JUMANA ELAYAN
ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO 2025
About The
DESIGNER
Throughout my architectural education, I have developed a design approach that begins with a point of interest, evolves conceptually, and explores the relationship between form, function, and experience. I am passionate about creating architecture that tells a story, evokes emotion, and fosters meaningful connections. Through materiality, spatial composition, and contextual integration, I strive to design impactful spaces that resonate with users and enhance the built environment. My goal is to continue to craft architecture that not only inspires but also communicates a lasting message to the world.
JUMANA ELAYAN
Born and raised in Jordan, I come from a unique cultural background that has profoundly shaped both my perspective on education and my approach to my career. This diverse experience has influenced my personal growth, enriching my understanding of architecture and its role in different contexts.
TELEPHONE
513 800 8826
Elayanja@mail.uc.edu
EDUCATION
2020 - Current |University of Cincinnati
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Expected Graduation Spring 2025
Proficiencies & Languages
Revit Rhinoceros
Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop
Bluebeam
Sketchup
Enscape Vray Plugin
Fluent in Arabic
Fluent in English
Intermediate in Spanish
EXPERIENCE Professional
2024 - Current |Discovery & Science Architectural Intern
Healthcare & Laboratory Design Assistant
• Performed on-site equipment surveys alongside industry experts, recording and analyzing data for project accuracy.
• Led a team of interns in executing equipment surveys, ensuring efficiency and thorough documentation.
• Assisted in developing construction document sets for lab projects, contributing to design accuracy and timely project completion.
• Worked on equipment layouts and interior elevations to support functional and compliant design solutions.
2025 - Current |Government Architectural Intern
Design & Visual Communication Assistant
• Developed Design Development (DD) sets based on conceptual plans from the early stages of the internship, refining design details and documentation.
• Created graphics for a management playbook, visually communicating change management processes and design strategies.
• BHDP ARCHITECTURE | Part-Time
2024 | Government Architectural Intern
Space Planning Designer
• Developed space planning strategies to optimize efficiency, flow, and user experience in office environments.
• Collaborated with teammates to develop innovative, client-focused designs that promote healthy, efficient workplaces while aligning with organizational goals and well-being standards.
• Engaged in client meetings to understand goals and gather feedback.
Visual Graphics Designer
• Created detailed design graphics and visual presentations to effectively communicate design concepts to clients, facilitating clear understanding and decision-making.
• Contributed to the development of change management documentation, including layouts and graphic materials, to support client communication.
• BHDP ARCHITECTURE | Full-Time
2023 | Architectural Intern
Project Leader and Design Collaboration
• Led a team in a group competition, serving as the Project Manager.
• Organized Schedules, managed tasks, and contributed design ideas.
• Assisted with creating a detailed 3D Model. Assisted with creating a detailed 3D Model.
Architectural Drafting and Zoning Expertise
• Developed conceptual plans for industrial buildings, optimizing functionality and flow.
• Conducted comprehensive zoning research to ensure all designs adhered to local regulations, building codes, and land use requirements.
2023 | Architectural Intern
Technical Drawing and Data Collection
• Assisted in 2D and 3D drawing preparations using CAD.
• Collected data and gathered information for architectural projects.
Legal Knowledge and Code Integration
• Acquired Familiarity with state and federal laws, regulations, and building codes.
• Adapted codes and standards to integrate seamlessly into projects.
Design and Reporting
• Developed architectural elevations from floor plans for various projects, ensuring design consistency and accuracy.
• Created visual presentations to communicate retail design concepts and layouts.
• ATA BEILHARZ ARCHITECTS
• CESO Inc
THE EMBASSY
U.S Embassy in Libya, Studio led by
CINCINNATI HOUSING
Apartment units in Cincinnati, Studio Led
by
Small Apartment units in Cincinnati Museum in Cincinnati
Body Armature & Stage Set
Joss
Designed by Jumana Elayan and Lubna Shehata
Designed
Jumana Elayan and Gabe Willard
Led by Pravin Bhiwapurkar
Willard
EMBASSY
The proposed U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya, is strategically located near other embassies to enhance security while offering a prominent waterfront presence. Collaborating with Lubna, we carefully selected the site to balance safety, accessibility, and cultural integration.
Our design prioritizes a unique and functional workspace for embassy employees while fostering a connection with the people of Libya. Security is seamlessly integrated into the architecture, featuring a perimeter gate and a patterned gate wall inspired by traditional Islamic motifs. This design element not only reinforces safety but also harmonizes with Libya’s architectural heritage, symbolizing a cultural bridge between Libya and the U.S. The embassy’s interlocking building form is centered around a courtyard, which features an olive tree—a powerful symbol of peace and a nod to Libya’s cultural identity. The program includes diverse amenities such as a community center, residential spaces, outdoor seating areas, and an amphitheater, creating a dynamic and welcoming environment within a secure setting.
