Design Middle East March 2024

Launching Sequoia, your woodland paradise

Homes from AED 1,696,000*

A peaceful enclave hidden within the woodland.

Choose from a range of well-appointed homes, from two-bedroom townhouses to six-bedroom signature villas. Every residence at Sequoia blends nature-inspired design and features with the latest smart home technology, bringing you environmentally friendly convenience and comfort.

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Influential ARCHITECTS

Powerlist 2024

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ICONS OF ARCHITECTURE

They are at the forefront of transforming the region's landscape, creating spectacular skyscrapers, metropolitan cities, significant renovations, and sustainable developments.

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INTERVIEW

The Dynamic Duo Who Created Dubai's Most Expensive Penthouse

Benjamin Piper and Boubker Benjelloun, Partners and CoFounders at Benjelloun Piper Architecture, discuss the sale of the most expensive penthouse in Dubai, the 'Como Residences Penthouse' by Nakheel, in a historic move that solidifies the group's position as a trailblazer in the world of architectural excellence.

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DESIGN MIDDLE EAST KSA

AWARDS 2024

An Evening of Honours

It was a wonderful evening in Saudi Arabia, and the winners were celebrated with all the splendour and excitement. The Design Middle East Awards KSA 2024 Awards were hosted on March 4, 2024, at Voco Riyadh, and recognised the greatest

architects, designers, young talent, projects, and companies in Saudi Arabia.

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RENOVATION

The Art of Detailing

How TwentyOne06 and Havelock

One Interiors redefined luxe at this resimercial workspace in Dubai

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OP-ED Empowering Women

Professor Louise Valentine, Head of the Design School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, talks creating supportive design communities for women.

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ERGONOMICS

Creating A Complete Experience Of Space

At the interface between people and environments, there’s Knoll. This is a company built on its

belief that when furniture relates to the architectural setting, and the interior is choreographed as a harmonious succession of forms and finishes, the result is a space where people want to be.

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TALKING POINT

Transforming the Woodworking Industry

Walid Farghal, Director General at the Annual Investment Meeting, offers insights regarding the Wood Shows in Dubai, Cairo, and Saudi Arabia.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

For Timeless Traditions

If you appreciate traditions but want to add a contemporary twist to them, West Elm will help you create magnificent memories like no other, with plenty of selections that exude refinement and modern elegance.

The New MURABBA, Riyadh's modern downtown, masterplanned by ATKINSRÉALIS

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Until

What a hectic month this has been! My plate was not only full, but overflowing with KSA Awards, power lists, and everything else in between. But, in the end, the roller coaster trip has been worthwhile. This month was kicked off with Design Middle East Awards KSA held on March 4, at Voco Riyadh, honouring Saudi Arabia's best architects, designers, young talent, projects, and companies. This country is going through a huge transformation, changing not just its skyline but also renewing its identity on a global scale, and these awards brought together the Saudi industry under one roof. Big congratulations to all of the winners!

The edition includes the highly anticipated Architects Powerlist 2024, which features architects who are at the forefront of reshaping the region's landscape by building outstanding skyscrapers, metropolitan cities, important renovations, and sustainable buildings. The enthusiasm we received while compiling this powerlist was astounding. We'd want to thank everyone again for participating wholeheartedly.

If you're wondering what I'm working on next, we'll be hosting you all this time in Dubai for the Architecture Leaders Awards in May. Stay tuned!

There's an aura of festivity in the air. If you're like me and adore modern elegance with a touch of tradition, this Pick of the Month may inspire you.

Ramadan Kareem!

Roma Arora Editor roma@bncpublishing.net @romaarora_

CEO WISSAM YOUNANE wissam@bncpublishing.net

DIRECTOR RABIH NAJM rabih@bncpublishing.net

GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAQUIM D’COSTA jo@bncpublishing.net

EDITOR ROMA ARORA roma@bncpublishing.net

ART DIRECTOR SIMONA EL KHOURY

MARKETING EXECUTIVE AARON JOSHUA aj@bncpublishing.net

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER

BUNGAS Alexandar@bncpublishing.net

DOMOTEX Middle East to solidify Dubai as flooring industry hub

DOMOTEX Middle East, the pinnacle of global trade fairs for the carpet and flooring industry, will be hosted by Deutsche Messe AG at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 23 to 25. This significant event underscores Deutsche Messe’s ambitious global expansion and marks a new chapter for DOMOTEX, aligning with Dubai’s renowned status as a leading hub for international trade fairs.

Dubai’s strategic location, bridging the East and West, has established the city as a pivotal gateway for global trade, attracting billions in non-oil external trade volumes and serving as the meeting point for major international partners.

The UAE’s dynamic trade ecosystem, bolstered by advanced logistics and infrastructure, places DOMOTEX Middle East at the centre of an expanding

market. By capitalising on Dubai’s comprehensive connectivity and premier event venues, it fosters growth and innovation within the flooring industry. Dubai remains at the forefront of transport, trade, and tourism, further enhancing the event’s strategic importance.

DOMOTEX Middle East is poised to join the ranks of its prestigious counterparts in Europe and Asia Pacific, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the carpet and flooring sector.

Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX at Deutsche Messe AG, highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in the growing Middle Eastern demand for premium carpets and floor coverings: “DOMOTEX Middle East provides a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to discover innovative solutions and contribute to the development of the market. Dubai’s vibrant trade environment makes it the ideal setting for this event, underscoring the region’s growing importance in the global flooring industry.”

The exhibition is expected to catalyse the growth of the Middle East flooring and carpet market, which is forecast to reach approximately $14.55 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory highlights the region’s increasing market share and the need for a strategic exhibition platform like DOMOTEX Middle East.

Dubai’s selection as the host city for DOMOTEX Middle East reiterates its global allure as a business and tourism nexus, renowned for its inclusivity, diversity, and world-class infrastructure. The city guarantees exhibitors and visitors effortless access to the event, bolstering Dubai’s and the UAE’s positions as pivotal players in the global business landscape.

Wedell-Castellano added: “DOMOTEX Middle East is more than an exhibition—it’s a platform for future growth and opportunities in the flooring industry. This event promises to bring together the best in the industry, from major international brands to innovative start-ups, all under the banner of taking the flooring sector to new heights.”

DOMOTEX Middle East will feature an impressive lineup of major international brands and exhibitors, such as Merinos, Oriental Weavers, Solomon Carpet and Al Abdullatif, confirming the global importance of the DOMOTEX brand and the event’s role in shaping the future of the flooring industry.

Sonia Wedell-Castellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX.

The

Dynamic who created Dubai's most expensive penthouse

Benjamin Piper and Boubker Benjelloun, Partners and Co-Founders at Benjelloun Piper Architecture, discuss the sale of the most expensive penthouse in Dubai, the 'Como Residences Penthouse' by Nakheel, in a historic move that solidifies the group's position as a trailblazer in the world of architectural excellence.

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to become an architect?

BENJAMIN: I have been raised in Jerusalem, Cardiff, and Dallas, and am the son of a painter and a printmaker.

Learning about Leonardo da Vinci's life encouraged me to pursue a career in architecture. I've always wanted to be an inventor, and I discovered in my teenage years that producing things helped me overcome feelings of anxiety, which is still how I feel and find meaning and happiness in life.

BOUBKER: From Morocco, a land steeped in ancient civilization, I was raised by a father renowned for his expertise in landscaping and a beautiful mother devoted to the noble cause of raising her children.

From an early age, I discovered a passion for envisioning ways to enrich urban landscapes, frequently contemplating vacant areas and formulating projects to reimagine them. I remember the time when I was a member of the national swimming team and the countless hours spent in the water. Even in a context of extreme discipline and determination, my mind constantly delved into the realms of research and creation.

I truly grasped the extent of my talent when I was student in Paris. I meticulously redesigned my 9sqm studio 36 times to achieve the perfect result.

Even before I put pen to paper, I have this unique ability to envision the final outcome with utmost clarity. This was precisely the case with the Como Tower. I could envision the tower clearly in my mind long before we even initiated the project.

This particular ability is something I've applied not only in architecture but also in various other fields. This insight motivates me to create environments that enriches people’s lives and communities. >>>

Boubker Benjelloun (left) and Benjamin Piper

Interview

Now, I find myself at a stage in life where I strongly feel compelled to harness my vision to contribute to the community and strive towards creating a better world.

Can you discuss any innovative or unique design elements you've incorporated into your projects?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: In some ways, all of our projects are new and distinctive since they are tailored to the specific constraints of a given location, client environment, orientation view, and so on. So, I believe the one new thing is that we treat each of our projects as distinctive creations.

In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the architecture industry today, and how do you think they can be addressed?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: One of the most significant difficulties facing architecture today is the introduction of AI as a new tool in the design process. One could say that this puts immense pressure on the architect's aspirations to create unique designs that are fully fulfilled in a very short period. However, we believe we may gain from these new AI technologies by exploring a wider range of possibilities.

Can you walk us through the design process behind the Como Residences Penthouse, particularly considering its distinction as the most expensive beachfront penthouse in the world?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: The Como Residences Penthouse mockup form was inspired by the aim to maximise views at various heights within the building: at the lower floor, which is oriented towards the North and South beaches close to the plot, the floor plate becomes round with views in all directions. The floor plate changes at the top reaches of the tower, orienting the major living spaces towards the palm and the stunning views over the ocean towards sunset.

How did you approach balancing luxury and functionality in the design of the penthouse?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: We balanced luxury and functionality in the penthouse's design by providing very generous double-height entry spaces, as well as a customised art piece staircase and elevator. At the same time, the penthouse is highly practical, with its dedicated service entries and secondary access points that allow for full and seamless servicing of the property.

Notably, the COMO RESIDENCES PENTHOUSE has not only secured its place as Dubai's pinnacle of luxury but has also globally ranked as the third-most expensive penthouse ever built and sold worldwide, and the most expensive front beach penthouse in the world. In tandem with this groundbreaking achievement, Benjelloun Piper Architecture has revealed the launch of its new office in Dubai’s vibrant City Walk.

design-middleeast.com

What architectural features or elements do you believe contributed most to the penthouse's record-breaking value?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: We believe that the general form of the building, as well as its basic curving elegance, contributed to the penthouse's record-breaking valuation as it sits atop a new recognisable icon for Dubai.

The COMO RESIDENCES

PENTHOUSE, which spans 21,949 square feet with endless bedrooms, recently sold for an extraordinary AED 500 million – equivalent to approximately USD 136 million –setting a new benchmark in the city's luxury real estate market. The architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the firm's unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and unparalleled design excellence.

What technological innovations or advancements did you incorporate into the penthouse's design to enhance its appeal and exclusivity?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: The penthouse's design is simple and classic, without any needless technical complexity. It does, however, have a stunning art piece staircase, an integrated elevator balcony reflecting, pools, and a Jacuzzi bathing zone with sunset views.

In what ways do you believe the Como Residences penthouse sets a new standard for luxury living in Dubai and around the world?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: We believe that Como Residence Penthouse sets a new standard for luxury living in Dubai by demonstrating how the beauty of architecture can add a real and tangible uplift to the value of a property.

What impact do you believe projects like the Como Residences penthouse have on the broader architectural landscape, both locally in Dubai and internationally?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: Projects like the Como Residence Penthouse have an impact on the larger architectural scene because they show how clients will accept unconventional and bold architectural and structural techniques. Yes, the justification is strong enough from a commercial perspective.

What opportunities do you see for architects and designers in the GCC market, particularly in light of the region's rapid urbanisation and development?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: The fast urbanisation and expansion in the GCC region still present a tremendous opportunity for architects and designers. One of the fundamental concerns facing modern designers and architects is the necessity to build and refine national identity and cultural identity in architecture.

How does sustainability factor into architectural projects in the GCC region, and what sustainable design practices are gaining traction?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: The GCC region's architecture takes sustainability into account due to the harsh environmental conditions that our structures must withstand. The capacity to include energy model results in the early conceptual stages of design is one of the most important ways that sustainable design techniques are becoming more and more popular in the region.

With the GCC countries increasingly investing in tourism and hospitality infrastructure, how do you approach designing projects in these sectors to stand out in a competitive market?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: When it comes to designing, tourism, and hospitality infrastructure, there is an opportunity for designers in the region, to rethink paradigms of hospitality design, and where we can start to merge ideas around living hospitality and entertainment in such a way that offers new lifestyle opportunities.

What advice would you give to aspiring architects or those interested in pursuing a career in architecture?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: Young, ambitious architects who are interested in a profession in architecture should persevere, never give up, and ensure that their designs are implemented.

Are there any upcoming projects or developments that you're particularly excited about, either in Dubai or elsewhere?

BENJAMIN & BOUBKER: Dubai is a city that is changing so quickly that it is not necessary to relocate to experience innovative urban design. I can't wait to watch how new, multimodal modes of transit will transform the city, which was already deemed to be walkable, into a welcoming, connected urban hub.

Powerlist 2024 ARCHITECTS Influential

ICONS OF ARCHITECTURE

THEY ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF TRANSFORMING THE REGION'S LANDSCAPE, CREATING SPECTACULAR SKYSCRAPERS, METROPOLITAN CITIES, SIGNIFICANT RENOVATIONS, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTS.

Design Middle East congratulates these amazing creators on their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for themselves and future generations

IGNACIO GÓMEZ

GLOBAL DESIGN PRINCIPAL Aedas

Global Design Principal at award-winning architecture firm Aedas, Ignacio Gómez is a visionary known for his designs based on a deep research process, understanding of the region and attention to genius loci - an approach that places at the centre the people, culture, history, environment, tradition, society and economics of a place. He has also been instrumental in establishing the overall design direction of the practice in the Middle East, mentoring a multi-cultural team of creatives in the firm’s offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Among the milestone projects led by Ignacio include the

Dubai Metro Expo 2020 route, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, W Hotel Mina Seyahi and ENOC Mobility Station. Exciting new projects under development include the Red Palace, a reimagination of Riyadh’s historic palace into a six-star boutique hotel and NEOM’s futuristic ski resort Trojena Ski Village.

Ignacio began his career in Madrid. He later moved to Barcelona, where he worked for over two years on the New City of Justice, a project that won the prestigious RIBA Award in 2010. During his tenure, his diverse portfolio also included Torre Agbar commercial tower, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel and America’s Cup Foredeck Building designed by David Chipperfield. Prior to his current role at Aedas, Ignacio was Design Director at Godwin Austen Johnson, where he led the design of Al Seef project in the historical part of Dubai Creek and the Phase 1 of the Kingdom Tower Masterplan. Widely acclaimed for his work, Ignacio has won several awards including Young Architect of the Year at the Middle East Architect Awards 2010 and Best Residential Project of the Year for Red Sea Riviera Master Plan, Cityscape Global Awards 2011 for Diplomatic Quarter Celebration Hall and Best Hospitality project for The Chedi Khorfakkan at Middle East Architect Awards 2012. His work has been featured in Fisuras Magazine, Future Architecture Magazine, Via Arquitectura, 2A, Dezeen and Archdaily to name a few.

He also collaborates as guest critic at different Universities and has been part of key design conferences in the MENA region such as the World Architecture Congress in Dubai, Architectural Design Days in Riyadh, DesignMENA summit, Cityscape Global Conference and Leaders of Architecture. Under Ignacio’s leadership, Aedas is poised to respond to the region’s rising demand for innovative design solutions through an approach that incorporates cultural regional aspects into their designs, that not only distinguishes the firm within the competitive architectural landscape but also resonates with clients seeking solutions that go beyond mere aesthetics.

TROJENA SKI RESORT: This futuristic resort envisioned by Aedas in Saudi will be the world’s first ‘vertical ski village’ and snow destination in the GCC with year-round adventure sports.

JOE TABET

Joe Tabet is a visionary architect with more than 20 years of expertise in the worldwide architecture and construction industry. In 2015, he founded JT+Partners in a tiny office of around 100 square metres in Business Bay, Dubai, with a small team of people. Despite its humble beginnings, JT+Partners swiftly established itself as a respected international multifunctional consultant, renowned for its spectacular projects in global destinations. This success came "overnight", established the company as a leader in the field.

Over the span of seven years, Joe navigated, JT+Partners through economic downturns and pandemic-related challenges by persevering and strategically planning for the future. His vision and mission focussed on exploring work in various geographies and sectors, including healthcare. His innovative and unconventional management strategies have allowed the company to sustain its reputation and deliver iconic, environmentally, and socially sustainable projects worldwide. JT+Partners' expansion and focus on innovation resulted in the company more than doubling in size.

The initial team has grown to over 125 people, and the Dubai office has expanded to more than 1000sqm. Furthermore, the company has expanded its practice with offices in Abu Dhabi and Beirut. Joe's employment tactics demonstrate his commitment to diversity, as he employs people from over

15 different nationalities and professional backgrounds. This has cultivated an energetic, collaborative, and creative team that stays at the forefront of global architecture and construction trends while respecting the oldest traditions.

Joe believes in innovation at every level – from design and business strategy to client and project approach, supported by a strong team. JT+Partners' portfolio includes completed projects like hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, Seychelles, and Egypt, as well as ongoing and upcoming projects such as residential towers, villas, hotels, resorts, a golf course, a waterpark, and a hospital in locations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Egypt, Greece, and KSA. Joe ensures his team remains innovative, embracing trends like the Internet of Things, digital twin technology, 3D printing, and modern construction methods. He invests in the latest technology and tools to maintain the firm's cutting-edge status.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), promoting sociable and sustainable communities, offering his team substantial health and financial benefits, supporting ethical business practices, and engaging in worthy causes. He actively participates in industry exhibits, university lectures, panel discussions, and media interviews, sharing his insights and experiences.

Joe’s success is a testament to his innovative design and management ideas, creativity, and flexible, adaptable approach.

TAWILA ISLAND RESORT: It aims to establish a

in the Hurghada

luxury benchmark

region with a mix of amenities and 120 accommodations, featuring an architecturally significant arrival building that reimagines the Egyptian pyramids. Facing the challenge of remote construction, the project emphasises sustainability and efficiency through a smart guest room management system and the use of locally sourced, lightweight materials.

FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR JT+Partners

EDWARD MCINTOSH 03

REGIONAL DESIGN DIRECTOR AtkinsRéalis

Edward McIntosh is the Regional Design Director for the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis. As part of his role, he brings clients’ visions to life by creating innovative solutions that integrate the region’s cultural heritage with

sustainable urban design practices. Edward joined AtkinsRéalis in 2019, and since then he has played an instrumental role in expanding the company’s design and architecture practices and cementing its worldclass reputation as the partner of choice for delivering some of the most transformational projects across the region.

Edward is highly passionate about mentoring early career professionals and exchanging knowledge to foster new ideas and promote diversity and inclusion. As part of its commitment to building local capabilities, AtkinsRéalis has a 12-month Saudi Graduate Development Program that offers graduates the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge by working with its design, engineering and project management experts on many of the Saudi Vision 2030 Giga projects. To date, 60 Saudi graduates joined the program, including 21 females and 39 males.

Edward has more than 20 years of experience in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, having worked in the US, UK, Europe, China and the Middle East. Since the start of his career, he has

had the opportunity to work on the conception and delivery of large, complex, high-profile buildings that are renowned as iconic architectural landmarks, collaborating with architectural legends like Sir Peter Cook, his mentor from his years of study at Columbia University. His creative thinking is inspired by integrating technology, entertainment, urbanism, futurology, activation and architectural design, and he has lectured and written about these topics in different institutions and publications.

In 2022, he led AtkinsRéalis’ design team to successfully win the international architectural and master planning competition for the New Murabba masterplan, the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh, and the Mukaab, an immersive destination that will revolutionize the ways people experience hospitality, retail and leisure. AtkinsRéalis will provide its integrated advisory, architecture, master planning and engineering services to deliver this groundbreaking project, a cornerstone to the visionary reinvention of the Kingdom’s capital city.

Edward McIntosh , ATKINSRÉALIS

ATKINSRÉALIS Saudi Graduate Development Program.

DESIGN

In 2024, we expect a further refinement of design workflows utilizing AI tools. AtkinsRéalis’ architecture studio will also dig deeper into what makes architecture and master planning liveable and more attractive to humans.

AtkinsRéalis’ competition-winning scheme, revealed in 2023, is inspired by Najdi Architecture, with a focus on creating a futuristic landmark with deep contextual roots that blends Riyadh’s cultural heritage with its future ambitions. Contributing to the city’s future development in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the New Murabba masterplan is influenced by Riyadh’s original balance with nature, and its design is focused on a datadriven approach to sustainability, user convenience, reduction in the need for transport, walkability and peoplecentric design of its public realm.

In 2024, AtkinsRéalis is expanding its architecture business by appointing seasoned talents from around the world. The company’s architecture studio will be focussed on high-profile

competitions embedding the concept of “Feel Crafting”, a vision that aims to create detailed, crafted and unique solutions for each project, focusing on understanding the client’s vision and helping bring it to life, through the use of worldbuilding tools such as advanced simulations, virtual reality and generative AI architectural designs. In addition, AtkinsRéalis will complete all stages of design on previous architecture competition wins such as The Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and its ongoing development of all architectural assets within the New Murabba and Mukaab project.

Last year, the design and architecture industry witnessed the explosion of AI tools and workflows into the design processes of most architecture practices. AtkinsRéalis has been at the forefront of leading this trend by actively embedding AI tools within its creative process and everyday repertoire of design and representation techniques.

Another key trend which has been latent for decades now but has increased in importance in 2023 is the planning and design of architecture that is flexible and adaptive enough to guarantee future reuse and thus, mitigates the impact of construction

on the environment. At AtkinsRéalis, future-proofing designs to allow for flexible adaptation and repurposing take centre stage and it’s a philosophy that is incorporated from the start in all its projects.

In 2024, we expect a further refinement of design workflows utilizing AI tools. AtkinsRéalis’ architecture studio will also dig deeper into what makes architecture and master planning liveable and more attractive to humans. This requires designing from a smaller scale outwards to create new developments that are instantly loved by their users. As we grow the company’s talent pool, we are looking at different complementary skill sets and areas of specialism to help us expand the richness of the architectural products we create.

“We believe that we are at a pivotal point in the region, where the Middle East is becoming a global example of how to improve wellbeing, cities’ resilience, and the human condition in this century. As designers of the built environment, we are taking our contribution to this ambition with the upmost professionalism, innovation and dedication to ensure the future is bright for the region, its people, and the world as a whole, shares Edward.

The New MURABBA, Riyadh's modern downtown, masterplanned by ATKINSRÉALIS

MICHAEL MAGILL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR RSP

As the Creative Director of RSP, Michael Magill epitomises visionary leadership, driving the studio's evolution into a powerhouse of innovation and creativity within the architecture industry. With a career spanning over two decades and a profound commitment to pushing the boundaries of

design excellence, Michael's influence extends far beyond the walls of the studio, leaving a mark on the architectural landscape of the region. Under Michael's leadership, RSP has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, both in terms of its project portfolio and its geographical reach. The increase in the studio's workforce by 20% in the past year alone and the completion of a new office space as a result of this growth signify not only the studio's growing influence within the industry but also its commitment to providing a dynamic and collaborative environment for the team members. This expansion has enabled RSP to take on larger and more ambitious projects around the region, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the field of architecture and design.

In 2023, RSP collaborated with Aldar Properties and the renowned Nobu brand to launch the distinguished Nobu Hotel & Branded Development on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. This project serves as a clear demonstration of RSP's

NOBU HOTEL & BRANDED RESIDENCES in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

HAVEN DEVELOPMENT In Dubai

expertise in the local hospitality scene. Michael spearheaded the design team in understanding and capturing the needs of both the client and developer, effectively bringing the essence of the brand to life in a distinctive hospitality experience for future guests.

One of Michael's noteworthy projects which was successfully launched last year is the Haven Development, a collaboration with Aldar Properties that redefines luxury living with its serene and health-conscious design ethos. This distinguished residential development located in Dubai marks a departure from the urban landscape, embracing a harmonious blend of nature and modernity. Infused with the vitality of a green oasis, the Haven Development features flowing lines and loops that meander through the masterplan, guiding individuals through meditative spaces, community parks, and lush landscapes.

A major milestone for RSP Dubai studio this year was the completion of one of its most significant projects yet: the Hindu Mandir Complex. This monumental project, initiated in 2018, involved a global competition for the first Hindu Temple Complex in the region, organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Michael's leadership played a pivotal role in the successful completion of this project, which stands as a testament to RSP's commitment to cultural enrichment and community cohesion. Another notable achievement this year was the successful launch of Madinat Jumeirah Living Elara in collaboration with Dubai Holding. Michael's design team provided comprehensive design services, bringing to life Dubai Holding's vision for these upscale residential developments boasting stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

His impact on RSP extends beyond his role as Creative Director; he is also a mentor, collaborator, and advocate for his team. Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Michael invests significant time and energy into guiding and developing the next generation of designers and architects within the studio. Through mentorship programs, skills development initiatives, and a commitment to inclusivity, he empowers his team to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to RSP's success.

At the heart of Michael's leadership philosophy lies a deep-seated commitment to purpose-driven design. From the outset, he has instilled within RSP a collective vision focused on creating meaningful spaces and experiences that transcend mere functionality, aiming instead to inspire and transform the lives of individuals and communities alike. This vision serves as a guiding light, informing every aspect of the studio's work and inspiring a culture of innovation and excellence.

With the upcoming opening of RSP's office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a pipeline of ambitious projects on the horizon such as a luxury residential hospitality projects in Rabat, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai and mixed-use developments in Saudi Arabia, Michael looks forward to continuing RSP's trajectory of growth and contributing further to the regional construction scene.

MICHAEL with PUJYA BRAHMAVIHARI SWAMI and India’s Prime Minster NARENDRA MODI during the inauguration of the Hindu Mandir Temple Complex on Feb 14th 2024.

SHAUN KILLA

Driven by design excellence

Shaun Killa is an awardwinning architect with

international experience spanning over 29 years.

Shaun focusses his design philosophy on innovative low carbon sustainable buildings and challenges architectural norms to create expressive and timeless forms, which has led him to design numerous highly recognisable projects including Almas Tower, Dubai Opera House, and Bahrain

World Trade Centre – The world’s first large-scale integration of wind turbines on a building.

In his early career, he has won multiple global awards including ENR News Maker Award, New York, the Global Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction for the Lighthouse Tower, and the CTBUH Best Tall Building in the Middle East Award for Bahrain World Trade Centre.

Killa Design was established in Dubai in 2015, and Shaun has worked on signature projects, including the award-winning designs for the Museum of the Future, the Address Beach Resort, W Hotel Namaste, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club, Marsa Al Arab, Sheybarah Island, Zamani Islands in the Maldives, Leyja Wellness Hotel in KSA and the Office of the Future, the first occupied printed building in the world.

In 2017, 2021 and 2022, Shaun Killa was ranked number 1 as ‘Most Powerful Middle East Architect’

inclusive of winning ‘Architectural Firm of the Year, 2023’ in the Middle East, by Construction Week for the 4th year running, and ‘Best Young Firm’, at the Architizer A+Awards, 2023. Killa Design also recently joined the world’s leading architectural practices, securing the 90th position in Building Design’s coveted WA100, 2024. He continues to work closely with the partners at Killa Design on numerous projects to ensure the highest design quality as well as providing innovative and sustainable ideas.

Killa Design has achieved remarkable accomplishments as it enters its 10th year in operation, leaving a significant impact on the architectural landscape of the Middle East and the wider region, marked by constant commitment to sustainability and innovative design.

Shebara, which is due to open in the summer of 2024, and is the first resort to be owned and operated by Red Sea Global is located on

ZAMANI ISLANDS - © Atoll Estates 2024

DESIGN DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Killa Design

Sheybarah Island, Saudi Arabia. This 73-key, LEED-Platinum resort offers an off-grid zero energy, water, waste educational experience and aims to be a “next generation” eco-tourist destination providing an unrivalled eco guest experience in an environmentally sensitive and innovative design and in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 of creating a more sustainable future.

“Shebara is a wonderful example of what is possible when creating beautiful yet meaningful design. It demonstrates how innovative architecture can gracefully flow into nature, with stainless steel pods that reflect and refract light from the sun, the sky and the sea to naturally blend with the environment. From the eco-materials chosen to the lunar positioning of the villas, our priority has been to honor the natural beauty that exists here, while creating a resort that embodies modern luxury,” explains Shaun.

Neom also recently unveiled Leyja, a new tourism destination in Northwest Saudi Arabia. With a core focus on preserving nature, 95% of Leyja’s land is planned to be kept untouched, aiming to integrate eco-friendly construction techniques that blend with the landscape. Leyja’s wellness hotel

designed by Killa Design serves as a sanctuary focused on wellbeing, aiming to support longevity. It will comprise of two opposing volumes with reflective façades that mirror the surrounding landscape and the mountains within the wadi. This design also enables the wadi’s natural flow to intersect the hotel’s core, creating a distinctive visitor experience.

Zamani Islands will be the first 100% renewable energy-powered resort in the Maldives. Spanning across 8 islands in an expansive lagoon and promises a

hospitality experience that seamlessly intertwines luxury with an emphasis on environmental wellbeing. Three luxury resorts and the first super yacht Marina housing 120 berths.

“We take pride in our role in creating a future benchmark for ecotourism with Zamani Islands. We believe it will inspire more sustainable resort developments not only in the Maldives but also globally. By setting a new standard for environmentally conscious hospitality, we hope to educate guests and encourage them to make more environmentally conscious choices not just in their vacation destinations, but in their lives overall,” says Shaun.

Killa Design's successful projects include the Museum of the Future, Address Beach Resort, Office of the Future, Vida Marina, and Yacht Club, among others.

On the other hand, some intriguing projects are still in construction, like the Marsa Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the Sheybarah Resort in Red Sea Development, Saudi Arabia, the Zamani Islands in the Maldives, Jumeirah Living in Business Bay, Select Group, and others.

Killa Design promotes zero-energy and water resort hotels, as well as staff engagement initiatives like triathlons and sailing lessons.

Killa Design is known for creating distinctive projects, and some of its future projects include the Iceland Resort and Residences, three mixed-use luxury residential towers in Dubai, and the Science Museum in Abu Dhabi.

SHEBARA - © Killa Design 2024

LEYJA WELLNESS HOTEL - © Neom 2024

DARRYL CUSTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, DESIGN DIVISION

KEO International Consultants

arryl Custer serves as the Managing Director of the Design Division for KEO International Consultants.

He has 34 years of design leadership and project management experience with a keen understanding of development, design, and operations across multiple sectors. Currently based in the UAE, Darryl’s experience is truly global, spanning China and Southeast Asia, the US, the GCC, and North Africa.

Darryl's passion lies in urban mixed-use project design, and he is dedicated to enhancing communities through sensible, sustainable, and creative vertically stacked mixed-use configurations.

Leading a team of approximately 300 architects and engineers across KEO’s offices, Darryl collaborates with them to craft designs that push boundaries, and projects that tackle sustainability issues, utilising architecture to establish intelligent, community-centric, and vertically integrated mixed-use environments that cater to the needs of today and tomorrow. These start with solutions within the architectural concept design process with his teams guiding clients, making the case that sustainability is an investment and not a cost.

Darryl sees technology as a significant enabler for a better tomorrow and investing in digital design will be a focus for KEO Design this year as the industry pushes to make a stronger connection between the human and machine to enable design teams to deliver solutions in a manner that fully leverages all the available design technology.

He is also spearheading a strategic focus on 3D digital concept design, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and creating designs that are not only beautiful but also thought-provoking and meaningful. In addition to digital design, Darryl and his team are working with new AI platforms to enable faster client interface with enhanced project administrative follow-through.

“Design technology is rapidly evolving, and I see a tremendous need for design firms to embrace this change to better deliver results to their clients. As an example, using digital design and machine-driven ideation can enhance the design process by offering more solutions early in the process for better results downstream, explains Darryl Custer.

As he grows his team, Darryl remains dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment by actively seeking a broad cross-section of multicultural designers. This is supported by KEO’s recently launched Nationalisation program that aims to attract, empower and develop National talent, to become the next generation of architects, designers and business leaders.

Darryl is actively involved in delivering projects around the region, including a diverse mix of civic, commercial, hotel, residential and educational projects. One project worth noting is the newly designed U View mixed-use tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A modern, cutting-edge residential, office and

DARRYL CUSTER, KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS

hotel mixed-use tower along the Jeddah Corniche offering spectacular views of the bay and Downtown Jeddah. The tower features high-end luxury retail, a five-star hotel, serviced apartments and class-A office space all vertically stacked in a single plot including a host of world-class amenities.

Darryl has overseen the prototype design for one of the largest residential developers in the region. These homes fuse modern with traditional architecture to deliver highquality villas, duplexes, and townhouses to the communities they serve.

Darryl is also overseeing work on several mixed-use developments in the region to elevate the typology and create exceptional levels of livability based around live, work and play principles. One of these is a confidential mixed-use masterplan criteria program planned in multiple locations in Saudi Arabia with a confidential PIF entity. The design embraces the city of the future, promoting sustainable living, an active lifestyle, and smart mobility throughout each master plan. The results will be walkable commercial centres that will include vertically stacked and interconnected mixed-use environments as true, modern and livable urban environments.

Darryl is passionate about the architecture profession. In the early days

of his career, Darryl was fortunate to be mentored by several world-class architects who introduced him to a broad range of ideas, methodologies, clients and project typologies. This foundation led him to a philosophy where he considers himself a teacher more than a Managing Director, working to offer young architects, designers and engineers a platform for growth, happiness, and success with a pay-itforward frame of mind.

Darryl holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the US and is a licensed architect and NCARB certified. He is also a LEED Green Associate and an executive at large member of the American Institute of Architects Middle East (AIA ME).

KEO is a creative enterprise, where innovation is a way of life. We are uniquely resourced with end-to-end services to take clients from inspiration – through conceptualisation – to realization of design or project delivery in the built and natural environments. In our 60th year, we continue to lead with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities.

We are guided by a profound sense of purpose, with an abiding responsibility

to those who experience it. Our ambition is to create, engineer or manage the delivery of essential environments that reward users and owners with prosperity, comfort, community, health, safety and memories.

Darryl describes: “I believe architecture is a vehicle to improve communities and the overall human condition. Good design has a way of inspiring people beyond borders and if done properly can uplift and connect humanity immeasurably.”

“There is also no doubt the design and development sector have a critical impact on the planet with respect to urbanised demographic opportunities, climate change, energy and resource consumption. I have always felt the urban mixed-use project typology is the best response to our changing world from an urbanization point of view to address sustainability and SMART growth. In most cases, mixeduse projects use less ground area, comparably reduce the overall carbon footprint, and generally make better use of the urban context. These drivers are why I am passionate about using architecture to create community-driven, smart, urban mixed-use environments –this is what architecture is all about for me,” he further added.

Confidential mixed-use luxury development set in a five-star environment, featuring upscale sea villas and high-end apartments.

SIX

07

P. MARTIN DUFRESNE

MANAGING PRINCIPAL U+A

It’s been a year of triumph! U+A and its Co-Founder and Managing Principal, P. Martin Dufresne, have achieved exceptional success in the past year. Beyond regional expansion and the successful completion of impressive high-end projects, the company has solidified its standing as a top-tier firm, earning multiple prestigious awards in 2023. The strategic acquisition under Egis Group has further propelled U+A onto the global stage, cementing its international presence.

Under this new partnership, U+A envisions a promising future, poised to take on a more substantial role in delivering some of the largest projects in the Middle East. The amalgamation of regional success, global recognition, and the strategic alliance with Egis Group positions U+A for continued excellence and growth in the years to come.

SENSES AMAALA TRIPLE BAY in KSA features a range of accommodation options, including beachfront residences, a hillside village, and villas along the private mangrove bay, catering to diverse guest preferences.

He is a visionary leader, throughout his 18 years at U+A, Martin has been instrumental in shaping the firm's reputation as a worldclass multi-disciplinary practice with an enviable portfolio. From Red Sea Global KSA and Emaar to North 25, Aldar, and Expo 2020, some of the region's most prestigious lux ury projects have entrusted their design to U+A, guided by Martin's masterful vision for unique residential and hospitality experiences.

Martin's global outlook stems from his deep passion for travel and fascination with cultural diversity. His journey began in 1996, when he left Canada for Hong Kong, where he honed his skills as a design architect with HOK on high-end projects across the Asia Pacific. Following a stint in Japan, he moved to Singapore to work under renowned Australian architect Kerry Hill, further immersing himself in the world of luxury design.

In 2005, Martin arrived in Dubai, and in 2007, alongside his business partner Pedram Rad, he co-founded U+A. The company has since become one of the region's most sought-after design firms. Martin and Pedram's vision for a world-class practice perfectly aligned with the region's burgeoning demand for luxury and quality.

U+A's growth now encompasses over 200 employees offering a comprehensive range of services, including architecture, interior design, master planning, project management, and, thanks to Martin's strong advocacy for holistic design, a newly established landscape division.

The past year has seen Martin broaden his horizons by joining the School of Architecture and Interior Design Advisory Board at the Canadian University of Dubai. His expertise and insights provide invaluable guidance in shaping the school's curriculum.

Martin remains a staunch advocate for good design and believes in empowering the people who drive U+A's success. Talent development has been a core principle since the firm's inception, and Martin's 30 years of global experience have instilled in him a unique approach to his craft, characterized by remarkable adaptability and sensitivity.

Martin sees a bright future for U+A. The company's recent growth and continued success are not only testaments to his and Pedram's dedication to quality but also a reflection of the distinct and supportive office culture they have fostered.

EXPO VALLEY by Expo Dubai Group

SIX SENSES AMAALA TRIPLE BAY offers breathtaking panoramic views spanning from Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea.

RRAYA ANI

08

FOUNDER & DESIGN DIRECTOR RAW-NYC Architects

aya Ani, an architectural luminary, is celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to architecture. Recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, this honor underscores her exceptional impact on the field. With a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering with distinction from Baghdad University, a Master's in Architecture from MIT with the Harvard/MIT Aga Khan Scholarship, and an illustrious career spanning decades across three continents and four countries, she has left an unforgettable mark.

Having worked in cities such as Baghdad, Boston, Dubai, Germany, and New York City, she has garnered global recognition. Consistently recognized as one of the most influential architects in the Middle East since 2015, her designs testify to her unwavering commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability, with visions ahead of her time, as seen in her design for the Marshes of Iraq, achieving economic viability while addressing critical ecological concerns and preserving cultures. In her role as the 2017 President of the American Institute of Architects—Middle East Chapter, Raya initiated the launch of AIA Middle East in Iraq, aiming to empower Iraqi architects globally. The title of Fellow American Institute of Architects, granted by the New York chapter, recognizes her exceptional contributions to architecture. Raya Ani's journey is marked by dedication to her craft and a desire to positively impact the world through thoughtful and innovative architectural solutions. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has positioned RAW-NYC Architects as an innovative and sustainable studio that competes with the best architectural firms globally. She has earned a position in the top 10 Powerlist Creatives of 30 Influential Architects in the MENA region and has also been

IRAQ PAVILION at Expo 2020

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

recognized on the Forbes list of 50 Over 50. From designing the first green school and two residential green towers in NYC to transformative projects like Liberland and the Green Bridge of Baghdad, Raya's designs transcend mere structures.

The Women's Building in New York stands as a symbol of empowerment, while the Iraq Pavilion embodies determination. A project driven by the community, the Iraq Pavilion defied the odds, achieving global visibility and engagement with limited resources. It not only celebrates empowerment and resilience but also attracts investment, making it a beacon of success, celebration, and global representation.

DESTINAU sets a new standard in holistic design, and all stand as a testament to her relentless energy to innovate and advocate, empowering both public and private sectors through architecture. Her designs showcase her strong commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability, reflecting innovative and future-oriented perspectives.

THE GREEN BRIDGE OF BAGHDAD

The Green Bridge of Baghdad stands as a testament to Iraq's rich history, transforming the Tigris River into an urban park that honors Mesopotamian achievements over 3000 years. This architectural marvel unfolds as a floating urban park with six zones, each dedicated to showcasing different facets of ancient ingenuity.

From the Mulapin zone for astronomers to the IM 67118 zone highlighting mathematical contributions, the bridge becomes an immersive display of Mesopotamian brilliance. Beyond symbolism, it embraces sustainability, featuring urban agriculture in the Farming Path, fragrant flowering bushes in the Scent Path, and water recycling and renewable energy sources.

The space harmoniously blends Mesopotamian heritage. The writing zone pays tribute to Cuneiform script and seals. The Gilgamesh Theatre celebrates Mesopotamian literature. The Art Space encourages community engagement through a mosaic wall, featuring local and international artists. Together, these elements form a culturally rich environment.

The Green Bridge of Baghdad transcends its structural purpose, becoming a timeless symbol of inspiration for the people of Iraq. It not only links geographical spaces but also serves as a bridge through time, connecting the present with the unparalleled achievements of Mesopotamia, enlightening generations to come.

THE GREEN BRIDGE, Baghdad

DESTINAU

The organic structure of DESTINAU rises like growth, symbolizing personal and societal evolution. Beyond being merely a destination, DESTINAU unfolds as a holistic wellness journey, seamlessly blending innovative design, personalized programs, and sustainable practices. Each guest's well-being is individually addressed, with tailored programs encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Themed sleeping environments range from indoor nature encapsulation to fantasy outdoor bubbles, while the architecture creates contemplative spaces, promoting states of being from clarity to enlightenment.

The dining experience at DESTINAU begins with a personalized consultation, offering wholesome meals sourced from on-site wellness gardens and permaculture, accommodating various dietary preferences. Spaces, from courtyards to sensory gardens, foster vibrant human interaction or serene solitude.

Sustainability is integral to DESTINAU, with a focus on energy efficiency, ecofriendly materials, and support for local farming. This holistic approach aligns environmental wellness with overall wellbeing, establishing DESTINAU as a haven of inspiration and sustainable living.

Sustainability is integral to DESTINAU, with a focus on energy efficiency, ecofriendly materials, and support for local farming.

VLADIMIR JOVANOVIC

DIRECTOR, HEAD OF ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS Aecom Middle East

Vladimir Jovanovic serves as the Architecture and Interiors practice lead at AECOM Middle East. With 20 years’ international experience on diverse projects, he began his career

in Serbia with independent competition entries culminating in an exhibition at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. This journey evolved into a five-year engagement at Foster+Partners’ London design studio, contributing to numerous global projects and competitions.

Motivated by the opportunity to shape the UAE’s urban

landscape, Vladimir moved to the Middle East a decade ago to become the Head of Architecture for Meraas. He joined AECOM in 2019, and has spent the past five years dedicated to building upon AECOM’s rich architectural portfolio. He is currently overseeing 1.5 million square meters of design work and is leading a team of approximately 120 architects and interior designers from across various international offices.

Locally, in AECOM’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices, Vladimir has expanded the Architecture + Interiors business to a robust 70-member team who are involved in several of the region’s mega-projects. Notable contributions include the millionsquare-meter North Riyadh Mall and the over 400 on-street stores at the Diriyah Square Retail District, both in Saudi Arabia. He has also influenced high-profile regional projects like the Bacarat Hotel and Residences in Dubai. The team’s current focus is on hospitality, leisure, entertainment and residential projects and Vladimir is excited about the region’s upcoming visions in these sectors.

As a passionate advocate for sustainability and a hands-on designer, he recently completed an energy-efficient design for a manufacturing research project for New Emirati Housing, where the delivered prototype consumes 50% less energy than traditionally designed houses in the region.

Vladimir’s progression through various roles has profoundly influenced his holistic approach to design. His strengths in front-end design stages, combined with construction and development management knowledge, position him as a valuable member of AECOM’s Global Design Leadership, actively driving the development and implementation of datadriven integrated design approaches across regions and their portfolios.

Looking ahead, Vladimir strives for meaning in his design work, aiming to create environments that benefit humanity. He strongly believes that emerging AI possibilities will automate the design documentation production, enabling more active ‘design-thinking’ during the process to result in more meaningful designs for society’s benefit.

An example of the abstract, but memorable design of the UAE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING PROTOTYPE.

DOMOTEX MIDDLE EAST

23 – 25 APRIL 2024

Dubai ⋅ World Trade Centre

domotex.de

Back in Dubai

The Trade Fair for the Carpet & Flooring Industry in the Middle East

Studio Bruno Guelaff + BG Group 10

BRUNO GUÉLAFF

DESIGN DIRECTOR & PARTNER

Bruno Guelaff is a multidisciplinary award-winning architect who is at the design helm of the BG Group in Dubai, UAE. Born in New York City as a Frenchman; early educational years at Lycée Français de New York followed by a US bachelor's in sociology, Bruno still searched for his passion. After 4 years of studies at NYSID, his niche was revealed. The first recipient of the B.F. A. Travel Prize, this gave Bruno the opportunity to tour the globe stopping in 15 countries and over 22 cities, an experience that has greatly influenced his design flair. A head designer for some years at a prominent New York firm, his journey then led him back to Dubai in 2008, where he continued to develop his craft at

‘studio bruno guelaff’ within the ‘BG Group’. Bruno has been the design director of the award-winning boutique firm ‘studio bruno guelaff’ for the past 16 years. He has played a heavy role in all aspects of every project from architecture, to master planning, to interior design, to landscape, furniture design and branding. Being a doyen of multi-disciplines, Bruno ensures all design elements culminate into a complete fluid personalised project. With his sociology backbone, Bruno’s design philosophy has always been: “The spaces we have the honor of crafting influences the way people will live in those spaces. End of the day it is all about emotions; emotions when we design and emotions when individuals interact within physical spaces. We dictate through design how individuals interact with others and influences their day to day lives.”

Over the years, Bruno felt there was something missing in the equation of the typical project process from conception to realisation. Within the construction process, there was a lack of fluidity of work ownership which goes into play when a multitude of consultants are involved. The concept of master of all trades needed to be extended to the execution of a project and not only the conceptualization.

BG Group was created organically when Bruno Guélaff and Khalid Kaluti's professional paths crossed in Dubai some years ago. Both Bruno and Khalid quickly realized after being each other’s clients that combining their award-winning specialities could lead to something unique.

The mission was to create a transparent and honest Design + Build construction company that could offer not only the highest quality construction services for residential projects including pools and landscaping but also award-winning design services providing its clients an unparalleled experience as well as end product.

BG Group offers a true full turnkey service encompassing every aspect of a residential project from architecture, interior

BRUNO GUÉLAFF Design Director + Partner | studio bruno guelaff + BG Group

design, home automation, MEP, pools, landscaping, lighting, as well as the Luxury Italian kitchen brand Pedini. The award-winning team consists of designers, architects, engineers, site team leaders and craftsmen. For this very reason, the team at BG offers fluid communication and services allowing a project to be streamlined from the start date all the while controlling all aspects of quality and attention to detail.

Bruno speaks with passion about the process of design: “It is my privilege to be able to design a true home for each of our patrons, understand their cultural backgrounds, understand the way they interact with their family members, the way they interact with food, the way they interact with media and then translate that onto paper into a fluid personalized architectural layout representing the way they experience the world around them.”

With a multitude of luxury Design + Build projects in full construction

+ BG Group. Positioned along the esteemed Sheikh Zayed Road with a captivating view of the Palm Jumeirah, it sets a ‘New Standard’ for refined living. With its promise of unmatched views and an open-plan lifestyle, 'The 52' epitomises luxury within Dubai's everevolving skyline.

Crafted by BG Group’s award-winning Studio Bruno Guelaff, ‘The52’ boasts a striking all-white exterior echoing the bright interiors within, distinguishing itself amidst the bustling cityscape. Rooted in the concept of open-plan living and generously proportioned spaces akin to villas, complemented by expansive terraces, it reimagines contemporary urban living in Dubai. Its immersive resort-style amenities and serene design elements invite residents to indulge in a refined atmosphere of sophistication.

This project aims to establish a 'New Standard' of luxury living within Dubai's continuously evolving real estate scene, by elevating the experience of upscale villa living to the sky. With unparalleled views and cutting-edge modern finishes, it seeks to redefine the epitome of highend living in the city.

spread all around the Dubai area from Dubai Hills to Pearl Jumeirah the next big step in the BG adventure was branded boutique developments.

'The52' is a prominent architectural project from the team at Al Seeb Real Estate Development

Bruno looks ahead with eagerness and excitement to the future exclusive development projects that BG is spearheading as he and his partners continue their quest to break barriers and set new standards for Design + Build. .

THE52 - Interiors | Luxury living in the heart of Dubai by Al Seeb + BG Group

THE52 - architecture | Luxury living in the heart of Dubai by Al Seeb + BG Group

DIANE THORSEN

DESIGN DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL Gensler Middle East

Diane Thorsen, Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East is the global leader of Gensler's hospitality practice and is based in Dubai. Diane is passionate about innovative solutions in interior architecture and believes that excellent design starts with understanding a client's vision and culture to design from the inside out.

Her strong leadership skills coupled with her extensive experience spanning over 30 years have resulted in an awardwinning design studio. Most notably, her designs for international workplaces, hospitality, healthcare, and mixed-use developments exhibit attention to detail, a love of local art, and quality of craftsmanship. Her work is guided by a design approach focussed on human-centric design, creativity, collaboration, and a forwardthinking perspective with a structured, detailed process.

Diane is a key influencer in the Middle East, having been here since 2008 and is admired by clients, peers and her teams. She can frequently be found delivering keynotes at major industry events and mentoring sessions at universities. She is also the leader for Gensler’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives, supporting the firm’s mission to shape and lead DE&I in the Middle East. She is committed to guiding and developing young talent, resulting in her being on the advisory board at Heriot-Watt University and The American University Dubai as well as multiple other youth-related programs.

Diane is a graduate of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture from the University of Johannesburg South Africa, as well as a LEED Accredited Professional, a WELL Building Accredited Professional, and a Registered Interior Designer within the IIDA.

12 SUMAYA DABBAGH

PRINCIPAL Dabbagh Architects

Sumaya Dabbagh is a Saudi architect educated in the United Kingdom. She established Dabbagh Architects in 2008. Sumaya has accomplished several notable projects since beginning her practice, demonstrating her interest in the notions of memory, identity, and belonging.

The multi-award-winning projects such as Mleiha Archaeological Centre building as well Gargash Mosque have been globally recognised as a significant example of a new emerging approach to Architecture in the UAE. The Al Ain Museum, currently under construction is another example of their renowned portfolio of sensitive, contextual designs.

Sumaya is passionate about raising awareness in the region about the importance of socially and environmentally friendly, relevant design. She is an advocate for cultivating a design environment that is anchored in the land, one that reflects the region's heritage through a contemporary architectural language.

To Sumaya, contextual architecture is driven by homegrown talent, using local materials to become connected to the place. This definition has been demonstrated throughout the practices body of work, and more recently amplified in her recent installation “Earth To Earth”, presented as part of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial second edition opened from Nov 23 -March 24.

Sumaya has also made it her mission to break stereotypes and limit beliefs about women in the architecture profession. She has become a role model for many aspiring architects by showcasing what women can do and how powerfully they can impact change.

AMMAR ALASSAM

CEO

Dewan Architects + Engineers

Under the leadership of Ammar Alassam, CEO, Dewan Architects + Engineers is poised to embark on its 40th-anniversary celebration this year, symbolising four decades of excellence and innovation in the architecture and engineering industry. The firm, rooted in a legacy initiated by Mohammed Alassam, who started Dewan Architects + Engineers and now serves as Chairman, is dedicated to leveraging its extensive experience, financial acumen, and ambitious vision to navigate the next phase of its growth successfully.

Dewan's principal goal remains worldwide expansion, with a strategic emphasis on growing its operations in new regions and sectors.

Key markets include the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where recent office additions in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah demonstrate the company's dedication to regional expansion.

Internationally, Dewan is prioritising expansion in Southeast Asia, with a presence established in Vietnam and plans for further growth

into Cambodia and Thailand.

The company is also making significant strides in Africa, particularly in Egypt, where it operates as a hybrid, combining international expertise with a local presence, and explores collaborations with local firms to broaden its service offerings.

In the realm of design and technology, Dewan has been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging Autodesk's solutions, including advanced tools like Autodesk Revit, adhering to BIM standards, and incorporating cloud-based solutions. The firm is exploring cuttingedge technologies such as Generative Design, AI analytics, and Digital Twins, further enhancing its capabilities.

The recent incorporation of Deltek into its operations signifies a commitment to operational efficiency through sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

Dewan strategically expands its business by adding new verticals to meet increased demand, with notable projects showcasing versatility in landscaping, structural engineering, and master planning. Sustainable and green initiatives are integral

to Dewan's design process, incorporating passive design strategies, optimal building orientation, and highperformance materials for energy-efficient systems. The company emphasizes clientcentric excellence, viewing each project as a 'social contract' and consistently delivering projects with a noncompromising commitment to quality.

Investment in talent development is a key component of Dewan's strategy, with thorough training programmes, initiatives such as Dewan Young Leaders (DYL), and support for external training fostering creativity and collaboration. The company envisions continued growth in size, geographical footprint, and recognition as an international architect.

Community engagement and corporate social responsibility are fundamental to Dewan's ethos, demonstrated through outreach activities, collaborative awards like the Dewan Award for Architecture, and strong ties with universities for internships and educational support.

Experience elevated living at OCEANO by THE LUXE DEVELOPERS X DEWAN on AL MARJAN ISLAND, where timeless sophistication meets groundbreaking design. Oceano is more than a residence; it's an architectural masterpiece, defying convention and inviting residents to embrace an unparalleled lifestyle.

OBMI Design Director Islam El Mashtooly is an architect, urbanist, and educator who believes in a human-centred design philosophy. He is committed to architecture that supports and strengthens communities, emphasising harmony within context while taking into account the MENA region's climate, culture, and traditions. His work embodies a sense of the architecture vocabulary that fuses urbanism and design. He delves deeply into the pressing issues confronting our communities, investigating how architecture and urbanism can foster a wider sense of hope. This philosophy is evident in his early projects, such as "Shelter on the Edge: From Camps to Cities," which addresses refugee issues and reimagines marginalized landscapes as habitable spaces. Additionally, Islam has transformed damaged buildings into community design centres in Baghdad, showcasing his commitment to revitalizing urban environments. His work embodies a contemporary regionalism that reflects a profound understanding of regional identity.

In 2015, Islam was awarded the Middle East Young Architect of the Year and the Outstanding Individual in the Middle East

AL HAMRA PALACE BOUTIQUE GROUP; design by OBMI.

Consultant Awards. Twelve months on, his project Uptown Makkah won the Residential Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin. The year was rounded off for Mashtooly with an AIA ME Honorable Award for his Egyptian Science City project. Islam's contribution to urban design has been acknowledged regionally and internationally throughout his career. In 2018, Islam curated the Egyptian National Pavilion at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale. His curatorial statement was the role of “FREE SPACE” within the dense morphological and social fabric of the city. In his vision as a curator was: that the challenge for sustainable livability of contemporary metropolises is first played through the analysis and then through the design of the “free space” as an “ultrapublic” dimension.

Free space is the place of individual functions that are expressed collectively become

public. Free space is, thus, the summation of multiple contributions, which, expressed in the space/time dimension, represent a fundamental part of the urban locus. In the contemporary city of the thousand prohibitions and private spaces, strenuously defended and impenetrable, “free space” is a rare and precious resource and frequently coincides with unplanned space. It is, in fact, potentially, the place of the unexpected and the original creativity. However, it cannot be a fully anarchic space, thus, lawlessness or “with no governance”. Chaos left to itself is not a carrier of quality. By borrowing metabolic concepts, “free space “must be equipped with infrastructures capable of governing its existence and addressing its implementation and development. In this sense, the definition and design of a “free space” would seem contradictory because it would

building materials and biomass that can then be processed as biodiesel. The Probiotic Tower won Future Project of the Year at the 2023 World Architecture Festival hosted in Singapore. In the Fall Semester of 2023, Islam was invited to be a guest lecturer at the University of Miami, speaking on "Context as a Catalyst" to the university's School of Architecture students.

He actively participates in events and competitions that promote both architecture & design regionally and globally. His contribution in this arena has earned good publicity which has helped promote a positive image of the design sector in the UAE and him personally.

frustrate the celebration of a space without constraints and directives, but it is not so. The infrastructure (flexible, adaptive, and changing) frees and enhances the potentiality of the “free space”, thus allowing its maximum functional and symbolic fruity. then he continued by repurposing one of Cairo's exciting water towers as a therapeutic Urban System for climate change reversal. The building is expanded by establishing a bamboo plantation on-site and creating a Bamboo Cross Laminated Timber Production facility that grows modular components to build a supportive scaffold around the tower.

In doing so we create the space for a range of uses to serve the neighborhood. This includes Reed beds for treating wastewater from the neighbourhood and sequestering further carbon in its biomass. That biomass is then harvested as further

In his current role at OBMI, Islam puts this philosophy into action as he and his team design storied destinations all over the globe. He is ambitious to dive into innovative concepts that push the boundaries of design with ideas organically evolving from the natural world.

Islam El Mashtooly, enthusiastically shares: “OBMI is a global master planning, architecture, and design firm based in Miami, Florida, with offices in 10 countries. Our team comprises talented designers who are focused on translating our clients' dreams into three-dimensional forms that are authentic, unique, and incomparably marketable. We approach each project with authenticity, considering what is unique to destinations, communities, and environments and translating it to extraordinary design that captures and celebrates a sense of place. We are proud to collaborate with visionary developers and hospitality brands such as Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Boutique Group, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels, Banyan Tree, and Montage Residences; to name a few.”

THE PROBIOTIC TOWER; design by Islam ElMashtooly.

15 JOHN GILLEN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Aedas

With over 33 years of experience as an accomplished architect, John has established himself as a leading professional in the field. Since 2009, John has honed his skills and knowledge by working in the dynamic and challenging Middle Eastern market, gaining valuable insights and experience on a diverse portfolio of projects.

Throughout his career, John has showed excellent ability to produce projects in a variety of industries, including residential and hospitality, retail, commercial, education, and master planning.

As an experienced Executive Director with over 33 years of experience in the architecture sector, John has been instrumental in the organisation's growth and success. With a solid architectural education and a passion for the industry, John has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.

Throughout their career, John has worked closely with clients, architects, and contractors to bring innovative designs to life, and has been instrumental in delivering high-quality projects

that meet and exceed clients' expectations. John's extensive knowledge of the industry and their ability to effectively manage complex projects make them a valuable asset to the firm, and their dedication to mentoring and developing the next generation of architects is a testament to their commitment to the profession.

John has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results in complex and challenging projects. John has the technical expertise to develop innovative solutions and ensure project quality. John has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence, inspiring teams of architects, to effectively manage technical aspects of projects, from concept to completion, he has earned them a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget.

Johns' commitment to staying current on industry developments and innovations has also contributed to the firm's ongoing success and growth. John's expertise in hospitality, master planning, and residential projects has earned him multiple awards, including Best Future Project for Trojena Ski Design - Middle East Awards 2022, Project of the Future for Trojena Ski Village - Identity Design Awards 2022, and Commercial Project of the Year for ENOC Future Station at Dubai Expo - Identity Design Awards 2022..

Heritage meets ultra-luxury design in The RED PALACE BOUTIQUE HOTEL a majestic resort in Riyadh by Aedas.

16

TIM GOODALL

MANAGING DIRECTOR, KSA

DSA Architects International

Tim Goodall leads DSA International KSA and has over three decades of construction industry experience within North Africa and the Middle East. He has been instrumental in the business’s expansion and has led the company formation of the new office in Riyadh, which is running with a full professional engineering licence.

Having been part of the company for over 20 years, he has played a key role within DSA, which has grown exponentially in scale, scope, and diversity, currently boasting a portfolio of over 500 projects in more than 30 countries.

The firm has been established in the Middle East region since 2001, specialising in hospitality, residential, commercial, retail, education, and mixed-use developments. They currently operate across strategic locations globally, with their offices in

Dubai, Riyadh, Johannesburg, Lisbon, Belgrade, Kochi, and Hyderabad.

“As a business, our commitment to maintaining and enhancing our reputation as a professional, flexible, trusted, and delivery-focused 'partner of choice' is unwavering. We take pride in the close and repeat working relationships we have cultivated with our clients, major hotel operators and consultant partners. Our dedication to excellence drives us to continuously improve our services and exceed expectations”, says Tim.

Tim is responsible for expanding the business in KSA, building partnerships, and delivering some of the region’s significant projects. To date, the firm has won an impressive list of high-end projects with leading developers in Saudi Arabia, including Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, Red Sea Global / Amaala, NEOM and several others.

Experienced with a vast array of project types, Tim has been part of the delivery of some of DSA’s awardwinning projects including Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach, Old Town Residential, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa, and Sanctuary Falls, Jumeirah Golf Estates, to name a few.

Tim shares, “The future of the construction industry in the Middle East is extremely exciting, most especially in KSA as it moves towards new developments and repositions as a global hub. Our office expansion in Riyadh is part of our long-term vision aligned with Saudi Arabia’s plans for transformation and identity redefinition.

LIFE SQUARE, Al Khobar, KSA

Magdalena Strag emerges as a trailblazer in the dynamic world of interior design, opening new paths of innovation and originality. Her journey from the Academy of Art in Szczecin to her present leadership position as Senior Associate- Head of Interior Design at SIE Consultants exemplifies devotion, ability, and a never-ending pursuit of perfection.

Strag prioritised learning during her freelancing period, designing spaces in a four-star hotel in Swinoujscie, Poland. This period of research paved the way for her future success, allowing her to gather crucial

MAGDALENA STRAG

SENIOR ASSOCIATE- HEAD OF INTERIOR DESIGN SIE Consultants

insights and hone her talents.

However, it was her tenure at Mode:lina, a boutique Interior Design company, that proved to be a transformative learning experience. Here, amidst visionary architects with distinguished styles, Strag honed her craft and absorbed a wealth of knowledge. Working on projects that received international praise, she developed a particular design ethos that seamlessly combines innovation with cultural resonance.

Magdalena embarked on her journey at SIE Consultants in 2019, as a Senior Interior Designer. Swiftly, her trajectory propelled her to the positions of Senior Associate and Head of the Interior Department. This progression underscores her remarkable abilities and steadfast commitment to the field. Leading a team of approximately 40 individuals across multiple countries, she fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation. Her portfolio boasts an array of projects, from sprawling mixed-use developments to intricately designed hotels and residential complexes. Notably, her designs infuse contemporary flair while preserving the essence of Middle Eastern traditions. One of her intriguing projects is the Palm Jebel Ali luxury villas in Dubai. This project provides a residential neighbourhood within the Palm Jebel Ali master plan, with a variety of housing options. SIE Consultants was the lead consultant firm for numerous villa types, as well as well oversaw the Fronds master plan public realm design.

She also worked on the Ghaf Woods Residential Development in Dubai. The emphasis was on creating a magnificent residential community in Dubai that combined structures with beautiful woodlands to give a peaceful living environment.

Other notable projects include the Meydan Residences in Dubai, where she worked her magic once more to create a sustainable residential community that combines urban elegance with natural beauty.

In Abu Dhabi, she led the design of a wellness oasis within the Al Jurf

complex, elegantly incorporating premium amenities into the master plan.

She has spearheaded design efforts for the largest Integrated Logistics Park in the Middle East, powered by renewable energy, at Maersk Logistics Park in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In 2021, Magdalena won the Index Award for Residential Project of the Year. She has also been shortlisted twice in 2020, and 2021, among the top 10 in the Design Middle East award Best Interior Designer. Beyond her professional achievements, Strag serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers, embodying the ethos of perseverance and dedication. Her journey epitomises the transformative power of talent, dedication, and unwavering vision.

In response to evolving industry standards, Magdalena shares: “We have introduced specialised teams for project management and Building Information Modeling (BIM), positioning ourselves to enhance efficiency and meet the dynamic demands of the industry. SIEC has been acting as lead consultant on the majority of our projects covering the full spectrum of core disciplines under one company which has led to repeat business from our clients. With strategic offices established in Bosnia and Egypt, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alongside our ongoing expansion endeavours, our trajectory is marked by substantial growth and an unwavering dedication to excellence.”

In an industry propelled by innovation and creativity, Magdalena emerges as a luminary—a visionary interior designer

reshaping the world, one design at a time. By harnessing the latest software and tools, she showcases the ability to craft captivating designs while spearheading an efficient interior design department. Her journey serves as a testament to the limitless potential for those who dare to dream, highlighting the transformative impact of passion and expertise.

Magdalena describes the company's objectives for the future: "The future plans involve diversifying services, integrating BIM and AI technology, enhancing research and development, prioritising sustainability, and strengthening market presence through targeted marketing and strategic alliances for global expansion."

Studio International Engineering Consultants (SIEC), founded in November 2014, with a team of six individuals, has emerged as a premier multidisciplinary architecture, and engineering firm. Over the years, the firm’s success has led to the establishment of new divisions, including, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), interior design, infrastructure, and landscape design, complementing the existing expertise.

Currently, SIEC’s workforce of 400 professionals operates across multiple countries, embodying a commitment to excellence in every endeavor. Throughout our journey, we have embraced challenges as opportunities, securing contracts with esteemed clients such as Nakheel, Emaar, Dubai Properties, Discovery Land Group, Diriyah Gate Development Authority and Red Sea Global to name a few. These partnerships have enabled them to undertake significant projects that underscore our diverse portfolio and extensive capabilities.

GREEN HOUSE HOTEL, Germany

VOSTA HOTEL lobby, Poland

HENRIQUE DIAS

PRINCIPALMIDDLE EAST HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR DLR Group

Principal Henrique Dias is the Middle East Hospitality Director at DLR Group with over 19 years of experience in global and regional design.

His distinctive talent is transforming conceptual ideas into extraordinary architectural realities. He revels in overcoming design challenges and persistently seeks innovative solutions that stretch the limits of creativity and functionality. His design philosophy revolves around key principles including durability, utility, beauty, empathy, iteration, growth, and context.

Drawing inspiration from minimalist and modernist designs and surrealism, Dias finds creative sparks in everyday objects like cars, pens, and watches. This diverse range of influences enriches his innovative and visually striking design approach.

Dias has spearheaded notable projects in the Middle East, such as The Canopy by Hilton and Hilton Serviced Apartments in Abha, KSA, Buruj Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, and the Madinah Gate Double Tree Hilton in KSA, among other hospitality ventures. These endeavours have established him as a distinguished professional and highlighted his ability to deliver award-winning designs that surpass client expectations.

Recognised as a thought leader in hospitality design, Henrique provides an unparalleled experience for clients and his team. His commitment to excellence and strong understanding of the industry has earned him a reputation for consistently achieving outstanding designs.

SCOTT PRYDE

PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL- MIDDLE EAST MIXED-USE DIRECTOR DLR Group

Principal Scott Pryde, Middle East Mixed-Use Director at DLR Group, is renowned for his expertise in overseeing diverse retail, mixed-use, residential, and hospitality projects.

His wealth of experience and distinctive and proven project approach set Scott apart. Armed with a blend of creativity and pragmatism, he brings a unique perspective to each project. Scott's leadership style is characterized by a rare combination of vision and execution, ensuring that his teams are inspired and equipped to successfully navigate the complexities of large-scale projects.

Having dedicated over 14 years to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Scott has been at the forefront of notable projects in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. His influence extends globally, with significant contributions in Europe and Asia, where he has cultivated a diverse portfolio.

One of Pryde's standout achievements is The Point in Abha, KSA, a groundbreaking mixed-use destination. This transformative project is set to establish new benchmarks in retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality while encapsulating the rich essence and history of Asir. Currently, in the construction phase, The Point is poised to be completed by the summer of 2026, a testament to Scott's visionary leadership and dedication to realizing extraordinary projects that impact the communities they serve.

Scott’s journey as a design leader is a narrative of innovation, adaptability, successful collaboration in design, and the relationships he fosters with clients to bring visionary projects to life.

20 TIM MARTIN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Gensler Middle East

Tim Martin is the Managing Director of Gensler Middle East. With more than 20 years of experience across multi-disciplinary practices around the world, he is a designer, mentor, and industry leader. Under his guidance, Gensler Middle East has not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of design innovation, sustainability, and growth. His strategic vision has propelled Gensler to the forefront of the Middle Eastern architecture scene, setting new industry standards.

Tim does not believe in a ‘factory’ of design but rather in collaborating, providing winning solutions, and helping his clients achieve synergy between culture and brand with the ultimate aim of augmenting overall business success. He engages with his clients to understand their needs and his unique set of skills enables him to develop, lead, and drive a client’s strategic business goals through the power of integrated design.

His leadership style fosters collaboration and empowers his team to excel. He recognizes that the success of Gensler Middle East is a collective effort, and he actively encourages diverse perspectives and insights. This collaborative spirit not only enriches projects but also strengthens the bonds between Gensler Middle East and the communities it serves.

Tim has also been the driver behind Gensler's commitment to sustainability; a reflection

As Managing Partner and Design Director, Marc Roca Bravo brings close to 15 years of rich global industry experience to XBD Collective. In 2021, he established the firm's commercial studio, and was tasked with leading architectural and interior design services for the hospitality, commercial, and multiresidential sectors.

At the heart of Marc professional ethos lies the commitment to infusing designs with creativity and a fresh perspective on local geography and culture. He

of Tim’s deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Middle East. His dedication to integrating sustainability into every facet of Gensler Middle East's projects has not only resulted in awardwinning, environmentally responsible designs but has also set a precedent for the entire industry.

prioritises functionality intertwined with elegance, crafting spaces that not only captivate the senses but also serve as harmonious reflections of their surroundings. His hands-on approach has been pivotal in forging robust relationships with clients, project teams, and industry peers, all while building an impressive projects portfolio.

Among Marc's notable achievements are the ‘St. Regis Residences, Financial Centre Road,’ the ‘Metropolitan Towers’ in Lagos, Nigeria, and the recent launch of ‘Rixos Financial Centre Road Dubai Residences’ in Downtown Dubai—all testaments to his diverse design capabilities and his ability to lead his team to greater heights.

He believes that architects and master planners now have a unique opportunity to redefine the rules for urban landscapes in the Middle East, working collaboratively with local municipalities, governments, and commercial developers on design visions that emphasise placing communities and environmental sustainability at the forefront, ushering in an era that prioritises the well-being of citizens and visitors.

In Marc, XBD Collective has found a skilled leader who is dedicated to crafting innovative and sustainable architectural solutions that seamlessly integrate with the existing urban fabric, making him a driving force in the industry.

22 FRANCESCO ANZOLIN

CO-FOUNDER Whitespace Architects

The MINA RASHID DEVELOPMENT offers the residents of Dubai a premium residential neighbourhood with direct access to the marina and waterfront. The area aims to serve as a connective tissue of the community and the waterfront. It is linked together through a continuous welcoming and vibrant public realm seamlessly flowing through promenades, open spaces streets and residential areas.

Francesco Anzolin, Co-Founder of Whitespace Architects and the distinguished recipient of the Architect of the Year 2022 by Design Middle East Awards, embodies a legacy of architectural excellence spanning over three decades. Born in Italy, Francesco's innate passion for architecture traces back to his formative years, culminating in a journey of discovery and innovation.

Graduating from the University of Naples, Francesco's early experiences in Rome were rooted in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage. However, his insatiable desire to create new architectural marvels propelled him to embark on a transformative journey. In 2001, he began working with Massimiliano Fuksas in Rome, contributing to significant projects including the new design centre for Ferrari in Maranello and the Nardini laboratory (Bolle Nardini) in Bassano del Grappa. In 2010, Francesco partnered with Yasser to establish Whitespace

Architecture, driven by a shared vision to bridge Western European and Arabic cultures through luxury architectural innovation. With visionary zeal, Francesco advocates for architecture as a dynamic fusion of form and function, poised to address contemporary challenges and redefine modern luxury living.

Whitespace Architects, under Francesco's stewardship, has emerged as a trailblazer in the luxury architectural landscape, pioneering new paradigms of opulent design and sustainability. Guided by the philosophy of "Rethinking Tradition for a Contemporary Lifestyle," Whitespace Architects is committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury architecture, creating spaces that inspire and endure. Francesco's leadership at Whitespace Architects is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to delivering luxury projects that leave a lasting impression. With a diverse portfolio of opulent projects spanning the globe, Francesco and his team continue to shape the future of luxury architecture, one innovative design at a time.

YASSER ABUELNASR 23

CO-FOUNDER Whitespace Architects

Yasser Abuelnasr, Co-founder of Whitespace Architects and the esteemed recipient of the Architect of the Year 2022 by Design Middle East Awards, epitomizes contemporary leadership in architecture. With over two decades of international experience, Yasser's visionary outlook reshapes our perception of space and its profound impact on our lives.

Believing that buildings are more than just physical forms, Yasser emphasises the intrinsic value of urban configurations and their harmonious integration within cities. His journey from Alexandria, where he delved into cultural research projects supervised by the World Bank, to Dubai in 2004, marked a

significant turning point in his career, exposing him to the dynamic landscape of the Middle East and Gulf area. Additionally, Whitespace Architects expanded its reach to Europe through Netherlands and established a thriving presence in Egypt and Saudi.

Yasser's extensive experience in the Middle East, Gulf area and Europe, coupled with his tenure in the USA, has garnered him widespread acclaim and recognition. In 2010, fuelled by a fervent passion for design and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Yasser cofounded Whitespace Architects alongside Francesco. This endeavour, marked by numerous trials and triumphs, reflects Yasser's unwavering commitment to crafting luxury spaces that resonate with people's experiences.

Whitespace Architects, under Yasser's leadership, stands as a beacon of architectural innovation and excellence in luxury design. Rooted in the belief that architecture shapes our lives, Whitespace Architects is renowned for its holistic approach to luxury design, seamlessly blending functionality, opulence, and cultural sensitivity. Yasser's visionary leadership has propelled Whitespace Architects to the forefront of the luxury architecture industry, with a diverse portfolio of prestigious projects spanning residential, commercial, cultural, and urban development sectors.

CFC – THE GATE It’s a state of-the-art commercial mixed-use development that integrates seamlessly and complements the rest of CFC development; attractive, flexible office spaces, combined with dynamic retail/F&B at the ground floor level, and complemented with lush landscapes that maximize the value-for-money for tenants.

Hazem Al-Zaro is an enthusiastic architect who serves as the founder and chief designer of Zaro Architects. Born in Cairo, Egypt, to an Egyptian mother and a Palestinian father, Hazem grew up in a multi-faceted family with artistic, political, and business roots that affected his career path tremendously. His architectural journey is firmly rooted in a global-minded mindset, vision, and ambition, which has shaped him into the accomplished architect and business leader he is today.

Hazem pursued his interest and began studying architectural engineering. Mentored by

HAZEM AL-ZARO

FOUNDER

Zaro Architects

significant personalities both regionally and internationally, Hazem considers himself fortunate to have been exposed to a plethora of ideologies, shaping his approach to architecture and design. This phase enriched him with a wealth of experience across civic, governmental, cultural, and residential projects spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.

In 2010, Hazem took the bold step of establishing Zaro Architects, now a vibrant community of approximately 20 globally diverse employees. This dynamic group fosters cultural exchange as a cornerstone of design, making remarkable strides in progress. Zaro Architects has evolved into a haven for passionate designers who operate like a close-knit family, continuously delivering bespoke design solutions, ranging from urban planning and interior design to conservation and restoration. The firm boasts a robust client base both regionally and internationally.

The year 2015, marked a significant milestone, as Zaro Architects expanded its footprint to Dubai, situating itself within the creative nexus of designers at Dubai Design District. In 2017, an additional office

Blending Tradition with Innovation: ZARO ARCHITECT’S submission for Dubai's pioneering 3D-printed mosque defining sacred space as a vibrant community hub, integrating worship, education, and cultural exchange in a modern urban setting. DESIGN

was established in El Gouna, extending the firm's influence to the Red Sea Area. Fueled by dedication, resilience, and ambition, Zaro Architects continues its trajectory of expansion and boundarypushing through reaching out for talent globally.

Hazem's distinguishing trait within the architectural realm lies in his fearless approach to vacant spaces and his adeptness at surmounting challenges through innovative spatial solutions that harmonize with context, community, and environment. His work exudes an idealistic avant-garde flair while incorporating humanistic elements, rendering it both practical and universally accessible. Each project undertaken by Hazem seeks a harmonious balance between art, architecture, nature, and urbanism. Themes of community development, social engagement, knowledge dissemination, and ecology take center stage in his projects, exemplifying his and his team's commitment.

Amidst the whirlwind of technological advancements and uncertainties surrounding AI, metaverse platforms, and the digital revolution, Zaro Architects remains grounded in a belief in the enduring significance of human-centric design. They advocate for integrating traditional wisdom with cutting-edge innovations, ensuring that the human experience remains at the forefront of all endeavors.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Zaro Architects is partnering closely with NCR ATLEOS, a leading digital company, on pioneering projects aimed at revolutionizing the government service sector. Emphasising the importance of humanising the digital experience, him and his team are dedicated to crafting spaces that resonate with users on a deeply personal level.

With each project, Hazem Al Zaro and Zaro Architects strive to leave a lasting mark on the world of design, fostering spaces that inspire, uplift, and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. In their unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design, they continue to shape the landscape of architecture for generations to come.

Combining modern sophistication with ancient Arabic influences, this MULTIFAMILY RESIDENCE boasts an Islamic-inspired design that fosters a lively courtyard environment, promoting outdoor living for all residents.

25

PHILIP GILLARD

MANAGING DIRECTOR Arquitectonica

From growing up on a humble council estate to shaping iconic skylines across the Middle East, Philip’s journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.

Having worked in the region since 2001, Philip has devoted over 20 years to building the local landscape from the ground up, creating modern masterpieces that have put the region on the map.

Philip now leads Arquitectonica's newly-opened Dubai office, delivering its hallmark modernity to significant projects around the Middle East.

Recent works include Mr. C Residences Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most sought-after addresses, and the brainchild of brothers Ignazio & Maggio Cipriani. This ultra-luxe branded residential complex exemplifies Arquitectonica’s vision through cutting-edge architecture that considers every finite detail.

Upcoming projects in Dubai include the 71-storey Aire Tower, set to become a destination landmark on Sheikh Zayed Road thanks to its breathtaking façade and dynamic design.

With Philip at the helm, Arquitectonica applies its signature style to designs in Abu Dhabi, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Riyadh, and Jeddah, where the team is developing four towers encompassing branded residential, commercial, and hospitality, ushering in a new era of luxury lifestyle in Saudi Arabia.

