“Not only does interior design allow me to work with problem-solving situations, but it also allows me to build creative, beautiful things that have functional results.”
Alammari Aisha studied Environmental Design at METU. She became interested in interior design while choosing her major in college. She enjoys design subjects because it allows her to pay close attention to details. Her future plans are having a job she enjoys doing, finding good life-work balance, fostering good relationships both at work and in her personal life, and simply enjoying every day as it comes and goes.
Why did you choose this field, this major and what inspires you?
I became interested in interior design while choosing my major in college. When asking students why they invested in interior design, I learned that interior designers consistently improve their knowledge, not only to stay current with design trends but to also stay efficient with budgeting needs. Interior design is about solving problems creatively, almost similar to the way engineers solve problems. I knew I enjoyed the researching process, so I began to gravitate toward interior design around this time.
What were your favourite projects at METU and why?
I enjoy design subjects because it allows me to pay close attention to detail. As I studied for certifications, I was able to use creative details to bring designs to their full potential. Not only does interior design allow me to work with problem-solving situations, but it also allows me to build creative, beautiful things that have functional results. Creating design solutions for a room is like solving a puzzle, and using both creative and functional aspects of design is satisfying to me when I finally solve that puzzle.
What was your diploma work and why did you choose this topic?
When I began studying internal design, I realized I loved the teamwork aspect of it. So that's why I decided to design a multifunctional building that can be open 24/7 and can gather all the tastes. So, I started to divide the building into four main parts, the first part was for the basement and the -1.5 level, which is designed for the reception and the Yoga class. The second part is made for a café, the third part is an exhibition area, and the last part, which is the fourth part, is designed for the rooftop bar.
The reason behind choosing those four functions, firstly because Yoga has a lot of effects on us mentally and physically, as it burns calories, thus losing weight. Getting rid of stress, and reducing depression, promotes a sense of relaxation and meditation. Prevention of cardiovascular disease, for its role in burning excess fat in the body.
The social effects are reflected in the fact that exhibitions are a fertile environment for community participation and the development of communication and interdependence in the local community. Exhibitions are a means to occupy the leisure time of members of society in all its categories, which is beneficial in terms of educational and training aspects.
What did METU contribute to your professional development?
- by deep learning experiences
- by developing skills for integrating a creative process in your classroom.
- by creating a supportive learning experience
- by helping the students tackle challenges and develop critical skills
What does METU’s credo “Inspired by Creativity” mean to you?
METU is a place where no one's going to stop you from creating.
What would you say to those who want to apply to a university, why choose METU?
I would tell them about my reasons as I wanted to study with the best. METU is one of the top the national rankings of universities, many top-class professors teach here.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are having a job I enjoy doing, finding good life-work balance, fostering good relationships both at work and in my personal life, and simply enjoying every day as it comes and goes. Of course, I plan to continue working on my design skills, because I want to become better in my work.
Take your next step at METU’s bachelors' program – get to know our Environmental Design BA program!