PORTFOLIO
WAEL ABUSAAD BSc,MArch,PgDip
Royal Arcade
Location: Poole BH13 6LN
Type: Residential RIBA Stages 2-4
The Royal Arcade project was my first experience working with a listed building, offering valuable insight into the delicate process of preserving historic structures. Commissioned by BCP Council as part of the Boscombe regeneration plan, this project focused on revitalising the building and increasing public engagement with its historical value.
Our design proposed converting the ground floor into a lively food court while transforming the upper floors into multi-use shared office spaces. A significant challenge was ensuring smooth circulation throughout the building, which included adding two lifts with minimal disruption to the existing structure.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Contributed to the design of the ground-floor food court and upper-floor office spaces, ensuring accessibility and functionality.
Collaborated with a heritage consultant to navigate preservation requirements and integrate modern features without compromising historical value. Assisted in coordinating with consultants (to ensure the design met all technical and regulatory requirements. Supported the development of the planning application and Design and Access Statement. Participated in team meetings to address challenges related to the listed building status and ensure smooth project delivery.
Proposed front elevation
54B THE AVENUE
Location: Poole BH13 6LN
Type: Residential
RIBA Stages 0-3
This project involved the redevelopment of an existing house into 10 luxury apartments. Situated on a site surrounded by numerous Tree Preservation Order (TPO) trees, the design required a careful balance between preserving the natural environment and meeting client expectations. The design solution incorporated a lifted first-floor block with a solid form, contrasted by lightweight, glazed materials at ground level, reducing the impact on the surrounding trees while enhancing light and transparency.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Designed the project from initial concept sketches to detailed landscape proposals and a fully coordinated BIM model.
- Prepared the Design and Access Statement to support the planning application.
- Submitted and monitored the planning application, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
- Coordinated with consultants, including ecologists, to obtain Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) reports.
- Addressed planning constraints by integrating sustainable and context-sensitive design solutions.
Hand sketch elevation
Intial sketch of proposed landscape
First floor layout plan
Rendered the sketch by AI tools
Greystones estate
Location: Christchurch, BH23 5JL
Type: Residential
RIBA Stages 0-3
The Greystones Care Home project aimed to increase the number of units around Greystones House, a listed building, while reconnecting it to its original sea view. The existing seven blocks surrounding the house obstructed this view and impacted the building’s historical relationship with the coast. Our solution was to demolish these blocks and replace them with new ones, improving the unit count while ensuring the architectural integrity of Greystones House was preserved.
The new buildings were strategically positioned to re-establish the sea view and align with the original building’s historical significance. We also conducted a consultation presentation to engage with the local community and gather feedback, ensuring our design met both client and public expectations.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Contributed to the design, focusing on demolishing the old blocks and reorienting the new buildings to preserve the sea view.
- Worked with heritage consultants to ensure compliance with regulations for listed buildings.
- Assisted in preparing and submitting the planning application and Design and Access Statement.
- Participated in the consultation presentation, gathering valuable feedback from local stakeholders.
- Coordinated with architects, engineers, and the client to balance the historical preservation with the need for more units.
Existing masterplan
Proposed masterplan
Proposed sketch section to show the reconnection between Greystones and the sea
LVS School
Location: London Rd, Hassocks BN6 9HT
Type: Education
RIBA Stages 0-3
The LVS School project involved creating a new facility for 95 students with special educational needs, specifically autism, while redeveloping the site to accommodate 120 new homes. The existing school was to be demolished, making way for a modern, purpose-built school designed to meet the unique requirements of its pupils.
Our design followed Passive House principles, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. We carefully oriented the building to make the most of natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial systems. This approach not only lowered energy use but also created a calm, naturally lit environment that supports student wellbeing and learning.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Designed the school layout to align with Passive House standards, incorporating strategies like optimal orientation and passive solar design.
- Prioritised natural ventilation and lighting to create a sensory-friendly and energy-efficient space.
- Developed concept sketches and BIM models to bring the design vision to life.
- Collaborated with consultants to ensure the design met both sustainability goals and the needs of an educational facility.
- Integrated the school design with the wider housing development, maintaining harmony between the two.
Conceptual sketch to explain how the roof openings work Intial
Deptford Postoffice
Location: London SE8 3EQ
Type: Residential RIBA Stages 0-3
The Deptford Post Office project is all about repurposing the existing building, with plans to create a retail space on the ground floor and add eight new flats across the two upper floors. The aim is to blend the building’s new function with its surroundings, making sure the flats are modern and functional while respecting the local area. Throughout the design process, I made sure to align with the London Plan’s design standards, focusing on sustainability and creating a positive impact on the neighbourhood.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- I worked closely with the client to understand the project’s objectives and constraints, reviewing the building’s potential and considering the surrounding context, including relevant policies like the London Plan.
- I assisted in developing the initial project brief, outlining both the retail and residential needs of the space and making sure the design would meet all the necessary requirements.
- I developed the first concept designs, focusing on how the new flats would sit above the retail space. The BIM model helped bring these ideas to life and gave us a clearer understanding of the project.
- I refined the design further, creating more detailed sketches and expanding the BIM model. I paid close attention to structural needs and spatial layouts, ensuring everything aligned with the London Plan and local regulations.
