My name is Rayman Dawood and I am impassionate by architecture and model making since I was 10 years old. At a young age I created my first house model with the help of my father. In doing this I realized it was my dream to become an architect. I have traveled to many places around the world and been influenced by the ancient culture of historic cities in the Middle East as well as the contemporary culture of modern style cities in the United States. I am currently employed as a designer at the Home Depot in San Diego, CA. This position gives me the opportunity in dealing with living spaces and all related details in smaller scale, fast-paced work environment, and also to be engaged with the community in daily basis.

I graduated from NewSchool of Architecture + Design in San Diego, CA with my Master of Architecture in 2016 and previously received my Bachelor of Architecture Science from the University of Technology in Baghdad, IQ in 1999. I also received two professional certifications; one from Virtual Design & Construction Institute as a BIM Construction Documents Certification in 2012 and another one from Autodesk as an AutoCAD 2013 Certified Professional in 2013. I worked full-time in many architectural and construction companies since I obtained my Bachelor until returning to school for my Masters in 2015.

While studying at NewSchool of Architecture + Design, I had the opportunity to spend eight semesters where the curriculum is focused on the integration between the academic and the workplace aspects. I also enrolled in the design-build studio with six other students and successfully completed the Sukkah temporary structure project for the Jewish Annual Sukkot Festival in Encinitas, CA during the summer semester of 2016. I completed 6 units and achieved A grade in that course.

While studying and working on Sukkah project, I have gained skills in construction and fabrication.  I learned how to work with bamboo panels and testing the effectiveness of the rope joints on bamboo poles. I have found that these experiences have improved my attention to detail and my understanding for the construction process while designing.

Also during my second year of graduate education, specifically in the summer semester of 2016 at NewSchool of Architecture + Design, I have studied Landscape Architecture in order to better understanding the outdoor spaces that affect the indoor spaces, study the impact of green environment on the human physical and psychological health, identify potential problems on site, incorporate walkways, create micro-climates, and use existing environmental conditions to create healthier and sustainable landscapes. I completed 3 units and achieved A grade in that course.

My goal is always to engage architecture with the community and bring livable art to all. Being sustainably-minded, I view my desire to create a positive interaction with the built environment and the natural environment.

I constantly seek to involve myself with challenges that provide opportunities for growth. For instance, I have hands on experience in structural engineering. I use this background to upgrade my design process and show the strength of the architectural components to the community.

My academic experience has given me the tools to provide a strong vision of architecture to the community and bring architecture to life while my professional experience enhanced the ability to integrate both Architecture and Engineering experience within the design phases and to allow for greater design practices.