Archinect
Mohamed Ismail

Mohamed Ismail

Cambridge, MA, US

 

About 

My name is Mohamed Ismail and I am a Masters of Architecture student at the University of Virginia.

I believe in the transformative potential of architecture, where the design of the built environment affects the entire human experience. This places architects at an important position of authority and servitude, so the responsible architect learns all they can while conveying their skills and knowledge into design for others. This belief has drives me to approach each new challenge with excitement.

Academically, I engage in experiences outside of my comfort range. Each new project and course allows me to explore a new dimension and approach to architectural design. I have studied concrete casting methods, installation and furniture design, historic building methods, parametric workflows and more. My work experience reflects this curiosity as well: I researched the potential of non-linear structural analysis in the architectural design process, learned new representation techniques in modelling shops, and was exposed to various stages of professional practice during internships.

Owing to my family from the Sudan and my formative years in the Philippines, I was provided a unique understanding of multi-cultural conditions and global systems. This cognizance allows me to approach problems with an open-mind, constantly challenge my own assumptions and biases, and appreciate the value of diversity when affecting change.

Employment 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, Lecturer

Jul 2016 - Jun 2017
 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, Design Education Fellow

Aug 2015 - Jun 2016
 

Gensler, Houston, TX, US, Architectural Intern

Jun 2015 - Aug 2015
 

Education 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, PhD, Building Technology

Aug 2019 - current
 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, Masters, Architecture Studies, Building Technology

Aug 2017 - May 2019
 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, MArch, Architecture

Jul 2013 - May 2016
 

Duke University, Durham, NC, US, Bachelors, Civil Engineer, Structural

Aug 2009 - May 2013
 

Awards 

AIA DC Unbuilt Awards - Merit Award 2016, 2nd Place

The Washington UNBUILT design Awards program has a unique role to play in supporting a vibrant intellectual discourse within the design community in the DC metro region. This program bridges the academic and professional communities by providing a forum for recognizing the contributions of both younger and established practitioners alike. Accordingly, the objective of the Awards program is to engage and recognize the broadest possible range of research, conceptual exploration and innovation in design thinking represented in the DC Metro region.

2016
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills