The internationally renowned and award winning Ethiopian architect Rahel Rahel was Meri Podcast’s guest on the 7th episode of season 10. She shared her thirty-plus years experience in the field of architecture and design as well as her perspectives on life.

Every highschool graduate is left with the daunting task of having to choose their university major, carving out the first paths of their career. Rahel was one of those graduates who had a love for arts and geology but was unsure about what her future in the Natural Science faculty held. One semester in, she came across a posting for Architecture entrance exams that intrigued her to the point of taking the exam. Not knowing what architecture entailed, she took the leap and discovered a passion that would lead her to a successful and international career as an architect. Rahel has since created distinctive and memorable spaces throughout Addis Ababa, shaping the city's architectural landscape.

Early Experiences and the Birth of RAAS Architects

Rahel’s first experience after graduation was a two-year volunteership at the International Evangelical Church construction project around Sarbet, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She found great satisfaction in seeing her hand-drawn sketches come to life, which solidified her commitment to architecture. Despite her family's concerns about the low pay, Rahel supported herself by making and selling handmade jewelry. After the church project, she and two partners opened ABBA Architects, navigating the complexities of business with limited financial and legal knowledge. After ten years at ABBA, Rahel founded RAAS Architects, now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Motherhood and Architectural Milestones

The Genesis of RAAS Architects wasn't a straightforward process. Rahel was a newlywed and a mother of two infants, facing the high demands of her job as an architect. Following the birth of her second, she landed the construction of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, which required her to be at the top of her game despite long nights spent nursing her infants. Once the project was completed, she decided to take a break from her profession to care for her children. However, this break was short-lived. Her father, husband and male colleagues encouraged her to return to work. The decision was finalized when she was given a project by SOS International two months into her time off.

With this project came the requirement of establishing an office, applying for permits which is how RAAS Architect was created in 2004. Following the success of the SOS project, Rahel landed yet another major deal, the South African embassy, a client that exclusively wanted to work with her.

Design Principles and Key Projects

Rahel's creations are often described as refined, grounded, modern, and light. Her design philosophy combines beauty, functionality, science which aims to create a peaceful, comfortable and convenient space no matter the desired end use. From drawings to the final choice of materials and furniture, her detailed process involves her engineers, designers each step of the way, no detail being too small to pass on. Rahel’s duty is to create the best space for her clients to relax and thrive. Understanding the importance of indoor environments in modern life, she thrives to design well lit spaces that boost her clients mood and wellbeing. 

Nature plays a vital role in Rahel's design process. Her love for hiking and travel inspires her to incorporate natural and indigenous materials, the sound of water, sunlight, and natural surfaces, connecting occupants with nature even when they are indoors. This is evident in projects like the Ambassador Mall, where she blended modern design with the surrounding buildings using mosaics and maximizing natural light and air. At Halala Kela Resort, environmental preservation was key, and the project was completed in 18 months while respecting the natural heritage site with rooms designed to look like modern Dorze huts. Other notable projects include the Red Door Apartments, the British Council, and Cure International Children's Hospital, among many others.

Project Development and Financial Realities

Rahel adopts a client-centric approach, which involves listening to her clients needs which are then converted into design and adapted to the environment. She gives special attention to creating communal and green spaces, to ensuring that adequate natural lighting and ventilation are provided, that lights and power outlets are conveniently accessible, even down to the materials used in the final product. She works closely with engineers on technical aspects like drainage and structural stability, finding solutions to avoid wastage. She emphasizes the architect's role as a link between the client, project architects, engineers, and contractors, where the most important skill is listening and understanding a client’s vision. 

Financially, Rahel explains that architects often face compromises. With a team of engineers, designers, and technicians to support, and operational costs to cover, RAAS Architects has been able to  ensure the firm's financial sustainability by counterbalancing projects where they earn minimal fees with construction tenders. While RAAS may be seen as expensive, she justifies this with the quality of work and the size of the team that works with her to achieve her vision.

Advocacy, Mentorship, and Achievements

Rahel has been a strong advocate for architecture, explaining that it encompasses much more than just placing windows and doors on a structure. Her pursuit of quality and continuous learning has earned her numerous awards, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2007) and the Association of Ethiopian Architects Best Architecture Piece Award (2017). 

A Harvard Fellowship, the first for an African architect, allowed her to teach and experiment abroad. She recalls having to explain her accomplishments to the other fellows who visibly had a greater visibility and widespread reputation in the architectural community. This experience highlighted the importance of documenting and promoting architectural projects in Ethiopia, a practice she encourages within the Ethiopian architectural community. 

Rahel is also passionate about mentoring young architects, sharing her experience and knowledge in order to help them achieve their vision. 

A Life Lesson in Empathy and Passion

One of Rahel's biggest life lessons is the importance of empathy. She believes in connecting, sharing, and feeling in every moment, which influences both her personal and professional life. As an individual, Rahel shares a warm compassion with those in her personal and professional spheres, experiencing each moment fully with passion.