Alaa Albarazy
Architect. Urban Designer. Educator. XR Designer
Alaa Albarazy is a creative technologist with a rich international background in architecture and urban design. Known for integrating cutting-edge technologies into sensory design, Alaa combines theoretical research with practical experience, guided by his belief that "We are witnessing the birth of a new medium, and we must embrace it."
Alaa holds an MFA in Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, has pursued entrepreneurial studies in creative arts at HEC Paris University, and earned a Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from Eastern Mediterranean University.
As CEO and founder of The-A Studios, Alaa Albarazy leads multidisciplinary design firms in Qatar, offering media production, architecture, interior design, and technology integration services through THE-A Media Studio, THE-A Design Studio, and THE-A Lab, all focusing on client-centric, innovative designs.
Architect. Urban Designer. Educator. XR Designer
Alaa Albarazy is a creative technologist with a rich international background in architecture and urban design. Known for integrating cutting-edge technologies into sensory design, Alaa combines theoretical research with practical experience, guided by his belief that "We are witnessing the birth of a new medium, and we must embrace it."
Alaa holds an MFA in Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, has pursued entrepreneurial studies in creative arts at HEC Paris University, and earned a Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from Eastern Mediterranean University.
As CEO and founder of The-A Studios, Alaa Albarazy leads multidisciplinary design firms in Qatar, offering media production, architecture, interior design, and technology integration services through THE-A Media Studio, THE-A Design Studio, and THE-A Lab, all focusing on client-centric, innovative designs.
Education
- Master of Fine Art in Design, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
- Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Entrepreneurial Studies in Creative Art, HEC Paris University
- Bachelor of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University
Academic & Work Experience
Creative Director, The -A Design Studios | 2023 – Present
- Leading design teams across architecture, graphic design, media, and technology integration to deliver innovative solutions
for THE-A Design Studios' clients. The-A Design Studio LLC & The-A Media Studio LLC - Qatar
Artist-in-residence at Qatar’s Fire Station Museum (AIR 9) | 2024 – Present
- Developing an immersive installation to enhance cultural understanding through engaging experiences.
Adjunct Faculty for Community Classes, Virginia Commonwealth University, Qatar | 2024 – Present
- Teaching advanced VR design courses in the Community and Continuing Education program, including:
- Creative Chronicles - Introduction to Design in VR - Design for VR - Design In/Out VR
Consultant, Institute for Creative Research, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2025 – Present
- Directing film production, creative development, and exhibition design
specializing in design and technology integration for interdisciplinary research at Intangible Research Lab
Exhibition Designer & Curator, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Designed and curated exhibitions at Msheireb Museum, Qatar Museum (Qatar) and Yuz Museum (China)
transforming research concepts into immersive spatial experiences.
Postgraduate Research Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Conducted research for the Mapping Migration Memories project within the Intangible Research Lab
focusing on digital heritage preservation and cultural narratives.
Filmmaker, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Directed and produced films at the intersection of art, technology, and culture
with screenings in the USA, China, and Qatar, and inclusion in the National Archive of Qatar.
Creative Director, MetaMosque LLC, USA | 2021 – 2024
- Directed the development team in creating a pioneering virtual platform, overseeing technical architecture
software integration, and user interface design from concept to execution
Guest Lecturers and Gust Jury Member, Cyprus International University
- Guest Lecturers on Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
- Series of talks in Virtual Reality in Architecture and Design Arch 470.
- Participated as a member of the jury for Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
Research Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University
- For the Dean office. Sahara exhibition with the Dean Amir. Benton Museum of Art. USA.
Academic Committees , Eastern Mediterranean University
- Help Desk Committee Member, Architecture Design Studios
Provided valuable feedback to enhance studio quality | Collaborated with peers to review and improve design projects.
- Media Committee Member
Led graphic design and maintained the department website | Ensured an attractive and updated online presence.
- Activities and Events Committee Member
Actively contributed to event planning and organization | Designed engaging experiences in line with department goals.
- Summer Practice Committee Member
Collaborated with Yeni Boğaziçi municipality on ARCH190 projects | Played a vital role in project planning, design, and execution.
Media Team Member, TEDxEMU
- Assisted in capturing and editing high-quality audiovisual content, ensuring the seamless delivery of TEDx talks and performances.
- Collaborated closely with team members to create engaging promotional materials and develop a strong online presence.
Full Time Teaching Assistant, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Architecture Design Studios 1 & 2
Assisted with project development, offering guidance and feedback on design iterations.
