Ghassan Abukurah

Biography

Ghassan Abukurah was a long time visiting professor at the School of Architecture and Planning at the Catholic University School of Architecture and Planning (CUArch) since 1989.  Ghassan has taught multiple courses ranging from design studios, sustainability, theory and criticism and structural design at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is an active member of the academic community attending several student reviews per semester. With focus on theory and criticism, Ghassan taught a graduate level course in representation theory and criticism at CUArch for 23 years. Ghassan has acted as a studio critic for three years leading to the 2013 Solar Decathlon (Team Capitol DC) in collaboration with GWU.

Ghassan is Principal and Co-Founder of A2 Design, Inc. a multi-disciplinary architecture and interior design firm in the DC Metro created in 1997. He has practiced in the VA, DC, MD area as well as nationally for the past 33 years.  He also managed architectural projects throughout the Continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. He possesses design and management experience in architecture and building renovation, retail/restaurant, commercial interiors. Ghassan is a LEED AP accredited professional with Interior Design and Construction certification.

Education

CUA School of Architecture - Master of Architecture
CUA School of Engineering - Master of Engineering
CUA School of Architecture - Bachelor of Science in ArchitectureCUA School of Engineering - Bachelor of Civil Engineering
CUA School of Philosophy -    Bachelor of Philosophy

Employment

1997-Present: A2 Design Inc., McLean, VA – Co Founder and Vice President. A2 Design is licensed to practice architecture in the following jurisdictions: DC, FL, GA, MD, ME, NC, NY, PA, VA.
1989-2013: The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning:  Washington, DC: Visiting Professor.
1996-1997: Studio 3 Architects, Chantilly, VA: Senior Project Manager.
1994-1996: Core, Washington, DC: Project Architect/Project Manager.
1992-1994: A+S Architects, Bethesda, MD: Architect.
1990-1992: ABS Architects, Washington, DC: Junior architect.

Academia

1989-Present  Juror – CUA School of Architecture and Planning.
2010-2013  Visiting Professor – CUA School of Architecture and Planning: Solar Decathlon Studio
1996-2010  Visiting Professor – CUA School of Architecture and Planning: Theory of Architecture (Graduate Elective)
1992-1995  Visiting Professor – CUA School of Architecture and Planning: Theory of Architecture (Undergraduate Elective)
1989-1996  Visiting Professor – CUA School of Architecture and Planning: Structural Design Instructor.
1989-1994  Director – CUA School of Architecture and Planning:  Experiences in Architecture Program

Awards

College Board, Reston, VA – Excellence in Design and Construction ABC Award.
DC/AIA Biennial Visions/Revisions
IBD Award, Outstanding Achievement: DC Bar Association, Washington, D.C.
AIA/DC Award of Excellence – Interior: Security Industry Association
IIDA - Hannibal's Coffee Company
Honorable Mention - NAPS
Mention - ABG Memorial

Publications

Architectural Record – Sprint
Competitions Magazine - NAPS
Syracuse University Urban Intervention - Evanston Public Library
Journal of Architectural Education - Evanston Public Library
Cafes and Coffee Shops - Hannibal's Coffee Company (Cover)
Restaurants of the Year - Hannibal's Coffee Company
The Municipal Art Society, NY - ABG Memorial