I am an upper division graduate from Heriot-Watt University with a BA (hons) degree in Architecture, and RIBA Part 1 certified, and currently a professional Architect. Throughout my professional career I have gained a solid foundation and a wealth of experience through design in the Residential, Educational, and Hospitality sectors across all design stages. I am heavily invested into BIM softwares, and i am proficient in 3D modeling and photo-editing softwares to produce highly illustrative conceptual work. I am a team player and I value the importance of organization and efficient workflows. Lastly, I pride myself in being an all-rounder, a generalist with a wide range of skillsets that allows me to view architecture across different angles, and I am always looking for new approaches to design..
Education
The International School of Chouiefat, Dubai
High School Degree
2006-2017
Experience
Q3 Architects (June 2023 - Present)
Internship (3 mo.s)
Architect (Present)
Due to the small sized nature of our studio, I held a wide range of roles and responsibilities across all design stages in the Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape scopes. Worked with teams and led some across different projects within the Educational, Residential, and Hospitality sectors. As a core team member I am valued for my flexibility and wide skillset that allows me to take on any given role
Accomplishments
Dubai Design Week 2023
Produced artwork, orginally submitted to RIBA’s 2023 Sketch Competition, selected to be displayed at D3’s Dubai Design Week.
Curated selected students’ works, arranged, and set them up to be displayed in the university’s annual design exhibition. Contributed to the exhibition with personal academic work and produced other university exhibition-related pieces.
Canadian University Dubai
Bachelor of Architecture 2017-2021
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Bachelor of Arts (hons) in Architecture Upper Division Graduate 2021-2023
Dubai, United Arab Emirates linkedin.com/in/alisydt
Grasshopper 3DS Max Twinmotion AutoCAD Sketchup Procreate (iPad) Archicad
Projects
Townsquare by NSHAMA, The Baltimore
Scope: Concept, Schematic, and Detail Design
Role: Concept Design and Facade Design, Client Presentations, Marketing Packages, BIM modeling, documentation in the Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape scopes, and coordination with all sub-disciplines across all design stages.
Bluewaters Banyan Tree and Delano Hotels
Scope: Concept validation, Detail Design, IFC
Role: Associated with Kling Consult to work on Concept validation, Facade Design, BIM modeling, documentation, and Architecture coordination with renovations in ID scope in relation to other sub-disciplines; MEP, Structure, Lighting, Landscape etc., in addition to Concept design on MAISON REVKA, a smaller F&B scope within Delano Hotel.
Competitions & Bids
Float Dubai Bid, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Al Basra Waterfront by DEWAN
House of the Future Competition
Scope: Detail Design
Role: BIM modeling and documetation on 50% and 100% ID Detail Design Package.
JESS Arabian Ranches School
Scope: Concept Design and Detail Design
Role: Concept Design: 3D and 2D design, Concept Presentation; illustrations, diagrams, reports, and in-person client presenations, as well as BIM modeling and documentation on Architecture Detail Design packages.
M squared TRIO, 31 WEST, and Al Masyaf
Scope: Concept Design, Marketing Materials
Role: Produced 2D and 3D Concept Design drawings and models on all different residential typologies across the three masterplans, supervised visualisation process and post-production, and led the marketing packages process.
Z Town Grand Mosque
African Urban School Competition
Azizi Riviera Mosque Concept Bid
Azizi Venice
CMYK Exhibition 2023
the Baltimore. 1
NSHAMA TOWNSQUARE
Status: Ongoing - Detail Design stage
Scope: Concept to Construction stages, Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape
NSHAMA
The Baltimore is a G+P+15 residential development in the heart of NSHAMA Townsquare. Our scope involved the Architecture, Interior, and Landscape design throughout all the design stages. Due to the small size of our design studio and scarcity of resources, this project was a challenging but a rewarding experience for myself and for the rest of the team that necessitated creative, outside the box thinking that maximised our efficiency and ensured a relatively smooth delivery of the project. While at times it was hectic, it was a wealth of experience in all design stages, and across three disciplines, in addition to the countless insights gained in coordination with the client and other sub-disciplines.
