Architect Totan Kuzembaev delivered a lecture at Satbayev University titled “Among Strangers, a Stranger Among His Own”

A lecture by the renowned architect Totan Kuzembaev was held at Satbayev University, with the support of the CAFAD 2025 Forum. The event gathered students, master’s and PhD candidates, and faculty members.

In an open and engaging conversation, the architect shared stories from his professional practice – from the first sketches and client negotiations to construction management and author’s supervision. The discussion centered on the real challenges of architectural design: how to build effective communication with clients, respond to changing briefs, justify design decisions to contractors, and preserve conceptual integrity under financial and technological constraints.

Special attention was given to the search for unconventional solutions that emerge through careful analysis of site, function, and materials. The presented case studies illustrated how structure, spatial logic, and form evolve together – and why the final quality of a project always depends on teamwork and mutual trust with the client.

The lecture formed part of the CAFAD 2025 educational program and continued Satbayev University’s commitment to fostering academic and professional dialogue with leading architects of the region.

At the end of the event, Bolat Kuspangaliev, Director of the T.K. Bassenov Institute of Architecture and Construction, emphasized that Totan Kuzembaev’s creative path demonstrates a true love for the profession – a quality essential for achieving such remarkable success.