Mariam Fitaihi
Designer, Maker & Photographer
I'm Mariam — designer, maker-in-progress, photographer specializing in alternative photographic processes, and HTMAA student. Harvard GSD, MDes Ecologies. My understanding is: if I can explain it simply, I really learned it.
About
Multidisciplinary designer, photographer, and maker exploring materials, memory, and interactive objects
I am a multidisciplinary designer with a background in philosophy, curation and photography, and founder of asl lab, a studio and darkroom in Jeddah dedicated to alternative photographic processes and material experimentation.
My work explores how materials carry memory and how objects can feel "alive," often through sustainable practices and experimental objects. In HTMAA, I am expanding my toolkit into programming and digital fabrication to prototype interactive works that connect craft, ecology and technology.
Current Focus
Through HTMAA, I'm learning to bridge traditional craft with digital fabrication, creating objects that respond to their environment and tell stories through material interaction.
Portfolio
Selected works exploring materiality and experimental processes
HTMAA Learning Journey
Documenting my learning, mistakes, and progress — week by week
My HTMAA journey explores the intersection of craft, ecology, and technology through hands-on experimentation. Each week builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive understanding of digital fabrication and embedded systems.
Week 01: Computer-Controlled Cutting
Learning CAD, laser cutting, and creating construction kits with kerf-aware joints.
Explore Week 01Week 02: Electronics & Embedded Programming
Soldering, embedded programming, and creating interactive objects with touch sensors.
Explore Week 02Week 03: 3D Scanning and Printing
Additive manufacturing, organic supports, and 3D scanning workflows with jewelry designs.
Explore Week 03Week 04: Electronics Design Automation
Designing a custom sun-shaped LED PCB with Fusion 360 and tedious routing.
Explore Week 04Week 05: Electronics Production
Milling, soldering, and debugging my sun PCB — learning LED polarity, cold joints, and multimeter mastery.
Explore Week 05Week 06: Computer-Controlled Machining
"Make something big" — designing and machining furniture for my new home with CNC technology.
Explore Week 06Week 07: Input Devices
Exploring sensors and input methods for interactive objects — capacitive touch, sensors, and microcontrollers.
Explore Week 07Week 08: Output Devices
"What started off as petals ended up as the moon." Audio output, LEDs, and embracing simplicity when designs collapse.
Explore Week 08