Jumana E. & Lubna S. EXTERIOR PRESPECTIVE
The history of diplomatic relations between Libya and the United States has been complex, shaped by various conflicts and evolving circumstances within Libya. The embassy plays a pivotal role in these relations, serving as a foundational step toward restoration and support for the country. Our design prioritizes safety and security, embodying the core mission of the embassy as a symbol of stability and diplomacy.
Diplomatic Relations History
Site Border
This site border design is inspired by traditional Islamic patterns, serving as both a protective gateway and a harmonious architectural element. It seamlessly integrates with the city’s cultural and architectural landscape, fostering a meaningful connection between the United States and Libya.
FORM
Two Masses in Representation of Two Nations
Overlapping and Raising One Mass
Indenting Mass to Create Courtyard Space
Sloping of Top Mass Roof
100 Foot Setback
as Site Division Guide
Stair Tower For Circulation
The site is strategically divided into distinct sections to accommodate the full program while also creating additional functional spaces. The massing of the form is designed to symbolize the unity of two nations coming together, reflecting their connection through architecture.
SITE DIVISON
PLANS
Community center
PLANS
Housing Unit
SECTION
INTERIOR PRESPECTIVES
PRESPECTIVES
PHYSICAL MODEL
More Than Context
Situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, this apartment complex features over 90 residential units, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Emphasizing sustainability, the development incorporates extensive green spaces and fosters a strong sense of community through thoughtfully curated programs and activities.
The architectural design prioritizes natural light, with each unit strategically positioned to optimize daylight penetration. The building’s angular form is intentionally shaped to follow the sun’s trajectory, enhancing solar exposure. At the core of the complex, a central open-air courtyard provides a dynamic communal space, designed to encourage social interaction and recreational activities while being bathed in natural light. The front facade integrates a carefully designed shading device with openings and privacy screens, balancing weather protection with occupant privacy.
EXTERIOR PRESPECTIVE
E. & Gabe W.
Jumana
FORM
The concept begins with two parallel rows of buildings facing each other, ments, and programmed areas designed to serve both residents and the
The overall axonometric view on the left illustrates the arrangement of activities. It highlights the surrounding views and lush greenery, emphasizing vironment.
of residential units within the broader program, integrating various emphasizing the harmonious blend of living spaces with the natural enother, separated by a central space featuring greenery, water elethe broader community.
PLANS
Level 04 Level 05
PLANS
UNIT TYPE 1
UNIT TYPE 4
UNIT TYPE 3
UNIT TYPE 2
UNIT SECTION
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
SHORT SECTION
PRESPECTIVES
PRESPECTIVES
APARTMENTS
Concept
This small apartment complex in Cincinnati is designed to address the challenges of an enclosed urban site, bordered by buildings on all sides. The primary concept revolves around introducing natural light and maintaining privacy within the space. The façade is conceived as a balance of contrasts—appearing both seamless and lightweight while simultaneously expressing a sense of solidity through the massing of the units.
The design strategy involves an interlocking composition of residential units, creating a dynamic interplay between built and open space. Carefully placed voids within the structure allow light to penetrate deep into the interiors, enhancing spatial quality and ensuring a sense of openness despite the density of the site. The result is a thoughtfully crafted urban dwelling that harmonizes privacy, light, and mass in a refined architectural expression.
PLANS
PLANS
SECTION PRESPECTIVE
MUSEUM
Concept
Designed a Museum located in Inwood Park, cincinnati. Integrating construction ethic, atmospheric design, spatial sequencing, and site response. The project began with a diagrammatic examination of the given site, then began to study program of each exihbit spaces. In my design I chose to create a space where an experience is created as you move throughout the space.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Concept
Designed a Neighborhood community center located in over the rhine. Integrating construction ethic, atmospheric design, spatial sequencing, and site response. The project began with a diagrammatic examination of the given site, then schematic iterations in phases prioritizing a specific architectural projection as a lens for each exploration (model, plan, & section). Throughout the different studies, I concluded to a design that creates interesting views, programs, and design elements that draws visitors to the space.
Conceptual Plans
PRESPECTIVE
Conceptual section
BODY ARMATURE & STAGE
Concept
The Body Armature is an exercise where different styles, concepts, and elements of design were expressed. To restrict the movement of the waist and knees, the design had sacks of rocks wrapped each respective area. I made the choice of using this type of fabric and different patterns to define the area of restriction. Then I added these fabric strips that flow in an ironic way with no restreictions. The Model was an excrise related to the body armature. To express the movement and style of my body armature, I chose to model a stage set that represents the circular movement that my body would propose. Creating the design, I connected it with the idea that I am tied to these ropes and at the same time I am moving freely in circular motion.
JUMANA ELAYAN