AFNAN AL-RASHID

Portrait courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

Bachelor in Architectural Science at Ryerson University

Architectural Designer and Drafter at Carlo Parente Architecture Inc.

Afnan is a recent graduate from Ryerson University, Architectural Science program. Grew up in Iraq, lived in Syria, then migrated to Toronto, Canada after finishing high school. Afnan considers herself privileged to have witnessed a spectrum of architecture, from Islamic, Middle Eastern Modern architecture, to Victorian, and Western Modern, including the architecture of destruction she witnessed during the invasion of Iraq. She perceives architecture to be a powerful and delicate tool in conveying the stories, prides, and wounds of nations.

Creating Visibility for Herself in the Architectural Profession

What inspired you to pursue architecture?

I think my inspiration took different forms. It was first ignited by a drawing of an arabesque that was done by a relative who was also an architect. I was impressed by his ability in creating a multilayered drawing with just a pencil, and I thought I wanted to have the same skill. Ironically enough, I still don’t have his incredible drawing skill as I was introduced to architectural drawing through software. Through school, I learned that drawing is a tool for storytelling, and space designing is the act of it. Architects can tell the story of dwelling by designing a house, or the story of a national tragedy by designing a memorial. I find it humbling and inspiring to be able to have such role in life; the role of the dedicated storyteller. I find myself to have joined the profession for drawing, but stayed for storytelling.

Arabesque drawing by a relative. Credit to Ismael Kammona. Photo courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?

I think the most important thing is making myself visible in the architectural field. We are continuously told that architecture is competitive, and I am skeptical of the word “competitive” as it can be code for disparity in opportunities. Women of minorities can be made feel unwanted as soon as they show a sign of struggle in their performance, and they’d be asked to reconsider the field as they may not be up for the “competition”. I was made feel unwelcome by one of my female teachers during architecture school and going through such experience made me realize that it is crucial for someone like me to find allies in the field. I made sure to make myself visible to my professors by participating during classes and showing up to their office hours, and I was lucky to have some caring teachers who continued to offer me support after graduation. I would encourage women in architecture to always make themselves visible in any way available to them, whether through networking, volunteering, participating in design competitions, or simply participating in webinars, and it is ok if this ally or mentor can’t be found anywhere, the important thing is to always make yourself visible. 

The Omayad Mosque, Damascus, Syria. Photo courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?

My sister, Rawan, has always been there for me in my darkest hours. She made it clear to me that believing in oneself is a process and requires patience. Self-belief is often presented through inspirational quotes, when the process itself may not be as inspiring because sometimes it requires self-disciplining against self-doubts.

I would also say my mental health councilors had significant contributions in helping me overcome obstacles. They taught me that I come before my success, and success cannot be achieved without good metal health. I perceive councilors to be the unsung heroes in the success of many architecture students.

Modern Middles Eastern Architecture. A View from my House toward my Hometown Neighborhood in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?

I think I would’ve liked to change my approach to my summer job during school. I worked as an accessibility auditor in a large architectural office that consisted of around 200 employees. As a student employee, I felt intimidated amongst my experienced coworkers and supervisors, and I implied to myself that I was there to prove that I deserved to be there. I filled up my schedule with work and did not dedicate time to establish relationships with my coworkers. If I had put sometime to get to know my supervisors and coworkers better, I believe I would’ve learned more about the job I was doing, and I might’ve enjoyed my role more. I would encourage student employees to view themselves as team players, navigate ways to contribute more to the team’s work. I think changing my view of myself from the office employee to the valuable team player is one of the things that I would’ve liked doing.

Victorian and Modern Architecture in Toronto, Canada. Photo courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?

I believe persistence. I realized that honing the skill of designing was to be achieved through persistence. I think it is one of the joys in designing is being persistent in exploring and nurturing your design until the design narrative comes to a full circle. I fell in many creative blocks where I wasn’t sure where my design process was exactly going, and that’s where persistence in designing came into place. I believe persistence is necessary as design iterations are unlimited and need to be explored through constant playing to allow the story of the design to define its narrative.

Storytelling through drawing and space design: Studio Work. Photo courtesy of Afnan Al-Rashid.

In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wished would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational or work atmosphere. 

Addressing opportunity disparities in education and employment is what I think an overdue action.