Our Story

Discover the Heart of Veranda Design

Our Origins

Growing Hope from the Ground Up

It started with a whisper on a rooftop in Gaza. Suzan stood above her house, watching the sky, imagining that this neglected space could become something alive – a garden that would bring life back to the city. The idea seemed crazy to some, but it was an inner voice she couldn’t ignore: What if agriculture became possible even in the most crowded places?

That rooftop dream became Veranda Design, founded by Palestinian sisters Suzan and Qamar Attallah in 2014. What began as a single green space has grown into a movement that transforms forgotten corners into thriving ecosystems – proving that sustainability isn’t a luxury, it’s a human right.

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Our Journey

From Rooftops to Communities: Our Evolution

Founded on the vision of transforming neglected urban spaces, Veranda Design began with a focus on Gaza rooftops. Over the years, we’ve expanded our reach, developing numerous sustainable, impactful projects that empower communities to cultivate their own food and learn eco-friendly practices.

Since our inception, we’ve evolved from small-scale rooftop gardens to influential community projects, enriching the lives of countless individuals.

Who We Are

The Sisters Behind the Vision

Suzan’s journey began with architecture school, where she learned to see buildings not as mere structures, but as living organisms that must breathe. An entrepreneurship diploma expanded her vision, teaching her that small ideas can become transformative projects. But it was her childhood in Gaza  –  a place of constant crisis – that gave her the patience and determination no university could teach.

Qamar brings her own unique perspective to their shared mission, understanding what makes people feel safe in new spaces and how to blend modern technology with traditional wisdom. Together, they speak the simple language of their community while pioneering innovative solutions.

Their approach is different. They don’t impose solutions – they design them with people. “We believe that each person knows their home better than we do,” Suzan explains. “Veranda works in true partnership with families. We listen, paint, and plant together.”

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Our vision

More Than Design – A Return to Identity

The breakthrough moment came early. An elderly woman, one of their first clients, cried when she saw her first garden. “It was like I was back on my grandfather’s land,” she told them. That’s when they realized agriculture wasn’t just technique – it was reclaiming identity.

What surprised them most was discovering the therapeutic power of their work. “At first, I thought I was simply offering a design service,” Suzan reflects, “but I discovered the project had a healing aspect. Gardening became a way to relieve stress, especially for women. Some told me that caring for plants became their only daily moment of reflection.”

From 2016 to 2020, they transformed more than 40 rooftops into green spaces, improving life for families across Gaza. Now displaced as refugees, their work continues with a vision to return to Gaza to help regenerate the communities they come from.

Our Commitment

Designing Sustainable Futures for All People.

Our Mission

At Veranda Design, we believe every individual deserves access to a healthy environment. Our mission is to co-create sustainable solutions, fostering resilience and empowerment within communities, particularly those facing challenges.

Our Values

We value collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. Our approach involves working hand-in-hand with communities to ensure that our designs reflect their needs, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging while promoting ecological stewardship and social equity.

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