University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's Danya Almoghrabi on Different Ways to Learn and Spaces to Thrive In

By Julia Gamolina

Danya Almoghrabi is currently in her last semester pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She is also the President of NOMAS at UWM in which she organizes and leads student and community events. Danya recently began an internship position at Kahler Slater, where she is working on an exciting community project. Her main form of inspiration is taking in her surroundings and learning from everything she faces!

JG: Tell me about your foundational years - how you grew up, what you liked to do, some of your most memorable experiences, etc.

DA: I grew up in southeastern Wisconsin in a Palestinian household. I have an older sister, an older brother, and two amazing parents. I enjoyed art, sports, and music growing up. Now, I still enjoy art, sports, and music along with traveling. My most memorable experiences when I was younger have to be playing around outside all summer long with my neighbors. It was great being able to explore and create without having to think too much. My siblings and I had such a great time growing up and exploring our surroundings which has shaped me into who I am today.

“NOMA Nest” 2021 NOMAS Design Competition Proposal, Section. Celebrating 50 years of change, the NOMA Nest aims to support the BIPOC community by providing flexible spaces for affordable housing, businesses, and family support resources that are designed to help individuals rebuild the neighborhood.

Why did you decide to study architecture? How did you choose where you studied architecture?

Growing up, I’ve always been interested in design and how things work. My dad is an engineer, so he inspired me in those aspects. Science and math were my favorite subjects and one of my favorite hobbies was creating art. I was first drawn towards design in fashion in middle school, then engineering in early high school, and finally, architecture my senior year of high school! I chose to attend the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee since it is the only architecture school in Wisconsin, and it was close to home. It was also a larger school that still had a smaller feel to it which I liked.

What was the favorite project you worked on in school? Favorite paper you wrote? Favorite extracurricular?

My favorite project so far has been the 2021 NOMAS Design Competition. I worked with four other extremely talented students on this project, as well as one of my greatest advisors. We tackled issues around social justice, displacement, and community resources. This project taught me more on how to work well with others and how to use research to form strategic design decisions. My favorite paper I wrote was on carbon neutrality in architecture and how we can use materials in our designs to combat the ongoing climate crisis. My favorite extracurricular growing up was basketball, and the sense of community and outlet it created from school.

“I look for a firm that gives their employees opportunity to grow as an architect and a person.”

— Danya Almoghrabi

What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?

One of the main initiatives I have focused on in school is creating an inclusive culture within the students and giving us all opportunity to grow within the School of Architecture and outside of it. My role as President of NOMAS allows me to do so while planning and holding events that connect students to each other and the community. Through NOMAS, we have held youth community workshops, women’s panels, professional development events, and more! It is a great way to learn versus only in the typical class setting. My experience with NOMAS has given me the chance to explore different opportunities in architecture and form lasting connections with my classmates and instructors. It has also taught me so much about my interests and what direction I want to take with my career.

When searching for internships and jobs, what are you looking for?

I look for a firm that gives their employees opportunity to grow as an architect and a person. This can mean working directly with community members on projects as well as working on a diverse team that you can gain lots of knowledge and guidance from. It’s also important for a firm to value their employees’ ideas and input while giving us a range of experiences. And of course, somewhere that you can form great connections and have fun while doing what you love!

“A Dwelling with Character”, North elevation. This project takes both site and landscape exploration to lead to the design of a dwelling that suffices the needs of specific inhabitants.

“A Dwelling with Character”, East Elevation. Dwelling design was based off of certain characters and their needs. Thorough research was done to be able to meet the needs of the characters as well as create a design that alters the movement created through the landscape.

What’s important to you? What inspires you?

My family is important to me! They inspire me every day to keep going and push the boundaries to reach my accomplishments and goals. I am greatly inspired by everyone and everything I encounter in life which leads me to take each experience I have as a learning opportunity. One of my close advisors once told me that she considers everyone she interacts with as a mentor to her which is something that I have also learned to do. My family, friends, instructors, coworkers, and colleagues all inspire me.

What do you hope to do in your career?

I hope to use my architecture education to create better places to not only live in, but to thrive in. I want to be able to work directly with community members to design based on their needs. So many people do not have access to certain resources and necessities which leads to long term issues. In my career, I hope that I can tackle these issues around the nation and more, to boost the quality of life for individuals and communities who may not have as equal of opportunities as others.

“I hope to use my architecture education to create better places to not only live in, but to thrive in.”

— Danya Almoghrabi

Who do you look up to? It could be those in the industry or not.

I look up to my parents and their journey every day. My mom and dad came to the US, originally from Palestine, and have built my siblings and myself an incredible life and foundation. I am extremely inspired by my dad’s work ethic and advancements. My mom has taught me things that I cannot learn from anyone else. They always have my back with every step in my life and I know they support everything I do and hope to do, and I appreciate them more than I can explain.

What are you excited about right now?

I am so excited to see what’s next in my path of life. I graduate with my BS.AS. in a couple of months and plan to begin my M.Arch next fall. I am looking forward to gaining different experiences in between and learning more about myself and my interests. I am also currently starting a kids’ build project with a local elementary school through NOMAS, which I am excited to be able to teach and learn from. There is always so much to learn, and I am thankful to be able to continue my education whether in or out of school.

“Bronzeville Chicago Creator Space”. This project focuses on a space that offers community members resources based on their needs. This creator space development includes play, music, art, lounge, and more. Each space is designed to be flexible based on the user’s needs, allowing the community to designate the program.

Finally, what advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?

Take advantage of the time you have in school! There is so much opportunity to explore your interests and figure out what you want to achieve. This will also keep changing as you learn more about yourself. Get to know your classmates and your instructors and form connections with great people who push you to be your best. There is no need to rush into something and it is okay to change, this creates growth!