As more prominent projects are set for 2024, Philip continues to expand his team with some of the region’s most exceptional young talent. “The more enjoyment people have in the office, the better the work becomes,” he emphasises, a testament to his leadership approach, and commitment to cultivating a thriving, positive workplace.

26

PRODIPTO GHOSH

DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE Mirage

Prodipto Ghosh is known for his passion for cuttingedge designs that push the boundaries of practical architecture while remaining utilitarian. He specialises in creating sophisticated mixed-use buildings that incorporate a variety of architectural typologies. During his three decades of leadership in significant multinational design firms in the Far East, South Asia, and the Middle East, he has successfully delivered awardwinning projects and developments.

In 2022, Prodipto joined Mirage to establish the Architecture Studio, where he now leads a

talented design team responsible for conceiving and delivering a diverse array of projects in the region. The Mirage design team has achieved extraordinary success in a relatively short period of time, with projects totaling over 1.25 million square metres either under construction or scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2024.

Notable projects currently under design or construction include the 65-floor St Regis Residences near the Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai, the beachfront Address Hotel and branded residences on Al Marjan Island offering resort living in RAK, the park-facing Elvira residential buildings in Dubai Hills, and the 50-floor Creek Waters twin towers on the waterfront in Dubai Creek Harbour, among others in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Mirage Architecture is a harmonic combination of creativity, experience, and innovation. It is a group of motivated creative experts who share a passion for design excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of architecture. Collaboration is key to the practice's success, since it brings together a varied spectrum of global viewpoints to

develop concepts that push traditional boundaries.

At its core, Mirage possesses the unique ability to conceptualise, articulate, and bring to fruition exceptional designs within the dynamic and competitive realm of architecture. The studio takes pride in its capability to guide projects through every design stage, consistently delivering cohesive and sophisticated designs that exceed client expectations.

Guided by a commitment to sustainable development, Mirage's team crafts projects that go beyond aesthetics, adding tangible value to endusers, clients, and society at large. The studio's dedication to leading projects through all design stages, from inception to realisation on-site, ensures that their creations consistently surpass client expectations.

The design studio thrives on collaboration, fostering an environment where all stakeholders have the opportunity to express their creative visions. They believe that the best designs emerge from a collective effort, resulting in architectural marvels that stand as a testament to their commitment to excellence.

The CREEK WATERS TOWERS on Dubai Creek Harbour Island bring a unique perspective to the waterfront.

AAhmed Sharabassy, an award-winning architect known for his innovative designs and commitment to sustainability, is a key player in the worldwide architectural environment.

Hailing from Egypt, Ahmed's journey in architecture began with a remarkable feat - winning his first design award at the tender age of 19 for his visionary concept of "experience capsules" on a pedestrian bridge. This early recognition solidified his belief in transcending conventional norms and sparked his unwavering pursuit of architectural excellence.

Armed with a Master's Degree in Architecture, Ahmed serves as the CEO and Founder of Sharabassy Built Environment Studio is headquartered in Cairo and Dubai.

Under his leadership, the studio has crafted over 400 designs across 12 countries, showcasing Ahmed's versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.

Ahmed's accolades extend beyond his design prowess. Notably, he was shortlisted for the Design Middle East Awards 2023, a testament to his impact and influence in the industry.

Furthermore, he has been invited to speak at prestigious local and international design and education forums and events, including Dubai Design Week, Saudi Design Week, Cityscape, and IPSEF (the International and Private Schools Education Forum), where he shares his insights and expertise with fellow professionals and aspiring architects alike.

AHMED SHARABASSY

DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE Sharabassy BE Studio

One of Ahmed's most recent achievements is his nomination for the Abwab 2021 commission in the UAE. His winning proposal, inspired by the transformative journey of Dubai from desert landscape to global metropolis, exemplifies his commitment to regenerative architecture and restorative design. Through the thoughtful integration of sustainable and recyclable materials, Ahmed seeks to foster a harmonious relationship between nature and urban development, setting a new standard for architectural sustainability.

Ahmed's portfolio boasts an array of notable projects, including the Four Seasons Nile Plaza and Four Seasons Madinaty, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse design challenges. Currently, he is actively engaged in projects across Saudi Arabia, such as Neom, KAFD, and King Salman Park, further solidifying his reputation as a leading architect in the region.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ahmed is deeply passionate about nurturing the next generation of architects. He actively engages in co-design and collaborative projects with children, recognising their innate creativity and potential to shape the future of design.

As Ahmed continues to leave an indelible mark on the architectural world, his innovative spirit, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to architects and designers worldwide.

‘NATURE IN MOTION’ was an analogy of the Dubai Desert and its evolution towards a leading city in constant progress and development, becoming a global inspiration.

DILARA AJUN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ATI Consultants, Architects and Engineers

Dilara Ajun is the Creative Director of ATI Consultants, Architects, and Engineers and the winner of the Young Talent of the Year Award at the Architecture Leader Awards 2021. Her goal is to create one-of-a-kind "out-of-the-box" designs and solutions that complement their users and identities. Her distinct style and desire for design quality have helped ATI become a favoured partner for many prominent projects and clients, earning her several prestigious design awards.

Born in Turkey in 1988, Dilara earned her bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, in 2011. She worked in leading development and architecture companies while pursuing her master's degree in real estate development from 2011 to 2013. She furthered her studies with a diploma

in Interior Design from the University of London in 2015. Throughout her career, she has created award-winning master plans, architecture, and interior design projects. Her upbeat "nothing is impossible" attitude pervades the entire office.

Dilara is currently actively pursuing the design of several projects worldwide and in the UAE, including master-planned communities, high-rise residential towers in Dubai, a mixed-use harbour and marina project in Europe, K-12 schools and university campuses in Bahrain, Istanbul, Dammam, and around the UAE, and an upcoming iconic residential high-rise tower in JVC.

Dilara mentors young designers and acts as a role model for female designers. She is also a big supporter of sustainable design and is dedicated to producing environmentally friendly buildings.

Dilara is also a 'Dubai Municipality Accredited Unlimited Licensed Architect’.

Upcoming residential high-rise tower in SPORTS CITY.

DEVAGANGA H.M.

PROJECTS DIRECTOR OBMI

Devaganga brings a wealth of experience managing and directing large-scale projects across the Middle East and Asia. With over 20 years of expertise, she has an impressive portfolio highlighting international projects across multiple disciplines such as hospitality, retail, multi-residential, and educational sectors. Her keen understanding of strategy is often requested even before projects begin to help facilitate growth for OBMI during pursuit stages as the firm translates clients' design and business goals in response to complex proposals and giga projects.

Devaganga's background as a technically oriented architect highlights her appreciation for detailed design and procedural management, providing her with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, sometimes of nearly 100 persons, and built developments valuing over four billion AED. She is also a Member of the Council of Architects, India.

Devaganga's ability to realise clients' visions stems from her highly developed interdisciplinary skills, punctual execution, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proven success navigating teams to seek high-quality solutions when complex challenges arise.

Recently, Devaganga has used her expertise to guide the team to success on several exciting projects contributing to the Saudi 2023 Vision, such as the restoration of Al Hamra Palace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Boutique Group, giga-Projects under the Public Investment Fund such as Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and leisure development and urban planning for Nakheel Properties.

CHRISTINE ESPINOSAERLANDA

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Godwin Austen Johnson

Christine Espinosa-Erlanda leads by example and is responsible for providing design solutions from concept and schematic up to the detailed design stage. She develops project proposals and design guidelines, assists in client presentations, leads, runs and supervises activities of the project team and ensures successful delivery and management of projects.

She is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, IAPOA (Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects), United Architects of the Philippines, Women in Architecture Group and Urban Sketchers Dubai. She recently completed her Masters in Business for Architecture and Design with the IE University, Spain and acts as an advisor for the Heriot-Watt University Architecture Industry and is the Middle East Adviser for Citiscape Women in Real Estate. She has also served on the jury for the Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

In 2019, Christine was selected to represent the Philippines and was featured in a new book entitled ‘100 Women Artists Around the World’. She was also one of the Top 10 Finalists for the World Art Dubai 2020 Emerging Visual Artist Prize during the World Art Dubai 2020 Exhibition. A sought-after speaker Christine has given several talks including Cityscape Global 2023 –KSA and Modernscapes MENA 2023, The Filipino Times Watchlist Top Engineers and Architects Summit 2024, and other events.

GOLD SPONSORS

2024 AWARDS KSA

An Evening of Honours

The biggest celebration honoured the industry's best firms, projects, and game changers.

It was a wonderful evening in Saudi Arabia, and the winners were celebrated with all the splendour and excitement. The Design Middle East Awards KSA 2024 Awards were hosted on March 4, 2024, at Voco Riyadh, and recognised the greatest architects, designers, young talent, projects, and companies in Saudi Arabia.

The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s priorities are shaping trends in architecture and design in the Kingdom. This country is undergoing a massive shift, changing not only its skyline but also reinventing its

identity on a worldwide scale. The kingdom is embarking on new projects, with the goal of revitalising culture and diversifying the economy, as guided by its 2030 Vision. And these awards recognised the talent that is contributing to the success of some exceptional buildings.

A big shoutout to our Gold Sponsors— Havelock One, Numai, Lutron, Oikos, and Sedus.

Congratulations to all of the winners on their contributions to the industry.

The winners and highly commended from the gala night are listed below.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEXANDER BUNGAS & EDUARDO BUENAGUA

Trojena Ski Village / AEDAS

The winning entry in this category was Aedas' Trojena Ski Village. This one-of-akind project integrates nature, landscaping and water features in the built structure, creating a favourable microclimate that reduces the requirement for artificial cooling. Typically, ski villages are designed with the formula of multiple plots and buildings connected by roads. At

Aedas, they challenged this concept by designing a superstructure with the scale of a village and multi-level connectivity for seamless transitions. The building skin design is optimised for glare-free natural with a glazing system to protect from heat gain. The façade systems are designed to meet the aesthetic intent of the project while ensuring the thermal and visual comfort of users.

RESTAURANT DESIGN OF THE YEAR

Sisi’s Eatery

/ BRAND CREATIVE

The winning restaurant— Sisi’s Eatery by Brand Creative is decked up with inverted wildflower bouquet chandeliers, influenced by Neoclassic and Romanticism art movements.

The design incorporates modernised Viennese furnishings, combining delicate curves with bold shapes, echoing Sisi's balance of feminine and masculine energies. The eclectic mix of modernity and historical references, adorned with details like a black metal staircase and inverted wildflower bouquet chandeliers, creates a space that pushes boundaries while paying homage to Vienna's past.

HOSPITALITY PROJECT DESIGN (HOTELS)

DoubleTree By Hilton- KSA

/JT+PARTNERS

JT+Partners' DoubleTree by Hilton KSA project was the winner in this category. DoubleTree by Hilton is an American hotel chain and a part of Hilton Worldwide. This property in Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest cities in Islam and popular tourist attractions.

Given the city’s proximity to the Red Sea, fishing and seafood dominate the food culture, unlike other parts of the country. In Arabic, the city’s motto is “Jeddah Ghair,” which translates to “Jeddah is different.”

The motto has been widely used among both locals as well as foreign visitors.

RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

1364AH Lifestyle Center /GENSLER

The winning entry 1364AHLifestyle Center by Gensler is a contemporary design that creates six free-standing curvilinear forms that appear to be shaped by the movement of pedestrians, wind, and views flowing into the central pedestrian spine. The brief was to create a lifestyle centre in the prestigious area of the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, KSA, to include retail, food and beverage and entertainment attractions for the growing population of young professionals and families from all over Riyadh. The design needed to challenge the customary approach to these types of developments and become iconic.

INTERIOR FIT-OUT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

The St. Regis Spa

/HAVELOCK ONE

The St. Regis Spa by Havelock One was recognised as the Interior Fit-Out project of the year. Havelock One’s scope included the full turnkey fit-out, including structural metal works, joinery, finishes and the creation and installation of a revolving door. The company worked with high-end materials including Italian marble, parquet wooden flooring and bronze armourcoat paint to ensure the finishes exuded the utmost luxury. The project came with some challenges, installing the Italian parquet marble flooring had to be completed on-site, piece by piece, requiring careful management and organisation to ensure a seamless finish. Additionally, issues with metal cladding necessitated reengineering and on-site adjustments. These challenges underscored the importance of adaptability and collaboration in overcoming obstacles throughout the project.

MASTER PLAN OF THE YEAR

Amaala – Six Senses Triple Bay /U+A

The winning entry was the Amaala- Six Senses Triple Bay by U+A. It is this coastal retreat features a range of accommodation options, including beachfront residences, a hillside village, and villas along the private mangrove bay and seamlessly blends the raw natural beauty of the site. Inspired by the traditional coastal villages of the region, they harmoniously integrate with the natural topography, incorporating locally sourced materials. Situated along the captivating Amaala Triple Bay area, they offer breathtaking panoramic views spanning from Hijaz Cove to the Red Sea.

BEST CONCEPT AWARD

Green Tower /OSUS

OSUS' Green Tower won the Best Concept Award. Green Tower is a groundbreaking new office tower in Riyadh. The scheme will use sustainable design principles to create a workplace environment centred on well-being and innovation in the centre of the city. The tower includes a unique garden box concept that twists its way up the tower structure, connecting it to the surrounding urban landscape. In addition, the design allows for panoramic views that change as you navigate the building, offering an ever-evolving interaction with the cityscape and beyond.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

PWC Al Khobar /INTERNATIONAL

DESIGN ASSOCIATES

PWC Al Khobar by International Design Associates (IDA) was declared the Commercial Project of the Year. IDA draws inspiration from the PwC logo a classic block-stacking, stackcrashing game Jenga. This game mirrors the process of building trust within an organisation. The blocks symbolise the actions, good and bad, that stack up over time. Building trust is akin to the meticulous task of stacking blocks together, with every move contributing to the structure's stability. The interior design concept embraces themes of growth, innovation, sustainability, and togetherness, echoing the values embedded in the PwC logo.

AWARDS

DESIGN & BUILD PROJECT OF THE YEAR

AviLease /INC KSA

Design & Build Project of the Year was awarded to AviLease by INC KSA. The AviLease office is the brainchild of the INC KSA design team, a group of passionate visionaries who took up the challenge of completing the project within an impressive six months. The design phase was completed in three months, followed by an additional three months dedicated to the build. The project, completed in December 2023, successfully transformed an 1100sqm space into a sophisticated and dynamic environment offering a myriad of functionalities that cater to diverse needs. Inspired by the nature of the client’s business as an aviation financing and leasing firm, INC KSA’s design seamlessly integrated elements influenced by aerial perspectives, flight paths, and aircraft aesthetics.

Othaim Heights - Khamees Mushait

/JT+PARTNERS

JT+Partner's Othaim Heights- Khamees Mushait was declared Mixed-Use Development of the year. The project offers a harmonic blend of design and practicality that enhances urban living. With its main slab strategically divided into four sections, the project establishes a dynamic environment where green spaces, pedestrian pathways, and elevated structures coalesce to foster community interaction and recreational opportunities.

The design ingeniously integrates a ramped main podium along the thoroughfare, enhancing accessibility while creating a serene entrance. A central open space serves as the communal heart, surrounded by buildings connected through an intricate network of bridges and pathways, ensuring seamless movement.

The commitment to sustainability is visible in the lush planted areas and trees that improve the urban atmosphere.

INNOVATION IN DESIGN AWARD

MWAZ /STUDIO OF ART & COMMERCE

The Innovation in Design Award was given to the MWAZ project by the Studio of Art & Commerce. Mwaz- meaning ‘parallel world’ - is a conceptual luxury fashion and lifestyle destination in Riyadh that combines high fashion, art, and entertainment with interactive technology and design. It is a first for the market and the brands newly

established within the Saudi retail landscape. Customers visiting the store travel through four distinct ‘frontiers’ (Warp, Rarities, Visions and Trill), each creating a personalised journey via elements of interaction and discovery. Each frontier has been created with innovative design and cutting-edge technology to enhance the customer journey, rather than distract from it.

