we preserve the heritage buildings in Karachi, where so much of our history is at risk of being forgotten or demolished, I learned valuable hands on skills and experience in how architectural interventions can help build safeguards, further I worked on two different projects in which I designed the detailed maps of Karachi that categorized key community spaces, including libraries, art galleries and museums. This project enhanced my understanding of the layers of urban planning and how community focused design can enhance public engagement with the city, for the third project I worked on footpath illustration and design for various zones in Karachi.

Overall I had fantastic journey filled with challenges and struggle of a student, the Marvi Mazhar Associates (MMA) team also helped and cooperated with me and their guidance was invaluable.”

“I am glad that I got a chance to work at Marvi Mazhar and Associates. It was very informative. I visited a heritage site with an approach to preserving it for the first time. I learned some bylaws regarding the preservation of heritage architecture. Visiting heritage sites helped me understand the identity of this city’s architecture and how it was formed under different community and social stances. The architectural identity of those buildings, which were made in the colonial era but strictly followed elements of Orientalism, was surprising. It was shocking to realize how people at that time perceived it and brought it to Karachi when there was no social media.

Other than that, the +921 talks were the heart of the internship, linking heritage of all kinds together. It helped me understand that the traditions and heritage (food, festivals, stories, myths, artifacts, forests, climate, educational institutions, etc.) that we have been ignoring for decades were the key to binding people together and making communities grow stronger. As a Gen Z, I understood how our urban fabric is impacting our mindsets and how it is connected to one’s psychology and is a main ingredient in shaping the identity of individual and whole community. I realized that preserving intangible heritage is the need of the hour and understood the crisis we are going to face. I would like to give a big shout-out to my internship fellows, because of their hard work, I got an opportunity to learn and reshape my vision.

I learned about different clauses and activities happening in the city from Ma’am Marvi. I am glad she is highlighting the importance of urban forestation and awareness. I hope people understand how much it will impact us if we don’t stop urban deforestation as well as coastal deforestation (Mangrove Forests). More power to Marvi and the whole team for the projects that will reshape the urban fabric of the old town and help this city become an identical case study throughout the globe, as it was in the past.
Looking ahead to working with them again. Love to Bisco (Mistoo) and poco (Coco) :P
”

“I recently completed a transformative two-month architectural internship with Marvi Mazhar Associates in Karachi, Pakistan. Initially interested in heritage and preservation, I quickly learned their critical importance. Political issues and a lack of government interest have left our heritage deteriorating and at risk of demolition. Under Marvi Mazhar’s guidance, I developed a deep appreciation for architectural advocacy and the necessity of being politically active as both a resident and an architect.

The internship highlighted the deteriorating state of heritage buildings globally, especially in Karachi and Pakistan, and stressed the urgency of protecting them from exploitation. I greatly admire Marvi Mazhar’s dedication to preservation and her relentless advocacy for our heritage. Her mentorship significantly enhanced my analytical skills, instilled a sense of social responsibility, and emphasized sustainability in architectural practices. I am now more committed than ever to becoming a politically engaged architect, upholding my principles, and advocating for enduring causes. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I received and am eager to apply the lessons I learned to my future architectural endeavors.
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“Participating in the summer internship program has been an exceptional and transformative experience, providing me with invaluable knowledge and skills. As a student who has just completed my first semester, I gained diverse insights into site analysis, data collection, proposal drafting, and using AutoCAD.

One of the most enriching aspects of the internship was working on the restoration of three heritage sites. This involved visiting the sites and engaging in detailed analysis of the buildings. It was fascinating to explore these structures in depth, gaining an understanding of the design processes and materials used during their original construction. This hands-on experience allowed me to appreciate the architectural significance and historical context of these heritage sites, deepening my passion for preservation and adaptive reuse in architecture.

Additionally, the +921 talks provided fresh and thought-provoking perspectives on key architectural issues, sparking important discussions and raising awareness. The talks covered a wide range of topics, including sustainable design approach to heritage, modern heritage and preservation of culinary culture,and providing a comprehensive view of the current and past trends in architecture and how they impact our society and culture. These talks are very important conversations that need more awareness and not just amongst architects to shape a better future for the city.

