Tamayouz excellence award

This interview features Rania Kaadan, an architect and researcher with computational architecture and urban reconstruction expertise. A graduate of the University of Aleppo, she pursued further studies at University College London and MIT, where she developed her interest in advanced digital methodologies for urban regeneration. Currently, she is the Manager of Urban Planning, Strategy, and Transactions at Ernst & Young in Doha, Qatar, where she leads community-centred master planning workshops, uniting decision-makers, end-users, academics, and professionals from various fields. Her work integrates architectural theory, technology, and practical application to create innovative solutions for post-conflict urban environments. Rania is also an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, where she continues to bridge academia and practice.

This interview features Dr Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin, an architect and academic with expertise in digital heritage. She serves as President of the Cultural Heritage Organisation and Co-Director of the Nahrein Network at UCL. With over 20 years of professional experience, Rozhen has worked on heritage and academic projects in Iraq and the wider region countries. Her research and leadership in heritage preservation have earned her international recognition, including funding from the UK, USA, and EU for several projects in Iraq and the Middle East.

This interview features Dr Eman Assi an associate professor at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and a renowned expert in urban conservation. She holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has been involved in numerous heritage documentation and preservation projects across the Gulf and Mediterranean. Her published works on traditional houses in Dubai earned the Sultan bin Salman Award for Cultural Heritage. Eman’s contributions to the field include her role as chair of the scientific committee for international architectural conservation conferences, advancing knowledge and practice in the region.

This interview features Lebriz Atan Karaatli, who co-founded KAAT Architecture + Urban and has gained significant recognition for her work. Her work reflects a deep understanding of context and culture, creating aesthetically compelling and highly functional spaces. She was educated at Istanbul Technical University and holds dual degrees in architecture and interior design.

This interview features Dr Hala Asslan a Syrian architect and researcher, is an expert in heritage preservation. Her career has been dedicated to protecting cultural sites, particularly in conflict zones. She holds a PhD from the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris and has worked with international bodies such as ICOMOS and the United Nations Development Programme.

Explore Ula Merie’s work on post-colonial architecture, urban acupuncture, and gender equality in Iraq, hoping to shape inclusive and resilient cities.

Hana Alamuddin, Principal of Almimariya Architects, who has over 25 years of experience in sustainable architecture, urban design, and landscape projects. After completing her studies in the UK and the US, Hana returned to Lebanon to contribute to post-war reconstruction efforts, focusing on heritage preservation and environmental sustainability. Her award-winning projects reflect a commitment to cultural identity and placemaking, and she continues to inspire future architects through her teaching at the American University of Beirut.

This interview features Amal Abuelhawa a Palestinian architect renowned for her unwavering dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of Old Cities in Palestine, particularly Jerusalem and Nablus.