Ismail Rahim Alternative Workshop (IRAW) is a multidisciplinary spatial practice working across art, design, research, and the built environment. Founded by Muhammad Ismail Rahim, a Master of Architecture graduate from Universiti Teknologi MARA (LAM Part 2, RIBA Part 2), IRAW explores the relationship between place, culture, materiality, and nature through context-driven creative work.

Drawing from professional experience in the architectural field and contemporary art practice, Ismail’s work investigates how spatial thinking can foster meaningful connections between people and their environment. Since 2017, he has collaborated closely with artist Shooshie Sulaiman through various projects under the Malaysian Artist Intention Experiment (MAIX), contributing to works that engage with space, memory, and cultural narratives.

As an active visual artist, Ismail has participated in numerous group exhibitions since 2019. In 2026, he received the Jury Award at Bakat Muda Sezaman, one of Malaysia’s most significant contemporary art platforms. His work has also been presented in notable exhibitions and cultural programmes, including the International Ipoh Art Festival.

Through spatial design, installations, exhibitions, and research-based projects, IRAW develops thoughtful and site-responsive work that bridges contemporary practice with local culture, material understanding, and environmental awareness.