Conducted group discussions and individual critiques to enhance students' design skills.
- Urban Design Course
Collaborated with the instructor to facilitate lectures and workshops.
Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on student assignments and projects.
- Graphic Communication Courses
Provided assistance in teaching graphic communication techniques, including sketching and rendering.
Conducted tutorials and workshops on software tools used for graphic design in architecture.
- Architectural Construction and Material Courses
Assisted in teaching the fundamentals of architectural construction and material selection.
Assisted students in understanding building systems and their integration into architectural design.
- Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
Supported students in learning digital communication tools and software relevant to architecture.
Accreditation Preparation Team Member, NAAB, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Took a lead role in preparing visual videos showcasing department events and highlighting student achievements,
- Directed and produced the main film for the NAAB accreditation team.
Student Teaching Assistant, Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
- Assisted the instructor in conducting tutorials, facilitating workshops, and guiding students in effectively utilizing digital communication tools and software.
Internships
Alsadd Consulting
- Assisted in architectural design projects, collaborating with a team of professionals to develop design concepts, create drawings, and generate 3D visualizations.
- Conducted site visits and performed on-site measurements to gather information for design development and construction documentation.
- Assisted in preparing architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Santiago Calatrava
- Santiago Calatrava Office, Qatar.
- Expo 2020 UAE Pavilion, Dubai.
- Calatrave’s Book, Spain.
- Alsharq Crossing Project, Doha.
Alwaha Contracting
- Gained hands-on experience in construction site management, including monitoring work progress.
ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and resolving on-site issues.
- Participated in quality control inspections, conducting measurements and assessments to ensure adherence to project specifications and standards.
Talks and Recognition:
Keynote Presentation: Technology and Design: Is It Too Late to Jump on the Train?, 2024
-Keynote speaker at INDEX Design Qatar, Doha Exhibition and Convention Center,
Promoting proactive integration of AI and smart technology in design.
Talk : Utilizing Technology and Sensory Systems in Art Installations, Qatar, 2023.
-Combined Talk inspired by Zwara exhibition at Qatar Museum, M7.
A series of talks: The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture, Cyprus, 2023.
-Presented a series of talks on "The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture" at Cyprus International University.
Seminar : Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality, Cyprus, 2023.
-Delivered a seminar on "Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality" at Final International University.
Conference : Extending Intangible Heritage Through Physical Re-enactment, Greece, 2023.
-Presented in Film & Sound Art" at the 5th International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges.
Conference : MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space, Cyprus, 2023.
-Showcasing "MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space." Engaged as a speaker at the International Conference on Design and Architecture.
Conference: Mapping Migration Memories, Prague, 2023.
-Participated in a talk on "Mapping Migration Memories" at the Qatar Natural History Group's.
-Participated in a conference at AMPS Prague - Heritages : Past and Present - Built and Social.
Webinar: Public Space and the Metaverse, Cyprus, 2023.
-Webinar at Arkin University, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.
Workshops
"Beyond the Canvas: Transforming Real Spaces into Immersive VR Art",.Workshop at Fire-station Museums, Qatar, 2025.
Workshop on LiDAR 3D scanning and virtual art, blending real and digital through live demos.
"Extended Reality : Discover the Art of Creating an AR portal for a journey into Another World", Workshop at Msheireb Museums, Qatar, 2024.
Led an engaging workshop on creating personalized AR portals to enhance interactive learning experiences.
"Let's Play Energy: Unleash Your Electric Power!", Workshop at Qatar Museum, M7, Qatar, 2023.
Create a customizable sensory space fostering creativity and individual expression through vinyl and cardboard activities.
"Do not touch" Rather than telling you, what if I can show you instead, Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University, Qatar, 2020.
Led an engaging workshop focused on interactive design and user experience, demonstrating innovative ways to communicate through touchless interactions.
" Design experiment in a relational context" Workshop at 9th International EMU Design Week. Cyprus, 2019.
Facilitated collaborative efforts among an international group of designers to develop design concepts addressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
"Building Information Modeling (BIM)", Workshop for BIM Program, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus, 2017.
- Organized and led a comprehensive two-week workshop focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Autodesk Revit.
- Delivered practical training sessions in modeling, rendering, and creating loadable families using the basic functionalities of Autodesk Revit.
Workshop for 3D Max Program, Eastern Mediterranean University,Cyprus, 2017.
