Shaza Umran
Assoc. AIA
Architectural Designer
Specialty
JusticeLocation
Kansas CityShaza is a young professional in the Justice studio. She is passionate about design, sustainability, and equity in architecture, essential elements in designing facilities where people live, work, and play.
Born in the coastal city of Tartus, Syria, Shaza and her family moved to southwest Missouri in 2003. She took annual trips to Syria, and her family’s support surrounding her art led her to develop a deep interest in design. She enjoys finding ways to bring art and architecture together, along with her passion for social justice and activism. Her master’s thesis focused on the coexistence of architecture and graffiti and how it proposes the public-built world as a primary site for contesting power in politically tense environments.
Outside work, she enjoys painting in her studio or attending local events. She always looks for hidden local gems and new foods to try.
Get to know Shaza
What is the best part of your job?
I never want to change our office culture. I love the small-firm feel we keep despite not being one. I feel like I can confidently reach out to anyone anywhere in the firm and they would welcome my questions simply because we are one with the same goal of expanding Treanor’s internal knowledge. I also love how there are so many teams within our firm that focus on growing our skillset. Whether it’s sustainability or visualization, I’m comforted by the fact that we are never in a stagnant position.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” – Walt Whitman