When she was a little girl, Rachel S. would look around her grandfather’s shul and dream of how she’d renovate and beautify the sacred space.
Today, as a sought-after architect, she does just that.
Rachel learned architecture in Yerushalyim, and worked for a firm for several years.
Four years ago, she opened a business. Her specialties are shuls and vacation homes.
“Both come from the heart. I love designing a shul that’s both beautiful and highly functional.
“And I also enjoy planning little vacation homes, havens where people can relax.”
How did she get involved in shuls?
“A relative was involved in building a shul. They were considering working with an architect who had done work in the area. But to her, a shul was just another building.
“They quickly realized that she could get them the permits they needed but was missing sensitivity to nuances – the style of the windows, the type of stone used on the outside, the layout, and more.
“My relative called me to ask for recommendations for an architect. “I can do it,” I said. He was dubious.
“He asked me many questions — his experience taught him what to ask — and saw I could help. They hired me.”
Rachel went to see tens of shuls to get a sense of all the options. She peppered her husband — who spends his day learning and praying in various shuls — with questions.
The final result was magnificent, and Rachel became an address for others building or renovating a shul.
This past year, she joined a Temech networking group specifically for architects.
“It was an amazing experience,” she enthuses.
While ostensibly, the 20 women were all competitors, that’s not how it felt.
“The group was cohesive and supportive. There are many specialties in the field, and we complement each other.
“One woman from Bnei Brak is amazing at maximizing small spaces; an English speaker designs luxury apartments for Anglos. One specializes in kitchens, and another in lighting.
“There was someone who specializes in creating the scale models needed pre-construction. I’ve used her services. Another is a masterful of accessibility design; I often consult with her.
“We set up a Google group, and we ask each other questions all the time.
“In the networking group, we learned so much, both about our field and about running a business. I gained confidence and now manage my time better.”
There was more.
Rachel also teaches architecture in several schools. “I was constantly being pulled in two directions. Our network leader, Sarah Tiran, helped me establish my vision and sharpen my focus.
“I started turning down some teaching jobs so I could focus more on my business.”
Recently, someone from the group was hired to help renovate a shul. She designed the ceiling, another member did the scale model, and Rachel designed the aron kadosh and interior.
One beautiful building, the result of a powerful, Temech-enabled partnership.
To get in touch with Rachel, architect and interior design, 052-769-9720 R99720@gmail.com
