As a third-culture kid who grew up in the Middle East and worked across Bangladesh and the United States, Rubaiya brings a multicultural perspective to urban design. She has witnessed firsthand how design shapes communities, from the modern architecture of Riyadh to the historical layers of Dhaka. These experiences shaped her belief that thoughtful design can influence positive social change.
Rubaiya holds a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Houston, where her research focused on how design, environmental systems, and community collaboration create more resilient cities. Her professional work includes World Bank–funded informal settlement projects in Bangladesh, climate resilience research in the United States, and community engagement initiatives in diverse contexts.
Her approach is grounded in listening to communities, understanding their needs, and translating complex information into clear, actionable plans. She believes that the best design emerges from deep collaboration with people and places.
Rubaiya is passionate about creating public spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. She is drawn to understanding how communities live, adapt, and grow, and believes design can help build stronger and healthier futures, a conviction that guides every project she pursues.