Alumni Stories – Alya Alnoaimi

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Alya Alnoaimi. I’m an innovation advisor, design strategist and entrepreneur.

What project/job/event/research are you currently working on? Please tell us a little about the impetus, content, expected impact of this work.
I’m working on an exciting hospitality project in Dubai, co-creating the guest experience with hoteliers. I wanted to create a unique, authentic experience that is inspired by Dubai. I also curated the art in the property and worked with a very talented local artist Zeinab Al Hashemi to create art that pays tribute to all the hard work that it took to develop Dubai and the UAE.

In what ways did the work/research you did at parsons prepare you for that transition and the work you’re doing now (please be specific)?
My work at Parsons taught me to think differently, and to be unapologetic about it. I use design intelligence in everything I do.

How has the MS-SDM program challenged you to grow as a strategic designer?
The program challenged me to grow as a design strategist by giving me opportunities to apply design intelligence to real challenges. By discovering what I wanted to do I realized I had to create the job I wanted. Parsons made me do it.