Haithem El-Hammali

Dr. Haithem El-Hammali is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar). He holds a Ph.D. in Interior & Environmental Design (BIM) from Texas Tech University, with additional master's degrees in Environmental Design and Architectural Computing Studies from the University of Strathclyde, alongside a B.Sc. in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Garyounis.

His research focuses on integrating advanced technologies like BIM, AI, and Mixed Reality (XR) into design education. As Principal Investigator at XLab, a multidisciplinary platform at VCUarts Qatar, he explores emergent technologies to redefine art and design processes. His work bridges computational methods with human-centered design, emphasizing real-world applications such as healthcare facility design and heritage preservation.

Key research themes include BIM-GIS collaboration in education, generative design methodologies, and the impact of lighting on cognitive processes. His publications span interdisciplinary conferences, including EDRA, EDULEARN, and ICRTEL. He has also contributed to exhibitions exploring computational design potential, such as 'Digital Materiality' and 'Hello, World!' at VCUarts Qatar.

El-Hammali’s awards include the 2012 Nurture Collegiate Healthcare Design Competition win for a cancer center design that optimized staff workflow and well-being. His pedagogical innovations aim to prepare students for technologically driven design challenges, blending traditional architectural principles with cutting-edge digital tools.