Hi there! I'm Shahadah, a designer with roots in Georgia and a journey that started in the Deep South. My formative years were spent with my grandparents and great-grandparents in a tight-knit community that taught me the true meaning of togetherness. When I was six, my great-grandparents gifted me a set of huge building blocks, sparking my lifelong passion for design and construction. My great-grandpa, a construction worker who built the home we grew up in, inspired me immensely.

At age 10, I moved to the suburbs, where I continued to explore my creativity through the Mable Arts Amphitheater and various summer camps. In high school, I delved into graphic design and architectural drafting, earning certifications in the Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk. I also dual-enrolled at Georgia State University during my junior and senior years, racking up college credits.

After high school, I took a semester off to solo travel along the East Coast, broadening my horizons and experiencing the world firsthand. These experiences have shaped my approach to architecture, blending community values, creativity, and a love for exploration into every project I undertake.

Now, why Hampton University? My mother attended Clark Atlanta, an HBCU in Atlanta, GA, although she didn't graduate. She encouraged me to attend an HBCU for its unique dynamic compared to PWIs. I chose Hampton for several reasons: it was out of state, offered a 5-year Master's program, and featured a summer studio dedicated to international architectural studies.

What I didn't anticipate was how much more Hampton had to offer. I became involved in the Women's Caucus, AIAS, NOMAS, and focused on Sea Level Rise. I took a year off during COVID due to familial health issues but returned with a renewed drive to graduate. My journey wasn't ideal, but it is my own. Now, as a fresh grad, I'm ready to take on the design world!

Thanks for visiting my site—I'm excited to share my journey and passion for architecture with you!