Capital City Times

Some architecture students follow the syllabus. Carmen Samaan rewrites it.

In just her second year at Universidad CEU San Pablo, Samaan is already showing the kind of curiosity and purpose that can't be taught in a classroom. She isn’t satisfied with simply completing assignments—she questions them, refines them, and pushes each project further than what’s required.

Ask her what’s driving her, and the answer is simple but rare: a refusal to settle. "One of the most valuable lessons I've learned as an architecture student is that there is always room for improvement," she says. That lesson has shaped her work ethic and her creative approach—careful, critical, and constantly evolving.

But what truly defines Samaan is her passion for sustainability. In an era where climate crisis headlines compete for attention, she sees design as a response. She's not waiting for the industry to change; she's preparing to be part of the change itself—exploring how architecture can solve environmental challenges through thoughtful, innovative design.

With a growing mastery of digital tools, 3D modeling, and architectural drawing, she is already building the technical foundation to match her vision. But it’s her mindset that will likely take her further than any software ever could.

Architecture doesn’t need more people who follow trends. It needs people like Carmen Samaan—restless minds, driven hearts, and a clear sense of purpose.