DESIGN PORTFOLIO
EDUCATION
GERMAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO (2010- 2015)
-BSc. in Architecture
-Pre-masters in Architecture and Urban Design
-Semester abroad in GUC Berlin
NEFERTARI BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
-Graduated IGCSE
MANARAT JEDDAH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
WORK EXPERIENCE
(2003- 2010)
(1995- 2003)
-Founder and Interior Designer at Salma Aly Interiors (2020 -
Present)
• Creating full Interior Design Packages from concept to supervising the execution.
• Managing the business aspects including business plans, arrangement of finances, reviewing projects, developing marketing strategies, overseeing daily activities and improving business functions.
• Full handling of social media platforms and website to improve brand identity.
• Communicating with clients, answering their questions or concerns, translating their problems and needs into design ideas and guiding them throughout the whole process.
• Creating Mood Boards and providing shopping lists with Furniture, Fabrics and Finishes Selection as well as Wall and Floor treatments.
Technical Drawings: As built plan, Architectural changes plan, Furniture plan, Floor finish plan, Electrical plan, Lighting plan, Ceiling plan and Elevations when needed.
• Providing detailed 3d Visualizations and renders.
-Interior Designer & Sales Engineer at Span Interiors
• Lead the Technical Team in Full Interior Design Projects.
(2017- 2018)
• Oversaw all aspects of interior design projects, creating innovative design concepts as well as preparing 2D and 3D presentations and reviewing drawings and documents before construction.
• Provided full packages for Residential projects that include Mood Boards, Technical Drawings and 3D visualizations.
• Designed and guided the execution of custom millwork and furniture.
• Selection of Furniture, Fabrics, Wall and floor Treatments along with on site supervision and monitoring with the contractors.
• Preparing quotations for showroom clients.
• On the spot Interior Advice for showroom customers as well as providing Furniture Layouts.
• Creating design concepts and color schemes from the available selection of high end designer Fabrics and Wallpaper at the showroom according to clients’ needs and budget.
-Interior Architect at GG&Grace Creative Concepts (2016- 2017)
• Handled and issued Design Development packages for Hospitality and Commercial projects.
• Worked along with designers to translate the designs into Technical drawings, construction documents and further details while minding hospitality guidelines.
• Key Projects : Fairmont Nile City, Westin Soma Bay and Katameya Dunes, Sheraton Soma Bay, Club Med Punta Cana, Renaissance Sharm EL Sheikh, Sofitel el Gezira, The Chedi Lustica Bay.
Salma Aly Omar
Manial Island Sustainable Waterfront
Urban design|Sustainable|Mixed Use|Pre-masters
Sustainable Ring Road
Urban design|Sustainable|Bamboo|Communal|Pre-masters
Dahab Eco-lodge
Urban design|Sustainable|Bamboo|Communal|Bachelor project
Lohmühleninsel Berlin
Hydroponic Envelope
Sustainable|Bamboo|Communal|6th Semester
Guc Pavilion Parametric|On campus|6th Semester
Guc Knowledge Center Architecture|Construction|On campus|5th Semester
Manial Island Sustainable Waterfront
In an effort to sustainably redesign the Manial waterfront, the area was divided into three distinct zones: cultural, commercial, and business. This plot, situated at the heart of the business district where the three main promenades intersect, serves as a central hub. The design preserves the flow of the promenades while offering varied public experiences. An elevated plaza caters primarily to office workers, a sunken plaza houses retail shops and restaurants, and a deck provides direct access to the water. The development includes three buildings, two office towers and a commercial building, all featuring accessible rooftops for additional public use.
Sustainable Ring Road
The spaces beneath bridges often represent wasted potential, frequently overlooked and underutilized. However, these areas can be transformed into vibrant spaces that benefit the surrounding community. After thoroughly analyzing the area and interviewing local residents, the proposed design introduces a range of sports facilities, including a boxing arena, climbing gym, and football and basketball courts. A new pedestrian bridge was also added to ensure safe access, with small kiosks along the walkway providing essential services. Bamboo was chosen as the primary material for its lightweight, durable nature, and its striking contrast against the existing concrete structures.
DESIGN EXPLOSION "CIRCULATION''
MARCO
Dahab Eco-lodge
Eco-tourism focuses on conserving nature, benefiting local communities, and minimizing environmental impact. To support these goals, an eco-lodge was proposed for the island, aiming to set a precedent for reducing encroachment on agricultural land. The selected site is an unused waterfront area, where a bamboo field will be established to supply building materials for the eco-lodge, reduce shoreline erosion, and create additional job opportunities for locals. The design leverages the existing palm trees along the waterfront, with a bridge that weaves around them, connecting the eco-lodge’s various functions. This bridge offers diverse experiences by varying in height, views, privacy levels, and areas of use. Both the bridge and the cabins are constructed entirely from bamboo, using simple, sustainable techniques.
