Interior design education and architectural practice integration

SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) personal statement

One of the most exciting aspects of studying the field of design and architecture is its collaborative aspect. No building is constructed alone; rather the structure that is produced is the result of the combined effort of designers, architects, sponsors, and ideally the community where the building is going to be located. This is why I am so eager to become part of the SAIC -- (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) architecture program with a concentration in interior design. The spirit of the school is a community where I know I can feel at home in the next four years. Both inside and outside of the classroom, the people with whom I work with at SAIC will shape my vision as a professional throughout the duration of my career, long after I have left the institution. The school is supportive and team-based in its orientation yet also encourages every student to realize his or her own, unique vision.

As an international student who received an undergraduate degree in interior design in Saudi Arabia, I am eager to attend a school that is global in focus, yet also grounded in the independent spirit of the United States. I seek a fresh perspective on the world of architecture and I believe that I could be an invaluable asset in the classroom, sharing with my fellow students the worldview of someone who has grown up outside of the United States. The culture of the industry is different where I worked, as are the logistical challenges of climate and functionality. I seek to learn from my fellow classmates and teachers and see things from their perspective, as I hope they will learn from mine.

In Saudi Arabia, there is great wealth, which has supported the architectural industry. I have worked as an architectural assistant and have come to understand the degree to which financial backing is essential to realize the vision of every architect, as I have seen some potentially great projects flounder for want of backing. Learning how to make a project financially feasible yet still suit the vision of the original designer was one of the core challenges I witnessed in my work.