- Conducted an intensive two-week workshop focusing on the fundamentals of 3D Max Studio program.
- Taught practical skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and provided instruction on the basic functionalities of the Mental Ray render engine.
Workshop for Advanced 3D Max with V-Ray Render and Introduction to Lumion, Cyprus, 2017.
- Led an advanced-level workshop diving into the advanced features of 3D Max, with a focus on V-Ray rendering techniques.
- Instructed participants on using V-Ray to achieve high-quality rendering results and provided an introduction to Lumion for real-time visualization.
"How to Draw" Workshop, EMU International Design Week,Cyprus, 2015.
- Help to Delivered a comprehensive workshop focused on fundamental drawing techniques and principles with Dr. Kokan Grchev
- Provided guidance and instruction to participants in various drawing styles and mediums.
Exhibitions
Bunch of Mottos, a participation in Design Doha Biennale
- Sensory Designer - with MOTOElastico . Design Doha Biennale | Msheireb - Qatar 2024
Mapping Migration Memories ( I want to know )
- Team Member / Exhibition Designer - Contemporary Art from Qatar | Shanghai - Chain 2023
- Team Member / Exhibition Designer - Msheireb Museums | Doha - Qatar 2023
I Feel - A sensory Interactive Installation
- Forever Valentino-inspired exhibition at M7 | Doha - Qatar 2023
MetaMosque
- Prototypes for Humanity | Dubai - UAE 2022
- MFA Show, The Gallary, VCUQ | Doha - Qatar 2022
Thobe and Abaya, a participation in “Melting pottery”
- Circolo Del Design & Munlab Ecomuseo Dell’argilla | Turin - Italy 2022
- Munlab, Ecomuseo dell’argilla | Cambiano - Italy 2022
- Rossana Orlandi, during the Milano Design Week | Milano - Italy 2022
- The Summer Gallery of Rossana Orlandi | Porto Cervo - Italy 2022
A Hi call for socializing, a participation in “Crossroads: Building the Resilient City”
- Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism | Seoul - South Korea 2021
Accept each other, a participation in "Future School"
- The Korean Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La di Venezia | Venice - Italy 2020
Here is not here
- An art installation at the exhibition of the Faculty of Architecture, EMU | Famagusta - Cyprus 2019
Competitions
○ The EU Youth Short Films Festival, The Unyielding Determination selected for screening, Qatar, 2025.
○ Prototypes for Humanity, MetaMosque, Dubai, 2022
○ Winner of Scale7 Hackathon, Fashion In-motion, Qatar, 2020
○ Mentioned in the Building 4Humanity design competition, Architecture for All, Portugal, 2019
○ Awarded the Best Emerging Design Idea in architecture graduation project , The City as Museum, Cyprus, 2018
○ Second award of Housing Villas Design competitions , Egypt, 2014
- Master of Fine Art in Design, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
- Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Entrepreneurial Studies in Creative Art, HEC Paris University
- Bachelor of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University
Academic & Work Experience
Creative Director, The -A Design Studios | 2023 – Present
- Leading design teams across architecture, graphic design, media, and technology integration to deliver innovative solutions
for THE-A Design Studios' clients. The-A Design Studio LLC & The-A Media Studio LLC - Qatar
Artist-in-residence at Qatar’s Fire Station Museum (AIR 9) | 2024 – Present
- Developing an immersive installation to enhance cultural understanding through engaging experiences.
Adjunct Faculty for Community Classes, Virginia Commonwealth University, Qatar | 2024 – Present
- Teaching advanced VR design courses in the Community and Continuing Education program, including:
- Creative Chronicles - Introduction to Design in VR - Design for VR - Design In/Out VR
Consultant, Institute for Creative Research, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2025 – Present
- Directing film production, creative development, and exhibition design
specializing in design and technology integration for interdisciplinary research at Intangible Research Lab
Exhibition Designer & Curator, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Designed and curated exhibitions at Msheireb Museum, Qatar Museum (Qatar) and Yuz Museum (China)
transforming research concepts into immersive spatial experiences.
Postgraduate Research Fellow, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Conducted research for the Mapping Migration Memories project within the Intangible Research Lab
focusing on digital heritage preservation and cultural narratives.
Filmmaker, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 – 2024
- Directed and produced films at the intersection of art, technology, and culture
with screenings in the USA, China, and Qatar, and inclusion in the National Archive of Qatar.
