Meet Our Leadership &
Academic Team
Leadership & Faculty
Board of Directors
DIDI’s board of directors is one of its strong assets. With a team of distinguished experts in their respective fields with noteworthy local and international experience and achievements, DIDI is able to provide long term strategic and operational direction and offers guidance regarding the cultural DNA of the institute.
Malek Al Malek is the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM), a key contributor to the growth and development of business and tourism sectors in the UAE, through the creation of specialized economic districts, retail destinations and residential communities.
Al Malek also serves as the Director General of the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), a government entity setting new standards in economic competitiveness, infrastructure and urban development and business friendly regulatory framework.
Al Malek oversees a diversified and extensive portfolio that enhances Dubai’s global position as a business and talent hub. His leadership and vision prioritize innovation as he continues to set new benchmarks in business excellence and industry development.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology.
Malek Al Malek is the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM), a key contributor to the growth and development of business and tourism sectors in the UAE, through the creation of specialized economic districts, retail destinations and residential communities.
Al Malek also serves as the Director General of the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), a government entity setting new standards in economic competitiveness, infrastructure and urban development and business friendly regulatory framework.
Al Malek oversees a diversified and extensive portfolio that enhances Dubai’s global position as a business and talent hub. His leadership and vision prioritize innovation as he continues to set new benchmarks in business excellence and industry development.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology.
Ali BuRuhaima is the Deputy Director General, Business Affairs at Dubai Development Authority, a Dubai Government entity with responsibility for development control, municipal, economic, employment affairs and support services functions across select free zone clusters and other communities in Dubai.
In this role, he oversees Registration and Licensing, Workforce Affairs and Compliance departments, delivering integrated and innovative solutions for a seamless customer experience. He also directs efforts to raise the level of coordination and integration with strategic government initiatives to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, position as a leading hub for business and talent and advance knowledge-based economic activities.
In 2009, following the centralisation of the regulatory function of the Authority under Ali’s leadership, he introduced several improvements to drive operational efficiencies and was at the forefront in steering and guiding teams towards performance excellence. Ali’s broad range of responsibilities also included ensuring operational alignment with Dubai Development Authority’s mandate to play a major role in the growth of Dubai’s economy and set global standards for urban planning, real estate development and municipal and business services.
Earlier in 2007, Ali set up Tamdeen, a subsidiary of TECOM Group, where he was instrumental in driving strategies, services and solutions in technical project management. Tamdeen has since delivered master planning, infrastructure and building project management for a number of key Dubai Holding projects.
Before joining Dubai Development Authority, Ali was with the engineering division of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for seven years. Ali holds a BSc Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a postgraduate Diploma in Airport Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Ali BuRuhaima is the Deputy Director General, Business Affairs at Dubai Development Authority, a Dubai Government entity with responsibility for development control, municipal, economic, employment affairs and support services functions across select free zone clusters and other communities in Dubai.
In this role, he oversees Registration and Licensing, Workforce Affairs and Compliance departments, delivering integrated and innovative solutions for a seamless customer experience. He also directs efforts to raise the level of coordination and integration with strategic government initiatives to enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness, position as a leading hub for business and talent and advance knowledge-based economic activities.
In 2009, following the centralisation of the regulatory function of the Authority under Ali’s leadership, he introduced several improvements to drive operational efficiencies and was at the forefront in steering and guiding teams towards performance excellence. Ali’s broad range of responsibilities also included ensuring operational alignment with Dubai Development Authority’s mandate to play a major role in the growth of Dubai’s economy and set global standards for urban planning, real estate development and municipal and business services.
Earlier in 2007, Ali set up Tamdeen, a subsidiary of TECOM Group, where he was instrumental in driving strategies, services and solutions in technical project management. Tamdeen has since delivered master planning, infrastructure and building project management for a number of key Dubai Holding projects.
Before joining Dubai Development Authority, Ali was with the engineering division of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for seven years. Ali holds a BSc Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and a postgraduate Diploma in Airport Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Ali M Jaber is a journalist, academic, media consultant and television personality. In his early career he set up the Broadcasting Department at Beirut University College and taught a range of courses in television production. Concurrently, he worked as a Journalist covering the conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq, and was the correspondent of New York Times and The Times of London, and Chief Correspondent for Lebanon and Syria for the German Press Agency (DPA).