Form Finding
My first role within the team during the concept phase was initating the massing iterations and form finding in collaboration with the rest of my team on the architetecture scope, as well as attending and showcasing design options during client meetings and participating in discussions. The key driving design factors requested by the client were maximising the premium views facing the pool and landscape on the podium, as well as capturing NSHAMA’s identity in the building form as well as the entrance and facade design. hence, settling for the C-shaped form typology.
The building plot, and its podium and building setbacks
Extruding the chosen building outline to the maximum floor limit
Extruding the podium levels by 12m following the plot regulations
Recessing parts of the form inwards, and using voids to reduce the bulk
Study of the premium views that would determine the outline and form
Using voids to reinforce the main entrance, and to create a staggering
Visualisation: NSHAMA Marketing
Facade Design
Once the building form was finalised, I took on the facade design throughout the concept, schematic, and detail design stages in BIM, capturing the client intent during the conception phases, and ensuring that the design intent is preserved following all the coordination layers with all sub-disciplines. I also played a key role in the selection of materials and discussions with the client on minimising cost whilst also reconciling architectural elements with its given material. Besides that, I produced the drawings, sections and elevations, that relate to the facade and its details in addition to my general role in producing the overall concept, schematic, and detail design packages in the architecture scope.
Marketing Materials
An essential role I carried throughout the project was leading the charge on the marketing package, both the units and the block plans, assuring the quality required by NSHAMA’s marketing team, as well as coordinating any changes in Architecture and Interior Design during the marketing phase with my team and with all other sub-disciplines.
BIM Modeling and Documentation
Besides all my other roles in this project, my key contributions revolved around my extensive knowledge of BIM workflows whether in modeling, documentation, or collaborations with other sub-disciplines. Being a small sized team set many limitations that made it crucial that to be efficient. For my part, I took initiative in proposing workflows, and I was entrusted to take many decisions involving BIM processes that ensured the smooth delivery of our drawing packages within given deadlines.
Status: Concept - Unbuilt
Scope: Competition Proposal - Architecture
theGRAND-MOSQUE.
The GRAND MOSQUE
Located as part of our competition proposal in Hurghada, Egypt; the Grand Mosque project is a cornerstone project of Q3 design philosophy, one that I was glad to participate in and enhance with my own contributions in design and visual presentation and illustrations. The project went on to win many awards and accolades, such as Rethinking The Future’s GADA 2023 winner, as well as being shortlisted in the Design Middle East’s Architecture Leaders award, and a Finalist in the World Architecture Festival event.
Visualisation: ICON Studio
Vision
The form is a massive departure from the traditional mosque design. By reinterpreting the base elements of the mosques with a futuristic approach that connect the architecture with its context, the design elements come together harmoniously to create an atmosphere that encourages contemplation and spiritual reflection, while still adhering to Islamic themes and promoting its core message of unity in the direction of singularity.
The allocated plot limit of the design
Introducing an upward movement in the direction of the Qibla
Volumetric massing of the elements of a traditional mosque
Emphasising the Qibla in to create a shared sense of unity during prayer
Removal of the dome and extrusion of the minaret to
Creating movement in the form towards a singular point
Capturing Serenity
Unlike traditional mosques that typically feature domes, this mosque has a sweeping and undulating ceiling that creates an illusion of infinity. The ceiling is made of a series of interlocking panels that are illuminated with a natural and warm light, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Competition entry to the 2023 edition of the UAE house of the future competition. Working in a team of 3, myself and my colleagues envisioned a future of housing were every detail the house’s form, facade, layouts, and interior details can completely and reliably customisable to each user’s needs in the form of a singular 6x6m block. Another major driver was our emphasis on ease of upgradability down the line, an endlessly expanding multi-generational household.
The Modular House
The main appeal is not the design itself, as that can be easily adjusted into countless configurations. Our proposal is a process by which these configurations can become standardised and broken down into prefrabricated elements following a strict grid, that can ultimately be customised down to every detail. For each base block, you can add and remove walls, floors, and ceilings, create windows and doors and choose a facade treatment. An array of interior configurations are available based on any given type of space that can help the user merge or seclude spaces, or create courtyards, corridors, or vertical movement.
All this is achieved through our proposed mobile phone app, giving the user all the resources they need at their fingertips. Our vision for the app allows all the aforementioned configurations to take place in a way that is interactive and visual, and it should theoretically be able to create all required detailed drawings on the spot, a live experience that adapts as you shift through different configurations
In the future, we envision this process to become standarised, creating a mass manfactured abundance of different pre-fabricated building materials that would allow the base block to acclimate to any weather and context. Both passive and active design strategies can be employed in our base module.