Creative Director, MetaMosque LLC, USA | 2021 – 2024
- Directed the development team in creating a pioneering virtual platform, overseeing technical architecture
software integration, and user interface design from concept to execution
Guest Lecturers and Gust Jury Member, Cyprus International University
- Guest Lecturers on Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
- Series of talks in Virtual Reality in Architecture and Design Arch 470.
- Participated as a member of the jury for Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
Research Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University
- For the Dean office. Sahara exhibition with the Dean Amir. Benton Museum of Art. USA.
Academic Committees , Eastern Mediterranean University
- Help Desk Committee Member, Architecture Design Studios
Provided valuable feedback to enhance studio quality | Collaborated with peers to review and improve design projects.
- Media Committee Member
Led graphic design and maintained the department website | Ensured an attractive and updated online presence.
- Activities and Events Committee Member
Actively contributed to event planning and organization | Designed engaging experiences in line with department goals.
- Summer Practice Committee Member
Collaborated with Yeni Boğaziçi municipality on ARCH190 projects | Played a vital role in project planning, design, and execution.
Media Team Member, TEDxEMU
- Assisted in capturing and editing high-quality audiovisual content, ensuring the seamless delivery of TEDx talks and performances.
- Collaborated closely with team members to create engaging promotional materials and develop a strong online presence.
Full Time Teaching Assistant, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Architecture Design Studios 1 & 2
Assisted with project development, offering guidance and feedback on design iterations.
Conducted group discussions and individual critiques to enhance students' design skills.
- Urban Design Course
Collaborated with the instructor to facilitate lectures and workshops.
Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on student assignments and projects.
- Graphic Communication Courses
Provided assistance in teaching graphic communication techniques, including sketching and rendering.
Conducted tutorials and workshops on software tools used for graphic design in architecture.
- Architectural Construction and Material Courses
Assisted in teaching the fundamentals of architectural construction and material selection.
Assisted students in understanding building systems and their integration into architectural design.
- Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
Supported students in learning digital communication tools and software relevant to architecture.
Accreditation Preparation Team Member, NAAB, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Took a lead role in preparing visual videos showcasing department events and highlighting student achievements,
- Directed and produced the main film for the NAAB accreditation team.
Student Teaching Assistant, Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
- Assisted the instructor in conducting tutorials, facilitating workshops, and guiding students in effectively utilizing digital communication tools and software.
Internships
Alsadd Consulting
- Assisted in architectural design projects, collaborating with a team of professionals to develop design concepts, create drawings, and generate 3D visualizations.
- Conducted site visits and performed on-site measurements to gather information for design development and construction documentation.
- Assisted in preparing architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Santiago Calatrava
- Santiago Calatrava Office, Qatar.
- Expo 2020 UAE Pavilion, Dubai.
- Calatrave’s Book, Spain.
- Alsharq Crossing Project, Doha.
Alwaha Contracting
- Gained hands-on experience in construction site management, including monitoring work progress.
ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and resolving on-site issues.
- Participated in quality control inspections, conducting measurements and assessments to ensure adherence to project specifications and standards.
Talks and Recognition:
Keynote Presentation: Technology and Design: Is It Too Late to Jump on the Train?, 2024
-Keynote speaker at INDEX Design Qatar, Doha Exhibition and Convention Center,
Promoting proactive integration of AI and smart technology in design.
Talk : Utilizing Technology and Sensory Systems in Art Installations, Qatar, 2023.
-Combined Talk inspired by Zwara exhibition at Qatar Museum, M7.
A series of talks: The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture, Cyprus, 2023.
-Presented a series of talks on "The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture" at Cyprus International University.
Seminar : Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality, Cyprus, 2023.
-Delivered a seminar on "Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality" at Final International University.
Conference : Extending Intangible Heritage Through Physical Re-enactment, Greece, 2023.
-Presented in Film & Sound Art" at the 5th International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges.
Conference : MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space, Cyprus, 2023.
-Showcasing "MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space." Engaged as a speaker at the International Conference on Design and Architecture.
Conference: Mapping Migration Memories, Prague, 2023.
-Participated in a talk on "Mapping Migration Memories" at the Qatar Natural History Group's.
-Participated in a conference at AMPS Prague - Heritages : Past and Present - Built and Social.
Webinar: Public Space and the Metaverse, Cyprus, 2023.
-Webinar at Arkin University, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.
