Amira Baraka graduated from MA Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Arts in 2016. Since then, she has moved to Egypt, and recently decided to set up an Alumni Group there.
We caught up with Amira to find out more about what she has been doing since graduating, and her future hopes for this newly established group.
What made you decide to come to London and study at UAL?
London is a fascinating city for me for its history and for being a leader in modern art. When I was thinking about pursuing a masters degree abroad, I was looking for a school known for creativity and experimentation where I could practice my ideas. That’s why I chose UAL. Also, I wanted to stay in a city where I could explore creative practices inside the university and outside of it. I loved visiting art galleries and exploring works by established and emerging artists and designers.
What did you study? And did you enjoy your time at UAL?
I studied an MA in Interior and Spatial Design in Chelsea College of Arts. I enjoyed the whole experience of the course, and I learned a lot from my course leader and tutors as well as my friends. Chelsea College was a fine place – I enjoyed being there very much, and I found it was an inspiration for me.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I’m currently practicing as an Interior Designer in one of the leading consulting offices in Cairo. However, I haven’t settled yet. I’m planning to do a Ph.D. and to pursue a career in academia and research. After the exposure I have had to different kinds of arts and design during my stay in London, I’m currently in the phase of rearranging my thoughts before carrying on with a Ph.D.
What made you want to set up an alumni group in Egypt? And what do you hope to achieve from it?
I wanted to get in touch with alumni in my city however, I was surprised and curious when I found out that there wasn’t an alumni group in Egypt. So, I decided to be the one to take the step and connect UAL alumni. I believe the group could help establish a local network for creative activities, so that alumni can catch up and see what we’ve been doing since graduation. I hope this group can bring us all together so that we can explore our common interests in Arts and Design.
If you want to be a part of the new alumni group in Egypt, please visit the Facebook page
Find out more about our UAL alumni groups and associations across the world