JESS, Arabian Ranches 4
Status: Phase 1 - Complete, Phase 2 - Construction Stage Scope: Concept to Construction stages, Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape
Jumeirah English Speaking School
JESS was one of the projects that has left a timeless impact on me. As my first real professional project after an academic only career, it was certainly an exciting introduction to both the professional world and education sector, and it was immeasurably insightful working on a full scale project across all design stages. My role as a Junior Architect in this project has allowed me to participate and assist in the conceptual phase, where I proposed concepts through 3D models and drawings, diagrams, and illustrations, as well as the schematic, detail design, and IFC stages, where I was able to work collaboratively with all sub-disciplines, and see my ideas put into reality during construction.
Located in Arabian Ranches, Dubai, our scope in JESS was the entire rede sign of the car parking that sits underneath the existing Sports Hall, as well as the outdoor Pool area. The car parking would be redesigned to include a library for Primary students, and th 6th Form space along with additional flexibale classrooms. Outdoors, the pool area and its landscaping would be re designed, as well as the allocation for a building to house the new Exam Hall.
The Primary Library
The Primary Library’s colorful design appeals to children’s natural affinity for vibrant visuals. Bright hues and imaginative patterns create an exciting and inviting environment that parks interest and curiousity. The waves of colorful acoustic baffles not only offer functional benefits, but they also transform the library into an immersive space. The playful design capture children’s attention and invoke a sense of wonder. It provides comfortable seating, cozy reading areas, and interactive learning spaces, encouraging student to explore books, ask questions, and engage in independent or group activities. 4.1
4.1
The Primary Library
The library spaces can be categorised within the main spaces, which consist of three large bookshelving areas, and the complementary spaces, and they include the additional classroom, a multipurpose space for events and gathering, study areas, and the essential wrap around care space, in which the children’s needs are tended to and supported by their teachers and caretakers.
Form grows around its context and influences
Discovery of new elements accumulated along the journey
Fully utilised its toolset of elements to freely express the form
The 3D design of the library is heavily reflected and carried over in its floor plan approach. The wave-like patterns in the flooring connects the bubbled spatial arrangements together, whilst entertaining the facade’s back and forth inclinations, playfully using it to create the steps surrounding the library to outline that also lead to its multiple entrances. On the inside, these steps continue in the form of the mounted desks that follow along the interior walls curvatures.
The Primary Library
Seeing the project after its completion has been a truly gratifying experience, thinking that this library was nothing more than a simple sketch on a piece of tracing paper, now turned into a real tangible thing is nothing short of outstanding. While the design has gone through multiple stages of standardisation and rationalisations, the design intent is still very much plain to see and read. My wonderful team and myself are extremely satisfied and honored by the final product, joyful in knowing that our efforts and passion towards this project have paid up well.
6th Form and Flexible Classrooms
Likewise, the 6th Form and Flexible Classrooms for the Secondary students have gone through their own design processes, the outcome of which has also been a resounding success. The layout promotes a strong connection between the various spaces of the 6th Form, while offering maximum benefits within each individual area, including the outdoor/indoor connection using the foldable glass doors, providing flexible yet functional educational spaces.
6th Form and Flexible Classrooms
The key factors we approached the design with were the emphasis on the flexibility and adaptability of the spaces, as well as the general cozy but professional mood that was fitting for older students ready to set out for university in just a couple more years. The clean and sleek lines of the minimal modern design, combined with the elegance of the stretch fabric ceilings and foldable glass doors, create a professional and sophisticated ambiance that aligns with a contemporary work environment in the school.
4.3
Exam Hall and Pool
The Exam Hall and Pool Area, now awaiting kick off for construction, saw massive overhauls to the existing designs. The pools are now larger and rearranged along with the original surrounding landscape to promote a revitalised activities area. A new running track now surrounds the pool and the Exam Building, which represents JESS’s reinvigorated brand identity.
