Prof. Imad M. M. Assali is Dean of the College of Arts & Science at Ahlia University, where he provides strategic and academic leadership across the College’s programs in architecture and interior design. He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from Graz University of Technology, Austria, and an M.Sc. in Building & Urban Design from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering — a combination of technical and design-research training that underpins his distinctive approach to architectural education, one that bridges rigorous scientific inquiry with creative design practice.

Prof. Assali’s scholarship centers on sustainable and biomimetic architecture, exploring how design can draw on nature’s own strategies to advance ecologically responsible building practice. His research extends into the evolving landscape of design pedagogy, with published work examining blended and online studio-based learning, the integration of digital technologies into interior design education, and safeguards against visual plagiarism in design coursework — positioning him at the intersection of sustainable design theory and innovative, technology-enabled teaching. His recent publications include studies on quality assessment in online design studios, paradigm shifts in technology-integrated interior design education, and holistic approaches to green roof systems as a model for ecologically sustainable architecture.

Prior to his appointment as Dean, Prof. Assali served as Chairperson of the Department of Interior Design at Ahlia University, where he shaped curriculum and studio pedagogy for a growing design program. He teaches through design studio, research methods, materials and building construction, and digital design software (including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit), and is known for mentoring students through the transition from design fundamentals to independent research and professional practice.

As Dean, Prof. Assali continues to advance the College’s academic standards, curriculum innovation, and research culture, while championing interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of architecture, interior design, and digital media and communication technology. He welcomes engagement from prospective students, academic collaborators, and industry partners interested in sustainable design, design education innovation, and interdisciplinary research.

Supervision

Supervised a variety of interior design studios such as:

• Impact of using colors on restaurants design
• Innovative library
• Design for sorcery disabilities and minorities
• Application of sustainable interior methods in office buildings

Presentation

• Conducted different presentations for interior design students about different topics in Interior Design (such as using sustainable materials and its effect on human health, First Second 2015).
• Conducted presentations for the College of Arts in different topics in Design The effect of war on interior design, First Semester 2016.

Conferences

• 18th International Conference on Sustainable Architecture & Urban Design, Istanbul, Enhance Indoor Environment in Buildings and its Effect on Improving Occupant’s Health, Feb. 2016