Overall, the practical experience and knowledge I have acquired during this internship have significantly enriched my understanding and boosted my confidence. The skills I have developed and the insights I have gained will undoubtedly benefit me throughout my academic journey and future career in architecture. This internship has not only reinforced my passion for the field but has also equipped me with the tools and perspectives necessary to make meaningful contributions to the world of architecture.
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“My internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates provided me with valuable experience and gave me the opportunity to visit and work on projects that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible until later in my student life. I became proficient in softwares like Adobe Photoshop and Autocad, which polished my architectural skills. I was able to observe and work on the technical aspect of planning and designing.

Over the course of 2 months, I worked consistently on the research of buildings and its
location, its analysis and their floor plans. I got to learn so much about my own city and its bylaws related to heritage and preservation when I went on site visits with the team around the old town in Saddar. Because of this, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation about architecture and how important it is in preserving our history and culture.

Throughout the summer, I gained extensive knowledge about different religions and castes while working and researching on the projects, which gave me a much better understanding. Moreover, I got to work with architects who are already way more experienced than me and I can only dream of reaching the same level as them. My time interning at MMA was very crucial in my development and grooming as an architecture student, as I feel that it will help me in my future projects at university.
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“I recently completed a transformative two-month architectural internship with Marvi Mazhar Associates in Karachi, Pakistan. Throughout this experience, I delved into the rich heritage and history of the city, gaining invaluable insights into its architecture, political landscape, and the challenges faced by historically significant buildings due to the influence of land mafias and political interests.

Under the guidance of our mentor, Marvi Mazhar, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of architectural advocacy and the need to be politically active as both a resident and an architect. The internship empowered me to understand the deteriorating state of heritage buildings in Karachi and the urgency to protect them from exploitation for personal gain.

Marvi Mazhar’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental in shaping my analytical skills, fostering a sense of social responsibility, and emphasizing the importance of sustainability in architectural practices. I am now more determined than ever to be a politically charged architect, standing by my principles and advocating for causes that transcend time.

In conclusion, my time at Marvi Mazhar Associates was a transformative and enlightening experience. It instilled in me a passion for preserving heritage, advocating for architectural integrity, and being an active agent of change in my community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided, and I am eager to apply the invaluable lessons learned throughout my future architectural endeavors.”

“Being a part of the internship program at “Marvi Mazhar & Associates” was a fantastic experience that was well beyond my expectations. I had a wonderful time during my internship and gained valuable knowledge about the field and heritage, as well as the bylaws and history of Karachi. I worked on several exciting projects including Old Clifton mapping, Frere Hall Diagnostic, Dumlottee Wells of Malir, and Interior design of laboratory of school that I believe would be valuable additions to my portfolio. The internship provided me with invaluable insights into the real-world application of my studies and helped me develop essential skills that will undoubtedly shape my future career.

Marvi mazhar’s mentorship and guidance played a vital role in enhancing my practical abilities and heritage research skills. I was encouraged to explore new ideas, which raised a dynamic and creative learning environment. One of the standout aspects of this internship was the exposure to challenging projects. I was given opportunities to work on meaningful assignments that directly impacted Marvi Mazhar and Associates, allowing me to see the direct impact of my efforts. This hands-on experience has given me a profound sense of accomplishment and reinforced my passion for the field. Additionally, emphasized teamwork and collaboration, which has been crucial in nurturing a sense of companionship among interns and employees alike. I felt like a valuable part of the team, which boosted my confidence and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for the enriching experience I gained during my time as an intern. I wholeheartedly recommend “Marvi Mazhar & Associates” internship program to any aspiring professional looking to start their career in a supportive and dynamic environment.”

“My internship at Marvi Mazhar and Associates was a wonderful learning experience. This month-long excursion was challenging but fun. Even though I lacked experience, M’aam Marvi pushed me to learn, grow, and try new things. During my time here I worked on a rehabilitation project. It was very exciting to go on my first site visit, make my first-ever 3D model and see the whole project come to life. I got the amazing opportunity to work with architects who taught me more than I could have ever anticipated. I also got to learn a great deal about what it is like to be an architect in the real world. As an architecture student, I will use this experience to open new doors, investigate fresh angles, and advance my studies. I want to express my gratitude to Ma’am Marvi for such a memorable opportunity.

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“My internship with Marvi Mazhar and associates was unique, as it was for two-weeks, but I still managed to learned so much not just about Karachi, but also about byelaws and institutions related to heritage for the province of Sindh. The task that me and my team were given was very interesting as well. We were to do secondary research and write an investigative report on the current situation pertaining to our Heritage sites in old town.

