About

My name is Zarifi Haidar Marin but you can simply call me Zari.

I’m an Architect, Urban Designer and a self-taught Illustrator based in Lebanon.

I obtained my BS in Architectural Engineering in 2005 and, since then, I have been working as an architectural consultant designing, developing and managing a wide range of projects in Lebanon and the region.

I earned my urban design degree from the American University of Beirut (2016) and I have taught at the Beirut Arab University, lectured at the American University of Beirut and participated in various design workshops and researches in Lebanon and Europe. In addition to my experience in the fields of architecture and design, I am a self-taught Illustrator and I have illustrated a couple of award winning children books.

I am passionate about art and design and spend most of my free time taking photos, creating, drawing and doodling. I illustrate to smile and get smiles from those looking at my work.

Portfolio: Complete Document | Illustration Only

Publications, Interviews, and Lovely Mentions:

2021 • “Araborama : Il était une fois… les révolutions arabes” , a book by the Institut du Monde Arabe and Seuil (France)

2020 • “They Draw and Travel: 100 Illustrated Maps of Very Special Places”, a book by Nate Padavick (USA & Japan).

2020 • “The Lebanese Revolution…A Series by Zarifi Haidar Marin”, The JFA (Justice for All) journal (UK).

2020 • “La pandémie du coronavirus, en huit illustrations réussies”, L’Orient-le Jour journal (Lebanon).

2019 • لبنان أعاد لي أملاً فقدته في فنزويلا””, Interview on BBC Arabic (UK).

2019 • للحظات “مؤثرة” للتظاهرات اللبنانية “تخلدها” تصاميم ملهمة ,CNN Arabic.

2019 • “How the story of the Lebanese protests is being told through art”, The National journal (UAE).  

2019 • “La « révolution » libanaise en six illustrations chocs”, L’Orient-le Jour journal (Lebanon).

2017 • “The Art of Life and Imagination: Talented Lebanese Illustrators to Follow on Instagram” , ArabAd Magazine (Lebanon).

2016 • “9 Lebanese Instagrammers You Should Follow Right Now” , George Rishan (Lebanon).

2015 • “Zari Haidar Marin: Breakthrough on the Social Lane”, interview by Outlook Magazine (Lebanon).

2015 • “One-on-One with ZarifiHaidar Marin”, Interview by Ink Magazine (Pakistan).

2015 • “Doodling in Beirut with Architect and Urban Designer @justZHM” , interview by Instagram + feature on Instagram’s Facebook Page (USA).

2015 • “The Road Trip” , Best Seller author Elizabet Gilbert (USA).