Curriculum Vitae

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.

Academic & Professional Experience

2022 – Present

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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