Maliam Mdoko

Born in Malawi, Maliam didn't have the intention nor desire to become an architect but had given more consideration to medicine and engineering. Some she went through schools and ended up in the architecture field at university doing a diploma in architecture at the University of Malawi’s Polytechnic. She tried to escape to engineering but failed and with time after her first year in an architecture class, she grew a liking for it later finish her diploma and degree in architecture studies at the University of Malawi. Due to a prior internship placement at Kanjere and Associates, Mdoko managed to get work there again after graduation and she was there for ten years. During these ten years, she was encouraged to take up leadership roles in architectural and construction projects and due to her dedication to the work she was doing, she managed to handle leadership positions quite well. Still in this period, Mdoko continued to do a degree in project management which helped to further horn her ability to manage and run projects quite well. Later in 2014 after having worked as a project officer since 2010, Mdoko acquired a project management role at Press Trust, which is a local charitable institution that works on buildings offering public benefits, such as in the education, health, social welfare and housing sectors. Through this organisation, Mdoko has been able to spearhead multiple housing projects finishing them successfully for the past 11 years she has been at Press Trust. Mdoko believes architecture is not just a profession, but more of a calling and thus approaches her profession as an opportunity to make the world a better place. “I try to embrace each day with an open mind and I’m always eager to meet new challenges and new opportunities. Architecture to me is a tool to soothe my mental capacity and create solutions for society in a way that leaves a positive footprint. My profession has helped me to meet and serve different cadres of people from decision-makers to grassroots communities,” says Mdoko and being the first-ever female president of the Malawi Institute of Architects (MIA), we hope to see more from Maliam Mdoko for the sky is not the limit for her References 1. Mia.mw. 2020. Maliam Mdoko: Malawi Institute of Architects president – MIA. [online] Available at: <https://mia.mw/maliam-mdoko-malawi-institute-of-architects-president/> [Accessed 14 October 2021]. 2. Wood, H., 2019. The Emerging Female Architects of East Africa. [online] Archinect. Available at: <https://archinect.com/features/article/150164665/the-emerging-female-architects-of-east-africa> [Accessed 14 October 2021]. 3. Africaspeaks4africa. 2020. African Women in Architecture: Five Inspiring Architects you should know -. [online] Available at: <https://www.africaspeaks4africa.net/african-women-in-architecture-five-inspiring-architects-you-should-know/> [Accessed 14 October 2021].