From the moment I first walked down Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv as a student, captivated by the harmonious blend of Bauhaus facades and vibrant Mediterranean energy, I knew my architectural journey would converge with this extraordinary city. My passion for design is not merely professional—it is deeply personal, rooted in a profound connection to Israel's most dynamic urban canvas: Tel Aviv. This city, where history breathes through every stone and innovation reshapes the skyline, has become the focal point of my career aspirations. I write this Personal Statement not just as an Architect seeking opportunity, but as a committed contributor ready to enrich Tel Aviv’s architectural narrative for generations to come.
I hold a Master of Architecture from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, where I immersed myself in the study of contextual design principles critical to Israel's diverse landscapes. My thesis, "Adaptive Reuse Strategies for Mediterranean Urban Heritage," specifically examined Tel Aviv’s UNESCO-listed White City district—a project that demanded rigorous analysis of Bauhaus aesthetics alongside contemporary sustainability imperatives. This work was not theoretical; it led to a collaborative internship with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality's Urban Design Department. There, I contributed to the renovation guidelines for historic buildings along Ibn Gvirol Street, ensuring preservation aligned with modern energy efficiency standards while respecting the neighborhood’s cultural fabric. This experience cemented my belief that exceptional architecture in Israel must honor its past while boldly embracing future needs.
My professional trajectory has been intentionally shaped by Tel Aviv’s unique challenges and opportunities. As a Design Architect at Zehava & Co., I spearheaded the conceptualization of "Neve Tzedek Living," a mixed-use residential project integrating social housing with commercial spaces in South Tel Aviv. The project prioritized community engagement, holding workshops with local residents to ensure designs reflected their daily realities—something I learned is paramount in Tel Aviv’s densely populated, culturally rich urban environment. We incorporated passive cooling techniques inspired by traditional Mediterranean architecture to combat the region's intense heat, reducing energy consumption by 35% while maintaining the building’s historical aesthetic sensitivity. This project earned recognition from the Israel Association of Architects for its holistic approach to sustainable urban living—a value I now champion as a core tenet of my practice.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to architecture that serves Tel Aviv’s people. In 2022, I volunteered with "Tel Aviv Urban Renewal," a grassroots initiative focused on revitalizing underutilized public spaces in the city’s peripheral neighborhoods. We transformed a derelict courtyard in Jaffa into a community garden and cultural hub, blending Hebrew calligraphy art with functional seating and drought-resistant native plants. This project underscored my conviction that architecture is not just about structures—it’s about fostering belonging. In Israel, where cities like Tel Aviv are melting pots of cultures converging rapidly, design must actively bridge divides through shared spaces. My philosophy aligns with the city’s vision: to create environments where diversity thrives.
I am equally driven by Tel Aviv’s evolving sustainability challenges. As Climate Action Coordinator for a regional architecture collective, I developed a framework for "Mediterranean Green Retrofitting," addressing Tel Aviv’s vulnerability to rising temperatures and coastal erosion. This involved collaborating with engineers to integrate seawater-cooled HVAC systems into historic buildings and advocating for policies mandating green roofs on new developments—initiatives now being piloted by the Tel Aviv City Council. My work here reflects a deep understanding of Israel’s environmental context: we cannot design in isolation from the sea, the sun, or our climate realities. Tel Aviv must lead by example.
Looking ahead, I am eager to bring my expertise directly to Israel’s architectural forefront through a role within Tel Aviv's innovative design community. I envision contributing to projects like the ongoing redevelopment of HaShalom Park and future waterfront districts along the Meditterranean coast—areas demanding visionary yet contextually rooted solutions. My skills in BIM modeling, sustainable material sourcing, and cross-cultural stakeholder engagement position me to collaborate seamlessly with Tel Aviv’s top firms, from established studios like Kimmel & Partners to emerging creative collectives. I am fluent in Hebrew (with conversational Arabic), allowing me to engage authentically with local communities—a necessity for meaningful work in Israel.
My journey has taught me that Tel Aviv does not simply need more buildings—it needs architecture that resonates with the soul of the city. The rhythmic pulse of its streets, the interplay of light on white walls, and the resilience of its people inspire my work daily. As an Architect deeply invested in Israel’s urban future, I am not just applying for a position—I am committing to be part of Tel Aviv’s next chapter. I will bring meticulous design rigor, cultural empathy, and a relentless focus on sustainable innovation to every project. For me, there is no greater honor than contributing to the architectural legacy of a city that embodies both timeless tradition and forward-looking audacity.
I am prepared to immerse myself fully into Tel Aviv’s vibrant ecosystem—from the bustling streets of Rothschild Boulevard to the quiet intensity of its design studios—knowing that here, in Israel, architecture isn’t just built. It is lived, loved, and reimagined every single day. I invite you to join me in shaping a Tel Aviv that honors its past while boldly defining tomorrow.
