Zainabou Diaoune didn’t always recognize the role design played in her life, but looking back, it was everywhere. Her mother, a property manager, often took her along on visits, where she marveled at how spaces came together. Her father’s job with the airlines introduced her to cities from above, their skylines and street grids forming an unspoken language of place and possibility.

Her formal introduction to architecture came when she attended PhilaNOMA’s Project Pipeline Camp. Her mother, recognizing her daughter’s budding curiosity, encouraged her to join. The program immersed Zainabou in site visits, planning exercises, and model building—hands-on experiences that sparked something deeper. She returned for two more years, and later, as a volunteer, she helped guide younger students, reinforcing her own love for design while ensuring others could find their way into the field.

By high school, Zainabou transferred to the Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD), a decision that broadened her understanding of design disciplines. There, she encountered mentors who saw her potential in the design world. One, Andrew Phillips, introduced her to the Fallingwater College Residency Program, a week at the home where she lived and breathed design. CHAD also introduced her to the ACE Mentor Program, connecting her with professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering. Suddenly, the idea of “being an architect” became tangible—she saw firsthand the many ways design could shape the world.

Her connection to DesignPhiladelphia began in high school as well. One of her first experiences was attending an event in a downtown building she had never been inside before, an exposure that stuck with her. Years later, while sorting through DP archives, Zainabou realized that an event she had attended featuring David Adjaye was actually the Louis I. Kahn Awards + Talk. His work—deeply rooted in cultural identity—became a defining influence, solidifying her belief in design’s power beyond aesthetics.

At Marywood University, Zainabou arrived aware that architecture was known as one of the most demanding majors, but she never wavered. The foundation built by PhilaNOMA, CHAD, and DesignPhiladelphia had given her not just skills, but confidence. Her work became deeply conceptual, always tied to real people and lived experiences. Whenever the weight of deadlines pressed down, she reminded herself of that little girl marveling at spaces, knowing she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Now, as DesignPhiladelphia’s Program Assistant, Zainabou has come full circle. She’s no longer just attending events—she’s helping shape them. She’s a designer at heart and sees architecture as just one piece of a broader creative practice. Whether through DJing, music, or other collaborations, she sees a future for herself at the intersection of multiple disciplines, even if she has to invent a title for it. One of the most validating moments in college was when a critic said, “Your work looks like music.” That resonated deeply with Zainabou, showing her that everything she loves naturally finds its way into her designs.

More than anything, she knows she wouldn’t be here without the network of mentors, programs, and opportunities that guided her, from PhilaNOMA to CHAD to DesignPhiladelphia. This pipeline of design education didn’t just teach her technical skills; it showed her what was possible and gave her access to spaces and conversations that made all the difference. Now, she wants to do the same for others, especially young people who may not see themselves reflected in the field. Zainabou's advice to those just beginning their journey? Trust your ideas. Ask questions, but know that your perspective is valuable. Design is subjective. That’s its beauty. If you love what you’re creating, keep refining it and stay open to wherever your passions take you.