The people behind the practice.

Amina Bouayad, RA

Amina's passion for architecture started in Fès, Morocco, where she was born. Fès is a city widely acknowledged as an open-air museum with narrow maze-like streets and a rich cultural history. Amina pursued her studies in architecture in Paris, France, and then in Naples, Italy, where she later participated in a student exchange program driven by her love for traveling and discovering new cultures.

After obtaining her architecture degree, she continued her studies in urban design in New York and decided to settle in the Big Apple to materialize her vast design ambitions. She became a registered architect in the State of New York in 2019.

Her primary focus is on residential buildings in New York City, encompassing all project phases, from schematic design to construction of new high-rise towers and renovation of existing buildings with a sustainable approach.

Amina's multicultural upbringing allows her to infuse the built environment with design ideas shaped by different places and perspectives. She brings a robust urban design and architecture background, with extensive experience in interior design and planning.

Ana Zapata, AIA

Ana Zapata is an architect, technologist, and founder of Archinecture. With 16 years of experience spanning residential, hospitality, mixed-use, affordable housing, and institutional projects, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to every project—combining design excellence, technical rigor, and a passion for solving complex problems.

Ana earned her Master of Architecture from Florida International University and a Master of Design in Emerging Systems, Technology & Media from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, where she expanded her expertise in computational design.

Before founding Archinecture, Ana worked at AC Martin, one of Los Angeles’ leading architecture firms, collaborating on complex projects for public and private clients. That experience reinforced her belief that successful projects are built through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a deep understanding of both people and place.

Today, Ana leads Archinecture at the intersection of architecture and technology. Alongside designing projects, she develops digital tools and AI-driven workflows that help simplify complex processes, improve decision-making, and make architectural knowledge more accessible.

Whether she’s designing a custom home, evaluating a development opportunity, or building Archi AI, Ana is driven by the same goal: creating projects that are thoughtful, resilient, and built to serve people for generations.

Melissa Anderson, RA

Melissa grew up on a homestead in rural Kansas, where her natural curiosity and an eye for sculptural forms and the interplay of light were nurtured. This environment played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to architecture, blending an appreciation for natural aesthetics with a methodical, scientific strategy.

Her academic journey extended from the plains of Kansas to Paris, France. Melissa obtained her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Kansas through a joint program with the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Val de Seine.

In her professional career, Melissa has led the design and construction administration of more than 1,000 affordable and market-rate residences and several single-family homes. Her portfolio highlights her ability to manage large-scale projects across varied housing markets.

Melissa blends technical precision with creative design solutions, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible places that resonate with clients and communities.