My gaze used to get stuck whenever I passed the old town, on our beautiful, historic, and heritage sites. I used to wonder who lived inside them, what’s their story, why are some left to deteriorate on their own. At this internship I got to write for these sites and buildings, I had the opportunity for letting the rest get aware of how we are letting our history disappear piece by piece, or brick by brick.

Throughout the internship I read, analyzed and understood the situation and transcribed interviews of some of renowned environmentalist and social researchers. Working with other students and getting their feedback when stuck is something I appreciated. Learning how to frame the issue, and writing smartly through research, are two main aspects that I got to enhance my writing skills at. My writing and the cause for which I was writing were aligned which I haven’t got the opportunity to exercise much, so I really appreciated my time here, and my cause here. I hope the city can achieve fruitful results from all of our efforts. ”

“This internship was a great learning experience because I got the opportunity to extensively apply my theoretical understanding of policy making and development in the context of heritage conservation. Over the course of the internship, we exclusively worked with Marvi Mazhar who guided us through the process of writing a comprehensive research paper on heritage conservation. We did elaborate secondary research on the condition of heritage in Sindh and performed a policy analysis of the same. Through the research and writing process, we understood the politics and functions of relevant government organizations while diving deep into how important it is to conserve the heritage of the city. It was overall an excellent experience which polished my team working and communication skills and provided me with the confidence to take on challenging research opportunities because they indeed prove to be intellectually rewarding.
I also learnt a great deal about architecture and how important its role is in shaping the history and culture of the society. There were many people involved in making the research paper a reality which gave me the opportunity to converse with people different educational backgrounds such as illustration and design. Since we were all working as a team, I learnt a great deal about how to connect visuals with qualitative information. Towards the end of the internship, we also transcribed some interviews.”

“My experience working with Marvi Mazhar Associates and Pakistan Chowk Community Center has been enriching in so many ways. My two-week long internship introduced me to the heritage preservation laws in Sindh and Pakistan and their history, and I was able to use my existing knowledge to conduct a policy analysis based on secondary research. Working closely with Marvi Mazhar was a privilege in itself as she provided extensive background on the topic, the past trends and current political dynamics of the issue, all of which helped me analyze the case through a holistic lens. Understanding the geography of Karachi and understanding the division of zones, as well as their importance was very eye-opening and truly fascinating. Transcribing interviews of renowned architects also added value to my research.

Besides that, this internship provided me an opportunity to work with a team from diverse educational backgrounds and majors which not only helped me expand my horizons but also helped me expand my social network. Working in a team and collaborating to put together one piece of publication demands clear communication, flexibility and coordination, all of which were the skills I was able to polish during my internship at PCCC. ”

“In search for an internship opportunity that would broaden my experience and strengthen my skills, I was told about Marvi Mazhar by my school counselor very briefly. Not deeply familiar, I did some research regarding her work, explored her website, and looked into various initiatives led by her. Although I was immediately inspired and interested, I noticed that MMA’s usual intern intake is of university students. Being a high school student, I was unsure as to whether or not I would be given an opportunity. Regardless, I decided that I would reach out to her. Surprisingly, I was met with a very quick and positive response to my inquiry after which my internship was confirmed. Although slightly nervous, I was looking forward to beginning this journey considering it was a new path for me that I had not explored previously.

The very first step of my internship involved me partaking in the Heritage Walk Karachi which is also a PCCC initiative. This walk, alone, opened up my eyes to unique areas of Karachi that I previously viewed from a very surface-level perspective. Under the lead of a guide, I explored the heritage packed streets of Old Town Karachi. From the get-go, Marvi ensured that my contributions were backed by rich interest and determination which was enabled by her thorough involvement throughout.

