According to legendary Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." We might have found the living embodiment of this quote in our winner from the Interior & Landscaping Architect category, Architect Nishat Afrose.
Nishat has had an affinity for nature, especially flora and fauna, since an early age. A thinker at heart, she has always been curious and eager to understand the purpose of elements in nature. Though she comes from a humble background, she considers herself privileged to have received the same opportunities as her brothers. She completed her B.Arch degree from BUET.

We are all aware that studying architecture in Bangladesh is no easy feat. Not only does it require belonging to a privileged background, but it also demands a deep passion for the art of architecture itself. Architecture wasn't even part of Nishat's initial plans, but her aspirations and resilience led her to this field and have helped her thrive. In architecture, she has made her mark across various sectors. Among her notable projects are Esquare Campus, IFAD Tower, BBS Head Office, Royal Enfield Factory & Showroom, and Indigo Marble & Granite Factory, to name a few. However, she has a particular fondness for interior design, especially landscaping. Her concepts for interiors and landscaping are quite unique. She believes that interiors should be aesthetically pleasing while also serving a real-life function and being economical.

Nishat's approach to landscaping is highly detailed, with every component carrying significant meaning as a holistic part of the building's architecture. Perhaps the smooth flow of her work is influenced by her years of classical training in playing the flute—an experience she feels has left a lasting imprint on who she is as a person. Her in-depth knowledge of local flora and fauna, its role in environmental preservation, and the steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future all reflect her passion and dedication to her work.

Nishat also believes that landscaping should not merely be decorative. As global citizens, we should consider our environment and sustainability and create landscape features that work to preserve local flora and fauna. Landscaping architecture in Bangladesh, she feels, still has miles to go before it can reach the goals she envisions for the field. While there is much talk of women's empowerment, Nishat believes true empowerment will come when we stop differentiating between genders and instead focus on dividing groups based on privilege and underprivileged. She advocates for focusing efforts on ensuring achievements for the underprivileged among us. In our work, we should always be judged based on our skill level, competency, and capabilities, with each professional working passionately to hone their craft.

Over the years, she has also taught at institutions such as AUST and MIST. She enjoys teaching, but as it happens, her love for creation has led her to the practicing sector of the architectural field. Even her workspace reflects this passion, as it is filled with plants and greenery. Nishat believes the Stellar Women initiative should focus on creating opportunities for talented women in their respective fields, enabling them to participate in such prestigious events. She feels that following these steps could propel the Stellar Women initiative forward. She is truly impressed, and commends bti and The Daily Star for organizing this initiative and hopes that rising female professionals from all corners of Bangladesh will receive the recognition they truly deserve.