Class of 2010

Fahed Abujaber. (Danny Abriel Photo)

A desire to provide solutions for many of the urban and environmental problems occurring in the Middle East drove Fahed Abujaber to further his studies at Dalhousie.

An architect with Consolidated Consultants in his native Jordan, Mr. Abujaber noticed that there were very few local planners there, with most large planning assignments handled by international firms.

“Those firms lack proper understanding of social and cultural variable that can affect successful outcomes,” he says. He chose to pursue a Master of Planning degree, concentrating on urban planning and design.

“My perception towards urban problems revolved around design solutions,” he points out. “However, the program expanded my horizons and altered my thinking methodology. I developed greater interest to integrate sustainable development and community involvement into the planning process, and base my work on well-researched best practices.”

Mr. Abujaber says his professors, including Susan Guppy and Val Spencer, were important mentors but Jill Grant played a special role. “Jill had the greatest impact on me,” he says. “She pushed me to realize my potential and made me understand what it takes to achieve excellence. She taught me the fundamentals of professional technical writing. She was always patient, supportive and understanding.”

His greatest experience during the program was leading and organizing the School of Planning’s annual international field trip module to Jordan. It was an opportunity to learn more about planning in Jordan, understand the challenges and establish valuable contacts in the profession, he says.

After graduation he intends to resume his position with Consolidated Consultants in Amman. While anxious to return home with his wife, Rula, and daughter Farah, Mr. Abujaber will miss his classmates whom he describes as amazing people. “I developed interesting friendships. I hope we can always be in touch after parting ways.”