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Alumni Profiles

Galya Al-Mohannadi

• Interior Designer at PEO (Private Engineering Office)
• Graduated 2003 in Interior Design

What are you doing now after graduation?

After graduation, I wasn’t thinking about working for someone. I set up my own firm and did some volunteering work, then decided to work for someone to gain more experience. I began working for the Emiri Diwan in 2004; in 2005 PEO (Private Engineering Office) was established so I was transferred there…I’ve been here since. And I still do some pro-bono work to interact with people in a different way.

What accomplishments are you most proud of after graduation?

Not an 'accomplishment' as such, but I'm proud about how much I’ve learned at PEO! As a project manager, I get to do full projects right through to installation. I’ve developed an “end-user” mentality to represent the client. And I’ve become a certified PMP, Project Management Professional, through more course work. At first I was resisting not designing, but now I’m thankful my career took me in this direction.

Why did you choose to study Interior Design at VCUQatar?

I was in the second class at VCU. I was so happy that this program was available to me in Doha that I applied immediately before I even graduated from high school. I felt like a pioneer. Because VCU was new and experimental, it was small and we had a special relationship with all of our faculty.

What would you consider to be the most important thing you learnt during your studies?

My approach to life: not to judge people, to try and see the whole picture before making a judgment … it’s like applying the design process to your whole life. Working at PEO, we had to prove ourselves, to educate the office about what we could do. At VCUQatar we learned to just keep trying. I also learned that it’s important who you work with – you need a good supportive group around you.

How did your experience at VCUQatar help you in what you are doing now?

• I learned that the way you implement a task is the way to find value in it. 
• I learned how to be criticized and how to respond. Now people listen to me because I give justification for my ideas.
• I learned to be passionate about design. And now people understand that I care about the design, so that builds trust – they know I am looking for the best.

What advice would you give to the current students at VCUQatar?

Go to as many international design exhibitions as possible. Our faculty took us to Milan and Florence. When I went back later on my own, I could look deeper and understand more.  Also I would recommend doing several internships - one out of the country would be good - to get practical work experience as soon as possible.

 

 

Reem Al-Thani

• Junior Exhibition Designer at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
• Graduated 2010 in Interior & Fashion Design

What are you doing now after graduation?

I’m working as a junior exhibition designer at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. I’m very happy to have a job that allows me to show my creativity in a unique way in my own country.

What accomplishments are you most proud of after graduation?

Soon after graduation, I successfully helped to design Mathaf’s first exhibition ‘Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art’. It was great to learn from the experience of working with different people involved in the process. I’m currently working on Mathaf’s second exhibition ‘Swalif: Qatari Art between memory and modernity’. One of the best experiences of my life is when I went as part of a team to the TED 2011 conference in Long Beach, California, to speak about Mathaf in our sponsored lunch.

Why did you choose to study Interior Design at VCUQatar?

I wanted to have the flexibility to study both Interior and Fashion design. To start with Interior Design was just a way for me to get closer to product design and conceptualization, while Fashion was a way to implement the items I design. However, on my journey of design, I discovered my true interest in exhibition and commercial design that allows you to realize and implement your conceptual designs.

What would you consider to be the most important thing you learnt during your studies?

Problem solving and that nothing is impossible.

How did your experience at VCUQatar help you in what you are doing now?

Definitely, everything I learnt is being implemented in some way in my work. From non-linear thinking to using programs.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying Interior Design at VCUQatar?

Being in VCUQatar you feel like you are part of a big community, you become a different person, a better person who can create and do the impossible with design.

 

 

Natasha Sturko

• Junior Designer at HOK
• Graduated 2011 in Interior Design

What are you doing now after graduation?

I’m working for HOK as a junior designer on the new Doha International Airport. My specific assignment is working on the furniture package; it’s an exciting project to work on…a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What accomplishments are you most proud of after graduation?

For now, just graduating!

Why did you choose to study Interior Design at VCUQatar?

A friend in Canada encouraged me to study Interior Design, so when my husband and I came to Qatar, I did a search for an ID program to continue my studies.

What would you consider to be the most important thing you learnt during your studies?

• The value of endurance and seeing something through
• Understanding that I was learning as I made mistakes
• My internship with FITCH London: it’s very valuable to get a taste of the real world; it was very inspiring to see young designers involved in the work flow. All I did at FITCH was conceptual design - it was great! I was putting into practice what I’d learned in junior year.

How did your experience at VCUQatar help you in what you are doing now?

My VCUQatar experience taught me a work ethic that my employers really like. I learned to be responsible for my share of the work, and I learned to be flexible – that I couldn’t just give up when something doesn’t work. 

I also got good instruction; the faculty were genuinely interested in my academic career.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying Interior Design at VCUQatar?

If they are expats like me, patience is key - you need to keep an open mind and have a willingness to embrace changes and diversity.