Sara M. Anwar Education
sarakhokhar@gmail.com +9665 3 6418428
Project Management
University of Oxford
MSc Sustainable Urban Development 2023-2025 Concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities Part time
Cornell University
Bachelors of Architecture 1997-2002. Concentration in History of Architecture Dean’s list. Semester in Rome. Central Europe Summer Curious observer and passionate story teller. Architect turned Project Manager. Energised by challenges as opportunities to create efficient systems. Holding in depth knowledge of the region’s heritage, people, and work culture. Lived in KSA, UAE, USA, UK, and Italy. Mother tongue English and Urdu. Basic Arabic and Italian.
Project Management
Managed high profile luxury real estate development accounts with client facing role. Compiled research, market analysis, and developed strategies for new developments. Liason with 3D visualisation teams in NYC and architects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Worked with local vendors for audio and visual productions. Managed project timelines, budgets, and launch events.
Projects: • Isla Moda, World islands, Karl Lagerfeld and Oppenheim Architecture. • Palm Hotel & Tower, Nakheel and Atkins Dubai • Yas Hotel, Aldar, Abu Dhabi. • Ballad Regeneration, Urban Design Council, Jeddah
Puma Pavilion Sole Dxb
House Of Zunn
Account Manager, Branding Agency NYC
Zaha Hadid Architects 2023 - Present
Managing a key PIF account, on a real estate development project, based in Riyadh, KSA. Working closely with the client Marketing team, applying development knowledge and expertise to build Marketing and Branding strategies at Corporate and Destination level. Managing strategy and creative teams based in Dubai and NYC.
Project: PIF Project, KSA
Comma Dot Space
2021 - 2023
Launched a consultancy to apply local and regional cultural and market knowledge to produce communication tools and strategies to secure development projects for boutique architecture firms Expertise include market research, design briefs, strategies for RFP’s, project bids, creative direction on presentations, and effectively managing project timelines and internal and external communications.
Projects: • Grove Saadiyat Island Aldar Developed winning proposal • Mina Zayed Creative District Developed winning proposal • Leila Heller Gallery, Dubai Awarded Dezeen ID award 2018
National Pavilion Of Pakistan
2019 - 2021
Nominated Curator through winning proposal. Worked with Presidential Foreign Affairs Office and Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, to deliver the pavilion. Established a formidable project team including Cornell and Columbia University faculty, and built partnerships with research labs. Managed data collection and data visualisation (40 researchers/3 universities).
Project Partners:
Center For Contemporary Art Cincinnati 2001 Worked on construction documents and model for the first female designed museum in North America.
Project Manager, Strategy & Marketing Consultancy Dubai
Entrepreneural
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Pakistan Council of Architects Playground Research Lab Faculty Columbia University, Cornell AAP, Habib University Presidential office of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan European Cultural Center La Biennale di Venezia E-Flux ArchDaily Gulf Today
Dubai 2015-2016 Worked closely with clients and managed design team to deliver interiors for turn key residential projects. Developed custom furniture and fit outs. Managed production, budgets and timelines. Notable projects: The Villa Dubai by Dubai Properties and Polo Homes by Emaar.
ARCHITECTEM
2015 - Present
Established a research and networking platform for architects, academics, and students to connect via events and research projects, facilitating knowledge exchange and mentorship, especially for women in the discipline, with a focus on ‘Engage, Empower, and Elevate’. Developed network and partnerships with leading architecture events, universities, cultural organisations, and research labs. Working with a team of advisors and contributors, in Milan, London, New York, L.A., Dubai, and Bahrain, writing critically on observing the city and architecture.
Projects with:
Egypt Pavilion
UAE Pavilion
Free School of Architecture
Mapping Production
Founder/Director, Academic Research Platform
Director, Design Communications Consultancy Dubai
Responsible for creative direction across research, digital design, exhibit installation, and exhibition catalogue. Liaison with consultants and vendors in Venice for production and installation of exhibit. Managed project budget, secured sponsorship and partnerships, and developed Pr and communications content.
2008 - 2009
Dubai Design District 2017 Design detailing of Puma retail and entertainment space for Sole Dxb, the region’s leading street wear and culture festival. Managed production and on-site installation.
Andarakis Advisory Services
Curator, La Biennale di Venezia
The Seventh Art
Urban / Cultural Research
Exhibitor ‘Anatomy Of Informality’ Venice Biennale 2018 Dissecting Cairo’s informality as intelligent systems of survival for the city, presented research at exhibit in the form of installation and exhibition catalogue. Los Angeles 2018 Tutor/Participant 6 week long program studying the urban complexities of L.A. in partnership with Woodbury University and WUHO Gallery Hollywood.
Talks & Panels
SEA Annual Symposium, Mumbai Bench Competition Jury Venice Biennale ‘The future of society: creative economies and cultures’ KPMG White Paper for World Government Summit Sharjah Architecture Triennial Ideation Session Towards Dubai 2020,Design District AIA ME Lecture Fort Museum Bahrain Killed by the Architects, American University Dubai
National Pavilion UAE AIA Middle East UAE Modern Dubai Design District Alserkal Avenue European Culture Center Venice/Amsterdam Cornell University La Biennale di Venezia
Speaker Alserkal Avenue Venice Biennale 2016 Presented Biennale overview, followed by dialogue with the curator discussing the research and exhibit. Alserkal Avenue 2017 Organised this research and networking event (60 students/8 speakers/4 Tutors). 2022 2021 2021 2018 2018 2017 2017