I integrate design practice and research toward urbanism that is strategic, sustainable and societal. Representing government and private clients, I identify site potential, define strategic programs, and provide the oversight necessary to lead complex large-scale projects across multidisciplinary teams.
Hi, I am Racha.
With a background in architecture and expertise as an urban designer, strategic planner, and landscape urbanist, I integrate 18 years of professional practice, design research, and master-level teaching. I focus on the strategic and qualitative design of a sustainable built environment that improves social life.
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My international career includes leading multidisciplinary teams for highly reputable firms in New York City, London, Brussels, and Dubai. I have directed the delivery of complex, large-scale masterplans, ensuring a collaborative approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social equity, and high-quality urban space.
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Advisory for Governments & Developers
I advise government entities, institutional clients, and real estate developers in identifying site potential and defining strategic opportunities.
My work involves crafting comprehensive project briefs, developing programmatic strategies, and envisioning urban futures that prioritize high-quality sustainable and societal outcomes.
Representing the client, I provide the strategic oversight necessary to guide multidisciplinary teams uphold project vision.
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Urban Strategy & Design Leadership
I partner with architects and designers to conceptualize and direct complex, large-scale urban projects and public realm plans across multidisciplinary teams.
By applying a strategic urban and landscape planning lens, I lead the creation of robust framework plans defined by clear open-space hierarchies and integrated infrastructural networks—ensuring architecture and the public realm are seamlessly connected.
With nearly 2 decades of global experience, I manage the critical interface between design and technical consultants, ensuring design intent and project goals are met to deliver cohesive, high-quality urban environments.
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Research & Academic Engagement
In research and teaching, I address the intersection of sociological and ecological urbanism, through analytical geospatial and ethnographic methods.
My work includes territorial-scale circular economy projects, resilience strategies for stormwater management and sea-level rise, and a focus on spatial design justice in relation to population growth and urban migration.
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Work with me. I bring a unique perspective, worldly knowledge, and deep urban expertise that is both strategic and sustainable to help you envision your site, project and program toward an ecologically-sensitive urbanism that is context-specific and societal.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
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Ph.D Engineering Science: Architecture, 2024
Unit: Urban Design, Landscape and Planning
University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
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MSc. Architecture & Urban Design (MSAUD), 2011
Received the Honors Award for Design Excellence
Columbia University, New York, USA
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Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), 2008
American University of Sharjah, UAE
Racha Daher | PHD, MSAUD, B.ARCH
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