He was appointed as a consulted in 2005 to head Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), to revamp and re-launch its seven national and pan-Arab satellite channels. Working closely with now UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DMI’s Board Members and the Chairman of Dubai’s governmental organizations, his responsibilities are wide-ranging and have grown to include the development of the media sector in the UAE.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Beirut, an MS in Communications from Syracuse University, USA, and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge, UK.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Ali M Jaber is a journalist, academic, media consultant and television personality. In his early career he set up the Broadcasting Department at Beirut University College and taught a range of courses in television production. Concurrently, he worked as a Journalist covering the conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq, and was the correspondent of New York Times and The Times of London, and Chief Correspondent for Lebanon and Syria for the German Press Agency (DPA).
He was appointed as a consulted in 2005 to head Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), to revamp and re-launch its seven national and pan-Arab satellite channels. Working closely with now UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DMI’s Board Members and the Chairman of Dubai’s governmental organizations, his responsibilities are wide-ranging and have grown to include the development of the media sector in the UAE.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the American University of Beirut, an MS in Communications from Syracuse University, USA, and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge, UK.
Ghassan is the Group CEO of IPG/MCN and leads its operations across the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey which includes 11 agency networks and over 1500 of the regions most talented individuals. MCN offers a wide spectrum of marketing communication solutions including consumer and brand advertising, digital marketing, communications planning, media buying, public relations, experiential marketing, research, CRM and data science and analytics.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Ghassan is the Group CEO of IPG/MCN and leads its operations across the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey which includes 11 agency networks and over 1500 of the regions most talented individuals. MCN offers a wide spectrum of marketing communication solutions including consumer and brand advertising, digital marketing, communications planning, media buying, public relations, experiential marketing, research, CRM and data science and analytics.
Patrick began his career in 1979 when he decided to become involved in the realisation of his father’s vision to build a bridge between the East and West and be the ambassador of luxury lifestyle in the region.
For nearly 30 years, Patrick has been fully involved in the strategic development of the business to guarantee its long-term success. As such, he continues to expand the Group’s distribution, retail business, marketing and communication activities and is also eager to strengthen the Group’s support services in terms of offer and skills and is very engaged in the Group’s digital transformation.
He has been instrumental in guiding the development of a sustainability strategy for the Group, with a focus on People, Partners, Planet and Community Giving through Chalhoub Impact, the Chalhoub Group community giving strategy, which focuses on fostering Education, protecting the Environment and providing Humanitarian relief.
Patrick holds 2 Bachelor’s degrees, one in Economics and Finance and the other in Political Science.
At the age of 42 the French government awarded him with the medal of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite. Patrick is also Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur since January 2018.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Patrick began his career in 1979 when he decided to become involved in the realisation of his father’s vision to build a bridge between the East and West and be the ambassador of luxury lifestyle in the region.
For nearly 30 years, Patrick has been fully involved in the strategic development of the business to guarantee its long-term success. As such, he continues to expand the Group’s distribution, retail business, marketing and communication activities and is also eager to strengthen the Group’s support services in terms of offer and skills and is very engaged in the Group’s digital transformation.
He has been instrumental in guiding the development of a sustainability strategy for the Group, with a focus on People, Partners, Planet and Community Giving through Chalhoub Impact, the Chalhoub Group community giving strategy, which focuses on fostering Education, protecting the Environment and providing Humanitarian relief.
Patrick holds 2 Bachelor’s degrees, one in Economics and Finance and the other in Political Science.
At the age of 42 the French government awarded him with the medal of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite. Patrick is also Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur since January 2018.
Leadership
DIDI’s leadership team has achieved many laurels both individually and collectively. This team has mentored and shaped the DIDI culture for students and other stakeholders. Striving for continuous innovation and breakthrough, the DIDI leadership team leaves no stone unturned to provide the best experience for students and staff.
Mohammad was formerly Managing Director of TECOM’s Media Sector comprising of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City. Drawing on two decades of journalistic experience, Mohammad built a thriving media community of 1,800 companies. Prior to joining TECOM Group, he was Executive Vice-President of CNBC Arabiya, where he was responsible for guiding company strategies and implementation of the corporate vision.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Mohammad was formerly Managing Director of TECOM’s Media Sector comprising of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City. Drawing on two decades of journalistic experience, Mohammad built a thriving media community of 1,800 companies. Prior to joining TECOM Group, he was Executive Vice-President of CNBC Arabiya, where he was responsible for guiding company strategies and implementation of the corporate vision.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Faculty
Selected among the best in the field, DIDI’s academic team members have extensive experience, successful journeys, and a solid educational background. They are on a mission to provide the highest levels of excellence in education, aligned with the university's vision, principles, and method.
