PORTFOLIO 2024__

portfolio

ELINA MICAH MUSA

SELECTED WORKS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

ELINA MICAH MUSA

erin.musa@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/elina-micah-3a44ba88 +353 87 487 8498

EDUCATION

MA in Geography, Spatial Justice | Maynooth University, Ireland 2023 – 2024

Bachelor of Architecture | University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2015 – 2020

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Ireland Fellows Programme Award June 2023

WORK & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant – Data Stories Project June 2024 – July 2024

Maynooth University Social Science Institute | Maynooth

• Conducted data collection for various literature related to planning, property and housing.

• Utilized Zotero referencing software to manage and organize publication metadata and PDFs, ensuring comprehensive data auditing and accurate tracking.

• Collaborated with the team to refine data categorization, enhance clarity in dataset in excel sheet and communication of research findings.

• Engaged in review and restructuring of documents, ensuring accurate metadata entry and proper document placement.

• Assisted in evaluation of documents from different authors and publications for relevance to housing, planning and property data.

Demonstrator - Geography Department Feb. 2024 – May 2024

Maynooth University | Maynooth

• Guided students in mastering ArcGIS and SPSS, making them accessible and engaging.

• Managed assessments and administrative duties, keeping records of attendance and performance in both digital and paper records to ensure accurate tracking of student progress.

• Participated in regular preparations and review meetings to align grading standards.

• Provided detailed and supportive feedback on student assignments.

Architectural Assistant

Flint & Best LTD | Dar es Salaam

Jan. 2021 – July 2023

• Developed construction documents for PET-CT scan building for Ocean Road cancer institute in Dar es Salaam.

• Produced construction documents and 3D visuals for Montessori school built in Kabuku, Tanga.

• Participated in the design of the Haven of Peace Academy school changing room, generating 3D visuals, schematic drawings, and construction drawings to meet client specifications.

• Utilized CAD software to assist in the preparation of blueprints and schematics for 10 client designs, reducing the time spent on projects and improving client satisfaction.

• Coordinated structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determined the best method to graphically represent building plans and design ideas.

• Evaluated project sketches and drawings for technical and measurement errors, improving project quality.

• Evaluated information provided by architects and system subcontractors and created accurate drawings according to measurements and specifications.

Freelancer - Architectural Designer

Dar es Salaam

Dec. 2019 – July 2023

• Engaged in 15 design projects involving building design, interior design, and landscape design across residential, commercial, and religious settings. Produced schematic and construction drawings as well as 3D visuals, utilizing CAD software and rendering tools.

Freelancer – 3D Visualizer

Dar es Salaam

Oct 2019 – July 2023

• Utilized 3D modeling software to create realistic renderings for client presentations, improving client understanding and communication. Increased client satisfaction and led to additional project referrals.

• Designed and created custom textures and patterns for residential interior projects using photoshop, resulting in unique designs, fostering client satisfaction.

• Produced realistic 3D renders and video walkthroughs showcasing interior and exterior designs for residential buildings, commercial apartments, and renovation projects.

Freelancer – Graphic Designer

Dar es Salaam

Oct. 2019 – Oct. 2020

• Designed a new Logo for a maternity clothing boutique, combining creative style with an understanding of the brand’s identity and target audience.

• Designed and produced a set of flyers for Faru volleyball pre-tournament, showcasing details about the players and their profiles, enhancing promotional effect.

• Produced flyers for baby shower event located in Bagamoyo, ensuring effective communication and engagement for the celebration.

Intern Architect

University of Dar es Salaam | Dar es Salaam

July. 2019 - Sep. 2019

• Completed accurate site measurements for the design of the school of architecture and consulted with clients to determine functional and spatial requirements of new structure.

• Involved in the design of proposed school of architecture and conceptual development of proposed Soda ash industry.

• Organized and maintained blueprint files for 2 design projects.

• Developed design concepts and 3D render images for proposed design for the school of architecture.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

Computer: Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD, Rhino 3D (Basis Proficiency), ArchiCAD, Lumion, Revit (Basis Proficiency), ArcGIS (Basis Proficiency), SPSS (Basic Proficiency).

Skills: Creative and Analytical Skills, Freehand Sketching, Model Making, Graphic Design, Exceptional presentation skills, Team-oriented.

Languages: Kiswahili (Native), English (Fluent), French (Basic).

SHORT VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/P9qh11t2TmA

PROJECTS

DODOMA HOUSE

Typology: Residential building

Location: Dodoma, Tanzania

Year: 2021

Company: Flint & Best Ltd

Architect: Mr Adrian John

This African-inspired house embodies the essence of traditional African architecture while incorporating modern design elements, creating a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary living. The circular shape of the house draws direct inspiration from the iconic African huts, evoking a sense of community and rootedness in its form. The exterior is clad in clay bricks, capturing the warm, earthy tones of red-brown and off-white, reminiscent of the natural materials used in traditional construction. These earthy hues enhance the organic connection between the house and its surrounding environment.

The entrance is designed to be welcoming, with stone cladding on the facade that adds texture and a sense of grounding, symbolizing stability and connection to the land. The roof, covered with grey tiles, recalls the materials often used in African hut construction, providing both function and a subtle nod to tradition. Adding to the cultural richness, terracotta vases are creatively integrated into the balustrade design, their earthy tones reinforcing the natural, grounded aesthetic of the home.

The window elements, framed in black, offer a modern contrast while tying the design together with subtle sophistication. Shades of grey-green are used sparingly to accentuate parts of the building, adding a natural yet modern touch to the overall palette. This combination of shapes, materials, and colors not only reflects African architectural traditions but also elevates them into a contemporary, livable space that celebrates heritage.

