Architect and urban designer Mariana Cabugueira has bridged the worlds of physical infrastructure with immersive digital realms in the metaverse. In this episode, she traces her path from studying in Lisbon to honing advanced skills in London, and from her years at Zaha Hadid Architects to spearheading ambitious virtual projects.We explore what architects can contribute to the metaverse, how AI and parametric tools are changing workflows, and the challenges of building healthy design cultures. Mariana also talks openly about stepping away from a dream role to start something new.Watch to learn:– What Zaha Hadid Architects was really like inside– How to masterplan a virtual city under impossible deadlines– How AI is fuelling design– The mindset that keeps you relevant in the next wave of architecture00:00 Intro01:16 Why architecture?02:36 Growing up in Portugal and early studies04:09 Leaving Portugal for London06:14 Learning curve at the AA07:32 Landing a role at Zaha Hadid Architects09:39 Inside Zaha: collaboration and competition11:19 Tangible vs digital practice13:29 Transition to metaverse architecture16:21 Masterplanning a virtual city18:15 Starting her own practice19:43 Balancing physical and digital projects21:07 Designing for human experience in virtual worlds22:37 Saudi Arabia airport project26:24 AI and the metaverse29:13 Tools, software and advice for students31:10 Building community and working hard32:40 Gender and representation in architecture34:09 What’s next for Mariana’s practice35:21 Adaptability as the real skill36:34 Closing reflections