The Red Palace Boutique Hotel /AEDAS

The Red Palace Boutique Hotel by Aedas won the Best Adaptive Reuse category.

The Red Palace was built in 1943 by the Kingdom’s founding father King Abdulaziz for his son, Crown Prince Saud. It is located in the historic Al-Futah district in the heart of old Riyadh and was the first reinforced concrete structure to be built in the kingdom. this historical structure into an ultra-luxury boutique hotel. The aim is to fuse the past with the future to re-establish the Red Palace as a global icon that celebrates the history and splendour of a bygone era. The design aims to evoke a sense of time, specifically, the solemnity and grandeur associated with the emotional importance of the Kingdom’s history and its future vision.

HERITAGE DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

Bab Samhan /SIEC CONSULTANTS

The Heritage Design Excellence Award was won by SIE Consultants for the Bab Samhan project.

Nestled amidst the enthralling grandeur of Wadi Hanifah, the hotel goes beyond the concept of simple staying. This natural retreat not only provides a tranquil setting but also provides guests with a pleasant respite from the metropolis. The Bab Samhan Hotel boasts 106 guest rooms strategically designed to offer panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah, creating an immersive experience in the tranquil landscapes of Diriyah. With 28 suites catering to various preferences, the hotel ensures a comfortable and tailored stay. A further advantage is the hotel's ideal location, which is within walking distance of At Turaif and Bujairi Terrace.

Best Workplace of the Year

The Best Workplace of the Year Award was given to AtkinsRéalis. The firm employs over 3,800 people in the Middle East and represents over 70 nationalities, reflecting its focus on diversity and inclusion. Several initiatives at AtkinsRéalis showcase its dedication to employee growth and well-being. The introduction of a digital employee recognition program called #WOW allows peer-to-peer appreciation across regions. The Engage with

HR program facilitates open communication between employees and HR through regular face-to-face interactions. The workplace culture at AtkinsRéalis emphasises collaboration and innovation. Employees are encouraged to share ideas and provide feedback through various channels. Cross-functional teams often brainstorm solutions, while the annual Career Development Week empowers employees to take ownership of their professional growth.

/ COMPANY AWARDS

Architecture Firm of the Year

JT+PARTNERS

JT+Partners was named the Architecture Firm of the Year. It is an international multidisciplinary consultant with a distinct portfolio of architecture, planning, engineering, project management, infrastructure, and cost consultation services. The firm’s vision is to design a better

/ HIGHLY COMMENDED / DLR GROUP

world for people to live and work in, a world with exceptional, highquality, iconic, environmental and socially sustainable developments that will overcome the challenges of the constantly developing global high-technology advancement of the future.

Interior Design Firm of the Year

KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS

The winner of the Interior Design Firm of the Year was KEO International Consultants.

The KEO interior design team sees it as a responsibility to address the difficulties and current concerns facing humanity, such as sustainability and health and well-being. At every design opportunity, they have these core values in mind which underpin their design narratives for their built environments. In

collaboration and integration with the architecture, engineering, sustainability and costing teams, their philosophy is inspired by interior design and architecture. KEO ID team’s strengths are in concept design, BIM technical design development, understanding of the regional and Middle Eastern culture, codes, and regulations, and interpreting the client’s brief and budget.

Interior Fit-Out Firm of the Year

ALEC FITOUT

ALEC FITOUT was declared the Interior Fitout Firm of the Year. In challenging market conditions, the ALEC FITOUT team safely executed a wide variety of projects across the MENA region including five-star hotels and resorts, signature fine dining restaurants, cultural attractions and museums, airport passenger terminals and water parks. They offer design and build, fast-track, fit-out

and refurbishment services to our valued clientele and work collaboratively with the leading regional and international interior design and architectural firms. Last year, the firm delivered an extraordinary projectDGDA Experience Centre in KSA. They have diversified into new business sectors such as Theming – where they have been awarded the theming package for the largest waterpark in the world.

Best Consultancy Firm of the Year

ATKINSRÉALIS

AtkinsRéalis was named the Best Consultancy Firm of the Year. One of the most remarkable achievements by the firm in recent times is the flawless execution of its global rebranding initiative, combining the identities, history and legacy of our three companies namely Atkins, SNCLavalin and Faithful + Gould which unfolded simultaneously across all our worldwide offices. AtkinsRéalis had become the first

global engineering consultancy to achieve certification from BSI (British Standards Institution) for Building Information Modelling (BIM) compliance, across its operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. For the past 12 months, they operated on an average of 18 projects in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where AtkinsRéalis was acting as the supervision consultant

ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

HENRIQUE DIAS /DLR GROUP

HENRIQUE'S AWARD WAS ACCEPTED ON HIS BEHALF BY HIS TEAM MEMBER.

EHenrique Dias was named Architect of the Year. With over 19 years of experience, Henrique has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His passion lies in crafting timeless architecture and delivering unique experiences through his designs, always striking a delicate balance between form and function with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Henrique's

portfolio includes a plethora of high-profile projects, notably contributing to the development of Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi, the Buruj Master Plan in Baghdad, Lavida Residences in Baghdad, Corniche Tower in Jeddah, Madinah Gate in Madinah, Rashid Mall in Al Khobar, Sultan Terraces in Jeddah, La Vida Complex in Baghdad, Future City Gate in Baghdad, Grand Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Hijaz Mall in Mecca, and many more across KSA, Iraq, UAE, Portugal, Egypt, and China.

2024 AWARDS KSA

/// INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

MAUD CAPET/OBMI

The title of Interior Designer of the Year was awarded to Maud Capet from OBMI. Maud is a talented interior designer with 20 years of experience designing award-winning hotels, food and beverage concepts, residences, and retail projects. Beginning her international career in Paris and then relocating to the UAE, Maud has had the opportunity to collaborate with globally

renowned brands across Europe and the Middle East, such as Jumeriah, Marriott, Accor, IHG, and Anantara. Her approach to design is rooted in sustainability, integrating eco-conscious elements in every project. Maud is passionate about innovative and sustainable design, which she believes begins with a deep understanding of the natural environment and its inherent benefits to human physical and mental health.

/ HIGHLY COMMENDED / SHAZAD AZAM, INTERNATIONAL DESIGN ASSOCIATES

PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

CARLA ABOU-ARRAJ / KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS

Carla Abou-Arraj from KEO International Consultants was named Project Manager of the Year. Carla, a visionary Project Manager, views the central role of Project Management as paramount in fostering effective relationship management. Her objective is to bring together project stakeholders to create a balanced, harmonious collaboration, to achieve timely, quality outcomes and minimise associated risks within budget constraints. She implements rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) processes, underscoring her commitment to excellence throughout project development.

CEO OF THE YEAR

CHARLES TRAD /OMRANIA

The prestigious CEO of the Year title was won by Charles Trad from Omrania. Based in metropolitan Riyadh, Omrania is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of tomorrow’s global cities and urban communities. They work with government entities, cultural institutions, private developers, and other organisations to design sustainable and contextual environments that enrich the quality of everyday life. Omrania’s expertise includes urban planning and landscape design as well as architecture and interiors, and our integrated approach unites form and function at every scale.

THE ART OF DETAILING

How TwentyOne06 and Havelock One Interiors

redefined luxe at this resimercial workspace in Dubai

Award-winning design firm TwentyOne06 and leading fit-out firm Havelock One have completed the Design & Build of The Knowledge Academy’s office in Dubai, creating a resimercial haven for the premium training provider.

The hospitality-driven approach

Resimercial design is a term used to describe a style of interior design that combines both residential and commercial elements. This style is particularly popular in public spaces, offices, and hotels that aim to evoke a cosy, homely atmosphere. The primary aim of this resimercial design project was to create an elevated, comfortable, and functional space that employees will enjoy spending time in, while still maintaining a professional and organised appearance. Using luxurious materials, soft textures, thick luxurious carpeting, comfortable furnishings and stylish accessories are all hallmarks of resimercial design.

In the realm of commercial interior design, it can be challenging to create a space which is both opulent and operationally effective. By harnessing their experience in hospitality design, TwentyOne06 were able to design a resimercial environment suited to the client’s luxurious taste, while being able to withstand the test of daily operations.

The material inspiration

The foundation of the high-end finish lies in the strategic use of marble, supplied by Glaze.ae, natural marble of the highest quality was cut to perfection, ensuring a seamless integration into the workspace. The warmth of beige wood

and Natural Wood ceilings, complemented by the cool elegance of White Statuario Marble, sets the tone for an ambience that balances richness with tranquillity.

"With this workspace design project, the attention to detail was considered at great length." says Sabiha Yusuf, Interior Designer at TwentyOne06. "Since we are primarily hospitality designers, the high level of detailing and finesse took a default stance to ensure quality and longevity in this workspace."

The use of natural marble in this space was critical. Not only does it create a high-end aesthetic, but it is also a durable material that lasts a long time, expands the space, and makes a statement at the entrance. The corridor walls, adorned with polished-edge marble slabs alongside brass partitions, create a visually stunning effect.

High level of detailing and finishes

Every element of the fit-out completed by Havelock One serves a dual purpose – to elevate the aesthetics and withstand the rigours of a dynamic work environment. The combination of intricate detailing and high-quality finishes define The Knowledge Academy's workspace.

"From the outset, we envisioned a space that not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of luxury and quality. By skillfully combining various materials, we achieved a seamless fusion of elegance and functionality," says Salas Louis, Project Manager at Havelock One. "Through free-flowing communication with TwentyOne06 and regular site meetings, we were able to get ahead of schedule, showcasing the power of collaboration and dedication to exceptional results."

The workspace features a wall of floor-toceiling windows, which allows ample natural light to fill the space. The waiting area has warm ambient lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere, while the boardroom has cove lighting which gives it an elegant feel. These lighting options, provided by Lylux Lighting, exemplify how resimercial spaces should be lit, striking the perfect balance between comfort and professionalism.

Brass, a recurring motif, extends to furniture and functional elements. From T-Bar Brass Handles on the entrance door to >>>

brass-framed transparent glass partitions in meeting rooms. The skirting, door handles, and signage – all in brass – not only contribute to a cohesive visual language but also highlight the technical skill in material application.

The walls are adorned with warm-Beige Natural Slatted Wood Wall finishes, with a downward-facing wood grain, instilling a sense of warmth.

The Resimercial aspect

In the resimercial world, focal points are carefully orchestrated to infuse comfort and functionality. The communal seating area, a centrepiece in the heart of the workspace, is designed with circular wooden drafters and 360 seating, enveloped in soft pink upholstery, and complemented by brass skirting. This recreational breakout area seamlessly integrates into the spatial design.

The meeting room, partitioned with matte brass-framed transparent glass, offers an intimate yet sophisticated space. Soft grey carpeting enhances acoustics, creating an environment conducive to meaningful conversations. These thoughtful touches transform workspaces into engaging and personalised zones, designed and built for the diverse needs of modern professionals.

The intersection of luxury and functionality is not just a design choice; it is a commitment to creating workspaces that inspire, energise, and elevate the daily experiences of those who inhabit them. In this fusion of design and execution, TwentyOne06 and Havelock One Interiors have set a new standard for resimercial excellence in Dubai's dynamic business landscape.

Award-winning design firm

TwentyOne06 and premier fit-out firm Havelock One have finished the Design & Build of The Knowledge Academy's workplace in Dubai, transforming it into a resimercial sanctuary for the premium training provider.

The corridor walls, adorned with polished-edge marble slabs alongside brass partitions, create a visually stunning effect.

PROFESSOR LOUISE VALENTINE, HEAD OF THE DESIGN SCHOOL AT HERIOTWATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI, TALKS CREATING SUPPORTIVE DESIGN COMMUNITIES FOR WOMEN

Design is a way of thinking about the world we live in, and 21st-century design is when designers apply their specialist training to help solve the most pressing problems of the modern day. On issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pervasive social and regional inequalities, we see the spectrum of challenges the world faces are significant. They necessitate a combination of incremental and radical innovation and major and minor adaptation, which is where design and designers come in. Design works with

DESIGN

all sectors of the economy – private, public and not-for-profit – and with a range of industries, including healthcare, financial, manufacturing and retail, by providing product, service, system, and experience innovation.

Yet, despite this diversity of practice and place, there is a distinct lack of inclusion in the design industry that continues to be neglected or negated at all levels of the profession. According to the Design Council in their 2022 Design Economy report, the industry displays a significant gender imbalance, with a mere 23 per cent of designers identifying as female. It is disproportionally male and of white ethnicity. Another report reveals that a substantial portion of women employed in the field of design encounter a lack of job stability, prompting many to either switch positions or move away from the industry altogether. Researchers attribute much of this trend to various forms of discrimination that exist in everyday practices. The Royal College of Art's 'Brave New Normal' (2022) focussing on graphic design, indicates that approximately 79 per cent of female designers have transitioned to alternative careers, with 30 per cent opting for roles in education, another 30 per cent shifting to non-profit sectors or specialised design fields, and 27 per cent embracing freelance opportunities. The issue of pay disparity within the design industry also significantly shapes the professional experiences of women. Across various sectors of design, women consistently encounter unequal compensation compared to their male counterparts, undermining their financial security and overall career satisfaction. This wage gap reflects systemic biases and leads to gender-based inequities, limiting women's opportunities for progress and recognition within the field. Moreover, the impact of pay disparity extends beyond individual economic concerns, affecting women's sense of worth, motivation, and overall well-being in their professional endeavours. McKinsey's 'Women in the Workplace' (2023)

report on North America compounds the idea that women are inadequately supported. Their ambitions need to be more understood and invested. The sustained impact of microaggression on women's confidence and career paths is primarily denied. Offering workplace flexibility is a fair and reasonable workplace environment where microaggression is minimised and not just a work package benefit.

This situation is woeful. So, what should we do? Addressing these business gaps requires proactive measures, including transparent salary policies, promotion of diversity, inclusion and antiracism initiatives, more flexible working packages, alternative leadership training programmes, and advocacy for equal pay and benefit regulations. This situation is not new news: by creating a more supportive environment, the design industry can empower women to contribute fully to their creativity and professional careers. Let's commit to getting it right more often. It will be challenging, and we will need to ensure we champion, coach and mentor rather than offer one or the other in a piecemeal fashion. Together and in a sustained way, these three can serve as the basics in the journey of professional development, providing invaluable guidance, insights, self-knowledge, encouragement and confidence. For women entering the design field, having champions and access to coaching and mentorship can be transformative. It offers three distinct, connected roadmaps for navigating the industry's complexities at all stages of career development.

Women championing other women is imperative, where they create opportunities for others to become champions. In addition, and for several reasons, championing female representation – at every level of organisations - is crucial. Firstly, it signals a culture change and ownership of biases in the current system. It fosters diversity of thought and perspective and enriches decision-making processes with broader ideas, perspectives, and

insights. Secondly, it is a powerful symbol of equality, demonstrating that individuals of all genders can rise to leadership positions based on their skills and contributions rather than gender.

More women coaching women will further empower them. It should enable more women to identify and take ownership of their management mindset and traits. It will clarify their values and ways to improve performance by recognising opportunities and removing obstacles – they are facing or have inadvertently put in their own pathway. It will nurture female leadership models, skills and capacity. In the design industry, my concern lies in whether we sufficiently offer coaching and provide it early enough.

Mentorship is relatively common and seeks to inspire confidence and resilience. We know it provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skill refinement, and personal growth and, at its best, is a reciprocal dialogue. When women designers engage with diverse mentors and mentees, they gain exposure to different perspectives, experiences, and approaches. We need to champion this rigorously. In addition to nurturing a feeling of togetherness and supportiveness among women designers, it helps to bolster the design community by encouraging connections and collaborations that reach beyond individual limits and geographical boundaries.

As we look towards the future of design, we must invest more in this one community-building change, bridging these gaps with a mindful combination of championing, coaching and mentorship that empowers women to thrive and succeed. Adapt environments and create alternative training so that equal opportunities will fashion a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable design industry where all voices are heard, all characters are valued and celebrated and where women designers are supported, respected, and empowered to confidently negate outdated norms, and positively make their mark on tomorrow's world.