Lohmühleninsel Berlin
The goal was to redesign Lohmühleninsel, focusing on key elements such as streets, entrances, building forms, and the detailed design of one specific building. The island is planned for mixeduse, offering shops, restaurants, offices, and residential apartments. The design includes one main street and six buildings, with two of them connected at an elevated level. The layout begins with a wide promenade that provides access across the island, ending with a waterfront deck.
The promenade’s width varies with usage, widening at open spaces to accommodate different activities. The buildings are strategically designed to define the street, each featuring its own open area oriented toward the water. To enhance the pedestrian experience, parking is situated at the island’s entrance, with no cars allowed inside except on the two main service roads along the island’s edges. Steps have been added around the island to increase access and connection to the water.
This building marks the end of the island, extending toward the water on one side to enhance its visibility from the opposite shore. The ground floor features shops and restaurants, while the first and second floors house offices. The third and fourth floors offer apartments with varying layouts to accommodate different types of families, each designed to capture both water and promenade views. Skylights and loggias are incorporated to maximize natural light throughout the building.
Hydroponic Envelope
In collaboration with Emaret El Ensan NGO, a hydroponic system was designed for their community center in Ezbet El Haganna. Bamboo was chosen as the primary material due to its durability, versatility, and ease of use. The bamboo pipes are securely mounted on the walls and connected using a simple method where holes are drilled, allowing the pipes to fit together seamlessly. The system is installed on both the facade and the roof, producing vegetables that provide income for local residents.The system also incorporates a sustainable approach to water use. Greywater from the area is recycled, pumped into the system, and stored in a tank. Through a process driven by pressure and gravity, the water flows through the pipes, is collected at the bottom, and is then reused, creating a continuous cycle.
Guc Pavilion
The concept for the pavilion originated from the arrangement of tripod chairs stacked above one another, creating triangular modules. The legs of the chairs mimic the offset distances between each module, allowing light to enter the structure. The spaces between the modules form a grid of light within the pavilion, balancing both concentrated and diffused illumination. Triangular voids within each panel further enhance light entry into the enclosed space, with the size of these openings parametrically controlled by a solar point. The surface design of the pavilion was inspired by the protective shell of an armadillo.
Material: MDF 20 mm
Number of parts: 760
Fabrication time : 6 h
Assembly time : 15 h
Guc Knowledge Center
The project involved designing a knowledge center for a private university, capable of housing 100,000 books, presentation halls, offices, and a cafeteria. The proposed design features a multi-level library with three interconnected levels, each overlooking the others. Various seating arrangements were incorporated to cater to the diverse preferences of users. The construction employs steel frames and glass facades, with all structural elements meticulously calculated and tested on the model.
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS
Open Living Space|Residential
A simple Scandinavian combined living and dining space, designed to be timeless, functional, and rich in texture. This space seamlessly blends wood, stone, leather, velvet, and marble, creating a harmonious depth and layering. Iconic furniture pieces like the Shell Chair, Butterfly Chair, and Rocking Stingray Chair ensure the design will stand the test of time. The mostly neutral color palette keeps the space light and airy, while the mix of textures adds a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Master Bedroom|Residential
A bedroom enriched with a variety of textures, seamlessly blending simplicity and functionality. Textured wallpaper adds significant depth to the space, while eglomise mirrors reflect light beautifully without distacting from the room’s elegance. The bespoke upholstered headboard and meticulously curated furniture pieces, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, add a luxurious finish to the space.
Living Room|Residential
A modern, sleek living room featuring an accent marble wall with a geometric pattern inlaid with brass. A dark brown hardwood floor contrasts with the wall, adding warmth and coziness to balance the colder materials. The centerpiece is a beige curved corner sofa, which introduces a smooth flow to the room. Various statement pieces, such as statues of varying heights and materials, along with a stylish sideboard and brass lighting, add a glamorous touch to the space.
Dining Room|Residential
A contemporary and inviting dining room featuring unique Zoffany mountains wallpaper in calming shades of blue with a rich texture. Simple wainscoting on the walls keeps the focus on the wallpaper. The space includes comfortable navy dining chairs that contrast beautifully with the white marble-top dining table. Various brass accents tie the room together, from the table to the plant pots, console, and statement sideboard.
Bedroom|Residential
A simple, neutral bedroom where the beauty lies in the mix of different textures. The monochromatic palette creates a serene vibe. The paneled velvet headboard extends to the ceiling, creating the illusion of more height. A subtle statement is made with Zoffany wallpaper on both sides of the headboard. The nightstands and rug strike the perfect balance between minimal and chic. For versatile lighting, a chandelier is paired with gradient glass pendants, adding an elegant touch.
