Rashid was born in Cairo in 1958. He studied architecture in Canada and in the United States, before opening his New York Asymptote Studio in 1988. He holds various teaches posts worldwide, and with his studio has designed a vast range of works that place him well ahead of his peers in the field of digital design. His projects span from experimental spatial installations to digital architecture. His most innovative works include two multi-dimensional and interactive architectural environments, i.e. the New York Stock Exchange Virtual Trading Floor and the Guggenheim Virtual Museum.