Jasmine Shahin is a Dubai-based interior architect and university professor. Before joining DIDI's full-time faculty, she taught interior design and architectural history and theory in several institutions. After receiving her Bachelor's degree (BFA Interior Design) in 2000, she trained with one of the largest architectural firms in the Middle East. In 2007, she travelled to the UK, where she received both her MPhil (2010) and PhD (2020) in Architectural and Urban Theory. Shahin has several publications and presented many papers at international conferences. Her latest book The Poetics of Arabian Sūqs (2023), focuses on the importance of phenomenological hermeneutics in understanding the development of historical places in relation to contingent socio-cultural experiences. In 2020, Shahin founded NU Design Bureau, complementing her academic experience with a strong pool of successful interior design projects. Shahin is also a WELL accredited professional (#0000053186), assisting individual and corporate clients to embrace designs that support well-being and sustainable living.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Jasmine Shahin is a Dubai-based interior architect and university professor. Before joining DIDI's full-time faculty, she taught interior design and architectural history and theory in several institutions. After receiving her Bachelor's degree (BFA Interior Design) in 2000, she trained with one of the largest architectural firms in the Middle East. In 2007, she travelled to the UK, where she received both her MPhil (2010) and PhD (2020) in Architectural and Urban Theory. Shahin has several publications and presented many papers at international conferences. Her latest book The Poetics of Arabian Sūqs (2023), focuses on the importance of phenomenological hermeneutics in understanding the development of historical places in relation to contingent socio-cultural experiences. In 2020, Shahin founded NU Design Bureau, complementing her academic experience with a strong pool of successful interior design projects. Shahin is also a WELL accredited professional (#0000053186), assisting individual and corporate clients to embrace designs that support well-being and sustainable living.
Susann is a multidisciplinary professional with a proven track record in the product design and management industry. She has worked for manufacturers and consultancies in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and brings a strong understanding of inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration between research, design and strategy. Her most recent completed consulting project is the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. In parallel to her work as a consultant, she is also involved in the latest research in the field of biopsychology and is pursuing a PhD in collaboration with Dubai Municipality. In teaching Susann has been active for several years in Germany and the UAE where she covered different topics from sustainability up to strategic design.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Susann is a multidisciplinary professional with a proven track record in the product design and management industry. She has worked for manufacturers and consultancies in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and brings a strong understanding of inter- and trans-disciplinary collaboration between research, design and strategy. Her most recent completed consulting project is the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. In parallel to her work as a consultant, she is also involved in the latest research in the field of biopsychology and is pursuing a PhD in collaboration with Dubai Municipality. In teaching Susann has been active for several years in Germany and the UAE where she covered different topics from sustainability up to strategic design.
As an architect and product designer, Mirko’s work has been exhibited internationally, including Vienna, Florence and Beijing. He received his Master degree in Architecture in 2010, at Greg Lynn’s masterclass at the University of Applied Arts of Vienna. Mirko is co-founder and Chief Design Officer at NYXO ltd, an architecture and product design practice working internationally, with designs featuring in the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum of New York. His work consists in the understanding and management of intricate multidisciplinary scenarios, from material systems to production processes. Mirko is also sensitive to scientific issues and the role that the design thought could play in the bio & nano-tech revolution to renovate the Human Being. One of his obsessions concerns the mutation of the human body (Human Enhancement Design) focusing on the influence and interaction with the products; products as prosthesis of the human body.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
As an architect and product designer, Mirko’s work has been exhibited internationally, including Vienna, Florence and Beijing. He received his Master degree in Architecture in 2010, at Greg Lynn’s masterclass at the University of Applied Arts of Vienna. Mirko is co-founder and Chief Design Officer at NYXO ltd, an architecture and product design practice working internationally, with designs featuring in the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum of New York. His work consists in the understanding and management of intricate multidisciplinary scenarios, from material systems to production processes. Mirko is also sensitive to scientific issues and the role that the design thought could play in the bio & nano-tech revolution to renovate the Human Being. One of his obsessions concerns the mutation of the human body (Human Enhancement Design) focusing on the influence and interaction with the products; products as prosthesis of the human body.
