What is the

The Design Research Forum is an annual event by the College of Design at IAU that advances research culture in design. It showcases student and emerging scholar work through a curated poster exhibition, expert panels, and hands-on workshops on methods, ethics, AI tools, and publication practice. It connects academics, professionals, and industry to build partnerships and co-created projects. It highlights current research trends, innovation, sustainability, and evidence-based solutions to design challenges. Outcomes include wider dissemination of student research, a published forum booklet, professional recognition, and new collaborations that seed future studies and impact.

DRF25 Team

  • Dr. Sarah Abdullah Alghamdi

    College of Design Vice Dean for scientific research and Innovation.

    Head of the Economic and Social Planning Studies Division at Memaar Organization.

    Assistant professor, in College of Design at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University

    PhD in Urban and Regional Planning.

    Master of History, theory, and criticism of Architecture. More than 16 years of experience in an academic career in Architecture and design. Winner of national design and Innovation awards.

  • An academic and architect with a strong passion for design and development, she is dedicated to advancing innovative design practices that enhance the built environment, with a particular focus on socio-cultural sustainability in residential architecture. In academic and managerial roles, she fosters growth by sharing knowledge, introducing new perspectives, and applying diverse learning strategies, while actively contributing to events and initiatives. Committed to public engagement, Al-Faisal pursues community service through public lectures, social media outreach, and the provision of free consultations.

  • Dr. Maryam Aldossary is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Multimedia and an active member of the Research Unit and Community Service Unit at the College of Design. She holds a PhD in Architecture, with a specialization in representing identity through architectural ornamentation on building facades in the Arabian Gulf. Her research focuses on how cultural, historical, and visual identity is embedded within the ornamental language of both contemporary and traditional architecture across the region. She is a member of the Exhibition Committee for the Design Research Forum 2025.

  • Dr. Ghaydaa Hemaidah holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of Manchester and serves as Assistant Professor in the Interior Design Department at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), where she also leads the Scientific Research Unit. Her research focuses on design for wellbeing in healthcare environments, evidence-based design, and post-occupancy evaluations. In 2024, she was honoured with the International Award for Best Research from the Academy of Design and Health. Her expertise in advancing research-driven design and her commitment to integrating health and wellbeing principles into the built environment position her as a valuable member of the Scientific Committee for the Design Research Forum 2025.

  • Lojain Rafaa is a Saudi materials designer specializing in R&D of organic and advanced materials. She leads a private lab and lectures at university, uniting product and interior design with interdisciplinary research to create sustainable, culturally grounded materials and elevate everyday experiences—functionally and sensorially.

  • A faculty member in Industrial Design, passionate about STEAM learning, creativity, and innovation.

    Empowering learners through design, technology, and community engagement.

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