Yusef studied BA (Hons) Architecture, graduating in 2006 followed by a Professional Studies in Architecture Certificate in 2007. Having already enjoyed a varied career since graduating, he is now working as an Architectural Assistant at Edward Architecture as well as producing artwork, including drawings of Leeds Beckett’s very own James Graham building, which he sells online.

After receiving his degree, Yusef began working on a freelance basis in architecture and graphic design work for numerous individuals and business including popular Leeds-based student events company NoCurfew. Unfortunately, less than a year later though, financial markets crashed around the world and Yusef found himself struggling to find work in his field. He explains “At this stage I took a career change due to the crash in the economy as there were very few jobs in architecture. I bought a business, The Smoothie Co. on Woodhouse Lane, right on the University’s doorstep. I continued to use the skills I learned and developed at University; I redesigned the whole interior look of the shop once I’d bought it. One of the main features being a new artificial grass floor to the main area of the interior of the store which was a real head turner at the time, and not something I’d seen in Leeds before. I also used the Photoshop and other software skills I’d learned at University to prepare and design all the branding, new logo, menus and menu boards for the shop.”

Three and a half years after taking on The Smoothie Co. Yusef made the move back to practicing architecture full time, selling the business to return to his main passion. He says “I’ve been at Edward Architecture for just under three years now. I work on a number of different projects in the office, from house-builder residential projects, one off house designs to visitor centres for The Land Trust and lots of other design based projects. I also have a big involvement in the marketing and social media for the company.”

As well as his role at Edward Architecture, in his spare time Yusef has started drawing Leeds landmarks such as the Hyde Park Picturehouse, Leeds Town Hall and the Tetley. Yusef explains “I draw a range of different buildings and commissions, based around special places and memories of my own and other people’s. I have always had a keen interest in art, and have been a keen drawer all my life. I picked drawing up again when I returned to my career in architecture and it started off as a hobby, doing work in the evenings/weekends. I’ve been posting my work on Instagram for around two years and it’s really taken off quite quickly and lots of people commissioned me to do work for them, so the hobby has turned into a little side business.” It was as part of a commissioned piece that Yusef drew James Graham, explaining “It was part of a commission from a property company in Hyde Park but I probably would’ve drawn it eventually as I love the building!”

Yusef can be found on Instagram, @art_by_arjo and his artwork is available for sale via his Etsy shop.