Real Conversations – Meet Rabab Ahmed Abd El-Rahmman
Don’t we all love finding out about how other women do what they do and how they got to where they are today? I definitely do, so therefore I designed a couple of straight to the point questions and shoot them at you!
We kick off these new series with the amazing Rabab, who is an Interior Designer and is sharing with us her journey with her open heart!
Introduce yourself
Hi I’m Rabab Ahmed Abd El-Rahmman, a Senior Interior Designer and freelancer based in Qatar.
I specialize in interior design, with 18 years of experience. I work on space planning, 2D conceptual design & technical details, and am skilled in aesthetic styles and 3d visualizations.
How did you get to where you are in your career?
After graduating from Alexandria University in Egypt in 2004, I spent the next few years working at Pro Design Office for Interior Designing in Egypt, before moving to Qatar in 2010 to continue my career. At first I shifted my career in to freelancing, also I was training other designers and engineers on design skills when I was pregnant with my first child . Then when my daughter was two years old and after sending her to nursery, I got back to work as a Senior Interior Designer at Laura Ashley for one year.
During this year (2013-2014) challenges were started to grow for my second pregnancy, so I got back to freelance training designers and engineers until the serious moment when my son was ready to be at nursery in 2017 and here back I joined Mr. Zaher Farhat family in their MEP & Fit out company Smart Business & Contracting , who really they were all a family not bosses at all I worked with them on many projects including Regal Market Café at the Pearl in Doha. That was until the blockade which was the beginning of the hardest moments. Unfortunately the company started to lose at 2019 and I had to quit. I remember that day when my eyes were tearing with my broken heart just thinking that this is the end. But then things got harder since February 2019 and followed by the pandemic but my belief created for me the path of freelancing again in new way as through constant learning and collaboration especially with Eng. Nada Hamad, assisting her in her interior projects as she is also an interior designer and especially during the pandemic, I have built a solid portfolio and skillset over that time achieving many interior projects with her like a fish is back to life and returned back to the ocean.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are on today?
My passion for design has always been rooted in the way spaces can influence people’s emotions and experiences. The ability to transform an empty space into something functional, aesthetic, and personal is what initially inspired me to pursue interior design. The blend of creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving involved in this profession constantly motivated me to explore this field further.
What were the biggest challenges you faced early on, and how did you overcome them?
However, working at Pro Design for Interior Designing in Egypt which provided me with practical experience and mentorship, helping me to develop the discipline and project management skills necessary to succeed , I faced a lot of challenges since I came to Qatar and started to build a new life with my husband and away from my country and my family , passing by motherhood , blockade and the pandemic period, thank God I overcame these challenges by being open to learning, adapting quickly, and continuously refining my skills.
Who is your role model, and how did they influence your journey?
One of my greatest role models is my father, a professor at the Faculty of Dentistry at Alexandria University. His passion for knowledge and education has been a lifelong inspiration to me. He has always told me that learning and knowledge are like water to a person—essential and irreplaceable and really never giving up on learning during the hardest times was the influence that motivated me to continue.
How did you navigate setbacks and failures along your way?
To say the truth, it wasn’t easy at all. Setbacks, whether they be in the form of project delays, design challenges, or balancing personal commitments are inevitable in any career. I approached each setback as an opportunity to learn after lots of depression and real failures, especially when I had to quit Smart Business & Contracting Company that Mr. Zaher Farhat owned it I just felt really a failure. Through my faith, I found the strength to persevere and doors began to open where I once saw none. The journey wasn’t easy; it was filled with trials, especially that this period was followed but the pandemic and things was getting harder. Later, I understood that all of this was part of a greater plan, guiding me towards growth, expansion, and awakening. Instead of succumbing to the difficulties, I leaned on my belief that every hardship carries a lesson, and I trusted that I was being led.
What skills have been most important in achieving your current success?
A combination of technical skills, such as proficiency in Autodesk and AutoCAD, and personal qualities, like attention to detail, time management, and effective communication have been pivotal. My ability to visualize spaces and create cohesive design concepts have also been essential. Moreover, learning how to collaborate with others and manage projects from concept to completion has been crucial to my success as a freelancer interior designer.
How did you balance professional growth with personal life, especially when challenges arose?
Balancing personal life and professional growth has always required careful planning and prioritization. As a mother, I had to manage my time meticulously, especially during the pandemic when I was juggling work and family commitments. I learned to set boundaries and maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate both work deadlines and personal responsibilities. My passion for design helped me stay motivated, but my family has always been the cornerstone of my stability, reminding me of what’s most important.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were starting your journey, and what advice would you give to other women to grow their careers?
One piece of advice I wish I had received earlier is to trust your skills and believe in your strength, to embrace failure as part of the learning process. Early on, I often felt discouraged when things didn’t go as planned, but I later realized that each challenge helped me grow stronger and wiser in my career.
For other women looking to grow their careers, my advice is to always invest in your personal and professional development, that when you trust in a higher plan and work on yourself, the universe takes care of the rest. This experience taught me that nothing happens by chance—it’s all a call for awakening and self-transformation. Never To Give Up On Your Dream Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, even when they seem daunting. Build a strong support network, find mentors who inspire you, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your work. It’s also essential to strike a balance between ambition and self-care—success is a long-term journey, and maintaining well-being is key to sustaining growth.
Find out more about Rabab
- Instagram -@interiors_with_rabab
- LinkedIn: Rabab Ahmed Abd El-Rahmman
- Behance : Rabab Ahmed Abd El Rahmman
