This article is part of a series focusing on the grads of the 麻豆社 Class of 2025. Spring Convocation takes place May 30 and from June 9-19 in Halifax and Truro. Read all our profiles听here in one place听as they are published.
Born in Montreal and raised in Saudi Arabia, Mahmoud Istanbouli first arrived at 麻豆社 to complete a degree in environmental engineering. While he appreciated the structure of the field, he felt something essential was missing.
鈥淓ngineering felt too rigid,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 wanted to be more involved in shaping ideas, not just executing them.鈥�
Engineering felt too rigid,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 wanted to be more involved in shaping ideas, not just executing them.
He returned to Dal to pursue architecture, drawn not only to the creative potential of the discipline but also to the strong community he鈥檇 experienced during his earlier studies. 鈥淭hat sense of belonging was what brought me back.鈥�
A standout studio project, The RAVE: Raw Auditory Visual Experience, showcased Mahmoud鈥檚 ability to merge design with personal passion. Created in the Hannah Newton Architecture studio, the project proposed a student outreach building across from Pier 21 that would immerse visitors in the sensory world of rave culture.
鈥淚 wanted to capture the rawness of human connection 鈥� through sound, light, and material 鈥� while celebrating the communal energy of that scene.鈥�
Growing through challenges and support
Architecture school brought challenges and breakthroughs.
鈥淭he hardest days were when I gave everything to a project and the feedback didn鈥檛 land,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 often where the biggest growth happens.鈥�
Small rituals such as running after a crit (short for critique) or sitting on Citadel Hill to recharge helped him find balance.
Crucial to his journey were mentors who believed in him early on. 鈥淭hat kind of support gave me the push I needed to break through doubt and build confidence.鈥�
Studio culture at Dal is a beautiful thing. It鈥檚 like a living, supportive ecosystem
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Equally important was a group of seven classmates known as 鈥淏unkie 3鈥� 鈥� a steady source of support through long nights and big wins. 鈥淪tudio culture at Dal is a beautiful thing. It鈥檚 like a living, supportive ecosystem.鈥�
His co-op at Peter Braithwaite Studio gave him a deeper understanding of the profession. 鈥淏eing in a small firm meant seeing everything behind the scenes. I found my voice and realized I bring something valuable to the table. Sometimes it takes a few downhills to build the momentum to fly.鈥�
Looking ahead with purpose
Now continuing into the Master of Architecture program at Dal, Mahmoud is as engaged as ever. He鈥檚 serving as class rep, working as a teachers assistant in the digital lab, and co-curating the summer lecture series.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got two local legends lined up 鈥� Mac Mackay on sketching and Jane Abbott on the Commons pool,鈥� he says.
He鈥檚 also helping bring back Studio East, a long-retired student magazine once printed in-house.
"Ryan, my friend and fellow DASA co-rep, and I are working on reviving it. We think it鈥檚 time."
It feels like an ode to myself 鈥� a reminder that I can do hard things and still enjoy the journey
To future students, he offers this advice:
鈥淏ring what you love into this profession. Architecture absorbs it 鈥� art, science, music 鈥� whatever you care about will shape your design voice. And take some drawing classes if you can. They make a big difference.鈥�
As he graduates from the BEDS program, Mahmoud reflects on how far he鈥檚 come. 鈥淚t feels like an ode to myself 鈥� a reminder that I can do hard things and still enjoy the journey. And to share that moment with the friends who were there through it all? That means everything.鈥