Innovative UX designer and senior architect with over 20 years of experience in designing and structuring complex environments – both digital and physical. I combine deep technical understanding of interaction design and accessibility (WCAG) with an extensive background in urban planning, architecture and project management. My strength lies in navigating complex systems, applying design thinking and ensuring that the end user's needs are always at the center. I thrive on inclusive, user-friendly solutions that balance usability, strategy, and deliverables across digital and built environments.

Rana Naser

Innovative UX designer and senior architect with over 20 years of experience in designing and structuring complex environments – both digital and physical. I combine deep technical understanding of interaction design and accessibility (WCAG) with an extensive background in urban planning, architecture and project management. My strength lies in navigating complex systems, applying design thinking and ensuring that the end user's needs are always at the center. I thrive on inclusive, user-friendly solutions that balance usability, strategy, and deliverables across digital and built environments.

Available to hire

Innovative UX designer and senior architect with over 20 years of experience in designing and structuring complex environments – both digital and physical. I combine deep technical understanding of interaction design and accessibility (WCAG) with an extensive background in urban planning, architecture and project management.

My strength lies in navigating complex systems, applying design thinking and ensuring that the end user’s needs are always at the center. I thrive on inclusive, user-friendly solutions that balance usability, strategy, and deliverables across digital and built environments.

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Language

Arabic
Fluent
English
Fluent
Swedish
Fluent
German
Intermediate
Italian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Urban Planner & Senior Architect at Liljestrand Group AB
February 1, 2021 - August 1, 2022
Delivered 2D/3D plans for residential and mixed-use developments using AutoCAD and Revit. Produced photorealistic renderings and daylight simulations to support client proposals. Conducted material selection, cost analysis, shopping lists, and coordinated with planning departments. Worked on varied project scales from site-level to individual buildings.
Design Architect at TOL Architects AB
January 1, 2020 - July 1, 2020
Led design of elderly housing, schools, and leisure centers in Stockholm with budgets up to 2M SEK. Managed early-stage planning, team coordination, 3D modeling, and technical documentation.
Participating Architect at Skyhill AB
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Handled public sector construction projects from 6M to 250M SEK including schools and fire stations. Oversaw time and financial planning, CAD coordination, and compliance with Swedish standards. Led kitchen construction project worth 53M SEK, delivering successful client outcomes.
Architect & Project Manager at Multiple Companies
July 1, 2001 - September 1, 2013
Directed the urban planning of new neighbourhoods and infrastructure for cities and projects with budgets over $80M. Collaborated with UK partners and Iraqi ministries on sustainability plans spanning 25 years. Designed water treatment plants for 19 hospitals and oversaw citywide utility planning.
Urban Planning Consultant at US Army Corps of Engineers (Confidential)
February 1, 2005 - July 1, 2009
Developed master plans for strategic zones including military bases, high-security facilities, and government-led developments. Contributed to urban form strategies and public realm planning under extreme operational constraints and classified project settings. Collaborated with security, transport, and infrastructure consultants to deliver robust planning frameworks.
Architect & Project Manager at KBR (Kellogg Brown & Root)
November 1, 2004 - October 1, 2008
Worked as part of a multinational team during major infrastructure reconstruction initiatives in the International Zone (IZ), Baghdad. Produced architectural drawings and collaborated with military and government partners in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments. Gained deep knowledge of KBR workflows, technical documentation standards, and cross-departmental coordination.
Mathematics & Art Teacher at International English Schools
August 1, 2014 - December 1, 2017
Taught secondary and middle-level students using adaptive teaching strategies and problem-solving frameworks.
Certified Medical Interpreter at SNH AHEC
December 1, 2013 - July 1, 2014
Provided accurate language interpretation in clinical environments, supporting patient-care outcomes.
Security Design and Urban Planning Consultant at US Army Corps of Engineers (Confidential)
February 1, 2005 - July 1, 2009
Developed master plans for strategic zones including military bases, high-security facilities, and government-led developments. Contributed to urban form strategies and public realm planning under extreme operational constraints and classified project settings. Collaborated with security, transport, and infrastructure consultants to deliver robust planning frameworks.
Project Manager (Brand & UX) at Tech Fleet
October 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025
Led a cross-functional team through agile sprints to build scalable design systems, ensured brand consistency, and mentored junior designers in the UX process.
UX Designer & Accessibility Expert at ValueAdd Solutions AB
October 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025
Conducted digital accessibility (WCAG) assessments for B2C platforms and designed user flows and prototypes in Figma with a focus on usability and inclusion.
UI/UX Designer at Landell Games AB
October 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Optimized user interfaces for RTS games in Unity; conducted game-specific UX research and delivered pixel-perfect UI designs.
UX Researcher at Tech Leap
May 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Designed a SaaS MVP for startups through extensive user research and agile iterations.
Brand Designer at Action Talk
February 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Created a mental health platform with intuitive navigation and appointment booking based on user insights.
UX/UI Designer & Researcher at CareerFoundry
December 1, 2022 - October 1, 2023
Completed certification project focusing on evidence-based design, A/B testing, and WCAG compliance.
Administrative Architect at TOL Architects AB
January 1, 2020 - July 1, 2020
Led design processes for retirement homes and schools; responsible for early stages and technical documentation.
Participating Architect & Project Manager at Skyhill AB
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
Project managed public projects with budgets up to 250M SEK; ensured Swedish building standards and accessibility requirements were met.
Architect & Project Manager at International Projects (MENA/USA/UK)
July 1, 2001 - September 1, 2013
Led urban planning and infrastructure projects with budgets exceeding USD 80 million; collaborated with UK partners and authorities on 25-year sustainability plans; worked under KBR and US Army Corps of Engineers on critical infrastructure.

