Get to Know CCP Faculty: Esra Abumounshar, Architecture, Design and Construction

Q: If you are new to the College: Why are you excited to join Community College of Philadelphia?  

A: I am excited to teach where I started my journey as a student 10 years ago to study architectural design!  

I also want to advance the program and bring new insight to the Architecture, Design and Construction department from a practitioner perspective, and enable students to have that direct link into the workplace.  

Q: If you have previous experience teaching at the College: Why did you choose to continue your career at the College?  

A: Community college students show great diversity in thinking and in the way they view design, which has always been inspirational for me throughout my career. 

Q: How do you look forward to impacting our students with your academic/field training?  

A: Through bringing them closer to the new advancement in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, and by engaging with them beyond the classroom on community design events and building installations that could later be repurposed and donated to community centers. These engagements aim to help students see what they can build and contribute to the city and the community as a whole.

Q: Tell us a little about your previous work experience, including titles, and what degrees you have.  

A: I have a master's degree in Architecture from Temple University. I worked for the last 10 years in the architecture industry designing mixed-use buildings here in Philadelphia, hospital renovations, and my latest project includes the first cancer hospital in Dubai.  

For about the last eight years, I have worked for a global firm called Stantec, where I am an associate and a Computational Design lead. This has been a rewarding experience that I hope to leverage here at CCP to advance our teaching. 

Q: Why did you choose to become an educator?  

A: I have always loved mentoring and being a teacher means being a mentor. I also love learning and growing my knowledge, and there is no better way to grow knowledge than to teach!

Q: What experience or individual influenced your career direction?  

A: My love for design and technology, but also coming from a place where opportunities are very limited due to war conflicts, as I am a daughter of refugees, and I am myself an immigrant. That had an impact on how far I was willing to push myself to secure a better life given the sacrifices my parents and grandparents have made for me. I also wanted to teach my children that no matter where you come from and what your past circumstances are, you can still move forward and grow yourself. I hope one day I set a good example for my students who are extremely diverse as well.   

Q: Tell us something about yourself you would like the College community to know – hobbies, what you like to do for fun, a fun fact about yourself.  

A: I love reading a lot! And paddleboarding! My favorite time of the day is sunset, it reminds me of the things that are bigger than me and keeps me hopeful that tomorrow will come, and there will be another day to do better and to be present.