Demolition of the existing changing rooms and staff offices
A recess that creates a green barrier between the Exam Hall and pools
Extruding the new locations of the changing rooms and staff offices
Extending a ‘leg’ to connect to the existing staircase to pump rooms
another
Detailing the final mass with tapered masses and louver elements
Extruding
floor to serve as the Exam Hall
Status: Ongoing - Launched
Scope: Concept Design, Marketing, Architecture and Interior Design
TRIO, 31 WEST, AND AL MASYAF
M Squared TRIO, 31 West and Al Masyaf are three different masterplans in which our scope was the design of all their residential typologies, townhouses, villas, apartment buildings and more. My general contributions to the projects were the concept planning and 3D design across the different building types and communicating design options to the client. I also took the lead on delivering the marketing package across all 7 building types, and supervised the visualisation process outsourced to RPS studio in Cairo to ensure the design intent.
Visualisation: RPS Studio
Standalone Villa
The Standalone VIlla is one of my main accomplishments throughout the project, being my first role at Q3 as a sole designer on any project. Located in the 31 WEST masterplan in Cairo, the villa builds upon M-squared’s design language to deliver luxury and sophisticated juxtapositions between solids and voids, contained withing the signature tapering elements that connect the two. The planning of the 5-bedroom villa is equally inspired, adapting to the design’s kinks and tapers and unique spatial conditions to create creative interior configurations. 5.1
Visualisation: RPS Studio
Standalone Villa
Beyond the design itself, my role in communicating with the client and ensuring client satisfaction led us towards receiving the final approval and taking us to the marketing and visualisation stages. While leading the marketing package and aligning it with M squared’s marketing team, I was also in charge of supervising the visualisation process of the villa. That role is reflected in the compositions and camera angles of the final shots, communicated with the client and the outsourced visualisation studio, as well as the choice of materials and furniture that supplements the design intent.
Visualisation: RPS Studio
Visualisation: RPS Studio
5.2
Terraced House
My role in the Terraced House was similar, with the exception of working in a team of two to effectively handle the final output. While my colleague took on the building layouts, I worked on the facade elements and its integration with the floor plans and outdoor spaces. I also led the marketing package, this time taking the decision to continue the rest of the project on Revit to automate certain tasks and enhance the project workflow. My supervision of the visualisation process this time around also included post-production on photoshop in alignment with RPS, besides all the other roles previously mentioned.
Visualisation: RPS Studio
Oyster theCONCEPT
Within the Al Masyaf Masterplan, located in Ras el Hekma on the Egyptian North Coast, Oyster is a chalet style buildings typology. It is composed of three building blocks lined up along a lake, connected together by winding stairs and urban connections to the street level above. The driving theme of Oyster was that of a beach sandcastle, mimicing the sculpting of sand in smooth and undulating forms that places it in its context, whilst also being uniquely inspired. my role, along with marketing and visualisation, was supplementing the main ideas through a series of collages and illustrations that captured our envisioned concept.
Oyster
While the final output has gone through multiple deviations from the original vision, It has still retained the main underlying inspiration from the beach sandcastles, reflected in the smoothed out corners of the stacking ‘sand blocks’ mimicing the hand sculpted nature of this core beach activity. My role within the final output was the planning and delivery of the marketing package, including the delivery of the final renders, the process and post-production which I had supervised to ensure client satisfaction.
Collage showcasing the past, present, and the future we envision for the city of Basra and its waterfront. A competition entry, for Dewan’s Basra Waterfront, the project is located on Al Basra’s Dakeer Island, with its rich history of waterways and fish markets.
At its core, this project is a societal endeavor, aiming to breathe new life into Basra’s fishing industry and trade. The existing fish market will be renovated, offering improved sanitation conditions for both locals and visitors. Markets have long been the heartbeats of cities worldwide, and the new Dakeer Market is no exception. It aspires to be more than just a trading hub; it aims to be a dynamic social center, fostering public interaction and community engagement while catering to Basra’s burgeoning internal tourism. this transformation must address pressing envi-
ronmental concerns, including air and water pollution, waste management, and the lack of green spaces. The competition encourages an integrated approach to design, prioritizing sustainability and environmental conservation. As Basra opens its arms to the world once more, the resurrection of Dakeer Island symbolizes hope and progress.