Workshops
"Beyond the Canvas: Transforming Real Spaces into Immersive VR Art",.Workshop at Fire-station Museums, Qatar, 2025.
Workshop on LiDAR 3D scanning and virtual art, blending real and digital through live demos.
"Extended Reality : Discover the Art of Creating an AR portal for a journey into Another World", Workshop at Msheireb Museums, Qatar, 2024.
Led an engaging workshop on creating personalized AR portals to enhance interactive learning experiences.
"Let's Play Energy: Unleash Your Electric Power!", Workshop at Qatar Museum, M7, Qatar, 2023.
Create a customizable sensory space fostering creativity and individual expression through vinyl and cardboard activities.
"Do not touch" Rather than telling you, what if I can show you instead, Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University, Qatar, 2020.
Led an engaging workshop focused on interactive design and user experience, demonstrating innovative ways to communicate through touchless interactions.
" Design experiment in a relational context" Workshop at 9th International EMU Design Week. Cyprus, 2019.
Facilitated collaborative efforts among an international group of designers to develop design concepts addressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
"Building Information Modeling (BIM)", Workshop for BIM Program, Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus, 2017.
- Organized and led a comprehensive two-week workshop focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Autodesk Revit.
- Delivered practical training sessions in modeling, rendering, and creating loadable families using the basic functionalities of Autodesk Revit.
Workshop for 3D Max Program, Eastern Mediterranean University,Cyprus, 2017.
- Conducted an intensive two-week workshop focusing on the fundamentals of 3D Max Studio program.
- Taught practical skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and provided instruction on the basic functionalities of the Mental Ray render engine.
Workshop for Advanced 3D Max with V-Ray Render and Introduction to Lumion, Cyprus, 2017.
- Led an advanced-level workshop diving into the advanced features of 3D Max, with a focus on V-Ray rendering techniques.
- Instructed participants on using V-Ray to achieve high-quality rendering results and provided an introduction to Lumion for real-time visualization.
"How to Draw" Workshop, EMU International Design Week,Cyprus, 2015.
- Help to Delivered a comprehensive workshop focused on fundamental drawing techniques and principles with Dr. Kokan Grchev
- Provided guidance and instruction to participants in various drawing styles and mediums.
Exhibitions
Bunch of Mottos, a participation in Design Doha Biennale
- Sensory Designer - with MOTOElastico . Design Doha Biennale | Msheireb - Qatar 2024
Mapping Migration Memories ( I want to know )
- Team Member / Exhibition Designer - Contemporary Art from Qatar | Shanghai - Chain 2023
- Team Member / Exhibition Designer - Msheireb Museums | Doha - Qatar 2023
I Feel - A sensory Interactive Installation
- Forever Valentino-inspired exhibition at M7 | Doha - Qatar 2023
MetaMosque
- Prototypes for Humanity | Dubai - UAE 2022
- MFA Show, The Gallary, VCUQ | Doha - Qatar 2022
Thobe and Abaya, a participation in “Melting pottery”
- Circolo Del Design & Munlab Ecomuseo Dell’argilla | Turin - Italy 2022
- Munlab, Ecomuseo dell’argilla | Cambiano - Italy 2022
- Rossana Orlandi, during the Milano Design Week | Milano - Italy 2022
- The Summer Gallery of Rossana Orlandi | Porto Cervo - Italy 2022
A Hi call for socializing, a participation in “Crossroads: Building the Resilient City”
- Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism | Seoul - South Korea 2021
Accept each other, a participation in "Future School"
- The Korean Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La di Venezia | Venice - Italy 2020
Here is not here
- An art installation at the exhibition of the Faculty of Architecture, EMU | Famagusta - Cyprus 2019
Competitions
○ The EU Youth Short Films Festival, The Unyielding Determination selected for screening, Qatar, 2025.
○ Prototypes for Humanity, MetaMosque, Dubai, 2022
○ Winner of Scale7 Hackathon, Fashion In-motion, Qatar, 2020
○ Mentioned in the Building 4Humanity design competition, Architecture for All, Portugal, 2019
○ Awarded the Best Emerging Design Idea in architecture graduation project , The City as Museum, Cyprus, 2018
○ Second award of Housing Villas Design competitions , Egypt, 2014
Let’s drink coffee together !
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Tornado Tower, West Bay. Floor 16, Doha, Qatar
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TEC - INTEGRATION
- Digital Design - Interactive Installations - Connect-teC - LaserCraft |