Ireny Abrahim has served as the past AIAS president at California College of the Arts. She has participated on projects with the Open Workshop and Urban Works Agency which were exhibited at the Venice Biennale Architettura 2021. Ireny is interested in working in the residential sector of architecture and has a concentration in digital craft and fabrication where she gained skills including CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing and working with VR.
Archslate: Tell us a little bit about your background and what made you choose Architecture:
Ireny Abrahim: I used to remember being so ecstatic for the family trips we took every summer. I was lucky enough to experience so many cultures and architectural styles from around the world. It wasn't until my last few months of high school that I realized I was interested to get to know Architecture from a professional point of view. Five years later and not once did I regret that decision.
Archslate: What are some of your biggest achievements:
Ireny Abrahim: As cheesy as this sounds, one of my biggest achievements was my decision to pursue Architecture as a lifelong career. While being in school, studios were our home. This brings me to another big achievement, I was fortunate to represent the California College of the Arts AIAS Chapter as their president for two years. I couldn't be more proud of the hard work and the community that was built within the AIAS members. These two years taught me the true power of teamwork.
"I was fortunate to represent the California College of the Arts AIAS Chapter as their president for two years. I couldn't be more proud of the hard work and the community that was built within the AIAS members. These two years taught me the true power of teamwork."
Check out Ireny Abrahim's portfolio on Archslate here
Archslate: What types of projects do you see yourself working on?
Ireny Abrahim: There's a certain rush and excitement I get when I work with Digital Fabrication, Experimenting with new ways of design and construction is a growing passion of mine.
Archslate: How do you describe your design style as an architect?
Ireny Abrahim: As an individual who adores the idea of design experimentation, I don't have a specific design style. I believe that design is determined by what the purpose of a building is and its occupant's needs. I'm one of the many architects who believes function follows form.
"There are many plans that I have envisioned for myself, but I recently understood that the world is an unpredictable place. I will continue to do what I love, working on great projects with amazing teams."
Drawings by Ireny Abrahim
Archslate: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ireny Abrahim: There are many plans that I have envisioned for myself, but I recently understood that the world is an unpredictable place. I will continue to do what I love, working on great projects with amazing teams and getting the full experience of what it's like working in an architecture firm for the next five years before I decide what my next steps are.
Archslate: Which is your favorite project in your portfolio and why?
Ireny Abrahim: I take pride and joy in this particular project. 'Lenticular Illusion' is a tall infill structure that spans two properties and houses two families, where a system of twisted, reflective steel bars demarcates domestic territories at different scales and produces unexpected visual connectivity between spaces. This project was chosen to be exhibited in the 2x8 Domum AIALA student exhibition last November.
"One of the biggest hurdles with securing the right job would be the limited positions for recently graduated students. It has been an unfortunate search not only due to the pandemic, but the constant lookout for candidates with 2+ years of experience in the field."
Archslate: When searching for internships or jobs, what are you looking for?
Ireny Abrahim: I'm looking for a graduate position that focuses on the design of program and occupant needs, I'm interested in learning and understanding the constraints of a site and how to design around complications.
Archslate: What are some of the hurdles that you've always faced for securing the right job for you?
Ireny Abrahim: One of the biggest hurdles with securing the right job would be the limited positions for recently graduated students. It has been an unfortunate search not only due to the pandemic, but the constant lookout for candidates with 2+ years of experience in the field.
Project Museum:Untitled by Ireny Abrahim
Archslate: Which firms do you admire the most that make it to your list of 'Dream job'
Ireny Abrahim: I would have to mention NADAAA as one of my most favored firms, Nader Tehrani's work and constant experimentation using different forms of construction using digital fabrication is truly inspiring. Atelier Ten would come a close second, the firm's work has been my rock during precedent research to many of my studio projects. I admire their approach towards community and site within their designs.
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