The interior of the house complements its African-inspired exterior by creating a warm and inviting ambiance, blending natural elements with modern touches. Hardwood doors introduce a rich, organic feel, harmonizing with the overall earthy aesthetic. The floors are laid with cream-colored tiles, which brighten the space and provide a neutral base for the interior design. In the bathrooms, grey tiles are used to add a cool, modern contrast, balancing the warmth of the other elements and contributing to the clean, contemporary feel.

Interior plant decorations are thoughtfully placed throughout the space, bringing nature indoors and enhancing the connection to the natural environment, which is a key element in traditional African homes. Above the dining area, rustic pendant lights add a cozy, textured warmth, evoking the handcrafted elements often found in African design.

The color palette ties the interior together with soothing cream tones, soft sky blue accents that provide a calming and refreshing atmosphere, and pops of orange, bringing energy and vibrancy to key areas of the home. This thoughtful combination of materials and colors creates an inviting, modern space that honors African design traditions while offering a fresh, contemporary living experience.

TOORAK HOUSE

Typology: Residential building

Location: Kigamboni, Tanzania

Year: 2023

The symmetrical house design exudes a modern classical theme, elegantly blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary materials. The facade showcases a harmonious combination of white stone, which provides a timeless and refined appearance, while grey square blocks add texture and depth, enhancing the exterior’s visual interest. The use of wooden elements framing the bottom and top spaces of the windows introduces a warm, organic touch that contrasts beautifully with the coolness of the stone and grey blocks.

A standout feature of the design is the pergola that extends from the house, creating an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and gatherings. Constructed from a combination of wood and steel, the pergola offers a modern edge while maintaining the classical feel of the overall structure.

The symmetrical layout emphasizes balance and proportion, characteristic of classical architecture, while the modern materials and design elements ensure that the house remains relevant and functional for contemporary living.

HOPAC CHANGING ROOM

Typology: Educational building

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Year: 2023

Company: Flint & Best Ltd

Architect: Mr. Tirio Manga

The assignment involved designing a student changing room tailored for primary school students, with a focus on stimulating their imagination while also serving as a functional space for learning and creativity. The facade concept creatively integrates vibrant colors with a playful twist inspired by the classic game Tetris, encouraging a sense of fun and engagement. This dynamic facade not only captivates the children’s attention but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.

The design includes a middle courtyard and an upper floor designated as relaxation areas for both students and teachers. These spaces provide opportunities for informal gatherings and quiet reflection, promoting a sense of community within the school environment.

Additionally, the design thoughtfully considers the site’s environmental conditions. The existing vegetation is preserved and seamlessly incorporated into the overall layout, fostering a connection between the building and its natural surroundings while promoting sustainability.

Throughout the design process, the concept underwent multiple iterations, refining aspects of space, architecture, and aesthetics. The use of steel, wood, and concrete was deliberate, allowing for the creation of playful shapes that echo the school’s existing architecture. This combination of materials not only contributes to the building’s structural integrity but also aligns with the school’s identity, creating a cohesive and inspiring environment for young learners.

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE

Typology: Residential building

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Year: 2022

The architectural design combines classical and modern elements to create a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic. Central to the design are the round, tapered columns that evoke a sense of grandeur while offering a refined, streamlined appearance. The building’s facade features plaster siding, providing a smooth, elegant surface that complements the minimalist color palette of grey, cream, and black. A parapet wall is crowned with intricate crow molding, adding a decorative touch that enhances the structure’s classical inspiration. The surrounding landscape is carefully designed with stepping stones, guiding visitors through the outdoor space while seamlessly integrating with the overall architectural composition. The cohesive use of neutral tones and elegant detailing creates a timeless yet modern ambiance.

The interior design creates a harmonious blend of warmth and modernity through the use of carefully selected materials and colors. Hardwood doors provide a rich, natural touch that contrasts elegantly with the cream-colored floor tiles, establishing a light and open feel throughout the living spaces. In the bathrooms, grey floor tiles bring a cool, contemporary vibe, while the kitchen showcases a striking marble countertop paired with bold orange-yellow cabinets, adding a lively and energetic focal point. Floor lamps contribute soft, ambient lighting in relaxation areas, while pendant lighting above the dining space creates a stylish and intimate atmosphere. Mirrors are thoughtfully placed in the entrance area, enhancing the sense of space and offering a welcoming touch. The interior color palette ties everything together, with shades of grey, cream, orange-yellow, and blue used strategically to create a balanced, inviting, and visually stimulating environment.

APARTMENT BUILDING

Typology: Commercial Residential building

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Year: 2022

The apartment building complex features a sleek, modern design characterized by its box-like form and flat roof, presenting a minimalist yet bold architectural aesthetic. The two-story structure contains a total of four rooms, offering compact and efficient living spaces within a contemporary framework. The exterior color palette enhances its modern appeal, with dark blue serving as the primary color, lending a striking and sophisticated look to the facade. Off-white is used as a contrasting neutral tone, providing balance and visual harmony, while the use of wood material as an accent wall finish adds warmth and texture to the otherwise streamlined design. Orange-brown concrete window shades not only serve a functional purpose by offering sun protection but also contribute to the building’s unique identity by introducing an earthy, vibrant touch to the exterior. This combination of materials and colors results in a stylish, modern complex that stands out while blending with its surroundings.

Typology: Residential building

Location: Manyara, Tanzania

Year: 2023