Tchakerian has experience in multiple fields of design, including aerospace, aviation, medicine, humanitarian design, product design, interactive design and robotics. Acquiring the ability to transform thoughts into tangible solutions his work is nurtured through cross-fertilizations between these various fields, with the goal of improving the interactions between humans and the technology they use, and environments in which they live. As a visionary designer, Raffi’s projects are colorful in nature, touching on every imaginable design field from space to the developing world. Over the past decade Tchakerian has collaborated with a large number of leading international designers, including the design studio, Architecture and Vision, and space architects, Arturo Vittori and Andreas Vogler.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Tchakerian has experience in multiple fields of design, including aerospace, aviation, medicine, humanitarian design, product design, interactive design and robotics. Acquiring the ability to transform thoughts into tangible solutions his work is nurtured through cross-fertilizations between these various fields, with the goal of improving the interactions between humans and the technology they use, and environments in which they live. As a visionary designer, Raffi’s projects are colorful in nature, touching on every imaginable design field from space to the developing world. Over the past decade Tchakerian has collaborated with a large number of leading international designers, including the design studio, Architecture and Vision, and space architects, Arturo Vittori and Andreas Vogler.
As the former Vice President and Managing Partner of the Red Dot Design Award, Elmar was responsible for evaluating thousands of design products and concepts for the international design competition and played a key role in developing the Red Dot Design Museums in Germany and in Singapore. He is also the Founder and President of the ILI-Innovative Living Institute, managing partner of iD-Engineering GmbH and an advisory board member of Berlin-based company Shoepassion GmbH and USA based VitalProbe.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
As the former Vice President and Managing Partner of the Red Dot Design Award, Elmar was responsible for evaluating thousands of design products and concepts for the international design competition and played a key role in developing the Red Dot Design Museums in Germany and in Singapore. He is also the Founder and President of the ILI-Innovative Living Institute, managing partner of iD-Engineering GmbH and an advisory board member of Berlin-based company Shoepassion GmbH and USA based VitalProbe.
Trained as an architect, Joanne Hayek is a multidisciplinary designer whose practice expanded into fashion design, urban planning, digital design and programming with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. She brings over a decade of experience to her role as Assistant Professor at DIDI.Joanne is an avid researcher whose studies focus on material remediation, parametric design, digital fabrication, real-time mapping, smart cities and interactive data visualization. Her work has been exhibited at international events such as the Venice Biennale of Architecture, Paris Fashion Week, and Expo 2020 among others.Prior to joining DIDI, Joanne was a senior lecturer at the American University of Beirut. She has also lectured at renowned universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University and The London School of Economics. A social entrepreneur, she is the co-founder of sustainable fashion brand, Vanina, and An Open Studio, a collaborative practice promoting trans-disciplinary design research for sustainable futures.
Hani Asfour was among the founding members of DIDI, which offers a curriculum crafted with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School's Parsons School of Design.In his role as the Vice President, Hani will be instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with key government, public and private stakeholders and driving innovation.Prior to joining DIDI, the MIT and Harvard-trained architect was an Adjunct Faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, teaching in the departments of Architecture and Foundation Studies. Asfour’s academic experience also includes teaching positions at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Northeastern University, American University of Beirut, and American University of Sharjah.He is a Founding Partner of Polypod, an award-winning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, that offers integrated design services in strategy, architecture, interior design, branding, web design and development, graphics, and information design for local and international clients. Polypod was recently awarded Best Community and Cultural Project at the 2017 MEA Awards for its Anwar Sabbah Musallah project.As a practicing designer with over 20 years of experience, Asfour combines a mix of design expertise with entrepreneurship skills and academic depth.Asfour holds a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Trained as an architect, Joanne Hayek is a multidisciplinary designer whose practice expanded into fashion design, urban planning, digital design and programming with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. She brings over a decade of experience to her role as Assistant Professor at DIDI.Joanne is an avid researcher whose studies focus on material remediation, parametric design, digital fabrication, real-time mapping, smart cities and interactive data visualization. Her work has been exhibited at international events such as the Venice Biennale of Architecture, Paris Fashion Week, and Expo 2020 among others.Prior to joining DIDI, Joanne was a senior lecturer at the American University of Beirut. She has also lectured at renowned universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University and The London School of Economics. A social entrepreneur, she is the co-founder of sustainable fashion brand, Vanina, and An Open Studio, a collaborative practice promoting trans-disciplinary design research for sustainable futures.
Organizational Chart
DIDI’s organizational chart reflects the university’s optimized structure to ensure and maintain high-quality offerings.
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