Salma El Hayani

Hello, I am Salma El Hayani, Founder of L’Artchi.

I am a young ambitious architect and artist. Since the very young age of six years old, I started my art journey with (11 years in total) ballet, (5 years in total) solfège, piano and guitar. My love for sketching and painting was always there since my dad used to sketch a lot during a train trip or whenever he had time. My first canvas painting was at the age of 11 years. Then came my love for architecture as well since I loved maths and physics with a powerful artistic tendency. You could always find me drawing in class while still being on top of it all.

When I graduated from architecture school, I asked myself about the added value I would like to have in this field. Without any doubts, I knew it was going to be about pushing the level of my project’s details further with its own artwork design. That is when L’ARTchi was born.

Company Name: L’Artchi

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Operating since: 2020

Website: www.lartchi.com

Instagram: @l.artchi

Tell us all about your company. What services or products do you offer?

L’Artchi, as its name explains, is a combination of architecture and art. It is a brand that specializes in architectural design but also designs its own interior decoration along with paintings and artisanal deco (like pottery for example). The idea is to bring more art to architecture and more architecture to art. L’Artchi is here to offer a complete architectural experience starting from an empty field to a beautiful project, delivered with its handmade interior details.

How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset?

The idea was to create a brand that offers to people the services of the two things I’m stronger at, and the combination of both art and architecture is harmonious. The fact that it comes from the same person, same source of thought and spirit, can only create magnificent results.

How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?

As any architect, I had a lot of internships in different agencies and countries. I had an exchange in Rome where I participated in workshops, and an internship in Paris too. I was a volunteer in helping to restore an old French castle in Picardie, France. I tried to go abroad to learn new things and join them to the rich Moroccan architectural expertise too. Besides the European internships, I had other many internships in Morocco during different phases of different projects. There are indeed never enough things to learn, especially in architecture, but I surely learned a lot during all those years of experience.

What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?

I am still in the process looking for my success. Success can be anything - it can be the small achievements you make (concrete things), or the fact that you are not giving up on what you are doing and you are still trying new ways to make it happen (abstract). For me, it is to be able to do what I love and to be able to live from it.

Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?

Yes. All my friends and family have been there to support me, starting from my mom (even though she is still skeptical about it), my best friend, my aunties, everyone - thanks to God.