Status: Concept - Unbuilt
Scope: Competition Entry - Architecture
African Urban School
The AFRICAN URBAN SCHOOL
Design Middle East’s 2024 Educational Building of the Year Winner. In a team of 2, we designed a school that would be built in Bamako, Mali. An architectural concept that we hope can be used not only in this project, but also in their future developments across the country. Serving 550 students, the design considers local materials and construction techniques and is attuned with its surrounding context.
While my colleague handled the facade design and the visualisation process, I took care of the spatial planning, the internal 3D modeling, and all the visual representation of the project; 2D and 3D diagrams and illustrations. Within the internal design, the classrooms were designed with biophilic principles in mind, incorporating natural materials and light to create a calm, peaceful environment. Large windows provided plenty of natural light, while green walls and hanging plants brought the outdoors inside. The classrooms were also designed to be flexible, with movable walls that could be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes and activities
The school also had several multi-level playgrounds, each designed to provide opportunities for exploration, play, and learning. The playgrounds were built using sustainable materials, and incorporated elements like natural climbing structures, sensory gardens, and outdoor classrooms. The playgrounds were designed to be used by students of all ages, providing a space for cross-year collaboration and socialization. More than just a building, the design aspires to become a hub of innovation, a space that inspires creativity, collaboration, and connection.
Weaving the floor blocks together, creating a central courtyard
Mass volume of required spatial program Segmentation of indoor+outdoor modules
Reinterpreting the weave to create connect the overlaps at the facade Alternate weave that would interlock to create our building mass
In terms of expanding the teaching spaces, a module of indoor + outdoor space has been used to offer an unfolding teaching experiece. the modules were developed to weave together the different year groups, with classrooms arranged around a central courtyard. The volumes are harmonised together to offer several multi-level playgrounds, each designed to provide opportunities for exploration, play, and learning. The courtyard was filled with greenery creating a natural oasis in the middle of the busy corridors of the school.
Rectangular plot in Bamako, Mali
To INFLUENCE
UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Status: Complete
Scope: University Final Design Project
All things around us exert a degree of influence. The things you hear, touch, see, and smell. A person could look at the night sky and contemplate on the inner workings of the stars and their beauty, while another would sense unease in the everlasting void and darkness that engulfs our world. If one singular element could invoke these contradicting emotions in different people, how could a singular defined user experience ever be enforced in a space? It cannot.
The UN Office for Drugs and Crime is an experiment in user experience and place-making, benefitting from its site plot located in Baniyas Square, Dubai. Baniyas Square is a highly urban, mixed-use environment that serves as a catalyst that defines both form and function within the project. And similarily, so does a UN Office on Drugs and Crime situated in the heart of Baniyas carry a lot of weight and influence on the behaviors and movements within its surrounding site.
Of all the low-rise forms within the project, the Offices building stands out with an hierarchy in elevation and the complexity in form, signifying its role both within the project and the surrounding environment as the point of greatest influence. displayed through a design language that alters public perception on the typology of the building, and a functional hierarchy that addresses the needs of the community.
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
PREVETENTION INTIATIVES
DRUGS PREVENTION/ TREATMENT & CARE
CRIME
CYBERCRIME
LOBBY/LOUNGE
AUDITORIUM
Additional Content 9
Assortment of key images between academic and professional projects
Alienation in Deira
Photoshop collage, The life in an alien city, their longing for idolized home.
Contemporary Alpine Chalet
The project, located in St. Moritz, Switzerland, presents a contemporary take that preserves the traditions contained within an Alpine Chalet and St. Moritz’ renown as the ultimate winter ski resort destination. The project addresses climatic and economical factors within St. Moritz, with an aim of revitalising tourism in a plummeting ski resort economy.
Museum of Ornithology
Ornithology is the study of avian creatures. The Museum of Ornithology is located in the Dubai Creek Harbor adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a rich animal reserve that habitates various flora and fauna.
Float Dubai, Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Concept Bid for VKR Float Dubai, a luxurious night club located in the Queen Elizabeth ship hotel
The proposal included the renovation of existing seating and stage areas to accomadate the club’s more ambitious performances and activities.
Thresholds, RIBA Sketch Competition
A threshold places you in the space, without having you worked up in the chaos. To be engaged in a space without being physically present. This artwork explores ideas of passive participation and virtual engagement that allows us to connect, but within our own places of comfort. Within this city, we reach our hands beyond these thresholds to participate, to be involved; however, nothing beyond our wrists ever crosses the threshold.
