Unmask'd Origins

A welcome letter from Studio UNMASK'D

Hey there, welcome to Studio UNMASK’D.

We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you’ve just stumbled across us through Instagram or have been following our posts from the beginning - hello and welcome.

We’re Kulsoom and Rowdah - two architecture grads working as Part 2 Architectural Assistants, and now, co-founders of Studio UNMASK’D: a platform built to support architecture students and graduates through the tough bits no one really talks about. 

Why we started this

If you’ve ever studied architecture, you’ll know this already: it’s intense. The hours are long, the feedback is subjective, and the pressure? Constant.

Architecture is notorious for being one of the most demanding degrees - academically, financially, and mentally. We’ve been through the late nights, the 4am submissions, the wall of silence in crits. And the hardest part? No one ever truly tells you what’s expected of you.

This is what’s often called the hidden curriculum - the unspoken rules, the tips and tricks that aren’t taught in lectures but somehow set certain students apart. Things like how to present your work clearly, what tutors are really looking for during a review, or how to build a portfolio that feels like you. We had to figure all of that out ourselves - often the long way.

Sometimes that meant messaging an older student to ask how they got their portfolio so crisp. Sometimes it meant awkwardly walking up to a stranger in the studio to ask how to do something in AutoCAD. And sometimes… it just meant winging it.

We wish we had a space that brought all of that together. So we built it.

Who we are

We knew of eachother in undergrad, but ended up in the same atelier during our MArch (and have been friends ever since). We’ve seen each other through breakdowns before deadlines, tears from software crashing, and those rare but golden wins when our tutors said we hit the nail on the head. We’ve been through it, together - and that’s why we created this platform.

We built Studio UNMASK'D as the resource we wish we had. A place where architecture students and grads can find honest portfolio advice, behind-the-scenes insights, job application support, design tutorials, and answers to the questions no one explains.

We believe architecture should be exciting, not exhausting. We want to help students feel equipped, confident, and creative - not lost or left behind.

We’re here to:

• Decode the hidden curriculum

• Share practical tips and resources

• Offer portfolio and job support

• Celebrate creativity over perfection

• Build a more inclusive and honest architecture community

Our values

Transparency - We’ll always give it to you straight. No gatekeeping here.

Empowerment - Everything we create is designed to help you feel capable and clear.

Inclusivity - For all students & grads, including international students and first-gen creatives.

Growth - Because progress is more important than perfection.

Playfulness - Architecture should feel inspiring, not intimidating.

Creativity - We champion individuality, curiosity, and new ways of thinking.

So, what’s next?

We’ll be sharing regular blog posts, resources, helpful guides, and honest advice - whether you’re building your first architecture portfolio, prepping for job interviews, or just trying to make it through review week.

And if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by your architecture degree, you’re not alone. We’re here to remind you: you’ve got this - and we’re with you all the way.

This is just the beginning.

Thanks for being here 💛

--- Kulsoom & Rowdah --

Explore our first resources here.

Follow us on Instagram for weekly tips, behind-the-scenes, and real talk from two grads who’ve been there.