Many developments in the sustainable design field begin in a context where there is little social, regulatory, professional, or economic support in place for sustainable design initiatives. It often takes a single person – or a single community – to get things started. The theme “Sometimes, You Just Have To Do It Yourself” underscores the link between personal responsibility associated with sustainability, addresses the Qatari goal of Qatarization, and speaks to the professional reality many students—particularly as females in this region- will face upon graduation.