RAW-NYC Architects is a woman-owned interdisciplinary architectural studio based in Dubai and New York City, a collaborative practice providing visionary and uniquely crafted architecture buildings, interior spaces and urban design solutions worldwide. RAW-NYC offers design services working with local consultants to deliver projects of any scale.

In 2012, RAW-NYC Architects was founded in New York City. In 2014, the Dubai office was established. The studio has an entrepreneurship spirit and one of its main principles is empowering women architects practicing in the region.

Despite its new presence in the market and its small size of 6-8 people firm, RAW-NYC managed to be at the forefront of design, innovation and sustainability. Raya Ani is the founder and the Design Director of the studio, a passionate design leader with full commitment to every aspect of the projects’ design vision and implementation.

She is an award winning architect and urban designer with 25 years of professional experience having worked in Baghdad, Germany, Boston, New York City and Dubai. She is a licensed architect in the state of New York, a US green accredited professional.

Raya is the President of American Institute of Architects- Middle East and in her role, she has supported AIA members and the architectural community in the GCC region through empowerment and helping architects with opportunities, continuing education events and conferences.

In 2013, Raya Ani of RAW-NYC Architects received an honor award from the American Institute of Architects for her visionary work in Southern Iraq. Her Aspire sports complex design in Qatar won various awards.

RAW-NYC was part of the volunteer team leaders to help design the master plan, primary schools and home for Larchfield children to serve as a safe and secure environment for Tanzanian children in need.

Demonstrating its commitment to innovative design and sustainability, RAW-NYC launched an upcycling Initiative; it showcased its projects at the Cityscape Global exhibition in an upcycled stand made from used plastic bottles.

Furthermore, students from Ajman University and American University of Sharjah were engaged as part of RAW-NYC upcycling initiative. RAW-NYC is committed to mentoring students as part of the firm’s belief in the importance of mentorship and youth engagement.

The upcycled stand reinstated the studio’s ongoing initiatives to integrate environmentally conscious solutions with innovation. The recycled elements were recycled yet another round for an art project titled Wanderlust.

RAW-NYC team for Liberland won the first place in an international design competition to design a new country named Liberland.

RAW-NYC was shortlisted from a list of 43 highly recognized international firms in New York to convert a correctional facility in New York to an international hub for women’s empowerment.

RAW-NYC is committed to helping displaced people by investing time and resources to help design shelters that evoke sense of joy in the life of refugees.

Currently, RAW-NYC is involved in a wide range and scale of projects in the GCC area. This includes a residential tower, a hotel  and a housing masterplan in the UAE and KSA.

RAW-NYC is a place of collective thinking, on-going research and investigation. The studio is inspired to design critically and innovatively to serve the individual and the public.

With a strong vision, RAW-NYC Architects build for the joy of creating, for the joy of collaborating, and for the joy of seeing their clients succeed.