My name is Hajira Qazi. My design research and practice has explored design’s role in the interplay between social, political, spiritual, and material worlds. Although design is often understood to manifest materially, I am fascinated by the more subtle impact of design—that which is enacted in the immaterial and in the in-between—where bonds, actions, ideas, values, and beliefs are enabled or disabled, strengthened or weakened, by design.

This passion led me to explore the role of worldview and metaphysics, specifically the sacred, in design. My doctoral dissertation, entitled “Design and the (Un)Making of Sacred Worlds,” investigates the traditional and modern worldview and the vastly different forms of worldmaking that result. Past work and research interests include participatory design, decolonization, and design for political change.

I completed my doctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) School of Design. During my time at CMU, I taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses, including “Research Methods for Design;” “Cultures,” a course that considers design through the lens of critical theory; and “Decoloniality: Past, Present, and Future,” which I introduced to the School’s curriculum. In addition, I taught a four-session course entitled “Foundational Theories of Islamic Design” at the Deen Arts Foundation. I have given numerous guest lectures at a variety of institutions, including California College of Arts, Northeastern University, and Parsons School of Design.