In this episode of MERI podcast, we dive deep with Rahel Shawl, Founder and managing director of RAAS Architects. Rahel who has over 30 years of experience is the first African to win the LOEB Fellowship Award at Harvard Graduate School of Design as well as the Aga Khan Architectural Award for her design of the Netherlands Embassy. With various portfolio under her, Rahel talks about her journey as an architect and a business woman. Tune in as we discuss: - Early Days as an Architect - Business and Family - Architecture and Business - Awards won - Lecturing and Mentoring sessions More from our partners: Dashen Bank Website: https://dashenbanksc.com Telegram: https://t.me/DashenBankEthiopia EthioTelecom Download Telebirr Remit App on Playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethiotelecom.telebirr.remit&hl=en&pli=1 Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/telebirr-remit/id6642675033 Website: https://www.ethiotelecom.et/ 00:00 - Introduction 02:38 - Opening 04:20 - Background Story 10:42 - introduction to the world of architecture 17:05 - “Financed by” Advertisements 21:05 - RAAS Architects 29:27 - Ethiopia's architectural sector 41:52 - Inspirations 50:07 - Red door apartments 57:49 - Ambassador mall 01:03:42 - Halala kela 01:10:39 - Other favorite projects 01:13:07 - Realizing her impact on the architecture sector 01:19:50 - Building a name for herself 01:25:30 - Awards received and their impact 01:32:01 - Criteria for accepting a project 01:36:05 - Current state of design firms 01:38:36 - Mentorship 01:46:26 - Advice for upcoming architectures 01:49:37 - Ending remarks 01:51:32 - Life Wisdom Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/meripodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcast https://twitter.com/MERI_Podcast https://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/ https://t.me/MERI_PODCAST https://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1 Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast: All rights reserved. The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited. For permission to use our content, please contact us at meripodcastet@gmail.com Thank you for respecting our copyright.