After a day filled with the energy of creative collaboration, Marmar Al Hilali takes a quiet moment to reflect. The hum of cameras and the laughter of the team have given way to stillness, where her thoughts take centre stage. “Kindness is a superpower,” she says softly. “You can do miracles with kindness.” This philosophy guides her life, shaping not only who she is but how she works.

Al Hilali’s journey into architecture began in the most ordinary of settings: the back seat of her father’s car. As a child, she stared out at the endless traffic and wondered if there was a better way to design cities. That curiosity evolved into a passion that would guide her career. She pursued architecture and urban planning, focusing on creating spaces that honour both the environment and the communities that inhabit them.

Her projects, particularly in the mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, reflect her belief that architecture should resonate with culture and tradition while meeting modern needs. “It’s not just about buildings,” says the founder of Skamli Interiors. “It’s about designing places where life can thrive – where people feel connected and supported.” Her work has earned her international recognition and made her one of the youngest urban planners in the region. Yet, Al Hilali measures her success by the impact her work has on people’s lives. “Architecture isn’t about me,” she says. “It’s about the lives that will be lived in the spaces I create.”

Al Hilali’s personal journey is as transformative as her professional one. A few years ago, she faced significant health challenges that shifted her perspective on life and work. “I learned the value of letting go,” she shares. “Attachment – whether to things, places, or certain ways of thinking – can hold you back. When you detach, you free yourself to live fully and fearlessly.” This mindset has become a cornerstone of her approach, both personally and professionally. It’s not about avoiding challenges but embracing them with a clear sense of purpose and an open heart. 

Her work and philosophy are deeply inspired by Zaha Hadid, a trailblazer in architecture who redefined what was possible in the field. Al Hilali aspires to leave a similar legacy – not just through her projects but by nurturing the next generation of architects. She envisions creating a collaborative hub where young designers can gain experience, mentorship, and inspiration. “The younger generation is going to redefine architecture,” she says. “I want to help them do it with creativity, kindness, and boldness.”

Al Hilali’s belief in the strength of women is unwavering. “A woman is remarkable by default,” she says. “We are born to give – to love, create, and contribute.” Her experiences living between the Middle East and Europe have shaped her appreciation for the power of generosity and compassion. “Kindness is often undervalued,” she notes. “But it’s what makes communities – and lives – better.”

She recounts a story of witnessing strangers in Dubai come together to help a mother soothe her crying baby in a restaurant. “It was such a simple act, but it stayed with me,” she says. “That’s the kind of spirit I want to build into the spaces I design – places where people connect and care for each other.”

As she looks to the future, Al Hilali is focused on creating a legacy that goes beyond her projects. Whether through mentoring young architects, designing innovative communities, or inspiring others with her philosophy of kindness, she is determined to make a lasting impact.

“Architecture is about more than blueprints and buildings,” she shares. “It’s about the people who live, love, and grow within them.” And for Al Hilali, those people – and the lives they lead –are at the heart of everything she creates.

@themarmar