Reem Taha Hajj Ahmad wins 2022 RIBA AHR Scholarship

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is pleased to announce that Reem Taha Hajj Ahmad, a prospective MArch (RIBA Part 2) student at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL has been awarded the 2022 RIBA AHR Scholarship.

The scholarship supports students from low-income households with £6,000 to assist them with course and living costs throughout their Part 2 studies. Recipients are also assigned a mentor – an AHR architect – and receive a four-week paid work placement at an AHR office.

Reem Taha Hajj Ahmad, said: “I am delighted and grateful to receive the RIBA AHR Scholarship. It further motivates me to achieve the humanitarian message I aspire to deliver through my architectural work. I shall treasure the value of this enriching opportunity as it contributes to my role in society and my future self.”

AHR Director, Gary Overton, said: “We’re delighted to award this scholarship to Reem Taha Hajj Ahmad. The standard of entries was exceedingly high and Reem stood out by her dedication to her architecture career and commitment to delivering a humanitarian aspect to her work, which remains a constant throughout. I am sure Reem will succeed in her career and her Part 2 at The Bartlett School of Architecture, and it is a real privilege to be able to support Reem as she completes her studies.”

RIBA Director of Education, Jenny Russell, said: “We recognise the many pressures facing students in architectural education, particularly during their Part 2. That’s why scholarships like these are so important. Not only providing critical financial support, but dedicated, personal guidance and mentoring – the AHR scholarship offers a wealth of benefits. We received a particularly strong set of applications this year, Reem stood out for her human-focussed approach. I thank AHR for their continued work to encourage students of architecture and look forward to seeing Reem progress in her studies.”

The judging panel comprised:

• Jenny Russell (Chair) – RIBA Director of Education
• Chloe Anderson – Senior Architect, Holland Harvey Architects and 2014 RIBA AHR Stephen Williams Scholarship recipient
• Roy Khatchadourian – Founder/Architect at Studio Arkay; Design Tutor at Loughborough University
• Manisa Mistry – Associate, AHR
• Gary Overton – Director, AHR
• Nicky Watson (representative of RIBA President Simon Allford) – Director, JDDK Architects; RIBA Vice President for Education (2018-2020)