SALMA ABDELRAHMAN
Portrait courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
Masters of Architecture ’22 student at The Ohio State University
intern at the Neighborhood Design Center
A recent graduate from the BSArch ’20 from The Ohio State University with Honors Distinctions in Research and Minor in City and Regional Planning.
Salma is an Egyptian-American graduate student from Ohio and the Graduate Admissions Associate within the Knowlton School. Salma was the 19-20 AIAS President at the Ohio State Chapter and part of the AIA Columbus Board of Directors. Currently, Salma is an intern at the Neighborhood Design Center, a non-profit organization that helps communities in need.
Salma is interested in using architecture and design to help people in need and create equal opportunities for everyone, especially in underdeveloped countries. With Salma’s interest in academia and being a Knowlton Ambassador for two years, she developed a sense of helping fellow students find their path within the discipline. With everything that Salma does, she enjoys guiding students and learning even more from them.
What inspired you to pursue architecture?
To me, architecture multi-disciplinary major. It is a major that lets you go out of your comfort zone to explore more of the world around you through art, medicine, law, space, social issues/activism, etc. The architecture enables us to think outside of the box and break the “normative” standards that we live by; giving us the freedom of choice and design. Design is not only about designing large and fancy buildings but also about creating a community for people. It can also be celebrated and be part of history and culture, whether it’s the Pyramids of Giza, the UVA Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, or the theater set design for plays such as Shakespeare. All three examples give you an example of the diversity that Architecture can represent.
These reasons are why I choose to pursue architecture. Even though, in the beginning, I did not know that architecture is multi-disciplinary, I knew that it gives me the creative freedom that allows me to learn how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and learn from them. By learning from that uncomfortable feeling, I begin to learn how to design with people, for people, to represent the cultures they inhabit.
Luxor Temple. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?
The most important thing that I learned this year, would be the true meaning of family and how valuable it is to have a support system while going through hard times such as COVID-19. It is important to appreciate what we have because in a blink of an eye it can disappear. That surrounding yourself with better versions of you will help in the long run. I learned that mental health is critical, especially within the architecture disciple, where we are always stuck looking at a computer screen or stressing out about meeting deadlines. We need to take a step back to be three steps forward because breaks are necessary to avoid burnout or hate towards our passion and dreams.
AIAS Grassroots visiting ZGF in DC. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?
I believe that being involved with various architectural organizations has helped me learn more about myself and grow into the woman I am today. During my freshman year, I applied to be a Knowlton Ambassador; however, I was not eligible because I was too young to understand the logistics that the position entailed. But I did not let this stop me. In my sophomore year, I applied to be the Treasurer for the AIAS Chapter at Ohio State. After winning the election as treasurer, I was nervous about handling all of the responsibilities that came with the job: ensuring the organization was spending money wisely and save money to help with the next board generation. After serving as treasurer for a year, my fellow board members and classmates nominated me to run for Presidency for the following year’s e-board. I was shocked, but the job pushed me to step up my game, be more responsible, and serve as a leader that my classmates and underclassmen can depend on.
At the end of my sophomore year, I reapplied for the Knowlton Ambassador position. I was nervous that I would get denied again, but thankfully, I was not! I believe the confidence that I gained from being part of AIAS helped me with the new Ambassador position. My involvement with AIAS guided me to become a confidently spoken woman within the industry. AIAS also encouraged me to network with people from around the country that share similarities with me. To me, AIAS is not just an extracurricular activity but a family that continuously grows.
Knowlton Scholars visiting Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
AIAS OSU visiting NBBJ Firm Visit. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?
If I was allowed to repeat the year, the one thing that I would explore is the different types of architecture and cultures. With our profession revolving around European-centric, I would have loved to explore African, Middle Eastern, and Asian architecture. I would have loved to learn about the significance of the architectural pieces all cultures have, celebrate it to the foreground, and share my knowledge with the rest of the student body.
Salma Presenting For Gui Competition Entry. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
Final Research Project Featured in SuckerPunch. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?
My biggest strength that I’ve recently discovered, through working with students and being a part of an organization, is that I am an advocate and a leader for those in need. After my involvement with AIAS, AIA, Knowlton Ambassador, and now a Graduate Admissions Associate, I have come to understand more about myself and my goals. I discovered that I enjoy having conversations with students, faculty, and members about ways architecture is changing and how, as emerging professionals, we have an impact on the next generations.
My past experiences led me to believe that I am fit to be an advocate for those who don’t have the strength to be vocal. I help bring new ideas to the table, in the school system and the real world. I am a part of the greater change. I learned that I can protect and guide those who need assistance, by listening, interacting, and advocating for them.
I am very happy to be able to help make sure everyone’s voice is heard, and ensure no one is oppressed with their ideas or thoughts.
I learned that design is a discipline of freedom and expressiveness.
AIAS Officers 19-20. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
Advocating at Capitol Hill for New Bill. Photo courtesy of Salma Abdelrahman.
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.
I wish the architecture educational system would implement current social movements into the curriculum to think of ways to better space for everyone. We need to educate ourselves on what is happening today socially and politically and how that impacts the citizens of the world we are designing for.