Existing section Proposed section
Proposed Aerial sketch
Aerial sketch (Existing)
Aerial sketch (Proposed
Circhle Mount
Location: Poole BH13 6LN
Type: Residential RIBA Stages 2-5
The Crichel Mount Road project is a multi-extension residential development located in a conservation area. The site presents several challenges, including a steep slope to the south-east, dense vegetation that provides natural screening, and an abundance of trees. These factors required careful consideration to preserve the natural environment while integrating the new extensions with the existing landscape.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
-Collaborated with the client and team to develop initial design concepts, addressing site constraints and creating a layout that balanced the extension with the existing environment.
-Refined the design based on feedback, produced more detailed plans, and ensured the design complied with local conservation area regulations and planning requirements.
- Produced detailed technical drawings and specifications for the extensions, coordinating with structural engineers and other consultants to ensure all elements were feasible and compliant with building regulations.
-Supported the project on-site by coordinating with contractors, managing design changes, ensuring construction adhered to the plans, and addressing any challenges that arose due to the steep slope and trees.
site plan
street elevation
Proposed
Proposed
Boscombe shop Fronts
Location: Boscombe, Bournemouth BH1 4AH
Type: Commercial RIBA Stages 3-4
Working on the Boscombe Front Shops project was a valuable experience, where I contributed to enhancing nine shops in a conservation area. This project covered stages 3 and 4, collaborating with BCP Council and a heritage consultant to improve the aesthetics of the buildings while preserving their historical character.
We proposed redesigning and recolouring the shopfronts to reflect their appearance from 80 years ago, using heritage colours and timber frontage designs. This required careful coordination to ensure the design met both conservation area guidelines and the client’s needs.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Worked with a heritage consultant to ensure the design respected the conservation area’s history.
- Developed design proposals, including the selection of materials and colours.
- Produced detailed drawings for façade alterations.
- Wrote the Design and Access Statement to support the planning application.
- Submitted and monitored the planning application, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
My House
Location: Tripoli, Libya
Type: Residential (oversea project)
Designing your own home is a unique and deeply personal milestone for any architect, and my house in Tripoli was no exception. Rooted in Libyan lifestyle needs, the design reflects a balance between tradition and modern living, with the central courtyard being its defining feature. Positioned at the heart of the house, the courtyard is not just a visual focal point but also serves practical purposes. It brings in natural light, improves ventilation, and creates a private, tranquil space for family gatherings all while maintaining a connection to the cultural essence of Libyan homes. For me, this project was more than just architecture; it was about crafting a space that embodies my identity and embraces the timeless charm of our traditions
Rendered image for the Living area
sketch of the house layout
sketch section
House under construction, photo from the courtyard
Nasr City Hospital
Location: Cairo (University project) 2016
This 200-bed general hospital was an educational project developed during the fourth year of university, located in Nasr City, Cairo. The design explores innovative approaches to healthcare architecture, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and well-being. The building’s curved blocks were carefully shaped to enhance ventilation and optimise orientation, making the most of natural light and prevailing winds. This form not only promotes energy efficiency but also creates a visually engaging and harmonious healthcare environment.
The project incorporates central courtyards that act as green spaces, improving airflow while providing calming environments for patients, staff, and visitors. These landscaped areas, filled with native plants, foster biodiversity and offer restorative spaces that enhance mental and physical well-being.
Sustainability was a key focus in this project, with the curved forms minimising heat gain and the use of ventilated facades and operable windows improving air quality. Locally sourced, low-energy materials were specified, alongside renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reducing the environmental footprint and ensuring economic feasibility.
This project was not only a study in hospital design but also a meaningful exploration of how architecture can prioritise health, sustainability, and human connection. It stands as an example of how thoughtful design can respond to both functional and environmental needs while maintaining a strong sense of place.
Ground floor layout plan
The interior corridors with courtyards
BIM Model
Section B-B
Norden Station
Location: Dorset (University project) 2022
Norden Station in Dorset, renowned for its history of steam trains and its stunning natural surroundings, is being transformed into an exciting destination that bridges tradition and innovation. This project revitalises the station by celebrating its industrial heritage while introducing modern drone technology, offering visitors a unique way to explore the area. Across from the station, a new drone hub will provide opportunities to enjoy the nostalgia of steam train journeys alongside the thrill of aerial drone tours.
The development includes a dedicated drone terminal, a tourist gallery showcasing the region’s history and technology, and a logistics hub designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The architecture takes inspiration from the sleek forms of drones, creating a contemporary design that complements Norden’s historical character. This initiative goes beyond modernisation by honouring the past while embracing the future, establishing a sustainable transport and tourism hub that enhances Dorset’s beauty and charm in an entirely new way.
Intial sketch of the project
Drones Warehouse (Exterior)
Transport intergration
Drones Warehouse (interior)
grasshoper script that generate the nest
HOBBIES
Outside of architecture, I have a deep passion for Arabic calligraphy, which lets me explore the beauty and precision of this timeless art form. In my free time, I enjoy working with oil and acrylic paints, blending these mediums with Kufic calligraphy and incorporating relief painting to create intricate and expressive pieces. This combination of painting, calligraphy, and relief work is more than a hobby; it’s a way to connect with my cultural roots and translate emotions and ideas into visual stories.
My painting experience, including relief painting, has influenced my approach to architecture. The attention to detail required in calligraphy mirrors the precision needed in architectural design, while the interplay of colours, textures, and forms in my artwork encourages me to think creatively about space and materials. Painting gives me space for experimentation and reflection, often leading to innovative ideas in my architectural projects.
Art and architecture are deeply intertwined for me. Both shape environments—whether on a canvas or in physical space—and both have the power to evoke emotion and tell a story. My artistic practice enriches my creativity and reminds me of the importance of balance, harmony, and cultural expression in all aspects of design.
