Rachad Salem

Based in Spain

 
 

Hi, I am an architect and computational designer driven by a passion for exploring the intersection of technology, art, and functionality. My work delves into digital fabrication, interactivity, and the creation of intelligent systems, blending architecture with emergent technologies to craft experiences that are as dynamic as they are meaningful.

With a foundation in architectural design, I’ve expanded into areas like 3D printing, bio-material innovation, and behavioral systems. Whether it’s creating interactive lighting installations, developing cutting-edge prototypes, or redefining traditional processes through modern tools, my goal is to challenge boundaries and inspire transformation.

This portfolio is a curated collection of my journey—projects that reflect not just what I create, but the ideas and stories behind them. Explore, connect, and let’s envision something extraordinary together.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. All the best.

FULL CV


EDUCATION


Master of Architecture ALBA, Beirut, Lebanon 2016

Masters of Digital fabrication for interaction IED - Madrid, Spain 2019 - 2020


EXPERIENCE


  • Consultant at JetClay - Design and 3D printing Ceramics Studio (2023 - Opporto, Madrid, Spain)

    • Computational Design: Engaged in multidisciplinary computational design projects, integrating technology with artistic expression.

    • Research and Development: Spearheaded the development of the Delta Clay 3D Printing Machine, enhancing the studio's capabilities in ceramic fabrication.

    • Educational Initiatives: Developed educational modules for JetClay Academy, fostering knowledge in 3D printing and ceramics.

    • User Interface Development: Designed an online platform enabling users to create custom 3D models and generate G-code for printing.

    • Research and Development: Spearheaded the development of Opensource Delta Clay 3D Printing Machine, enhancing the studio's capabilities in ceramic fabrication.

  • Co-Founder at Godot Studio - Design and 3D printing Studio (2020 - 2023 – Getafe, Madrid, Spain)

    • Multidisciplinary Computational Design: Leading the conceptualization and execution of design projects across various disciplines, utilizing computational design techniques to create solutions.

    • Workflow development: Building and optimizing design workflows, including the generation of G-Code using Grasshopper for 3D printing processes

    • Educational Outreach: Conducting courses & Training, on Computational Design and Additive Manufacturing, disseminating knowledge and expertise within the field to students and professionals.

    • Post-Processing: Managing post-processing procedures to enhance the quality and finish of printed designs, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship in the final products.

  • Computational Designer & Digital Fabricator at Lowpoly (2020 - 2022 - Opanel, Madrid, Spain)

    • Design, draft, and prepare parametric models for additive manufacturing(e.g. Ceramics, Resin, FDM, 6-axis robot)

    • Build workflows, G-Code, and Rapid-code using Grasshopper

    • Coordinate with engineers to optimize production quality and speed

    • Organize manufacturing, assembly and shipping of large and small-scale projects

    • Perform rapid prototyping and post-processing tasks

    • Use of various 3D printing technologies, including clay printing, FDM, SLS, and SLA

  • Junior Architect at KCDA (2017 – 2019, Westwood, CA, USA)

    • Assisted in all phases of the design and construction process for medical and residential projects

    • Lead designer for residential houses in San Francisco, working with clients to iterate designs and obtain permitting

    • Draft as-builts, PC submittals, construction documents, and bidding sets

    • Coordinate with engineers, contractors, subcontractors, fabricators, suppliers, and third-party quality assurance team

    • Create 3D visualizations using Sketchup and 3DS Max


SKILLS


  • Architectural & Urban Design(CAD)

  • Computational design and digital fabrication

  • Rapid Prototyping

  • Electronics and media prototyping (IOT) + programming and communication

  • Digital arts and interaction

  • Artificial Intelligence (text,2D,3D prompting)

  • Mindfulness

SOFTWARE


FABRICATION


  • Rhino (+Grasshopper)

  • Unity / Lumion / UE5 / MidJourney / LumaAI

  • Blender / MeshMixer

  • Autocad/Revit & 3ds Max (+Vray)

  • Adobe Suite (Ps+Ai+ID)

  • Scripting (C#, Processing, Python, Arduino)

  • Kicad (printed circuit board design and manufacturing)

  • 3D printing (FDM,SLS,resin+curing, ceramics)

  • Laser cutting

  • 3-axis CNC milling

  • 6-axis robot (3D printing)

  • Casting and molding

  • 3D scanning

  • Electronics assembly and soldering


WORKSHOPS


  • 3D Printing Concrete - (2023, Studio Aufdemkamp + Roser GmbH - Parametric Architecture)

  • Crypto funding Digital Commons - NFT and circular economy - (2022, Mar Canet from Varvara & Mar - Espacio Open,Fablab Bilbao)

  • Digital Ecology & Generative Cities - Computational Design, AI(2021, Soomeenhahm Design)

  • Arduino Makerspace - Rapid prototyping & IOT(2019, David Cuirtchales, Cesar Garcia)

  • Additive manufacturing (2019, Noumena + Wasp + LowPoly, Madrid)

  • Making and meaning - FabTools(2018, Sci-Arc, Los Angeles)


LANGUAGES


  • English , French , Arabic , Spanish