Omar Hakeem, AIA, is an architect, founder of To Be Done Studio, and co-founder of Building Common Ground, a national collaborative supporting rural and Tribal communities. For nearly two decades, he has partnered with communities historically excluded from high-quality design, translating local knowledge, cultural identity, and community aspirations into meaningful places.
His work spans disaster recovery, affordable housing, and cultural projects across the country, including the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center, a cultural hub with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, and the rebuilding of Lahaina Jodo Mission following the 2023 Maui wildfire. Through To Be Done Studio and Building Common Ground, Omar advances a participatory practice rooted in long-term relationships, community leadership, cultural preservation, and resilience.