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School of Architecture and Design
The mission of the School of Architecture and Design is to educate students to become architects and designers who will advance the world of the built environment and visual culture with consideration, creativity and skill. All its undergraduate programs have received accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The School of Architecture and Design (SA&D) grounds its curriculum in the conviction that good design results from a combination of a deep understanding of culture, ethical engagement in society and a respect for the creative skills needed to build a sustainable material culture. Against this background, the school is committed to the primary objective of providing its students with relevant, professional instruction in the fields of architecture, design management, interior design, multimedia design and visual communication.
The school is dedicated to inquiry and to the development of hands-on technical skills and competence in digital and other advanced media. It also fosters in its students a regional and cultural awareness and the responsibility for creating humane environments. The school seeks to contribute to the development of professional standards and innovation in architecture and design.
The School of Architecture and Design meets its objectives through degree programs that feature the following:
- An environment that encourages achievement and personal growth
- A faculty of professionals who balance continuing scholarship and creative work with their desire for excellence in teaching
- A comprehensive advisement and student counseling system that tracks student development and progress
- A general education curriculum that offers a solid foundation
- A clear and consistent approach that is evident throughout the curriculum
- A variety of courses that are continually updated to reflect rapidly changing design practices and the growing role of digital communication
- A respect for culture, traditions and needs of society
The faculty members serving in the School of Architecture and Design have been selected on the basis of their familiarity with a university education based on the American model. All members of the teaching team combine mastery in teaching with continuing growth in their respective disciplines and thus are well equipped to serve as role models for students in their quest for an empowering and professional education. The majority of the teaching load in the foundations year is shared by professors from the various majors. Faculty members are listed by rank with their departments indicated.
- Nadia M. Alhasani (Architecture)
- Martin Giesen (Foundations)
- Jay Randle (Architecture)
- Fatih Rifki (Architecture)
- Shoaib Nabi Ahmad (Design)
- Tarek Al-Ghoussein (Design)
- Brian Dougan (Foundations)
- Eirik Heintz (Foundations)
- Bruce Lonnman (Architecture)
- Kevin Mitchell (Architecture)
- Ahmed Mokhtar (Architecture)
- Amer Moustafa (Architecture)
- Mark Pilkington (Design)
- Samia Rab (Architecture)
- Mehdi Sabet (Architecture)
- Phil Sheil (Design)
- Dirk Van Wyk (Design)
- Gregor Weiss (Architecture)
- Paul Bantey (Design)
- Amir Berbi (Design)
- John Botthoff (Design)
- Mona El-Mousfy (Architecture)
- Roderick Grant (Design)
- David Hewitt (Foundations)
- George Katodrytis (Architecture)
- Tim Kennedy (Architecture)
- Christopher Kienke (Foundations)
- Michelle Mahaney (Architecture)
- Rula Sadik (Urban Planning)
- John Swanstrom (Design)
- Kevin Sweet (Architecture)
Career Opportunities
The SA&D prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields:
- architecture, environmental design, interior design, urban design
- graphic design, advertising, packaging design, illustration, digital media, animation, computer simulations, video, photography, printmaking
- communications and public relations, fine arts and cultural arts administration, gallery management, advertising campaign planning
Special Notes
Space Availability (Studio Majors)
Admission to the School of Architecture and Design is competitive and limited to 140 students in firstyear studio courses. The number of available seats in second-year studio majors in architecture, interior design, multimedia design and visual communication is limited to the following:
- architecture/interior design 48
- multimedia design/visual communication 48
The number of available seats in second-year design management is notlimited. The School of Architecture and Desig n accepts new and transfer students only in the fall semester.
The number of available places in second-year design management is not limited. The School of Architecture and Design accepts new and transfer students only in the fall semester.
Selection for Promotion
Selection for enrollment in secondyear studios is competitive. Criteria for promotion include an assessment of:
- GPA in the foundations studio sequence
- GPA in non-studio first-year courses including mathematics, communication, English, history and digital design
In addition, selection for promotion may also include portfolio review. Year status in the School of Architecture and Design is determined by enrollment in the major studio, regardless of the total number of credits earned.
Computer Requirements
At the beginning of the third year, all students of architecture, interior design, multimedia design and visual communication are required to have a laptop computer available for their use. SA&D will provide software for student-owned laptops to students enrolled in upper level studio courses in these four majors. The laptop must meet specifications published by SA&D in order to be used within the program. Laptops that do not meet specifications published by the school may not adequately run software required to complete coursework.
Course Selection
Students are cautioned that the specific selection of courses available for a chosen major at the time of initial registration is subject to change. The School of Architecture and Design will make every effort to monitor student progress through the advisement process. Students are encouraged to make course selections based on the stated degree requirements, subject to the listed prerequisites.
Studio Supplies
Supply expenses for studio courses are in addition to tuition cost, and lab fees may apply for some courses. However, students are given a limited account for printing.
Ownership of Student Work
The School of Architecture and Design reserves the right to retain, indefinitely, selected examples of student work for archiving, publicity and exhibition.
Responsibility for Equipment
The School of Architecture and Design provides an extensive range of digital and electronic equipment for student use. For some courses, school equipment is checked out to a student or a group of students for use on or off campus. Students are expected to treat school equipment with care and will be held financially responsible for breakage, damage, late return or loss.
Programs Offered
The School of Architecture and Design offers the following undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Design Management
- Bachelor of Interior Design
- Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design
- Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication
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