Under the banner of “Passion Meets Precision,” PUA’s Architectural Engineering Department held a remarkable seminar in collaboration with Ahmed Darwish Designs, a leading architectural firm. The event drew a diverse audience, including students from various academic levels, faculty members, teaching assistants, and graduate students, all eager to hear from one of PUA’s most distinguished alumni.
The seminar featured Engineer Ahmed Darwish, a 2011 graduate of PUA’s Architectural Engineering Department and the founder of one of the Middle East’s most prominent design firms. Darwish shared his inspiring journey, detailing how he transformed his passion for design into a global enterprise that has executed projects worth over 2 billion Egyptian pounds. His portfolio includes more than 500 luxury villas across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, with recent expansions into Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Darvish credited his time at PUA as the foundation of his success. During his studies, he worked on both academic and practical projects, gaining invaluable experience that enabled him to establish Ahmed Darwish Designs in 2012. Today, his firm is renowned for seamlessly blending classic and modern design principles, setting new standards in the industry.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ramadan Abdel Maqsoud, Department’s Academic Supervisor, who expressed immense pride in Darwish’s achievements. “Ahmed’s success is a testament to the power of determination and passion. We look forward to seeing our current students continue this legacy,” he said. Dr. Abdel Maqsoud encouraged students to follow Darwish’s example, emphasizing PUA’s commitment to supporting their ambitions and turning innovative ideas into reality.
The seminar included an interactive Q&A session, where students posed questions about the challenges of entrepreneurship and the balance between creativity and economic feasibility. Darwish responded candidly, stating, “The key is to learn from every experience and build a network of relationships that support your vision.” His insights provided valuable guidance for aspiring architects and entrepreneurs in the audience.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Reham Ragheb, a professor in the Department and the seminar’s coordinator. Dr. Ragheb highlighted the importance of such events in bridging the gap between academic study and the demands of the professional world.
The seminar concluded with a special recognition of Ahmed Darwish as a Distinguished Alumnus, celebrating his contributions to the field of architecture and his role as an inspiration to current students. Attendees left with a clear message: passion must be paired with precision and hard work to achieve lasting success.
This event is part of PUA’s ongoing initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, reflecting its belief that its graduates are the true ambassadors of its mission. By showcasing stories like Darwish’s, PUA continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.