Public Architecture at UCLA: Mohamed Sharif

Architecture is inherently public, and at UCLA we deepen that quality by engaging the city, the community, and the people who inhabit our buildings. The Public Architecture initiative, co-led by UCLA AUD and cityLAB, offers students new skills and perspectives that enhance reciprocity with community partners—particularly those historically underserved and marginalized. Following the recent launch of the Public Architecture initiative, we are pleased to offer a series of “Faculty Spotlights” showcase AUD teachers whose creative work exemplifies the beauty and benefits of Public Architecture.

Today, we feature Mohamed Sharif, Associate Adjunct Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies at UCLA AUD, and Founding Partner of Partner, Sharif, Lynch: Architecture.

Public Architecture is funded by UCLA's Center for Community Engagement and responds to the UCLA Strategic Plan’s goal to deepen engagement with Los Angeles.

Public Architecture presents: Mohamed Sharif
By Carrie Gammell

Mohamed Sharif, AIA, RIBA is a model of Public Architecture at UCLA AUD. Emphasizing adaptability and preparedness in design and planning, he aims to ensure that his work with the AIA|LA and UCLA AUD will help communities withstand and recover from the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires while fostering long-term well-being.

In the wake of the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, Mohamed signed up to co-chair the AIA|LA Wildfire Disaster Response Task Force, using community-based participatory research, workshops, and town halls to gather input from residents on rebuilding priorities. In Spring quarter 2025, Mohamed taught a technology seminar titled “Farther Apart and Closer Together,” which reimagined the standard Los Angeles suburban block as a model for fire safe, community-oriented living. AUD students Ariel Chen, Xen Pei Hoi, and Sarah Zureiqat (all MArch ’25 and mentored by Mohamed) won the Cityscapes Honor at the 2025 AIA|LA NextLA Awards for their work in this technology seminar.

By collaborating with local architects, displaced residents, and subject matter experts to produce well-researched outcomes both in the city and in the classroom, Mohamed demonstrates how community engagement can be integrated into teaching, research, and service. His work is making a real difference: The Los Angeles Times recently reported that rebuilding momentum is accelerating in Palisades and Altadena, with about 12% to 13% of destroyed homes receiving permits as of December 2025.