Isiaa Madden effortlessly commanded attention Saturday, January 20, on Reading Peninsula in Montego Bay, as she confidently moved across the stage, exuding sophistication, and authority. Her audience comprised government officials, local and international travel agents, business and real estate industry leaders, along with a sprinkling of socialites. The spotlight captured her every step, casting a luminous glow.

Madden delivered a captivating presentation on her design philosophy for The Pinnacle, a US$350-million luxury residential development poised to create a paradigm shift and elevate the Caribbean living experience. This ambitious project introduces 423 residences and 15 exclusive villas.

Her poised and charismatic delivery created an electric atmosphere. The spotlight not only illuminated the stage but also showcased her as a driving force behind the transformative vision of The Pinnacle, making her presentation a defining moment in the intersection of architecture, luxury living, and Caribbean innovation.

Madden never questioned her calling; from the moment she set foot inside an architectural firm as a wide-eyed 14-year-old, she knew that architecture was her destiny. “From as long as I can remember, even from prep school days, I was the one that hung out in the art studio. I was also very interested in shapes and forms, which developed into an interest in architecture,” she says.

Her passion for capturing the harmony between design and function grew stronger each summer as she eagerly immersed herself in the world of architecture. Little did she know that this early interest would bloom into a groundbreaking career that would shape the skyline of Jamaica.

Fast-forward to the dawn of the new millennium, and Madden’s dream took on new dimensions as she established her firm, Design HQ. It culminated years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. She recalls, “In addition to working for large hotels and being involved in the construction, my knowledge expanded greatly regarding the back of the house of how large buildings work… I was able to work with international teams, which led to me being able to design The Pinnacle at such a large scale.”

Her journey to independence was challenging, but she held steadfast to her vision and principles. Her experiences at Duncan Associates, where she honed her skills for four formative years, prepared her for the momentous leap into entrepreneurship.

The landmarks dotting the Jamaican landscape testify to Madden’s creativity and expertise. Her résumé is studded with significant hotel projects that redefined Jamaica’s luxury and hospitality. “My relationship with the construction of large hotels here in Jamaica started with RIU hotels. I have since worked on Excellence Playa Resorts and Half Moon,” she says.

However, Madden believes The Pinnacle project is her greatest marvel. “It is not often that an architect is gifted such a brief – and even rarer to be gifted the opportunity to design such a major new addition in their hometown,” she says. “Detail and excellence have been our driving watchwords. It is my town, landscape and neighbours – delivering a legacy that we can all be proud of and that enhances Montego Bay and its future. This is and has been a commitment consistently at its heart and in the hearts of all involved.”

A Howard University graduate who holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and planning, Madden openly acknowledges the challenges she encountered as a young female architect in a predominantly male industry. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls the demanding process of consistently proving herself, challenging misconceptions, and dismantling stereotypes. “As a woman, the hurdles in the architectural industry in Jamaica, or globally, are twice as demanding as men,” she notes. However, she emphasises that each obstacle fuelled her determination to pave the way for aspiring female architects who will follow in her footsteps. “I think that everything I’ve been through has been intentional, and when I look back at how God has brought me through the different phases of my architectural life, I believe that The Pinnacle was my destiny.”

“An international architect could have designed it; it could have been designed by an older architect who has been around longer than I am, who’s male. But here I am, and I’ve been allowed to design a high-rise development in my town,” she states.

Despite her towering achievements, Madden remains grounded in the present, eschewing elaborate plans. Her outlook on life is refreshingly simple: gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way and a commitment to savouring each moment. “My philosophy of life is to live in the present, believe in yourself, and achieve equity at all angles,” she muses with a smile. “Be a good human, serve God, serve your community, and all will unfold afterwards.”

Beyond the world of blueprints and design schematics, Madden finds solace in the rhythms of nature. An early morning run or an afternoon with her family replenishes her creative wellspring, inspiring fresh ideas and perspectives. Her ability to seamlessly meld nature and architecture is a hallmark of her work, reflecting her deep reverence for her surroundings.

Madden fosters a collaborative spirit and ignites a collective passion for pushing boundaries and redefining what architecture can achieve. “The magic happens when diverse minds converge,” she says with trademark optimism. “That’s when true innovation blossoms.”

Away from the drafting table, she delights in nurturing budding talent within her firm, imparting wisdom garnered from her journey. She sees herself as a torch-bearer, illuminating paths for the next generation of architects. “We’re all part of something bigger,” she reflects, “and I find purpose in guiding others toward realising their potential.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon at the close of The Pinnacle launch event, Isiaa and her family faced the
SO aperture. Against the seafoam green stage backdrop, as she fielded congratulations from guests, it was evident that her legacy transcends mere structures, resonating with resilience, tenacity, and profound faith in the transformative influence of Jamaican women.