Her Story
About Alexandra
Alexandra Haddad, AIA, is an Associate and Design Architect at Stantec, with seven years of professional experience in architecture and design. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture before relocating to the United States in 2017 to pursue a Master of Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin. Her passion for architecture was shaped by growing up in a culture centered on community, connection, and gathering, which continues to influence her approach to creating thoughtful, welcoming spaces that bring people together. Throughout her career, Alexandra has contributed to a diverse range of community, academic, multifamily, and high-rise projects, with a design approach centered on creating meaningful places that strengthen connection between people and their communities. She is also actively engaged with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), where she has taken on leadership roles focused on supporting the next generation of architects, including serving as Chair of the AIA Austin’s Emerging Professionals Committee and contributing to the AIA Austin's Women in Architecture community. Through her involvement, she advocates for mentorship, professional development, and greater opportunities for emerging professionals and women in architecture. Her contributions to the profession have earned recognition, including being featured on Metropolis Magazine’s Austin Arch 30 list of emerging architectural leaders. Alexandra is guided by the values of connection, curiosity, and generosity. She believes in building meaningful relationships with people and communities, learning from different cultures and perspectives, and sharing knowledge to help others succeed. Her career philosophy is to embrace opportunities without waiting until she feels completely ready, recognizing that confidence often develops through taking action and gaining experience. She encourages young women entering architecture to find their voice early, confidently contribute their perspectives, ask questions, and actively seek mentorship. Through her design practice and professional leadership, Alexandra is committed to advancing an inclusive, collaborative, and human-centered approach to architecture.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of it comes down to curiosity and the willingness to keep learning. Architecture is a very collaborative profession, and everyone has a different perspective to bring to the table. Every client, team, project offers an opportunity to learn and grow. I also attribute my growth to the mentors and colleagues who have challenged me, supported me, and trusted me with opportunities to take on more leadership roles. Their impact has influenced the way I approach my own career and reinforced the importance of mentorship to me. As I continue to grow, I hope to create those same opportunities for the next generation of architects.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received is not to wait until I feel completely ready before saying yes to an opportunity. I have learned that confidence does not always come first; often, it develops as a result of taking action and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Rather than overthinking an opportunity or allowing self-doubt to hold me back, I challenge myself to take the leap, embrace the experience, and trust that I will grow along the way. Each time I do, I gain greater confidence, resilience, and a deeper belief in my own abilities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the architecture industry to find their voice early and never underestimate the value of their perspective. Architecture is highly collaborative, and it can sometimes feel intimidating to speak up, especially when you are new to the profession or working in rooms where you may be underrepresented. However, every individual brings unique ideas and experiences to the table, so I believe it is important to speak with confidence, ask the questions you may be hesitant to ask, and contribute your perspective. I also encourage young women to actively seek out mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate their careers and continue to grow professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Architecture is experiencing significant change, with challenges and opportunities emerging around affordability, sustainability, evolving workplace environments, and especially the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. I believe one of the greatest challenges is finding ways to embrace new technologies and improve our tools and processes without losing the human element that makes design meaningful. While AI can enhance efficiency and support the design process, it cannot replace the creativity, empathy, lived experiences, and human connection that shape truly thoughtful architecture. As the industry evolves, I believe our opportunity is to use technology as a tool while keeping people and the human experience at the center of design.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values in both my work and personal life is connection - to people, to communities, and to the spaces we create. I also value curiosity, which inspires me to travel, experience different cultures, and learn from diverse perspectives that ultimately influence how I approach design. Generosity is another core value for me, particularly through sharing knowledge, supporting others, and mentoring those who are growing in their careers. I believe success is most meaningful when it extends beyond individual achievement and contributes to the growth and success of the people and communities around me.
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