Living Room|Residential
A sophisticated living room combining a seating and dining area, anchored by a fireplace. The muted color palette of blues, neutrals, and dark grey enhances the serene atmosphere. The statement piece is the Tundra rug, hand-knotted in warm greys and cool neutrals, with varying wool and silk yarn heights to add a lot of depth. The room features diverse lighting fixtures and combines rich textures of wood, bronze, marble, and crackled glass, creating a harmonious blend of elegance and warmth.
Formal Living Space|Residential
This space was transformed from a dark, impractical layout with nearly no windows into a bright, airy environment featuring large windows that now accommodate a small foyer, dining room, and both formal and casual living areas. Using many of the client’s existing furniture pieces, which were re-upholstered, a new layout was proposed to create more functional zones. Additional pieces were also integrated to complement the new design. The focal point of the formal living area is the TV wall, embellished with contemporary moldings that cleverly incorporate a hidden door. The color palette for the room is neutral with accents of olive tones, enhancing its sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
Before After
Living Room|Residential
In the secondary living room, darker neutral shades were selected for their durability, accommodating the needs of a busy family. Tall, thin windows were added to enhance brightness, with their reflections visible in the opposite mirrors. Elegant wooden paneling lines the TV wall and extends across the ceiling to merge seamlessly with built-in wooden shelves, adding a sophisticated touch. The room is complemented by earthy tones and textures in the rug and accessories, enhancing its’ warm and welcoming ambiance.
Entryway|Residential
A more functional layout was achieved by introducing a wooden partition that creates a small foyer, defining the space without fully separating it from the dining area. The partition features both floor lighting and indirect overhead lighting, highlighting its design and adding a dramatic touch to the entryway. The floor design further emphasizes the space, using a combination of contrasting marble colors. Wall sconces cast a warm, ambient light on the wall paneling, while the eglomise mirror and dark wooden door add more elegance to the area.
Guest Bathroom|Residential
The guest bathroom embraces a bold, moody aesthetic while maintaining a minimalist approach. Sticking to a neutral color palette with darker finishes creates a sense of continuity while offering a distinct atmosphere. Full-length backlit arched mirrors against a marble wall provide a subtle yet dramatic effect. The sinks rest on exquisite marble plinths, adding a touch of glamour and elevating the space. An elegant wooden-lined niche on the toilet wall adds a simple yet striking statement.
Formal Open Space|Residential
This open-concept space features three seating zones with expansive outdoor views and a cozy fireplace. Four armchairs upholstered in bold midnight blue velvet elegantly divide the dining and seating areas. Columns have been transformed into niches showcasing sculptural art, enhancing the airy feel. The design incorporates a neutral and earthy palette with accents of shades of blue, grey, and beige, contrasted by wood and marble. Using curved furniture pieces throughout the space ensures a smooth and inviting flow.
Living Room|Residential
This open-concept space seamlessly combines the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The layout has been thoughtfully updated to include a window overlooking the outdoor area and direct access from the dining room to the backyard. The design maintains a neutral, minimal palette with camel and black accents. Modern and contemporary elements blend effortlessly, with sleek taupe cabinets and a striking black marble countertop in the kitchen contrasting against the herringbone flooring and wall moldings. To enhance the modern aesthetic and add a bold statement, the TV wall features wood paneling with textured geometric wallpaper and Scandinavian light pendants.
Living Room|Residential
This beach house features an open living space that combines an open kitchen with an island that doubles as a dining area. The design blends coastal charm with chic elegance, using a palette of blue, white, and beige. The room harmoniously mixes materials, including wooden beams, a sisal rug, with accents of brass and wicker finishes. Comfortable and playful seating adds a touch of fun to the inviting space, making it perfect for both relaxation and entertaining.
Master Bedroom|Residential
This master bedroom, complete with an ensuite bathroom, exudes an all-white aesthetic with warm sandy undertones. The furniture draws inspiration from French design, complemented by delicate nude-hued fabrics throughout the room, creating a pleasing mix of patterns. A mirrored wardrobe with varying depths enhances the corridor’s sense of space. The master bathroom features a window next to the tub that overlooks the bedroom, adding a modern touch and increasing natural light. The bathroom maintains a neutral palette, with white marble accented by hints of grey and a sleek, all-white vanity with tall cabinets.
Dining Room|Residential
This dining room makes a bold statement with understated elegance. The floor features a classic black and white checkered marble, while the walls are adorned with a hand-painted vintage jungle print. The furniture echoes the palette of the wallpaper, with green dining chairs, a walnut dining table, and a matching sideboard. A black-framed architrave contrasts with the wallpaper, while rattan accessories enhance the jungle theme. Brass accents add a touch of modern sophistication to the space.
THANK YOU