SPOTLIGHT ON: RIDAB GLAL
Mez Joseph
Spotlight On is our tradition of interviewing team members to celebrate them and get to know them better. Our October Spotlight On feature is Ridab Glal. Ri joined the Liollio team in 2022 and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where she earned her Master of Architecture degree. Ri has a passion for architectural design and rendering, organic design, and sustainability. A valuable asset to the studio, Ri confidently settled into her role as Project Designer and is applying her experience and knowledge to several projects in markets including Higher Education, K-12 Education, Community, Federal, and Health & Wellness. We sat down for a Q+A session with our newest Spotlight On feature:
Where did you grow up?
We moved around a lot when I was younger. I bounced back and forth between the States & Europe. If I had to identify one place, it would be North Charleston.
Are you married?
Yes newly wedded!
Do you have children?
Nope!
What do you like to do for fun?
I mostly like to spend time with my family. If I’m not hanging with family I’m most likely at the beach!
Do you have pets? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Noo but I really want a kitty.
Favorite place(s) to go locally?
The beach!!
Favorite restaurant?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite restaurant, but I often find myself at Kid Cashew or Spicy Palette.
Favorite food?
If the dish tastes good it automatically becomes my new favorite.
Least favorite food?
Unpopular opinion but I HATE eggs!
Favorite book?
Not sure! I haven’t come across a book that has caught my attention for a long minute.
Do you play any instruments?
Not currently but I used to play the
What song is at the top of your most played list?
Tout va Bien by Ever Mihigo
Favorite musical artist or genre?
Heavy Metal & R&B
Favorite visual artist?
Not sure if she counts as a visual artist, but Iris van Herpen
Favorite television show?
Grey’s Anatomy! But my show of the month right now is Why women Kill.
Favorite movie or genre?
Thrillers or Mystery! Sometimes horror
Last movie you watched?
They Cloned Tyrone
Favorite place you have traveled to and why?
Thailand! We went for our honeymoon; it was a breath of fresh air.
Favorite style of architecture?
I like architecture that reflects traditions and values of a specific culture. Not sure if it has a name - maybe cultural architecture?
What building have you visited that most impressed or inspired you?
Wat chaithararam temple in Thailand. All of it is hand made! So impressive.
Are you messy or organized?
I like to stay as organized as I can.
What’s your pet peeve?
Nothing yet!
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
Zaha Hadid
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
Hasn’t happened yet but the first Woman president!
If your house was burning down, what is the one nonliving thing you would save?
Most likely my phone! It has literally all the information I need to replace my other belongings.
What’s your astrological sign?
Cancer
What is your personal philosophy?
Mistakes are forgotten, life goes on.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Shelter & water - the essentials!
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?
Being comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s gotten me far.
What is your greatest fear?
I fear nothing… except chimpanzees…they are terrifying.
What inspires you most?
My parents! They’ve gone through a lot trying to make sure my siblings and I have a safer life than they did in Sudan.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Completing Architecture school, it was a rocky ride.
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
I love how relaxed the working environment is and how the firm prioritizes growth!
What does true leadership mean to you?
I think a true leader should have a passion for teaching. If I’m not learning anything what am I gaining?
If you could perform another job for just one day, what or who would it be?
Jeff Bezos
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Other than the responsibilities you suddenly have, adulting isn’t so bad.
How do you define success?
Being very knowledgeable and resourceful.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I used to speak fluent Dutch up until I was about 5 years old because I was born/lived in the Netherlands. I no longer speak Dutch - just Arabic and English.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just do it.