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Tracing Squiggles: Ilya Bourim’s Unusual Path to Architecture
Explore the inspiring journey of architect Ilya Bourim, showcasing a remarkable career in architecture, design innovation, and sustainable concepts.
My Journey and Philosophy as a Designer
Ilya Bourim
Registered Architect
Growing Up Around Art and Problem-Solving
I’ve been surrounded by creativity for as long as I can remember. My parents are professional artists, so my childhood was filled with painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, and even tapestry-making. Art was a way of life. But when our family emigrated from the USSR, I found myself drawn to something different—technical problem-solving.
I wasn’t destined to be a math whiz or the next top software developer, but I loved combining logical thinking with hands-on tinkering. I spent hours reverse-engineering machines, writing software, and figuring out how things worked. It was exciting to create and fix things in ways that felt innovative and practical.
I wasn’t destined to be a math whiz or the next top software developer, but I loved combining logical thinking with hands-on tinkering. I spent hours reverse-engineering machines, writing software, and figuring out how things worked. It was exciting to create and fix things in ways that felt innovative and practical.
A Leap into Technology
After earning a computer science degree, I landed a job as a systems administrator in Hawaii. Supporting over 250 users across multiple campuses (on different islands!) was no small task, but I enjoyed the challenge. I wasn’t just fixing computers and printers—I was automating systems to keep things running smoothly. Living in Hawaii felt like a dream, but something was missing.
That early exposure to art left a lasting mark, and I realized it was time to shift gears and explore a new passion: architecture.
That early exposure to art left a lasting mark, and I realized it was time to shift gears and explore a new passion: architecture.
Finding My Way to Architecture
I wrote to the University of Hawaii’s architecture program and, to my surprise, was accepted despite not having much of a portfolio. Juggling full-time work and studio classes in the doctorate program was tough—I’d pull all-nighters, work early mornings, and race to class in the middle of the day. Eventually, I had to make a choice, and my wife and I decided to move to Los Angeles to focus fully on this new path.
Being accepted to UCLA and USC for architecture gave me a much-needed confidence boost. Ultimately, I chose SCI-Arc for my master’s degree. The program was intense, but I loved being surrounded by such a diverse group of people, each bringing unique perspectives to design.
Being accepted to UCLA and USC for architecture gave me a much-needed confidence boost. Ultimately, I chose SCI-Arc for my master’s degree. The program was intense, but I loved being surrounded by such a diverse group of people, each bringing unique perspectives to design.
Mentorship and Growth
During the global financial crisis, finding work was nearly impossible, but I was fortunate to intern with Michael Rotondi at RoTo Architects. He became a mentor and a lifelong friend. Michael’s approach—his curiosity, openness, and constant quest to learn—deeply shaped the way I think about design and life in general.
As his teaching assistant, I gained invaluable experience and learned how to dive deeply into every project. Those years with Michael taught me as much about being a better human as they did about being a better designer.
As his teaching assistant, I gained invaluable experience and learned how to dive deeply into every project. Those years with Michael taught me as much about being a better human as they did about being a better designer.
Exploring the World Through Design
With the U.S. job market still recovering, I set my sights abroad and joined Gensler’s Shanghai office. The pace was intense, producing full design submittals every month, complete with narratives, renderings, and models. It was challenging but rewarding. Shanghai was an amazing place to live, but with a newborn daughter, the pollution took its toll.
A work trip to southern China led me to Hong Kong, and I instantly fell in love with its mix of vibrant city life and lush natural landscapes. After transferring to Gensler’s Hong Kong office, I worked on everything from architectural concepts to urban planning.
A work trip to southern China led me to Hong Kong, and I instantly fell in love with its mix of vibrant city life and lush natural landscapes. After transferring to Gensler’s Hong Kong office, I worked on everything from architectural concepts to urban planning.
Focusing on Computational Design
Later, I joined Syntegrate, a startup specializing in computational, parametric, and BIM design. Here, I worked on projects that felt truly impactful. From designing metro stations to coordinating the façade of the M+ Museum and the Annex at Hong Kong Airport, I got to dive into the complexity of modern design. These experiences taught me how to think critically and creatively at the same time.
Back to California
After five years in Hong Kong, my family and I moved back to California’s Coachella Valley. Settling back into life here, I gained hands-on experience with wood construction and medium-sized commercial projects. I worked on private residences, clubhouses, and commercial buildings for franchises like Starbucks and ARCO AM/PM.
The projects were practical, but I learned so much—collaborating with interior designers, navigating regulations, and meeting with clients and contractors. It was a chance to hone my skills and grow as both a designer and a team player.
The projects were practical, but I learned so much—collaborating with interior designers, navigating regulations, and meeting with clients and contractors. It was a chance to hone my skills and grow as both a designer and a team player.
Portugal
After spending about five years in the U.S., my wife and I felt ready for something new and different. We had always dreamed of living in Europe and initially considered property in Kiev, Ukraine. However, as the war began, it became clear that spending any time in Ukraine was too dangerous. So, we shifted our focus and started exploring other options. Portugal quickly stood out as a fantastic choice.
To us, Portugal seemed safe, affordable, and welcoming, ticking so many of the boxes we were looking for. Moving here would push us all out of our comfort zones—our kids would adapt to a new environment, learn a new language, and experience a completely different culture. As a family, we embraced this challenge, knowing the benefits of complete immersion in a new place.
Portugal’s rich architectural heritage, combined with its proximity to other European countries renowned for their art, design, and architecture, made it the perfect fit. The move has given all of us the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while discovering the unique beauty of this vibrant country.
To us, Portugal seemed safe, affordable, and welcoming, ticking so many of the boxes we were looking for. Moving here would push us all out of our comfort zones—our kids would adapt to a new environment, learn a new language, and experience a completely different culture. As a family, we embraced this challenge, knowing the benefits of complete immersion in a new place.
Portugal’s rich architectural heritage, combined with its proximity to other European countries renowned for their art, design, and architecture, made it the perfect fit. The move has given all of us the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while discovering the unique beauty of this vibrant country.
Why I Design
For me, design isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about creating something meaningful. Le Corbusier once said, “A house is a machine for living in.” While I agree with the idea, I think it’s too narrow. Yes, a home should have good lighting, be automated, and follow a rational order—but it also needs to be beautiful.
Modernism tends to strip things down to the essentials, but I believe ugly architecture harms us. A house isn’t just about meeting physical needs; it also supports our mental health. There’s a reason patients recover faster when exposed to nature versus staring at blank walls.
I also think a lot about how humans have evolved. For thousands of years, we lived surrounded by nature, and the shift to urban skyscrapers happened too fast. While I’m all for modern comforts, I believe there’s a reason we’re drawn to wood, stone, and natural materials. These connections matter, and they ground us in ways we shouldn’t forget.
I’m also inspired by Buckminster Fuller, who bridged architecture, science, and philosophy. He reminds me that design isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping a better future.
At the heart of my work is the desire to create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and beautiful—spaces that respect our history and nurture the people who live in them.
Modernism tends to strip things down to the essentials, but I believe ugly architecture harms us. A house isn’t just about meeting physical needs; it also supports our mental health. There’s a reason patients recover faster when exposed to nature versus staring at blank walls.
I also think a lot about how humans have evolved. For thousands of years, we lived surrounded by nature, and the shift to urban skyscrapers happened too fast. While I’m all for modern comforts, I believe there’s a reason we’re drawn to wood, stone, and natural materials. These connections matter, and they ground us in ways we shouldn’t forget.
I’m also inspired by Buckminster Fuller, who bridged architecture, science, and philosophy. He reminds me that design isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping a better future.
At the heart of my work is the desire to create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and beautiful—spaces that respect our history and nurture the people who live in them.
Education & Background
Education
- Master of Architecture, SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Doctorate of Architecture, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Bachelor of Science – Computer Science, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Experience
- Bourim Architecture Studio, Lisbon, Portugal
- Black Gold Engineering, Indio, California, USA
- McFadden Architects, Palm Desert, California, USA
- Syntegrate, Hong Kong S.A.R.
- Gensler, Hong Kong S.A.R.
- Gensler, Shanghai, China
- RoTo Architects, Los Angeles, California
Teaching Experience
- 2011 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
- M. Rotondi, FAIA. Graduate Studio Teaching Assistant.
- 2011 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
- M. Rotondi, FAIA. Visual Imagination Seminar Teaching Assistant.
- 2010 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
- M. Rotondi, FAIA. Graduate Studio. Teaching Assistant.
Certifications
- Licensed Architect – California, New York, Ohio
- NCARB Certified
- HKIBIM Professional
Skills and Certifications
Skills
Design:
Core Design team member of the collaborative design studio. Responsibilities include Concept Design, Schematic Design, and Documentation.
3D and BIM:
Rhinoceros 3D, Catia/Digital Project, Grasshopper, Maya, AutoCAD (ACAD), SketchUP, Revit, Scripting, Processing, VB, C++ and Arduino.
Visualization:
V-Ray, V-Ray distributed rendering, Hand Sketching
Graphics:
Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, AfterEffects
Sustainability:
Ecotect, Climate Consultant, Vasari, Grasshopper: Ladybug + Honeybee
Fabrication:
3D Printing, CNC, Laser Cutting, 3D Scanning, Welding, Sculpture, Wood Working, General Construction, Mold Making, Vacuum Forming
Certifications
Registered Architect
New York State 040308
California State C38497
Ohio State
NCARB Certified
HKIBIM Professional
Awards
2011 SCI-Arc – All School Spring Show – Group project Director’s Studio
2009 SCI-Arc – Continued Student Scholarship
2009 SCI-Arc All School Spring Show – Group Project selected Materials Studies
2007 University of Hawaii
School of Architecture
2nd Place @ All School Charette
2002 Epsilon Delta Pi
Honor Society
2003 National Dean’s List
Ilya Bourim – Teaching
2011 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
M. Rotondi, FAIA. Graduate Studio Teaching Assistant.
2011 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
M. Rotondi, FAIA. Visual Imagination Seminar Teaching Assistant.
2010 SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, California USA
M. Rotondi, FAIA. Graduate Studio. Teaching Assistant.
Exhibitions
NOIRSCAPE(S), A+D Museum Los Angeles, California, USA
Re-mapping LA. Group Exhibition.
ArtCycle East Hollywood Venue, Los Angeles, California, USA
Design, fabrication, and installation.
