m.alshehri
Maria Alshehri portrait
about me

Maria Alshehri

Hi, I am Maria Alshehri — an architectural engineer, designer, and multidisciplinary creative based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

My world has always lived somewhere between structure and imagination. I love spaces, visuals, stories, and the small details that make something feel alive. Design gave me a way to shape ideas with purpose, while influence became a way to create meaning, emotion, and connection.

Over time, I found myself moving between design, storytelling, interiors, visual ideas, and creative projects. I'm drawn to beauty that has meaning — not just something that looks nice, but something that feels intentional.

I also founded Qaiqap Studio, a creative interior design studio where my ideas around spaces, mood, and visual identity continue to grow.

This website is a small window into my world — the designed, the artistic, the personal, and the dreamy side of me that keeps creating.

§ 01 · Personal

Facts

8 small things
01

I'm an architectural engineer, but my first intention was to become an architect. I guess design still found me anyway — just in a different form.

02

I'm also an anime artist, and I love how expressive characters can tell a whole story through one look.

03

I collect preserved insects and natural remains. I have collections of both, and I find beauty in the tiny details people usually overlook.

04

I like things that feel soft but strong — calm on the outside, full of personality underneath.

05

I'm drawn to design that has a story, not just a pretty surface.

06

My creative side is a mix of design, interiors, influence, art, and storytelling.

07

I like beauty when it feels intentional, not random.

08

And I think I'm always building a world that feels a little more like me.

§ 02 · Selected

Career

4 pieces · 2023 — present
(01) Executive Role · Brief

Regarding my executive role, I led the preparation and organization of the international workshops held across four European countries as part of the foundational phase of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Lodges Project. This was carried out in coordination with the project owner and the company's senior management.

I also supervised the development of a comprehensive operational plan for the workshop journey, covering the objectives, content, discussion themes, and requirements of each workshop. In addition, I supported the implementation of the plans and schedules, and contributed to presenting parts of the workshop content in collaboration with the authority's representatives and our strategic partners.

7 photos
Architecture · 2025

Workshop coordination for KARNR Mega Project

King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Lodges — international workshops across four European countries.

(02) Bio Art Workshop · Brief

As part of my commitment to professional development and openness to global experiences, I was nominated by the CEO of AHB to attend an international workshop specialized in Bio Art, organized by the French-German Cultural Institute in Riyadh.

The workshop extended over ten days, during which I participated with a selected group of artists and designers in exploring the potential of sustainable biomaterials and their application in architectural design. As part of an artistic working team, I contributed to producing experimental architectural pieces using these materials, which added a new dimension to my design thinking and my approach to materials.

This experience represented direct support from my company for my creative path and strengthened my presence within multidisciplinary artistic and cultural environments.

5 photos
Workshop · 10 days

Bio Art Course

French-German Cultural Institute, Riyadh — sustainable biomaterials in architectural design.

(03) Designathon · Brief

I participated in Designathon 2025, a creative marathon that brought together designers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to develop impactful ideas within a competitive environment. Through this experience, I worked on shaping a concept from early ideation into a clear design direction, balancing creativity, functionality, and presentation.

Our project was recognized among the Top 10 projects out of more than 100 participating projects, which made the experience a meaningful milestone in my creative journey and strengthened my confidence in design thinking, teamwork, and turning ideas into tangible opportunities.

4 photos
Design · 2025 · Top 10

Designathon

Top 10 of 100+ projects in a creative marathon for designers and innovators.

(04) Filmathon · 3rd Place · Brief

I participated in Filmathon, a creative challenge focused on developing ideas and solutions that support the film production industry. Our concept was an application designed to contribute to the production ecosystem by making certain processes easier, more connected, and more accessible for people working in the field.

Through this experience, I worked with my team on shaping the idea, developing its value, and presenting it clearly within a competitive environment. Our project was awarded 3rd place, making it a meaningful milestone in my creative journey and strengthening my interest in design, storytelling, and innovation within the film industry.

3 photos
Marathon · 3rd place

Filmathon

3-day marathon developing an app concept for filmmakers. Our team placed third.

§ 03 · Studio

Freelancing

Qaiqap · est. 2026
Qaiqap Studio

Qaiqap Studio is an interior design and creative styling studio focused on shaping spaces with warmth, character, and artistic identity.

We design residential and commercial interiors that feel personal, functional, and visually memorable — from concept development and moodboards to furniture selection, styling, and final design direction.

@qaiqaps
§ 04 · Journey

Recognition

2023 — present
  1. 2023
  2. June

    Graduated

    BSc in Architectural Engineering, University of Prince Mugrin (GPA 3.6 / 4).

  3. July

    Trainee at Kingston University, London

    Net Zero Carbon Architecture program — 80 hours.

  4. Aug — Sep

    Architectural Engineer at ILF

    Water supply infrastructure, Aseer region.

  5. September
    ahb · the journey begins

    Project Coordinator / PM Assistant at ahb

    King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve Project.

  6. 2024

  7. Participated in Mujassam Watan

  8. 2025

  9. 3rd place, Filmathon Marathon

    Out of 500 projects — SAR 25,000 prize.

  10. Top 10 of 100+, Designathon 2025

  11. Top 10 of 1,000+, Marsam Competition for Architectural Graduates

  12. Entered the Guinness World Records

    One of the world's largest design marathons.

  13. May
    ahb · same journey, evolved role

    Business Development at ahb

  14. 2026

  15. Founded Qaiqap Studio

    Founder & Creative Director.

§ 05 · Connect

Work with me

Open to projects · 2026

For commissions, interiors, creative collaborations — or just to say hi. I read everything.

Emailimariavibes@hotmail.com Interior designmaria@qaiqap.com Phone+966 59 2002 911 Instagram@imariavibes Websitewww.maria.sa