The new Austin South Jamatkhana is the latest addition, marking the 14th Jamatkhana and reflecting the growth of the Jamat in the Southwest region. Since 2018, there has been a significant expansion of new Ismaili spaces across Texas, including the Harvest Green Jamatkhana, Austin Downtown Jamatkhana, and the Austin Jamatkhana. Soon, the Ismaili Center will become the first Ismaili Center in the United States and the seventh in the world.

“The goal for each Jamatkhana is that it should have a unique design,” explains Shaheen Maredia from the Property Matters Portfolio (PMP) for the Ismaili Council for the Southwest. The PMP Team oversees the design and construction of virtually all Jamatkhanas built in the Region. Post-construction, the team also handles Jamatkhana maintenance and cleaning and serve as a resource for programs and events.

The motifs that appear across Texas’ Jamatkhanas reflect Islamic design principles and local materials.  At Houston Principal or Spring Jamatkhana, for example, there are red brick exteriors and indigenous hardwoods, such as oak and hickory, throughout the interiors—right alongside Islamic geometric patterns and charges.

The Austin South Jamatkhana takes a different approach, however. It is built in a commercial complex, which meant the team had design restrictions. From the outside, it almost looks like a corporate office; however, the inside reflects Islamic architecture, with flashes of color on the all-white tiles guiding visitors toward the Prayer Hall.

We spoke with Shaheen Maredia to learn about the construction of the Austin South Jamatkhana and how the team was able to find inspiration from both Texan and traditional design.

The.Ismaili: You’ve been practicing architecture for a long time through the institutions and independently. How does your thinking change when designing a Jamatkhana—as opposed to for commercial clients?

Shaheen Maredia: I think about the Jamatkhana and the flow of traffic. It is unique when it’s a design for the Jamat because we are also responsible for managing and maintaining the building for years to come. We want it to be amazing in functionality and sustainability, but it's personal when it comes to Jamatkhana because it is our Jamat’s space to congregate and connect.

The PMP team has constructed several purpose-built Jamatkhanas over the years. How does working with an existing building like Austin-South change the planning process?

I think philosophy is not so different. The approach to standalone Jamatkhanas, like Harvest Green or Austin in Cedar Park, isn’t that far off from how we designed Austin South. You can’t change the outside; the scale of construction is slightly smaller, so you focus on internal design. There is no difference in functionality, though. We always create Jamatkhanas to hold events, programming, community outreach, and prayers.

You’ve pointed out that it’s not very common to see vibrant colors used to accent Jamatkhanas. Why was there a vibrant blue throughout Austin South?

There were historical and cultural aspects to selecting blue. When you look at the Suleymaniye or Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, you’ll notice a vibrant color palette of turquoise, sky, and deep blues— these colors have been there in many historic buildings over time. Previously, we’ve also done shades of beige and brown in many Jamatkhanas to allow the Jamatkhanas to adapt elements of the environment and nature. San Antonio Jamatkhana for instance, is prominent with pastel shades of browns and greens, and this blue felt significant because it was different and could incorporate a touch of our Islamic history and heritage without being overbearing for a place of prayer.

This is the first time I’ve seen a mihrab that doesn’t use stone, too. I love how the patterns extend towards the end of the Prayer Hall.

We always challenge ourselves to make a Jamatkhana unique in nature. The idea here is that coming into the lobby, the hanging jali and ceiling lighting guide you toward the Prayer Hall. They lead you to the focal point, the mihrab. You pass below the design on the ceiling—and its symbology more than anything—but it’s like you’re stepping into a serene space for spiritual reflections, the Prayer Hall.

Sustainability is increasingly important to modern Jamatkhana design. How does that show up in Austin South?

We made it as green as possible. The mandate we are given during construction actually encourages keeping the Jamatkhana sustainable. Due to building restrictions, we can’t necessarily install solar panels or wind turbines, so we focused our efforts on the interior. We have high amounts of insulation, double-pane windows, refillable water bottle stations, motion sensor lighting, and biodegradable cups, just to name a few.

It all adds up, though.

Exactly! This Jamatkhana on its own might not conserve a lot of electricity for instance. But if you multiply this by the thousands of Jamatkhanas worldwide… Now we’re making an impact. That’s how we’re going to achieve net zero.

As Austin South opens up to the Jamat, it reflects the evolving nature of Ismaili spaces across the Southwestern region, especially Texas. With its innovative and environmentally sustainable design elements, it is not just a space for prayer; it is a beacon of community, sustainability, and heritage.

The Jamat’s response to Austin South optimistically reflects this notion:

Anita Jaffer-Mukhiani Saheba of Austin South Jamatkhana, clinical director: “For the longest time, we had one Jamatkhana in Austin which required long commutes for many. I think the Austin South Jamatkhana represents the idea that people can be in any part of the city and still be able to connect, no matter where they live. We have a varied population of business owners, working professionals, young and older families who can now access this space more regularly.”

Mizan Mohammed, a second-year student at UT Austin, aged 20 years shared that,  “Everything about this new Jamatkhana is so unique and welcoming—to have been a part of the design process and to participate in the opening of this Jamatkhana, something that has been in the works for the Jamat here in Austin.”

The creation of such a space, as Shaheen Maredia and his team have demonstrated, is not just about constructing a Jamatkhana for congregational prayer, it is about creating access to resources, intellectual engagement, and a place for the community to come together and thrive. In doing so, Austin South serves as a vibrant example of how Jamatkhanas can coexist amongst their surroundings, reflecting the dynamic of the Ismaili community at large.