Speaker - Hussein Al-Baiaty | 1 AIA LU|HSW Available

This InProcess lecture focuses on the community impacts of architecture, both in the physical environment as well as the culture of architecture firms. How does design communicate cultural values? How can architects and designers make social impact and change in the community? How can architects be more aware and inclusive of the communities that make up our city?

Hussein Al-Baiaty will be sharing his journey through the world of architecture and design through the lens of his life. He will discuss some of the barriers that aspiring minority architects face in the professional environment. He will discuss the power of art and design as a conduit for spreading knowledge and peace.

Note from the Series Coordinator 

The InProcess Lecture Series is about exploring the design process.  Historically, this series has not addressed the cultural impacts of architecture or highlighted community engagement aspects of the design process.  Our goal with the series moving forward is to talk about architecture and design with a broader understanding of the impacts of the built environment.  We acknowledge that the result of being silent on the cultural impacts of architecture in our communities only serves to further marginalize those who have historically been excluded from contributing their voices to the conversation.  In an effort to correct this imbalance, we are committed to incorporating lecture content that will help to create awareness for these issues as well as inspire action in the architectural community to respond.

In order to achieve this expansion, we reached out to NOMA PDX leadership to have collaborative conversations about the potential for the series.  We would like to offer sincere thanks and gratitude to NOMA PDX, as it is only by working together and engaging in open dialogue that we came to achieve a better understanding for the InProcess Lecture Series.   

Our goal is to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of minority architects, designers, and trade partners.  We are committed to showcasing work that incorporates community engagement and cultural awareness in design.  We understand that incorporating an understanding for the cultural impact of architecture is an essential part of the design process for space-making.  Our intention is that this series helps to inspire all minority architects to keep going on their path.  It is our sincere hope that our actions will give support to minority-owned businesses and increase their access to equal opportunities.    We are committed to having conversations about the barriers that are in place that prevent minorities from becoming architects.  Our goal is that the series will contribute to more inclusive office cultures and ultimately help to remove and reduce these barriers.  We are working towards a future where people of any race, nationality, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and ability level  are included and thrive within our workplaces and the spaces we create. 

Thank you to our sponsor:

Series Collaborator:

Hussein Al-Baiaty

Hussein Al-Baiaty lived and once roamed in a Desert Refugee Camp from 1990 to 1994. His family fled Iraq during the 1990 Gulf War. With the help of his father’s Art and after surviving four years of the refugee camp, he and his family finally came to Portland, Oregon. Growing up in the Portland Metro Area wasn’t easy, but it opened up many opportunities. 

He is now a business owner and graduate of Portland State University’s School of Architecture. His passion for design and entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to print T-shirts from a hobby to a thriving business. In 2016, Ref-u-tees was launched as a needs-based donation program, allowing garments and toiletries to be donated to local refugee families. Since then it has grown to a Social Campaign spreading awareness for Refugees.

He now uses The Art of Resilience Podcast to continue to spread awareness through stories. His mission is to uncover layers of the resilience of Refugees, Immigrants, and community leaders throughout the Northwest. Hussein is serving on the Oregon Commission on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs. He volunteers his time to various events and causes throughout the year. 

His new book Art of Resilience: The Refugee State of Mind is set to release June 22nd, the same day he and his family came to the US twenty-seven years ago.