More women coaching women will further empower them. It should enable more women to identify and take ownership of their management mindset and traits.

Creating a complete EXPERIENCE OF SPACE

Antenna Design was founded in 1997, by Masamichi Udagawa, a Cranbrook Academy graduate, and Sigi Moeslinger (R).

At the interface between people and environments, there’s Knoll. This is a company built on its belief that when furniture relates to the architectural setting, and the interior is choreographed as a harmonious succession of forms and finishes, the result is a space where people want to be.

Since 1938, Knoll has been revolutionising how people experience office, hospitality, and residential interiors by excelling in three areas: Total Design Planning Designer Collaborations Colour, Material, Finish (CMF)

To understand the roots of all three, it is important to know two institutions: the Bauhaus and Cranbrook Academy of Art; and two people: Hans and Florence Knoll.

The Bauhaus

Founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius in

Weimar, Germany, the Bauhaus sought to unite the creative efforts of art, design, and industry until they became, as Gropius described it, “inseparable components of a new architecture”. The designers who connected here, and the ideas they brought to the United States, had a profound influence on the firm that was to become Knoll.

Forced out of Germany by the Nazis in the 1930s, Walter Gropius and Bauhaus designer Marcel Breuer opened an office in Massachusetts, USA, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe –director of the Bauhaus for more than a decade – became the head of architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Florence Knoll (then Schust) interned in the office of Gropius

and Breuer, and studied architecture at IIT, where Mies became a valuable mentor. He, along with Gropius and Breuer, instilled in her a lifelong belief in the principle of Total Design – design not as the creation of single objects, but rather as a “total architecture”.

The relationship between Florence Knoll and her trusted mentors continued well into her career, and it was Florence who made their furniture designs – including the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe and the Wassily Chair by Breuer – part of the Knoll portfolio. These collections continue to be Knoll bestsellers today.

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Much like the Bauhaus, the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, USA was conceived as an immersive experience in which artists would live, learn, and share. “It was not an art school in the ordinary sense,” said school director and campus designer Eliel Saarinen. “It was a working place for creative people.” Among those creative people were Eliel’s son Eero Saarinen, as well as Harry Bertoia, Ralph Rapson, Charles Eames, Ray Kaiser (later, Ray Eames), Florence Knoll (then Schust), and many others. The connections they made and the skills they developed while at Cranbrook were the foundations for brilliant careers that shaped, and continue to shape, the world in which we live.

These friendships also led to creative collaborations with Knoll, resulting in some of the most coveted furniture collections in the world, including Eero Saarinen’s Pedestal Collection and Womb Chair, and Harry Bertoia’s wire seating collection that evolved from his Cranbrook studies in sculpture. >>>

“ARCHITECTURAL-FORM EQUALS SOCIAL-FORM”.

Eliel Saarinen

Hans and Florence Knoll

Much like the Bauhaus, the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, USA was conceived as an immersive experience in which artists would live, learn, and share.

“THE PLANNING UNIT EXISTED BECAUSE OF MY BACKGROUND IN ARCHITECTURE. KNOLL AS THE VERY FIRST FURNITURE COMPANY THAT EVER HAD A PLANNING DEPARTMENT”.

Florence Knoll

With Florence’s design skills and Hans’ business acumen and salesmanship, the pair, who married in 1946, built an innovative business by embracing the creative ideals of the Bauhaus and Cranbrook

Florence and Hans Knoll

Soon after moving to New York to begin her career in architecture, Florence Schust met Hans Knoll – a young German businessman who had recently founded a furniture company. With Florence’s design skills and Hans’ business acumen and salesmanship, the pair, who married in 1946, built an innovative business by embracing the creative ideals of the Bauhaus and Cranbrook.

From the beginning, Knoll was a company that thought differently about space. In founding the revolutionary Planning Unit in 1946, Florence Knoll introduced modern concepts of efficiency, space planning and comprehensive design to interiors, and defined the standard for the contemporary corporate interiors of post-war America, including IBM, General Motors, and CBS.

Florence and Hans led the company together from 1943–1955, but their partnership was cut short when Hans died in a car accident. Florence led the company alone for 11 years – during which time she oversaw the tremendous expansion and success that earned Knoll an influential spot in the cultural zeitgeist. Florence retired in 1965. Her contributions to Knoll, the landscape of the corporate office, and the rise of modernism in America, are immeasurable.

Total Design Planning

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe believed that a beautiful background should amplify the “figure in space”. Eliel Saarinen taught his Cranbrook students that furniture should be designed to complement architecture, not compete with it. Armed

with these learnings from her mentors, Florence Knoll knew that she didn’t want to merely decorate space. She wanted to create it.

One of the ways she succeeded was by founding the Knoll Planning Unit. Her approach rigorously researched and surveyed each client’s needs, patterns of use and company hierarchy, before presenting a comprehensive design informed by the principles of modernism and beautifully executed in signature Knoll style. The Planning Unit revolutionised the American business environment and Florence’s philosophy, that design should consider an entire space, remains true to Knoll today.

This comprehensive approach to interiors also extends to Knoll products, which are designed to work together as a cohesive whole, while retaining their standalone presence. When Knoll designs product, it takes a holistic and emotive approach that considers the relationship between people, products, and architecture. The result is a harmonious Total Design.

Designer Collaborations

Since its founding, Knoll has been passionately dedicated to seeking out and collaborating with the most creative and innovative designers, architects and artists. Florence Knoll was instrumental in shaping an unmatched portfolio of products by recruiting her Cranbrook associates Eero Saarinen and Harry Bertoia, and it was through her close relationship with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that Knoll came to produce his furniture as well as that of other Bauhaus designers.

Partnering with the best and brightest continues to be the model by which Knoll operates, and collaborations have resulted in works by Piero Lissoni, Antonio Citterio, Antenna Design

Since the beginning, Knoll has believed that its furniture is complete only when its colour, material and finish are selected. This is what makes Knoll the definitive supporting player to each client’s vision.

In 1947, Florence and Hans established Knoll Textiles and brought in Marianne Strengell, head of the Cranbrook Department of Weaving, to develop upholsteries suited in both quality and design to the types of furniture Knoll produced.

and others. Through these partnerships, Knoll offers furniture and textiles that are elegant, precise, bold, beautiful, and classic. As Warren Platner said, “A classic is something that, every time you look at it, you accept it as it is, and you see no way of improving it.” That holds true for collections Platner designed for Knoll in the 1960s, as well as for future launches by tomorrow’s brightest stars.

Colour, Material, Finish (CMF)

Florence Knoll understood that offering a well-curated range of colours, materials and finishes would be fundamental to the partnership between Knoll and the design community. In 1947,

she and Hans established Knoll Textiles and brought in Marianne Strengell, head of the Cranbrook Department of Weaving, to develop upholsteries suited in both quality and design to the types of furniture Knoll produced.

The collection has grown substantially, and today there are more than 2,000 materials – including fabric, leather, felt, cork and more – graded in, as well as hundreds of stones, veneers, metal finishes, paint colours, and laminates. This vast portfolio of CMF options gives clients the ability make Knoll furniture ideally suited to each unique interior, as well as the opportunity to create layered, tonal, textural materiality throughout an environment.

Since the beginning, Knoll has believed that its furniture is complete only when its colour, material and finish are selected. This is what makes Knoll the definitive supporting player to each client’s vision. Whether for a corporate office, public space, or residence, the result is an elegant, enduring Total Design.

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Woodworking Industry Transforming the

WALID FARGHAL DIRECTOR GENERAL AT THE ANNUAL INVESTMENT MEETING, OFFERS INSIGHTS REGARDING THE WOOD SHOWS IN DUBAI, CAIRO, AND SAUDI ARABIA.

Can you provide an overview of the Dubai, Cairo, and Saudi Wood Shows and their significance in the woodworking industry?

Dubai Wood Show, Cairo Wood Show, and Saudi Wood Show are pivotal events in the woodworking industry, serving as essential platforms for manufacturers, suppliers, and decision-makers to exhibit wood and woodworking machinery technologies and products while fostering invaluable networking and business opportunities.

The woodworking industry has witnessed significant evolution in various regions, driven by a combination of factors and pivotal events. In the past, woodworking was primarily a localised and traditional craft that was mostly handmade. However, with the advent of industrialisation and technological advancements, it has transformed into a sophisticated and globalised industry.

Dubai Wood Show, one of the largest in the Middle East and GCC region, drives innovation in wood and woodworking across the region, and is considered the hub for international partners and associations from all over the world to participate in our platform.

Cairo Wood Show contributes to the growth of Egypt's woodworking sector and surrounding regions in North Africa and the Levant region by showcasing the latest trends in wood and woodworking industry to attract neighboring countries to join our exhibition.

The Saudi Wood Show plays a critical role in promoting the woodworking industry in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, facilitating international-local collaborations in a rapidly developing wood market.

How has the woodworking industry evolved in these regions, and what role do these events play in its development?

The woodworking industry has witnessed significant evolution in various regions, driven by a combination of factors and pivotal events. In the past, woodworking was primarily a localised and traditional craft that was mostly handmade. However, with the advent of industrialisation and technological advancements, it has transformed into a sophisticated and globalised industry.

For instance, the introduction of modern woodworking machinery and tools has revolutionised the industry. Automation, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, and advanced

sustainability within the woodworking sector by highlighting environmentally responsible practices and showcasing sustainable wood sourcing and manufacturing techniques. This aligns with Dubai's commitment to sustainability and positions the Middle East as a region actively engaged in eco-conscious woodworking.

and artisanal craftsmanship, allowing local artisans and businesses to display their skills and products to an international audience. This not only preserves Egypt's cultural legacy but also highlights its relevance in the contemporary woodworking landscape.

software have increased efficiency and precision in woodworking processes.

These technological advancements have made it possible to mass-produce wooden products with high quality.

Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and digital marketing has changed the way woodworking products are marketed and sold.

Online platforms allow artisans and businesses to reach a global audience, expanding market opportunities.

Dubai has been a significant hub for trade and commerce. How does the Dubai Wood Show contribute to the growth of the woodworking industry in the Middle East?

Dubai Wood Show serves as a critical catalyst for the growth and development of

The Saudi Wood Show serves as a valuable tool in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, supporting economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation within the Kingdom.

the woodworking industry in the Middle East for twenty years, leveraging Dubai's position as a prominent trade and commerce hub in several ways.

Firstly, it provides a central platform for industry professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers from around the world to converge and showcase their latest innovations, products, and technologies in wood and woodworking machinery industry. This facilitates knowledge exchange, networking, and business collaborations, fostering industry-wide growth.

Secondly, the event plays a pivotal role in promoting

Additionally, Dubai Wood Show facilitates access to a wide array of woodworking machinery and equipment, fostering technological advancements and efficiency improvements within the industry. Furthermore, the event's role in attracting investors and entrepreneurs to the region amplifies the woodworking industry's potential for expansion and economic diversification. In essence, Dubai Wood Show serves as a vital platform that not only stimulates growth but also projects Dubai and the Middle East as influential players in the global wood and woodworking landscape.

Egypt has a rich history in woodworking and craftsmanship. How does the Cairo Wood Show embrace this heritage and promote it on an international scale?

Cairo Wood Show effectively bridges Egypt's illustrious history in woodworking and craftsmanship within the global stage and more specifically North Africa, creating a platform that celebrates and promotes this heritage internationally as well as locally.

The event showcases Egyptian woodworking traditions, including intricate designs, carving techniques,

Moreover, the show often collaborates with international and local wood and woodworking experts and organisations, creating a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration. This helps Egyptian craftsmen and businesses learn from international best practices while showcasing their unique contributions.

Overall, Cairo Wood Show effectively merges Egypt's rich woodworking history with contemporary woodworking trends, promoting this heritage on a global scale.

Saudi Arabia has been undergoing significant economic transformation. How does the Saudi Wood Show align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its goals for diversifying the economy?

Saudi Wood Show aligns closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at diversifying the Kingdom's economy and reducing its dependence on oil revenue. Our exhibition will play a pivotal role in advancing these goals in several ways. Firstly, it promotes entrepreneurship and innovation within the woodworking and related sectors, supporting the Vision's objective of nurturing a vibrant and diversified private sector. By attracting local and international >>>

These exhibitions are crucial events in the woodworking business since they allow for networking, displaying advancements, and sharing expertise.

By attracting local and international wood industry professionals, the show fosters partnerships, investments, and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, contributing to economic growth.

wood industry professionals, the show fosters partnerships, investments, and business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, contributing to economic growth.

Secondly, Saudi Wood Show emphasises sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the Vision's goals to enhance environmental protection and resource management. Through its focus on sustainable wood sourcing and manufacturing practices, the show encourages the adoption of eco-friendly approaches within the woodworking industry. Lastly, the event promotes knowledge transfer and technological advancement, in line with Vision 2030's aspiration to drive research and development in key sectors.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore advanced finishing techniques and coatings that are environmentally friendly, low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and contribute to the longevity of wood products, reducing the need for replacements.

circular economy concept by ensuring minimal waste and maximal resource utilisation. Secondly, the exhibitions feature cutting-edge innovations that significantly reduce the environmental impact of woodworking processes. This includes energy-efficient machinery that minimises electricity consumption and the integration of automated systems to optimise material use.

Overall, the Saudi Wood Show serves as a valuable tool in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, supporting economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation within the Kingdom.

What are some notable trends in the woodworking industry that these Wood Shows aim to showcase or address?

As previously mentioned, Dubai, Cairo and Saudi Wood Shows each serve unique dynamic showcase of key trends in the wood and woodworking industry, spotlighting themes such as sustainability, artisanal craftsmanship, sustainable materials, design aesthetics, and global market access. They provide a unique platform where industry professionals, exhibitors and visitors can explore innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and evolving consumer preferences.

How do these exhibitions incorporate sustainability and innovation in woodworking practices, considering the global emphasis on environmental responsibility?

Our exhibitions are pivotal in leading sustainability and innovation within the wood and woodworking industry, recognising the pressing need for environmental responsibility on a global scale. In addition, these shows dedicate substantial floor space to exhibitors who champion sustainable practices. They spotlight the utilisation of responsibly sourced wood, often certified by organisations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and demonstrate how it aligns with the

Furthermore, these events promote sustainable materials beyond wood, such as engineered wood products and alternatives, demonstrating their viability as eco-friendly options. On top of that, they often host specialised sessions and panel discussions where experts discuss eco-conscious strategies like recycling wood waste into new products or bioenergy, and the use of renewable energy sources within woodworking facilities. By serving as comprehensive hubs of knowledge and innovation, these exhibitions actively drive sustainability and innovation, instilling a deep sense of environmental responsibility within the woodworking industry and fostering its transition towards a more sustainable future.

For businesses and individuals planning to participate in these Wood Shows, what advice would you offer to maximise their experience and benefits from attending?

To make the most of their participation in our esteemed Wood Shows, businesses and individuals should meticulously plan their objectives, register early, and research exhibitors of interest. Bringing impactful marketing materials, actively engaging in networking, and attending our talk shows to enhance their experience. Exploring new technologies, emphasising sustainability, and considering partnerships present avenues for growth. After the event, promptly following up with contacts and leads is crucial. As well as being informed about industry trends post-event will ensure they maximise the benefits of these exhibitions, which serve as invaluable platforms for networking, innovation, and business growth within the wood and woodworking industry.

5 - 7 March 2024

Dubai World Trade Centre

United Arab Emirates

The Leading Platform for Wood, Furniture Accessories & Woodworking Machinery Industry in the Middle East

12 - 14 May 2024

The Arena for Exhibitions, Riyadh, KSA

www.woodshowglobal.com/dubai | info@woodshowglobal.com

28 - 30 November 2024

Cairo International Convention Centre, CICC, Egypt

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