Education

MSc Urban & Regional Planning at University of Baghdad
September 1, 2007 - November 1, 2009
BSc Architectural Engineering at University of Derna
September 1, 1996 - June 1, 2001
MSc Urban & Regional Planning at University of Baghdad
September 1, 2007 - November 1, 2009
BSc Architectural Engineering at University of Derna
September 1, 1996 - June 1, 2001
MSc in Urban and Regional Planning at University of Baghdad
January 1, 2009 - January 8, 2026
BSc in Architectural Engineering at University of Derna
January 1, 2001 - January 8, 2026
UX/UI Design Certificate at CareerFoundry
January 1, 2023 - January 8, 2026

Qualifications

Project Management
January 1, 2019 - December 6, 2025
Swedish Standards for Professional Architect
January 1, 2018 - December 6, 2025
Three Phase Construction Control
January 1, 2004 - December 6, 2025
Basic Construction Safety and Health Training
January 1, 2004 - December 6, 2025
Project Management
January 1, 2019 - December 6, 2025
Swedish Standards for Professional Architect
January 1, 2018 - December 6, 2025
Three Phase Construction Control
January 1, 2004 - December 6, 2025
Basic Construction Safety and Health Training
January 1, 2004 - December 6, 2025
UX/UI Design Certificate
January 1, 2023 - January 8, 2026
Microsoft 365 Certification
January 1, 2024 - January 8, 2026
Project Manager Certification
January 1, 2019 - January 8, 2026
Professional Standards for Architects (Step 1)
January 1, 2018 - January 8, 2026
Three-phase Construction Control
January 1, 2004 - January 8, 2026
Basic Construction Safety and Health Training
January 1, 2004 - January 8, 2026
Agile Methodologies
January 1, 2023 - January 8, 2026
Scrum Master
January 1, 2023 - January 8, 2026
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
January 1, 2023 - January 8, 2026
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
January 1, 2022 - January 8, 2026
Jira Management
January 1, 2024 - January 8, 2026

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Government, Education, Energy & Utilities, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet