The problem wasn’t just about outdated curriculum, it was also about accessibility. The most cutting-edge courses in computational and parametric design were locked behind expensive university programs, making them out of reach for many talented designers. Hamid had two choices: accept the status quo or change the game entirely. He chose the latter.
In 2017, he launched PAACADEMY, a global learning platform designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. What started as a small initiative has since evolved into a powerhouse of architectural education, empowering over 15,000 students each month and influencing professionals from firms like Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
Disrupting Architectural Education
The world of architecture is undergoing a transformation. AI, computational design, and digital fabrication are no longer futuristic concepts, they are defining how buildings are designed today. Yet, most architects struggle to incorporate these technologies because traditional education hasn’t caught up. PAACADEMY is changing that.
By offering affordable, industry-driven courses led by top architects, engineers, and computational design experts, the platform ensures that architects and designers can master the latest tools without the time and financial constraints of a university degree.
The curriculum spans cutting-edge topics, including:
- Computational & Parametric Design
- Artificial Intelligence in Architecture
- Digital Fabrication & 3D Printing
- Immersive Digital Spaces
- Data-Driven Design & Optimization
Unlike traditional programs, PAACADEMY focuses on practical application rather than theory. Students don’t just learn, they build. They develop real-world projects, collaborate with global experts, and apply their knowledge immediately in professional settings.
A Grassroots Revolution in Learning
Most online education platforms rely on heavy marketing budgets and external funding to scale. PAACADEMY took a different route. Its growth has been 100% organic, driven by word-of-mouth, social media, and a passionate learning community. Architects, designers, and students from around the world have flocked to the platform, drawn by its reputation for high-quality, industry-relevant education.
For Hamid, this grassroots success is proof that the demand for better, more accessible education is stronger than ever.
“We’re not just teaching skills, we’re shaping the future of architecture,” Hamid explains. “When you give people the right tools and knowledge, they create groundbreaking designs that push the industry forward.”
What’s Next: A Future-Ready Approach to Architecture
As AI and computational design continue to reshape the field,PAACADEMY is evolving with them. The platform is expanding its offerings, collaborating with leading architects and tech pioneers to ensure its courses remain ahead of the curve.
Beyond just education, Hamid envisions PAACADEMY as a hub for innovation, where architects can collaborate, experiment, and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible.
The goal? To democratize architectural education worldwide, ensuring that every architect, regardless of background or location, has access to the knowledge needed to shape the future. In a world where architecture is becoming increasingly digital, PAACADEMY is proving that education doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive, it just has to be accessible, relevant, and built for the future.
