Malaka Ackaoui graduated from the University of Montreal with a Landscape Architecture degree in 1978. She obtained a master degree from McGill University in Urban Planning in 1986. Malaka was accepted as a member of AAPQ and CSLA in 1980 and of OUQ (Quebec order of urban planners) and CIP (Canadian institute of planners) in 1991.
As a founding member and partner of WAA – Williams Asselin Ackaoui since 1989 Malaka has led several complex, award-winning projects in Canada and China. Malaka has developed expertise in numerous areas of her profession, namely: sustainable development, healing and educational landscapes as well as integration of art in urban environments. Thanks to her collaboration with the City of Harbin, Quebec and Canadian Landscapes were sculpted in snow and showcased for 3 months in the 2005 Harbin Winter festival in China.
Malaka is also a community leader and activist. She is a permanent member of the Urbanism Review Committee of the largest borough on Montreal Island (NDG borough) since 2002 and a member of the Quebec heritage commission, a consulting body to the Quebec minister of Culture since 2008.