Katia's story

Katia Souni joined Hyphen as an architectural assistant in 2018 and became an architect a year later.

In 2023, Katia completed her project management training, obtaining the national HMONP (The authorisation to exercise project management in one’s own name), so we asked her to share a bit more about what the programme involved and the significance of obtaining this certification.

Timeline

2017
École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-La Villette (French School of Architecture)
2018

Joined Hyphen as an architectural assistant in Paris

2019

Promoted to an architect

2023

Completed HMONP training at École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-La Villette

Congratulations on gaining your HMONP certification! First of all, what is this certification and what opportunities does it open for you?

Thank you! This is a one-year training course on project management and the responsibilities and skills involved. The aim is to approach the architectural project as an author.

Lasting one year, the training addresses different topics such as project economics, regulations, construction standards, as well as an architect’s personal responsibilities.

In addition, the accreditation offers you several opportunities to progress your career, helping you take the next steps towards becoming an associate or director.

 

What attracted you to your role at Hyphen?

I wanted to work at Hyphen for many reasons, but most of all it was:

  1. The combination of architectural and interior design projects
  2. High-end projects
  3. The human and international dimension of the practice.

 

What kind of projects have you worked on at Hyphen?

I have mainly worked in the retail, offices, hotels, and residential sectors.

 

What does becoming an HMONP certified architect mean to you?

This certification offers a broader and more complete vision of the profession. I was able to deepen my skills during this training, and I now have the freedom to practice my profession in several new ways.

 

What do you enjoy most about working at Hyphen?

I particularly appreciate the trust that exists between us in our Paris team. It allows you to quickly prove yourself and progress internally.

 

How did Hyphen support you while working towards this certification and in your professional development as a whole?

Hyphen financed my training and Rémi Pascal, associate in our Paris office, has been my mentor, providing me with invaluable support and guidance.

 

How does this certification help you with your role at Hyphen?

Thanks to this training, I feel that I have a better understanding of the economic and commercial aspects of the profession as well as the responsibilities of an architect.

 

What challenges have you faced while obtaining this certification?

The training course involved working on a professional thesis during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Writing the thesis required me to step back from my work at Hyphen and to take a critical look at it.

 

What advice would you give to someone who also wants to develop their career?

I think that continuing to undertake training regularly is essential for career development.

 

What projects do you hope to take on after achieving this certification?

We are looking to develop our presence in the south of France and increase our project work here. Following my certification I moved to Marseille, and I’m working with the directors on this development strategy.

 

What may your colleagues find the most surprising about you?

At our last Paris Christmas party I surprised my colleagues when we played some games — it’s true that a blind test (music quiz) can make me overly excited.