Creating ideas into structures

As a young girl, Nada had already discovered her passion for building things. Inspired by her father’s mastery as a builder her vision for her career was clearly formed to follow the same path, where she can see her ideas realised into standing structures. 

To pursue this vision, in 1981 Nada left for America to attend the University of Houston, Texas to study Architecture and Urban Design. Completing her studies with a Masters degree in 1987 she returned to the Kingdom of Bahrain and began her professional career as an Urban Designer and Planner at the Ministry of Housing. 

Having gained valuable experience during her thirteen-year tenure with the Ministry, she ventured out into the world of private practice where she could apply her experience to other disciplines of design.

In 2000, as a founding member of the Environmental Design Department at Lowe Contexture, one of the leading Communications agencies in Bahrain, Nada led the department to its highly recognized status within the industry in just a short period of two years.

On a mission 

Nada answered her calling in 2002, and stepped into the world of entrepreneurship by establishing Nada Ahmadi Architects - NAA. With the mission to provide personalized service for her clients, NAA soon earned the reputation as one of the most exclusive Architectural and Design houses in the country. As the Executive Principal at NAA, Nada continues to lead the firm’s growth, while she spearheads the philosophical and technical aspects of the company. 

Nada’s professional reputation as the Architect of lifestyles is the result of her empathetic view of her clients’ needs, and her drive to empower their lifestyle to a higher state of comfort and practicality. Nada’s prestigious list of clients is the reflection of the many successfully delivered projects through NAA’s range of services.

Driven by her zeal for life and her passion, Nada Ahmadi has followed her dreams and established herself as an avid architect. Her story is one of determination, willpower and compassion – honouring the concept of striving to do things right in her life. Through the recognition of her work regionally, NAA is currently working on projects stretching from Egypt throughout the Gulf.

Striking a balance

On challenges faced Nada told DT News,” The main challenge I faced and perhaps most professional women face is how to excel in a male-dominated career where a woman has to manage between career aspirations and family responsibilities.”

On striking a balance Nada said,”First it is realizing that it is indeed a challenging task. This should be followed by using as much hard earned experience and wisdom that one may be blessed with.”

“I believe that we need to talk about women in architecture or any field which is dominated by male and most importantly empower them so that women are able to do things that they really want to. Further, women are half the population of the earth and if one half doesn’t function optimally, surely the other half is bound to be miserable; hence there will be no real success,” Nada added. 

Learn from all sources 

On advice to young aspiring individuals, Nada told DT News, “My advice is at two levels. First is not to expect their education to be the answer to all their career challenges. Second, focus on giving the most to the industry you expect to shine in by being patient, giving more than you take and by trying to learn from all sources.”

Married, and a mother of two boys, she manages her family with the same passion and focuses as she does her professional life.