Meet Farrah Matovu Ddungu | Architectural Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Farrah Matovu Ddungu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Farrah, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a career in architecture and interior design because it combines my passion for creativity with my desire to create tangible, functional spaces. Having been raised with creative parents, my father being in Construction and having one of the largest tile business in Uganda, and my mother designing interiors and landscaping, I picked interest in the creative world. I felt compelled to pursue a path that allowed me to express my artistic inclinations while contributing to the built environment. Architecture and Interior design offers me the perfect blend of artistic expression and practical problem-solving, hopefully allowing me to leave my mark on the world through innovative design.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have had the pleasure of working with Award winning companies like Berliner Architects, Hirsch Bedner Associates, Four Point Design Build and Interior Architects. I have designed schools, high end luxury homes and have recently entered the retail world. Having been born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, i never thought a young African girl would leave the country to work with such prestigious companies, let alone live in Los Angeles. I am very humbled to have great mentors here like Leslie Sydnor, AIA, who has been such a big inspiration in being one of very few black, female licensed architects in America. The lessons i have learned along my journey are that everyone’s path is different, we might have similar goals but it is our background, culture, the people we meet along the way, that influence greatly how we see things. If you take a step back, everything is indeed beautiful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start by making a brunch reservation at the best Brunch place in LA “Castaway in Burbank”, because they book out very quickly. With its serene views and memorable brunch menu, it will be unforgettable. With that settled, I’d start our week with an old fashioned Hollywood tour, everyone who comes here for the first time wants to see Hollywood! We would take a nice stroll along the Hollywood walk of fame, snap some insta photos, enjoy some delicious tacos at Guisados, then later that afternoon visit the iconic Griffith Observatory and stunning views of the city and Hollywood sign. I’d end that beautiful day with a concert under the starts at the Hollywood Bowl. LA is also know for its beautiful hike paths, I’d take them through the Hollyridge Trail first thing in the morning and then break our fasted cardio with some lovely breakfast at Trails Café in Griffith Park. We would spend 1-2 days going to the beach because who doesn’t love the beach! I’d end their trip with the last day being a nice relaxed culinary tour and have dinner at one of my favorites TAO in Hollywood!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
John Sekaziga, the first licensed architect I encountered, generously provided mentorship and an internship opportunity at his firm, inspiring me to pursue architecture programs in the United States. His dedication to architecture in East Africa motivated me to seek global exposure while honoring my cultural roots. Thanks to his guidance, I am proficient in designing projects both in Los Angeles and Kampala, Uganda. I’ve been privileged to contribute to an upcoming resort project in Uganda by designing the short stay cottages and various residential designs. Another additional shoutout is to my one year old Yarrah who has forever given me even more purpose in making me a mum.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahmatovu/