A Passion for Architecture

Growing up in Casablanca, Morocco, Ghita Akkar (B.Arch. ’09) experienced the diversity of architecture—from art nouveau to art deco to neoliberal, and, of course, traditional Moroccan—everywhere she went. With both local and international influences, the city’s architects often combined design approaches, giving Akkar a broad perspective of, and appreciation for, different architectural styles from a young age.

^{Ghita Akkar}

“I was interested in architecture from as early as I can remember, even before high school,” says Akkar, president and founder of Highline Development, a real estate development, architecture, and construction company that focuses on creating sustainable urban designs. “I was always a visual person; I loved creating and designing functional spaces.”

Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in architecture, Akkar discovered the School of Architecture and Design, known for its highly ranked architecture program. So, she moved to the United States to enroll in the school’s bachelor’s program, especially enjoying the hands-on experiences of visiting local job sites and watching her professors’ architectural designs come to life in the real world. “New York Tech gave me a sense of what the life of an architect would be post-school, not just academics,” Akkar says. She even got her first taste of working at a real architectural firm through a semester-long internship at PRDG Architecture and Design, owned by two New York Tech graduates, Philip Rossillo (B.Arch. ’97) and Gustavo Penengo (B.Arch. ’96).

After earning an M.S. in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Akkar put her education to work at an architectural firm for a few years, but when her first child came along, she wanted something different. She struck out on her own, establishing Highline Development in 2014. Architecture design is still the favorite part of her work, but she also has enjoyed the many aspects of being an entrepreneur.

“It’s different from working at an architecture firm; I always have to keep adding to my skillset,” Akkar says. “For example, I’ve had to learn the basics of construction, researching the newest sustainable materials, and learning business skills to be able to run a company.”

Now in Boston, Akkar focuses her work at Highline Development on residential architecture in historic neighborhoods—often gutting classic brownstones and designing more modern, sustainable spaces on the interior while preserving the original beauty of the exterior.

In recognition of her entrepreneurial and architectural success, Akkar received the 2024 Emerging Alumni Award from the FRIENDS of the School of Architecture and Design at the 16th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS Reception in November. FRIENDS recognizes three alumni each year for their accomplishments in different stages of their career. Tom Scerbo (B.Arch. ’98), chair of the FRIENDS executive committee, presented Akkar with the award.

“I knew how exceptional Ghita was right at the beginning of her career because I actually had the privilege of working with her during her senior year at New York Tech before she went on to earn a master’s degree at MIT,” said Scerbo. “Even then, her talent, bold determination, and vision were unmistakable. It’s no surprise to see her leading with such purpose and impact, creating environments where families can thrive and leaving a legacy of sustainable, community-focused urban development.”

“My architecture degree prepared me in so many ways to do what I wanted to do. New York Tech gave me a strong structural base,” Akkar says, laughing at her unintended pun. “It opened more possibilities to know what I was capable of, and it’s a great space to do so much more after graduation.”

By Ashley Festa