On a general level, my internship consisted of organizing systems, setting up and implementing a media plan for website/social media revival, collection of research data, archiving, and organizing a future internship program. Each step of the way, I learned unique skills and this was particularly facilitated due to the fact that my work was largely independent and hence, tackling responsibility allowed me to largely enhance my abilities. Organization of systems provided me with the ability to effectively classify and group systems, while also controlling different aspects (e.g: website, social media) on my own. Similarly, setting up a media plan enabled me to enrich my thought process in order to cater to varying audiences, a significant skill to have. A very valuable aspect also included the collection of research data (e.g: examining and formulating case studies for dilapidated buildings, identifying issues, quotations) as this gave me first-hand experience of the workings of research, the depth of common workings, and the use of specific formats; my interest in research was increasingly amplified. Overall, the immense responsibility I was given provided me an opportunity to prove my abilities which certainly strengthened my approach to such tasks. Beyond that, however, I can confidently say that this internship has had a strong impact on my interests and experience. Contributing a large amount of time led me to explore the exclusive aspects of heritage, research, and initiative. Previously being a student who has not delved into fields such as this, I was fortunate to have received this experience given that it changed this for me and has encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone. Whether it involved me partaking in the heritage walk, or archiving for research regarding Sabeen Mahmud, on a personal level, the determination and rich involvement I witnessed during my time with Marvi Mazhar truly inspired me and allowed me to feel that any and all workings are significant in the larger scheme. As a student, I can undoubtedly say that this was far from a mainstream, surface level internship that ranged beyond just the purpose of fulfilling time. I’m grateful to have received this experience and am sure that it will prove extremely helpful in the future. ”

“Interning at Marvi Mazhar and associates has been an amazing and very knowledgeable experience. During the two months of internship I got to learn about various techniques and strategies of Research and its execution. Also the water ground relationship has been a greater part of study which tends to shift my perspective to think on the grounds on which I never thought before and evokes sensitivity towards nature and its species. It has been a great course of time and learning and I really wish to learn more and be part of such initiatives in future as well.”

“My time working with Marvi Mazhar was an eye-opening and enjoyable experience that I not only learnt a great deal from but grew from as well. My position as a research assistant gave me the privilege to hone my research skills that I am now able to use to my advantage in the future.

I worked closely with Marvi for roughly 4 months, carrying out research projects assigned by her. This included researching South Asian case studies of international organizations, activists, NGO’s, non-profit and government organizations related to heritage conservation, urban development and raising awareness. The research included works in Pakistan as well. I compiled and presented this research to the students of Karachi University - where Marvi had been teaching a course on Built Heritage - to show them the ropes of how to prepare the Heritage Awareness Campaign that they and Marvi were to lead. Throughout this course, I acted as a teacher’s assistant, attending each class, taking down notes and working along with the students. My other assignments included web-based research on public-private partnership projects and their critiques, web-based research on Marvi Mazhar, PCCC and Heritage Walk Karachi-related articles.

Although this was all done entirely online, the material I learnt through attending classes, going on the Heritage Walk and researching all these projects really sparked my interest in urban design and the built cultural heritage of Pakistan. Experiencing this before going to university myself to study this very subject also allowed me to learn from the students as well as Marvi in what is expected of a student by a teacher. Marvi herself acted as a mentor and guided me throughout this internship. Observing her work ethic and drive inspired me as well, which is why I am now more determined to do well in the future and be a part of the larger conversation surrounding conservation and urban development.”

“ Over the course of the last four weeks, I was a part of the research internship done at Marvi Mazhar & Associates. During this time, we worked on two projects, Public Parks of Karachi and Irani Cafes. With this internship, I was able to further refine my research skills. As an aspiring policy developer, the Public Parks project gave a lot of insight into the ground realities of the city and how does one collect and document data. I was able to do both field and desk work which I feel was perfectly balanced. The Public parks project raised important questions which I hadn’t thought of before but are quite important for policy development, for instance the sustainability of a certain project and its social and environmental impact. Moreover, documenting the Irani cafes gave a completely new perspective on the changing urban patterns in the city and its communities. This part of the internship also made me take notes which I’m rather thankful for because jotting down little snippets is quite useful as it makes one retain all the information that much better. I also learnt bits about design and architecture of public spaces, and I think this is going to be one of the topics I’ll be delving into more in the coming future. I also plan on getting some design skills as I feel they are an important tool to make your research reach a wider audience. ”

