A Dawoodi Bohra Muslim woman pursues her dreams of becoming an architect while embracing motherhood and identity.
Balancing Motherhood and Dreams
By the time she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in May 2020, Jameela Rupawala was learning to navigate her priorities; pregnant in her final semester, she completed her design thesis while preparing for motherhood. A couple of months later, she’s cradling her newborn daughter in one arm and revisiting her architecture portfolio with the other. “I wanted my daughter to know,” she said, her voice calm and assured, “that being pregnant was not a setback. It was my strength.”
This is the story of an immigrant woman who embraced every facet of her life—motherhood, ambition, and identity—in her journey towards achieving her goals. Since the fourth grade, Jameela had dreamed of becoming an architect. Growing up in the hustle and bustle of south Mumbai, she was captivated by the way spaces shaped people’s emotions. “Visiting Raudat Tahera with my mother, we would always pause to take in the landscape. All of the trees and plants and greenery—they gave me a sense of peace amid the clamor of the city.”
Watching her community’s urban renewal project, the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), cemented her passion for sustainable design. “It wasn’t just about constructing buildings; it was about creating an environment that leads to open-mindedness and healthy well-being.”
Education and Dawoodi Bohra Values
Growing up in a Dawoodi Bohra household, education was paramount. “My father always believed in investing in education, especially for his children. By pursuing my higher education, I felt like I was fulfilling not just my dream but his as well.”
Pursuing graduate school allowed her a chance to immerse herself in the advanced theories and philosophies of architecture, but it was far from easy. Architecture school is famously grueling, demanding sleepless nights and relentless critique sessions. According to studies, architecture students report spending more hours per week on coursework outside the classroom than most majors in higher education.
For Jameela, these pressures were compounded by relearning design in the imperial system after a lifetime of metric measurements, as well as cultural adaptation to American norms. “In Mumbai, I never drove; public transport was always available,” she said with a laugh. “Here, my husband insisted I learn to drive. The concept of distance was so different. Back home, our masjid was a two minute walk away. In Texas, it’s a 40-minute drive, and people think that’s close!”
Navigating Loneliness and Finding Belonging
Loneliness crept in, too. Research shows that loneliness is particularly prevalent among immigrants, with studies estimating that 27% of immigrants feel socially isolated compared to 16% of native-born Americans. “This is something that I think all immigrant women have to face. For the first four to six months, it felt like I was living the American Dream. After a while, that newness fades, and you start to feel the distance. Not just geographically but emotionally,” she admitted. “It’s tough to make new friends or find people who truly relate to you.”
The Dawoodi Bohra community of Dallas was her anchor. “The community, through masjid events, gave me a space to connect with others who share my story. Introducing myself, remembering names, and forging connections brought warmth to lonely days. These small acts of kindness reminded me of the importance of supporting fellow immigrants and mothers who are navigating similar journeys.”
Professionally, returning to work after a seven-year gap was daunting. “I struggled with imposter syndrome,” she admitted. “Architecture had evolved, software had changed, and I felt like I was playing catch-up. Small talk in a predominantly American workplace was a hurdle; my colleagues’ references to concerts or football didn’t resonate with my memories of Mumbai. But eventually, I learned to bring my unique perspective and experiences—as an immigrant, a mother, and a Dawoodi Bohra Muslim woman—to the table.”
Designing Spaces That Tell Stories
Her work reflects her belief that architecture is more than aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that resonate emotionally. “Every space can be designed in multiple ways,” she said. “But the best designs consider the owner’s experiences and needs.”
In architecture school, she made a name for herself by incorporating green spaces in her designs. For one project, she created a veterinary clinic centered around a courtyard—an unconventional choice in a field dominated by windowless, utilitarian spaces. “My goal was to bring greenery indoors, creating an environment that uplifted both the staff and the visitors,” she explained.
Her upbringing informs this philosophy. “Dawoodi Bohra philosophy teaches us that the home should be a place of positivity and value sustainability, harmony, and balance. If a kitchen or workspace reflects this, it uplifts their mood, and that energy spreads to their family.”
Embracing Identity in Architecture
Architecture remains a field dominated by white men, with only 0.3% of registered architects in the United States identifying as Muslim. In her firm, Jameela embraces her identity as a Dawoodi Bohra Muslim woman. “My rida is my identity,” she said. “It’s a reminder of who I am and what I stand for.” While she has faced challenges, from subtle biases to outright prejudice, she views her attire as a filter. “I ensure my workplace is aware of my faith. For instance, during Ramadan, I adjusted my hours to accommodate fasting and prayers. My colleagues’ understanding has been heartening and has opened doors for dialogue about my faith and culture.”
Her approach to collaboration also stems from her multicultural background. “Architecture thrives on diverse perspectives. If the same people design a space, the results will be predictable. But when I bring my experiences to the table, as a Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Woman, and an immigrant, the outcome is unique.”
Choosing Peace Over Perfection
Juggling a full-time job, long commutes, and motherhood led to inevitable burnout and guilt. In America, 62% of working mothers report experiencing burnout, a statistic that resonated deeply with Jameela as she balanced her roles. “A turning point came when I realized my daughter was struggling, and it was a punch to the gut. I knew I needed to be more present for her. It was a tough decision, but I requested a shift to part-time work. Thankfully, my firm was supportive, allowing me to balance my roles as a mother, homemaker, and architect.”
“Choosing part-time work may have affected my professional career, but it brought immeasurable peace at home. Architecture is a collaborative and competitive field, but there are a lot of people who can be project leads. My kids, though, only have one mom,” she said, smiling. “I get to immerse myself in architecture, but I also come home and give them time. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
Her Story Continues
For Jameela Rupawala, the future is as vivid as the sketches on her drafting table; alive with possibility and shaped by dreams.
“There were nights I’d sit at my desk and think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But then I’d remind myself that I want my kids to know as well as every woman to know that you don’t have to stop. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, consider them as motivation."
As she speaks, her voice carries the conviction of someone who’s lived her philosophy. “Being an immigrant isn’t for the faint of heart,” she confirms. “But once you get to the other side, it’s amazing. You find strength you didn’t know you had. You learn to build: spaces, lives, and dreams.”
And with that, Jameela returns to her sketches, dreaming of the next space she’ll bring to life.
