Tariq Hassen, who will be receiving his master's degree in architecture (MArch Professional, with distinction) this month, says his dad, civil engineering laboratory manager Noor Hassen, was his greatest inspiration.

"It is through him that I learnt about the time and effort behind good craftsmanship and the design of objects. This is something I carried with me from childhood, and even executed in my final-year thesis," says Tariq.

Through his dad he was exposed to civil engineering, which he incorporated in his design strategies.

"His work has helped me to understand cross-over technologies and strategies, which help bridge the gap between architect and civil engineer."

Among his honours are the Corobrick Architectural Student of the Year Award, and recently, the Renzo Piano Building Workshop Internship - six months in Genoa, Italy, with the renowned architect Renzo Piano.

"The internship introduces the new graduate to the technologies and applications of architecture that bridge the gap between their studies and the real world," says Tariq. "The Renzo Piano firm deals with detailing and structures we are not exposed to in Africa. European, Asian and American architecture involves different material palettes, and the opportunities to create high-end architecture."