Hometown: San Diego, California

Why did you choose to study architecture?

I found that architecture and the design field, in general, was a culmination of all the things I enjoyed. I love creating and designing. I realize I was interested in architecture at a young age, I found myself excited being in new places, homes, and buildings I’ve never been in or seen before. I expressed it through art and drawing and it was something I loved doing. The notion that people should follow their passions, led me to pursue architecture.

Coming from community college to NewSchool, I’ve learned so much and I feel validated in this career path I’ve made for myself. Through architecture, I’ll be able to use the knowledge and skills I’ve learned to design spaces and experiences that I, myself, would love to see and share with the world.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

Earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree here at NewSchool not only is a symbol of the hard work and achievements over the last few years but it’s also the start of a new chapter. I’ve grown so much at NewSchool and there is so much more out there to see and learn. Receiving my degree from here, and in my hometown no less, is an honor and an exciting moment in my life. I see it as a starting point to finding my place in the architecture and design world.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

My favorite thing about attending NewSchool would have to be all the connections I’ve made with my peers and faculty. I’ve learned so much from the people I work with and their perspectives on life and design. Just meeting new people whose interests align with mine but also still challenge me is something I feel like I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.

What are your career goals after you graduate?

I have a few overarching goals, similar to many students in this field, like to gain more experience working at firms with sustainability and design goals that align with my own and ultimately becoming a licensed architect, but also I want to travel the world and absorb as many experiences possible that could shape the way I see architecture and design. I don’t have a specific plan on the order in which it will be done but I think that’s what makes it exciting for me, going into the world with goals and no hard expectations.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Outside of architectural design, I freelance in other mediums like digital graphic design and illustration for local small businesses and universities, photo and video editing, and music production.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
One piece of advice I would give incoming students is to nurture your own creative style and confidence in your ideas and designs, no one else can design what you have in your mind. There will be juries and critiques that you may take personally on your design ego but know it’s never personal and to take all critical advice as suggestions to grow from. It’s this energy and design confidence that attract opportunities and goal-driven people that you would want to surround yourself with.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

NewSchool is a community that is very project-based with focus on real life projects and global issues and for those who learn best by doing and observing I would say this is the school to be at. Coming from a community college to suddenly being completely immersed in a full schedule of design classes was so exciting. I would say it’s unlike any other higher education program I’ve been in, attending NewSchool has been both an enjoyable and valuable experience.

Andrea’s Favorite Class Project
Project Title: ODOT Block Urban Analysis
Description: Analysis of urban conditions and impact of the Central Eastside neighborhood in Portland, Oregon.
Partner: Sadeem Almutairi
Instructor: Daniela Deutsch
4th year Bachelor of Architecture Project

Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Why did you pick your major and what do you want to do with your degree?

Originally, I chose it because it’s a very creative profession, plus the fact that you could have something that you’ve designed realised in real life. As time progressed, I began to be intrigued by how buildings could affect the way we live, our mood and behaviour. We spend most of our lives in buildings – through architecture you can influence the way people live their lives for the better.

Also, the building industry influences CO2 emissions greatly, so you have the opportunity to reduce negative impacts upon the environment through design.

What makes NewSchool special?

I think the whole learning experience, as students are encouraged to learn and experiment with different software and media. The library is also one of the assets of NewSchool.

What has been your favorite class? Why?

Studio Class. Studio is an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, where new ideas and multiple points of view are encouraged. It promotes cooperative understanding and views where architectural ideas are discussed and debated, and also contradictory viewpoints can co-exist.

Where is your favorite spot on campus?

The Library. The NewSchool library is my number #1 resource whenever I’m starting a project.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I’m planning to take an internship with Emmar in Dubai and hopefully open my own firm.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m an oil artist and a professional scuba diver.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Be brave and express your knowledge.

You recently won an award for a project presented to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission. Please tell us more about your project and the award you won!

The project was The Museum of Scent.

The museum is a one-of-a-kind, fun, interactive and instructive museum concept, bringing to life the making of a mythical luxury object that isn’t regularly shared with the consumer with something that’s apart of our everyday life; perfume. Through this experience, visitors are now invited to follow the manufacturing process from raw materials to harvesting, extraction, distillation, formulation, industrialization, and bottling, together, of course, with the creative process and work of the master “noses”. I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to SACM for choosing my project “Museum of Scent” to be recognized amongst my four fellow Saudi students exemplifying great work in other majors across the U.S. I’m humbled by the honor of being presented in the innovation corner and the celebration held by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia for the 89th national day in Washington DC.