“Over the course of the last 4 weeks, I have worked consistently as part of a team to research and develop MMA’s projects on Irani Cafes and Karachi’s Public Parks. It has been a real pleasure working with Uzayr and Ghania who were extremely helpful in giving us guidance and direction. Arooma and Javeria were great partners and I thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in the office, whom I’d like to thank for welcoming me. My responsibilities were quite varied, ranging from historical research, documentation and report writing to conducting oral history interviews and fieldwork. I worked primarily on researching and writing the text for the Irani Cafe Report, and was involved in the fieldwork for Irani cafes, observing the cafes, photographing them for spatial analysis, and participating in the interviews with owners. I was also involved in fieldwork for the Karachi Parks project in which I visited three parks (Quaid Mazar, Hill Park and Kidney Hill Park) and worked on the text for those park reports. In addition, I set up interviews with elders who were visitors to the Irani cafes in their heyday, compiling and organising the interview questions. The internship program was incredibly useful in driving me through practical opportunities to utilize and hone my research skills. Working with the team to conceive the reports was incredibly rewarding because our diverse backgrounds allowed for dialogue and discussion that gave our work more nuance. I would certainly recommend the program for the office’s amazing environment alone. The work going on there is vital to Karachi’s history. It was a great pleasure and incredibly inspiring to work with Marvi for her ideas, work ethic and guidance. I’m incredibly grateful and proud of what I did in my brief time there and hope to be back sometime in the future.”

“I interned at Marvi Mazhar & Associates under a Pakistan Chowk Community Centre projects documentation of Public Parks and Irani Café’s. My experience has been unlike any other receiving first hand practice, participating in documenting the relevance of cultural heritage, coming up with solutions to challenges on spot and team work. This internship not only motivated me to know more about my city as I had never traveled to most of the places we visited for field work, but also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I had never walked the roads of Saddar before, and never would have if it wasn’t for this internship, it felt highly empowering to do so. Mainly, it helped me in the application of what I am studying for my degree and refined my perception of what I want to do in the future.”

“Internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates// PCCC was an enriching experience. It was not only rigorous in terms of field work but was very academically challenging as well.
As a student pursuing Social Development Policy, I learned essential skills of developing research and the methodology to pursue it the right way.
The foremost thing I would love to thank MMA for, is the opportunity to co-author the article: How development undid sea view.
The projects that I really liked working for and was whole heartedly invested in were: The Sea View Development project, Heritage walk activism campaign, and The Arrival City. These projects did not only provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by a city like Karachi but gave me the opportunity to engage actively in the discourse around the refugee crisis, development, and heritage.
It was a challenging yet welcoming working environment. I would highly encourage and recommend people to intern at PCCC. ”

“The internship proved to be a beneficial and insightful learning experience, allowing me to utilize my skills to the maximum while aiding richly to my learning experience.
The research work has allowed me to expand upon my knowledge bank. The field work has helped me step out and navigate spaces. There has been a lot of work back and forth and it has been challenging to meet the deadlines, however it has bettered my work ethic. The work in itself has been very interesting and the right mix of research as well as going out on the field and interacting real time. There has been a lot of collaborative effort and it has all taught me to navigate spaces as well as being introduced to a diverse set of people who all have some unique insight to offer.
My favorite projects have been working on the exhibition related to the Afghan Refugee crisis and documenting their experience, the collaborative exhibition really bridged gaps between vastly different communities while reflecting on the global refugee and immigrant question.
Researching on mangroves brought back memories from my favorite social studies classes in school, exploring the link of environmental disaster with the unprecedented urban development has awakened a sense of emergency and the idea of doing something towards it.
All in all, from learning about the old town heritage of Karachi to exploring the sea view coastline and questioning the development while asking important questions about the conservation of historic architecture, this internship has enriched my experience and made me a much better, socially aware citizen.
I will not only miss the workplace but all the co interns that I befriended and the rare chance to go explore the city on foot during field visits.
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“Interning at Marvi Mazhar and Associate has been a great experience. The interning period helped me in grooming my skills and overall thinking towards a professional environment.
The projects handed to me includes old town mapping, survey of the site and the mapping of JPMC ,which was a great experience and l learnt the true essence of our country through the architecture of old town, getting to know the history of them while interviewing the families residing there.
To me it was a great and meaning full experience and will love to do it again anytime.”

“Marvi Mazhar & Associates is an esteemed and renowned firm providing opportunities a plenty to potential architects to learn and grow holistically. I have not only learnt through experience but also through observation, on how to put forth and document tasks, how to study and analyze in surveys and much more. The research projects that were delegated to me were of immense significance in terms of my growth. Moreover, I gained an insight of the overall work environment. MMA provides a promising environment for learning and exposure. Overall, my experience was productive and I would love to join you again.”

“This was my first internship at Marvi Mazhar and Associates and it had been an insightful experience. Before, I didn’t had much understanding of software but now I can work on various commands.
During my internship period, I got to know about city mapping and learnt the importance of historic buildings. I worked on two projects, JPMC and an old chowk in Saddar Town. Through my visit to the old quarters, I interviewed different people and took their views regarding the project being carried which was a meaningful experience. I never had the chance of carrying out such survey in University projects.
Moreover the environment at MMA was comfortable and the team was helpful towards the interns. It was a beautiful and learning experience overall.”

