Archinect
Alaa Tarabzouni

Alaa Tarabzouni

Brooklyn, NY, US

 

About 

I am currently pursuing my Master's in Architecture (M.Arch) degree at Pratt Institute, after having completed my B.A. of Architecture at The University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I have been very privileged to have had very diverse education and work experiences both in scope and location. For my most up to date work please click here.

Employment 

tarp architecture manual, Brooklyn, NY, US, Editor

Tarp: Architecture Manual is an annual publication of the Graduate Architecture and Urban Design program at Pratt Institute located in Brooklyn, New York.
What started in 2003 as a bi-yearly pamphlet distributed to GAUD students has now evolved into a widely distributed journal of original pieces by internationally-renowned practitioners and academics alike. Every year a topic which critically address the discipline of architecture is explored, serving as a platform for engaged and compelling voices that are current to debate.

Sep 2012 - current
 

Bad Apple Press, Brooklyn, NY, US, Editor

Bad Apple is a new publication series on the post-digital evolution of designed places and things. The inaugural issue will debut the Spring of 2015. At Bad Apple I am one of a panel of founders and editors in charge of seeing through the execution of the publication as well as organizing the relevant events (such as round tables and information sessions) as well as directly contacting the contributors.

Sep 2013 - Dec 2014
 

CAZA Architects, Brooklyn, NY, US, Architecture Intern

CAZA (Carlos Arnaiz Architects) is a Brooklyn architecture firm that operates both as a workshop and a think tank. At my time at CAZA I worked mainly on the Hue Hotel Project, which is a unique boutique hotel with a interesting public space component, the hotel is located in the island of Borocay in the Philippines. I was a part of a small team at the firm associated with the project, my role was to review and draw details for the bespoke interior elements, such as light fixtures and cladding systems. I also was in charge of producing the schedule of finishes and was in direct contact with the manufacturers and suppliers.

May 2014 - Jul 2014
 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, US, Graduate Publicity Assistant

Working at the Office of Institutional Advancement at Pratt has befitted me greatly in making me very in-tune with the numerous events and and Alumni achievements. It has also greatly aided my work on the TARP architectural manual. Additionally, being in the proximity of the school's award winning in-house graphic design team has exposed to vast array of graphic design material.
Mainly, working in a very dead-line driven office has honed my time management skills and prioritization. My work with the OIA consists mainly of preparing press clips of mentions of Pratt in various publications, drafting posts for the "Inside Pratt" events and alumni achievements newsletter of the school and researching and verifying the content in the publications.

Feb 2013 - Jun 2013
 

Saudi Oger Ltd, Beirut, LB, Architecture intern

Since its inception, Saudi Oger has become one of the leading Construction, Facilities Management Service Provider and Infrastructure Project Development companies in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region. It was great to experience working in architecture in the culturally rich city of Beirut, Lebanon. While the opportunity to work on the vast Princess Nora University campus project was great, being able to do it at the Lebanon branch, offered a great understanding of how communication and information sharing between the numerous satellite offices works.

Jul 2010 - Aug 2012
 

Omrania, Riyad, SA, Architecture Intern

O&A is an architecture/engineering consulting firm in the Middle East. It has three branches, the main being the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Branch and the other 2 are located in Amman, Jordan and Manama Bahrain. At my time at O&A I experienced various projects ranging from the refurbishment of a private estate with a team consisting of two other individuals to much larger governmental schemes that included everything from master-planning to interior design.
I was also in charge of arranging the materials and reference/catalog libraries after the relocation to the new office, which was a priceless managerial experience and a great chance to handle and go through the rich library.
Additionally, I was able to attend various meetings with suppliers during arranged "lunch and learn" sessions, that were great networking opportunities.

Feb 2012 - Jun 2012
 

Sima Malak + Alssamoure Design Associates, Riyad, SA, Architecture Intern

Sima Malak + Alssamoure Design Associates is a well established design consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company has a long track record for producing creative and innovative solutions for new projects and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The practice provides a full range of interior and architectural design services. At my time with Sima Malak + Alssamoure I was able to experience the interior design aspect of architecture as well as the custom design and fabrication of furniture and decorative interior elements. I worked specifically on the design of a refurbishment of a restaurant in Riyadh, specifically on the creation the staircase which was the focal element of the space. This project proved challenging due to the double floor heights and the requirement for the stairs to be tight in order to maximize restaurant seating space.

Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
 

Education 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, US, Masters, M.Arch

Pursuing my M.Arch has been a great opportunity to explore my design capabilities through the various digital programs. It has also proven to be a chance for experimentation in my design and design process. At my time at Pratt I have also been able to focus on digital fabrication using CNC technology. Additionally, I have greatly honed my graphic representation techniques.

Aug 2012 - current
 

The New School, New York, NY, US (online), Brand Identity, Continuing Education Graphic Design Course

This graphic design course, helped me hone my self taught graphic skills. It was also very beneficial in the introduction and creation of clear info-graphs. The main focus of the course was marketing and branding through graphic design, which is crucial for creating well rounded designs, that are effectively represented graphically.

Aug 2011 - Nov 2011
 

University of Newcaslte upon Tyne (UK), Newcastle upon Tyne, GB, Graduate Certificate of Architectural Practice

This certificate is to ensure the supervision of experience of architectural practice, by my professional studies adviser Dr. John Kamara. The Graduate Certificate in Architectural Practice (gCAP) is intended for those graduates who hold a BA in Architecture (or its equivalent with RIBA Part I exemption) and who wish to proceed to full professional status with the ability to practice as an architect. It provides the means by which the academic content of the RIBA Part I program is integrated with the practical experience of the graduate. It also helps students to benefit from practice based activities and prepares them for the next stages of their professional development. It includes taught elements, work-based learning and self-study.

Jan 2011 - Jun 2011
 

University of Newcaslte upon Tyne (UK), Newcastle upon Tyne, GB, Bachelors, BA of Architecture

My time at Newcastle was an invaluable education of both architecture and culture.The School is one of the largest and most dynamic schools of its kind in Europe. My architectural education was well-rounded in terms of scope of design and analysis and technical design. The projects ranged from pavilion to school design, with a range of sites, such as the quiet Jesmond Dene, to urban down-town Middlesbrough. Additionally, moving to the United Kingdom at was a indispensable cultural opportunity that advocated my growth both as an individual and a designer.

Sep 2007 - Jun 2011
 

Awards 

Orator at Graduation Commencment, Other

Chosen as first ever student orator to give the commencement speech at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne Sprin 2011 Graduation.

2011
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills