Sara Bensalem: Architectural designer, researcher, and educator dedicated
to creating resilient, human-centered environments.
Design Philosophy
Research & Human-Centered Design
Architecture is an extremely personal experience to the user. As designers, we must enhance that
experience to not only benefit functional usefulness but also enhance the physical and emotional
health of the building users. My approach to design integrates purposeful studies to back up design
concepts while focusing on the user’s experience. I draw from my scientific training to conduct
studies and prove design hypotheses, moving beyond aesthetics to grounded, evidence-based spatial
solutions.
Specializing in Architectural Research and Environmental Technology. Supporting
doctoral-level inquiry in the philosophy of architectural studies.
2021 – 2022
Director and Instructor
Créart’lab, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Developed growth strategy and budget for a non-profit art education center. Managed
government accreditation and graphic identity. Taught workshops on Architecture and Design.
2019 – 2021
Assistant to the Chair, Interior Design
Paris College of Art, Paris, France
Coordinated departmental administration and international recruitment. Supported curriculum
development and student engagement initiatives.
2016 – 2017
Design-Build Associate
Gulf Coast Design Lab
Lead construction lead on ArchDaily awarded projects. Facilitated the transition from
conceptual drawing to site-specific environmental fabrication.
2015
USDOE Solar Decathlon Fabrication Lead
NexusHaus: UT Austin / TUM Munich
Technical development and custom fabrication of advanced rainscreen systems for net-zero
modular housing prototype. 4th Place Overall International Award.
2014
Woodworking Intern
Robert Galusha Design, Austin, TX
Fabrication of custom wood furniture using heavy equipment and digital tools for
international clients.
2013 – 2017
ICU Volunteer
St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, TX
Supported nursing staff and patients in high-intensity critical care environment.
2014 – 2015
Patient Intake & Administrative Assistant
Northwest Pediatrics and Adolescents, TX
Managed patient coordination and clinical administrative support for healthcare providers.
2014
Social Science Research Assistant
Southwestern University, TX
Conducted literature reviews for the Mellon Foundation investigating the pedagogy of business
education in liberal arts environments.
2010 – 2012
Medical Assistant
Pediatric Associates of Austin, TX
Direct clinical support for seven physicians in a fast-paced pediatric practice.
2011
Biology Laboratory Prep Staff
University of Texas at Austin
Managed laboratory logistics and preparation for undergraduate biological sciences.
2010 – 2011
Teaching Lab Assistant
University of Texas at Austin
Instructional support and laboratory preparation for structural and functional biology
laboratories.
2010
Healthcare Assistant
Doug's House (Palliative Care), Austin, TX
Volunteer care provider at a nonprofit HIV/AIDS palliative care facility.
2005 – 2007
Geological Data Researcher
Subsurface Library, Austin, TX
Research assistant performing archival work for potential building sites and expansion of
digital geological archives.
2004 – 2005
Environmental Data Researcher
TRS Texas
Conducted environmental research and data analysis for development and redevelopment
projects.
Selected Awards & Honors
2020
Fellowship Terra Foundation for American Art
Terra Foundation Library - Paris, France
2019
Dean's List
Paris College of Art
2017
Award of Excellence in Student Collaboration
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
2016
Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
2015
Solar Decathlon: Engineering & Affordability Awards
U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE)
2011
Dean's List
University of Texas at Austin, School of Architecture
Selected Publications
Bensalem, S. (2020). Interior Design and the Building-Body Connection: Towards a Proactive
Approach to Wellness Design (thesis). Paris College of Art.
Bensalem, S. et al. (2017). Rise. Issue NO13, Vol. 13, pp. 96-99. UT School of
Architecture. ISBN: 978-0-9962542-2-9.
Bensalem, S. & Sounny-Slitine, M.A. (2015). Rainscreens from concept to reality.
NexusHaus News: Austin, Texas.
Bensalem, S. (2015). The Impact of Elimination Diets Practiced by Pregnant and Breastfeeding
Women and the Delayed introduction of certain food in Early Childhood on Allergy
Development (thesis). Université de Rennes 1 - Faculté de Médecine.
Bensalem, S. & Neville, M.G. (2014). Liberal Arts and Business Literature: An Annotated
Bibliography. Report for the Mellon Foundation.
Sounny-Slitine, M.A. & Bensalem, S. (2012). Energy Geography of Morocco. Encyclopedia
of Energy, Salem Press.
Bensalem, S. et al. (2011). Energy/Climate Change — Challenges and Opportunities. Report
prepared for São Paulo: Secretaria do Meio Ambiente.
Bensalem, S. (2010). Sustainable Healthcare Architecture — Designing a Healing Environment.
Munich Sustainable Architecture and Design Student Working Papers. UT School of
Architecture.