“Working at Marvi Mazhar’s, provides you with a sound knowledge of how architecture firms operate in the dynamic conditions of a metropolitan city like Karachi. After working at Marvi Mazhar Associates, I gained an understanding and appreciation of architecture in depth that I could not have gained in school otherwise. Moreover, the exposure to sustainability and heritage planning allowed me to decide what particular type of Architecture and design I wanted to pursue. Overall, my time at Marvi Mazhar’s was a positive and fulfilling time with the office team more than willing to assist me along my career. ”

“It had been a great experience to work with Marvi Mazhar and Associates, where I got the opportunity to work on architectural design and planning, in a professional setting through various projects of heritage and conservation. Site visits to Halai Residence, Jhufelhurst School and National Foods gave me hands on experience of field work which was very knowledgeable. Participating in the research and archiving of Jufelhurst School and Mangalore Tiles helped in understanding what measures one must take to sensitively approach a conservation project of a heritage building. It had been an honor to get a small glimpse of the HAP, which is an amazing initiative by MMA. In all, I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Thank you so much for the opportunity.”

“Interning for Marvi Mazhar and Associates was a great and an insightful experience where I was a part of documenting the tombs of
Suhagan ,Duhagan and the Mohammad bin Qasim mosque. I got to study the geometry and the complexity involved in its architecture. Interning for Marvi Mazhar and Associates also helped me shape up my thoughts for my thesis as I felt the value and connection in designing for the unprivileged. My thesis was based on a Katchi Abbadi in Islamabad. I visited her during my thesis and worked out most of my work in her library where she helped me be gain a better perspective of the design strategies and practical responsibilities of an architect when it comes to slums. One of the greatest benefits that I have received is knowing that I actually enjoy doing what I have been studying for”

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar and Associates not only instilled in me great love and pride for our built heritage, it was beyond fun. Would gladly do it all over again!”

“You literally went above and beyond to help me out during my internship with you. I love the fact how you are always ready to help your students, you are one great architect to work with. Thank you so much for believing in me and giving me a chance. ”

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar and Associates helped me realise how a strong and passionate woman can not only survive but get ahead in a clearly male dominating field of career. It was really fun learning about the beautiful heritage outlet country has to offer and I would definitely do it again!”

“My internship at Marvi Mazhar and Associates was an experience that I’ll never forget. It was liberating in all aspects and helped me discover my profound love for heritage and its importance. It is certainly because of my time at the firm that I learned managing practicality and incorporating that with my talent.”

“Over the course of past four weeks, I worked on two projects; A Girl’s School in PECHS and Alizay Bashir Residence. Purely architectural work helped me polish my software skills. I was able to observe and learn the technical aspect of planning and designing of both; a public building as well as a private residential building. My Internship experience at Marvi Mazhar & Associates gave me insight into a professional working environment, how an architectural firm functions and the dynamics of working in this field. In conclusion, my training at MMA was crucial in my development as a student of architecture. I will take the skills and lessons I learnt and apply them to my next academic project.”

