Celebrating the Journey of Interior Design
Meet Natalie, a passionate interior design student hailing from Bethlehem. Currently in her final year at Dar Al-Kalima University, Natalie is gearing up for graduation and reflecting on her transformative journey in the world of interior design.
From a young age, Natalie discovered her passion for decorating and arranging spaces, which eventually led her to choose interior design as her field of study. "I love decorating things," she shares, "and I wanted to pursue something that aligns with my interests." Alongside her affinity for design, Natalie also harbors a keen interest in technology. She envisions a future where virtual reality can help people visualize their homes and businesses, making their lives easier and more enjoyable.
Dar Al-Kalima University has provided Natalie with a uniquely enriching experience that differs significantly from traditional educational institutions. "It's not just a place to go and study while holding books," she explains. "The environment here is freeing and encourages creativity, allowing us to think outside the box." One of her favorite aspects of the university experience has been the final projects in her studio classes. Each project presents a different topic, and she revels in the satisfaction of seeing her hard work come to fruition.
One of Natalie’s recent projects involved redesigning a children's center called Sparkle, which aims to provide a space for kids to play and learn. "There aren't many places for children in our area to enjoy themselves, so I wanted to create an environment where they can feel free to explore, play, and learn new things," she says. The center will offer activities such as music, cooking classes, and arts and crafts, designed to engage children and foster their creativity.
Natalie's design philosophy emphasizes not just the aesthetics of a space, but also the emotional and functional needs of its users. "When you design something, it's about understanding what people need and how they will interact with the space," she asserts. Drawing inspiration from her role as the oldest sibling, she has keenly observed what activities and environments her younger siblings enjoy, which in turn influenced her project for Sparkle.
Looking ahead, Natalie expresses her hopes and dreams with a message for those beyond Bethlehem. "We desire more freedom and flexibility in our lives. We want to live like others do, but we face challenges every day," she comments. Despite living just five minutes from her university, barriers often prevent her and her peers from accessing it easily, forcing them into online learning environments that hinder hands-on learning in a practical field.
As graduation approaches, Natalie feels a mix of excitement and pride. She hopes to showcase her Palestinian heritage through her work, aiming to share her culture and the unique story of Bethlehem with the world. "Everything here is special—good and bad—and I want to celebrate that," she says, emphasizing her identity as a proud Palestinian woman.
With plans to pursue a master’s degree after gaining a few years of professional experience, Natalie seeks scholarships to study abroad, with Germany on her radar.
Natalie extends her gratitude to those who support the Women in Vision scholarship. "I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, especially those who have supported me during my studies here," she expresses sincerely.
As Natalie Amaya prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, her passion for interior design and commitment to her culture promise to inspire many others in her community and beyond.
