Building dreams: Architecture, entrepreneurship, and breaking down barriers in Azerbaijan
Lala Abdullayeva is the founder and CEO of ArchiArchitecture and the creator of the @archi.baku platform, which is revolutionising access to architectural and construction resources in Azerbaijan.
In the heart of Baku, Lala Abdullayeva has built more than just an architectural firm—she’s created a movement. As the founder and CEO of ArchiArchitecture, she’s challenged conventions in a traditionally male-dominated field while establishing herself as a visionary in Azerbaijan’s architectural landscape.
The seeds of creation
Between the ages of four and thirteen, Lala practiced rhythmic gymnastics at the highest level. Yet, alongside her athletic pursuits, she always found time to draw, captivated by urban landscapes. Her realisation that architecture was her calling came in ninth grade.
“A pivotal moment occurred during a conversation with my art teacher. She looked at my drawings and said, ‘You have such a precise hand; you must apply to an architecture university.’ That was the first time I truly believed it was possible,” Lala recalls.
Her education followed a traditional system until her master’s programme in urban planning, where Professor Elmir Abdullayev transformed her perspective. “He used to say that a city, like a house, is a living organism, and it’s up to us, the architects, to guide its growth.”
When he rejected her thesis, insisting she was capable of more, she resubmitted the following year and received the highest grade. “After the defence, he told me, ‘Set more ambitious goals for yourself—you have the ability to achieve them.’ Those words became the foundation of my approach to both architecture and business.”
Building her vision
Before founding ArchiArchitecture, Lala worked at various studios where decisions were often made by owners without architectural knowledge. “This created internal conflict for me,” she explains. “I always dreamed of establishing my own bureau—a place organised professionally and with heart, where decisions are made based on knowledge, experience, and responsibility to the client.”
Her ambition extended beyond traditional architecture with the creation of @archi.baku on Instagram. “I started by simply sharing information about materials available on the Azerbaijani market, explaining their characteristics, and indicating where they could be purchased. This turned out to be in high demand.”
The blog’s success revealed an untapped market and led to her next venture: creating a comprehensive online platform.
“The platform will help ordinary people navigate the world of renovation and construction: from designers to materials—everything with clear explanations of its purpose and available alternatives.”
Navigating challenges
“I started from absolute zero. Without investments or influential patrons—everything was built step by step, solely through my efforts,” Lala states. “People didn’t particularly believe in me: many thought that a woman in Azerbaijan couldn’t single-handedly build a sustainable business. But I believed. And I moved forward.”
The obstacles were numerous, from navigating bureaucracy to building the right team. “Finding people who come to work not just to clock in but with enthusiasm and a desire to create—that was perhaps the most challenging phase.”
Lala reframes the concept of failure entirely. “I don’t like the words ‘difficulty’ or ‘problem’—I replace them with ‘interesting situation.’ Everything can be resolved. The main thing is not to give up and not to try to do everything alone.”
Leadership and innovation
Lala’s management style emerged as a deliberate contrast to conventional systems. “I knew what I wanted: an atmosphere where employees come with joy. Where discipline exists, but it comes from within—through respect for the work and the team.”
Her approach to the workday challenges conventional wisdom. “One of the key insights is that the traditional ‘nine-to-five’ schedule is completely ineffective. During the day, a person works with concentration for a maximum of four hours. Our workday is from 11:00 to 18:00, five days a week. The main thing is the result, not the hours spent in the office.”
Breaking down barriers as a woman in business
Operating as a female entrepreneur in Azerbaijan has presented unique challenges. “I’ve encountered gender barriers more than once. And I continue to face them. But I never tried to prove anything with words—I simply do my job. I show results.”
The biases persist, even as her success grows. “Even now, as we search for an investor for our platform, I face scepticism. People are willing to invest in unpromising projects—like another coffee shop—just to say they own a business. But believing in a large-scale idea created by a woman is difficult for them. Not because the idea is bad, but because it’s from a woman.”
Despite this, she remains optimistic. “I believe this will change. It’s already changing. And soon, there will be more women like me.”
Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs
For women dreaming of starting their own businesses, Lala offers clear-eyed advice. “Leave no room for doubt. Don’t think, ‘What if it doesn’t work out?’ Just try. Because in the worst-case scenario, you’ll gain experience. And in the best case—you’ll find your life’s work.”
When it comes to the qualities needed for success, Lala emphasizes courage and commitment. “What do you truly need to succeed? Above all—fearlessness. And equally important—no Plan B. Because only then do you move forward without giving yourself an escape route.”