“Summer 2020, with COVID plaguing the city, I wasn’t sure if I could find an internship that would help me explore areas of study pertaining to the urban landscape of my city, a field that I have recently come across and often found myself excitedly reading about. However, with something as unpredictable as COVID radically changing the city and its academic field, bizarrely Marvi Mazhar and Associates (MMA) was able to provide me with the space and opportunities to study Karachi’s built and natural environment.
During the course of my internship, I was able to work on multifarious projects such as studying and writing a report on the changes brought to Karachi’s dying coastline due to supposed developmental activities occurring on its bordering land and even larger macro level issues spanning across the city. It enabled me to critically look at my city’s urbanizing climate and through maps, primary and secondary data, be able to translate information into comprehensively researched but simply written reports that can easily help disseminate information, ideas and research to a wider audience. I was finally able to understand that my work was not for me now, it wasn’t about being a good assignment or paper, it was about being a tool that could help shed light on issues that surround all citizens.
Additionally, I learned how interdisciplinary research is a product of team work, avid learning of multiple fields and the use of many research methods for data collection, including but not limited to digital documentation, perusing policies, interviews, listening, observation and assessing the very geography of our city through maps. Fortunately, I was able to work on other projects as well such as writing a report on the dying heritage of Karachi – Art Deco architecture and interior, on People’s Archive (a PCCC project) and advocating for a better rehabilitation process for Empress Market and the affected traders and vendors during its anti-encroachment drive. Being able to work on a diverse array of projects, all falling under different areas of City Planning enabled me to explore my areas of interest. I understood that data is always being generated but it needs to be brought out for the naked eye and that starts with documentation and dissemination.
However, I was nervous to write about topics I had just recently started studying but gratefully, my supervisor, Marvi Mazhar, was kind enough to be willing to answer all my questions and she would often sit and teach me foreign concepts that I hadn’t previously studied. I’m glad that I could work in a space that made me learn so much about myself, my work, my city and the field that I hope to study and work in. I have left MMA with many answers but thankfully, with even more questions.
Last but not the least, working at MMA helped me communicate. As an undergraduate student, my work was either received by a professor or peers in the same field. However, I learned to finally understand that more than being able to collect data and research on our city’s urban issues, it is imperative that we learn to communicate them to everyone by making information accessible. Be it through creating a well-designed report that keeps the readers interested, using language that is precise and simple or stepping out of our bubbles and learning to engage with governmental institutions. The key being engagement and not restricted or exclusive academic circles. ”

“Interning with Marvi Mazhar & Associates was an experience that I’ll never forget. In our society the world is seen by men’s eye, Marvi made me realise how strong and passionate woman can not only survive in this male dominating field but can also be successful in their careers. Her passion towards heritage is remarkable which inspired me to have pride in our built heritage. It was a great learning experience, would gladly love to do it again!”

“An Internship at Marvi Mazhar & Associates is truly a privilege. This was my first internship and I walked in through the turquoise framed door with minimal tools, but she pushed me to navigate what were ‘foreign waters’ to me and allowed me to feel safe in her studio environment. Working under a powerhouse like Marvi Mazhar as a young woman myself, who is striving to achieve the same place and respect as a man in a developing country like Pakistan, was an enriching experience. In addition to acquiring working skills, I also gained behavioural knowledge on how to carry oneself with professionalism and grace whilst managing stressful stimuli on the daily.
Is was an honour to be able to work closely with her during this pandemic and be able to witness and learn from her vigour, concern and dedication towards our city, design projects, her fur babies and the people around her! ”

“I started interning at MMA in June 2020, and continued through mid-September 2020. Because of the pandemic, I was one of the very few people interning with Marvi this summer. The main project I worked on was a research project on land reclamation and ecology along Seaview, published in DAWN as “Reclaiming Karachi’s Edge”. Marvi had been planning this project since Karachi’s initial lockdown, and had been conducting site visits and documenting the ecology along the strip of beach from China Port till Emaar. As soon as I started, Marvi guided me to research land reclamation for a few weeks before moving on to the writing and collaborating aspect of the project. We went on site visits to China Port and Phase VIII, and documented and observed what had been happening on the ground. The research process was intensive, and thorough. We took our time compiling our work, conducting interviews, and deciding how to present our project to the public in a way that would spread awareness so that perhaps something can be done about the issues we raised. The response we got was immense, and I was glad to see many people realising that Karachi’s natural environment is not something that should be taken for granted any longer. I worked on other projects as well, including a proposal on rehabilitating Empress Market to reintegrate the markets that were demolished, and a research essay on the architectural style of Art Deco, and its influences on Karachi’s built environment.
Working with Marvi this summer was a very rewarding experience, and I have gained a deeper appreciation for the level of work that goes in to all the projects that have been carried out through MMA and PCCC. I thoroughly enjoyed putting effort into projects that were not graded for school, and were instead meant to create ripples in the real world. Marvi was a patient mentor, and cared about teaching me about her process of raising awareness and carrying out projects in a city that is usually quite unfriendly and difficult to work in. She gave me tasks that involved me teaching myself different softwares, and was patient with me during my learning process.
I am studying urban design and planning, so working at MMA was exactly the kind of hands-on experience I needed to understand the real-life implications of what I am studying, and to learn more about the complex ins and outs of Karachi. I hope to continue researching aspects of Karachi on my own, and, as I enter my field of work, build upon the knowledge and skills I gained in the last few months to create lasting, positive changes throughout my career. We all want to do something to help make Karachi a more liveable city, and I am grateful to have been able to work on projects aiming to do exactly that.”