Nadeen Hassan

“Speak your truth, LOUDLY. Do not be afraid to ask questions, voice your opinion, share your story. Be proud of who you are and always celebrate your wins, despite how big or small.”

#WomenWhoBuild meet Nadeen Hassan,

Nadeen is recent B.Arch graduate, Co-Founder and Editorial Director of Primaverarch, and Architectural Designer. Through Primaverarch, a grassroot movement dedicated to stimulating change for the recognition of women in Architecture, Nadeen began and continues to create a seat at the table for next generation of women in architecture. ArchNative sat down with Nadeen to discuss her journey in Architecture (including her first introduction to the field), what she sees for the future of Primaverarch, and what her advice is for women entering the industry.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in Architecture. What was your first introduction to the field?

Nadeen visiting Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt.

Inspired by my parent’s initial studies, my love for art and math organically developed over time. Since I was a child, I grew up watching HGTV's show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and was always fascinated by how a place's design was transformed and how it impacted families who occupy this intimate space every day. Once they saw their new and improved home, their expressions were priceless. 

I always enjoyed watching the show and always knew that I wanted to make an impact and do something for the sake of leaving a smile on people's faces. Over time, my observations from traveling across New York City from Queens to Brooklyn, I noticed a drastic difference in the urban space and architecture depending on each neighborhood. Unfortunately, many people’s lives are written for them the day they were born, based on how they look, where they come from, or how much money their family has. I felt that many were not given an opportunity to grow or even have a voice. To me, architecture was a step to change that.

What drew you to pursue it as a career?

Growing up as an Egyptian-American, I always questioned why many residents in Alexandria and New York City have very different lifestyles based on their social class. For example, in Egypt, while the wealthy lived comfortably in newly developed villas; many were found homeless or crammed in a small apartment with others. On a larger scale, taking a car ride across the city, I would notice people using the car's lane due to the lack of sidewalks. Refugees and lower-income individuals reside in inadequate houses, and natural resources are sparsely utilized. 

While Egyptian culture is based on generosity and supporting others, the environment did not reflect that; inequalities were apparent. I knew this was because of an urban problem, which shows a lack of care to many who view Egypt as home. 

Moving into the field, I understood that architecture could play a heavy role in shaping lives. I knew that I wanted to better the lives of the less fortunate. Our designs affect the occupants, neighbors, the environment, and the economy; therefore, a designer should be sensitive to these things. I want to make sure that the community’s ideas and needs are embedded into the design and urban space. The world needs people who come from diverse backgrounds to be a part of these design revolutions; to give a voice for smaller groups who otherwise would not be heard.

Primaverarch’s Website, homepage.

You are the co-founder and editorial director of Primaverarch, a grassroot movement dedicated to stimulating change for the recognition of women in Architecture. Can you tell us a little bit about that? What motivated you to create this platform?

Primaverarch is a platform that is stimulating change for all women in architecture through a series of workshops, interviews, leadership programs, and more. During my undergraduate studies, I have noticed a lack of representation within professionals, students, and the curriculum. Even though my year was the first to have 50% women, the overall profession did not reflect that diversity. With a demanding field like architecture, I felt that I needed support to make it through, to feel hopeful that I can make a change to serve underrepresented communities. 

Nadeen using device, inspired by Brunelleschi’s perspective view.

People need to understand the importance of representation. Something I personally always struggle with is dissecting my ethnic background. As a first-generation Egyptian-American, I always want to make sure that I represent where my parents come from, that my vibrant culture shaped me into who I am today. The constant erasure of Middle Eastern and North African groups affects us mentally. These actions make us feel invisible, especially when large platforms continue silencing us. For many years, I continue not to see Muslim or Arab women celebrated within the industry. 

 Despite the overall lack of minorities within the field, the beauty of Spitzer School of Architecture, CCNY, is that I had the opportunity to study with many who come from very different backgrounds. It is where I met classmates who felt the same way I did throughout our educational experience. As a result, once we graduated, we did not want to wait anymore for people to amplify individuals who look like us. Primaverarch is a space for any and every woman who wants to feel celebrated.

Through Primaverarch, I realized that there are so many untold stories within architecture. Many were not given the chance to speak about their journey or even feel that their work is valuable. Primaverarch welcomes everyone to dare to know and feel their importance. There is enough space at the table for all of us to be seen and elevated.

Primaverarch is shining a little light during these difficult times on the next generation by showing that they can become the best version of themselves as aspiring professionals. Many recent graduates are second-guessing their decision to pursue architecture. Studies show that many, especially women, will most-likely transition into a different field as a result. Primaverarch is here to try to prevent that. We hope that the current generation feels inspired to connect with our features and serve as a support system.

 In honor of celebrating diverse voices, we make sure to acknowledge all the things that need to change for a more equitable and diverse profession. Our goal is even if one person within a leadership position reads our posts and our number of call-to-actions, then now they have recognized that there is a change that requires their help.

Modular housing proposal in Jackson, Mississippi.

What does your day to day look like?

Different and unexpected!

When the quarantine started in New York City, suddenly, there wasn’t a divide between school, work, and rest. In a way, everyone focused on managing their time, completing their work, and repeating the next day. It led to many of us forgetting about our mental health and the importance of rest. When I graduated, I was able to focus a bit more on myself. I needed to sit down and reflect on how to prioritize my health while completing my tasks of the day. 

Even though every day is different, I like to make sure I dedicate a few hours to rest. I am a morning person; I wake up bright and early and brew up a cup of coffee before anything! I dress up and get ready to log in to my computer to start work, review my calendar, and polish up a to-do list of the day. 

After work, whenever our schedules align, I dedicate time to spend with my family to check on how everyone is doing. We share stories of our day and share some laughs. Sometimes, I also catch myself on a FaceTime call with my closest friends.

What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?

Nadeen presenting a project to a client, Cooperation Jackson, and the community.

In my fourth-year advanced studio, guided by Nandini Bagchee, I had the opportunity to design a master plan and affordable modular housing units for our client, Cooperation Jackson, in Jackson, Mississippi. It was my first hands-on research experience in education to design what the client and the community want and need. It was the first experience designing with the community, not for them. One of my proudest accomplishments was being one of the four students selected to travel to Jackson to present my studio project to the community. During the trip, I was able to learn about the community's vibrant culture and engage with them to ensure that their goals are implemented in my design proposal. This experience gave me a glimpse of what architects and designers need to do for a more just profession; to talk to their clients and communities to see what they want, what they need, and what they hope to see. It reassured me that this is what I love and aspire to do; make a change through design.

What do you see for the future of Primaverarch?

Primaverarch will be a part of the change needed for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive profession. Numbers are powerful; and the more voices heard and amplified, the stronger the demand for change, which will lead to more results. I see Primaverarch as a powerful vehicle for the current and next generations filled with mentorship and leadership programs, workshops, seminars, interviews, advice, everything! 

I hope our audience feels encouraged to share their journeys, get inspired by our features, and feel the need to participate. No one deserves to feel undervalued, underrepresented, or unappreciated. There will be a seat at the table for everyone cheering for one another, at least at Primaverarch.

What is one piece of advice you have for women entering the field?

Speak your truth, LOUDLY. Do not be afraid to ask questions, voice your opinion, share your story. Be proud of who you are and always celebrate your wins, despite how big or small.