Raya Ani is a visionary architect, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to the field. She has been honored as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects by the New York Chapter, the highest recognition for her exceptional impact on architecture and society.

Highly hands-on and detail-oriented, Raya is involved in every aspect of project design and supervision. Her visionary approach seamlessly integrates creativity with functionality. Her ability to balance budget constraints while maintaining the integrity of the vision has established her as a sought-after professional in the industry.

Raya founded RAW-NYC Architects in New York City, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to explore innovative strategies. She also established RAW-NYC in Dubai Design District to celebrate Arab achievements, strengthen the legacy of the Arab world, and ensure its contributions are recognised on a global stage.

Her recent portfolio includes iconic structures such as DESTINAU, a hotel that redefines hospitality and wellness, and the Green Bridge of Baghdad, which pays homage to Mesopotamian achievements and serves as a beacon of inspiration for Iraq. She is also involved in confidential projects in Saudi Arabia.

Passionate about sustainability, Raya embraces innovation and technology to create self-sufficient, environmentally responsible communities. Her work focuses on integrating sustainable practices into design, empowering communities to adopt resilient solutions for the future.

In 2024, Raya Ani spearheaded an initiative focused on creating spaces by women, for women. RAW: The Court, a unique living environment in Downtown Dubai, was designed to cater to businesswomen traveling to the city. Raya conceptualised, developed the design for, and oversaw the entire construction process, transforming the space into an inspiring and empowering environment.

Raya Ani utilises cutting-edge technologies, including virtual and mixed reality, to create impactful designs and presentations. Virtual reality allows her to visualise spaces during the design process, while mixed reality enables interactive, immersive experiences that engage both clients and audiences in dynamic ways. Through her work, Raya explores architecture’s power as a tool for empowerment and transformation, inspiring architects and creatives worldwide.