With over two decades of experience in the architecture and engineering industry, Ammar Alassam, the CEO of Dewan Architects + Engineers, has steered the company’s strategic direction. His leadership has led to Dewan’s global expansion and established its reputation for innovation, sustainability, and client-centric excellence. The company’s growth has been driven by its focus on cutting-edge design and integration of advanced technologies. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Dewan has acquired a majority stake in Singapore-based Design Lab. This acquisition enhances Dewan’s resort design expertise and leadership in the Middle East. Founded in 2016, Design Lab has notable projects across the Far…
Author: CBNME Writer
DSA Architects International has established itself as a prominent player in the architectural industry, particularly in the Middle East region, for over twenty years. The firm specialises in various projects, including hospitality, residential, commercial, retail, education, and mixed-use developments. This diverse portfolio showcases their versatility and expertise in delivering innovative design solutions.Tim Goodall’s leadership at DSA exemplifies the integration of extensive industry experience and strategic vision within the construction sector. With over thirty years of expertise in North Africa and the Middle East, Tim has been pivotal in driving the company’s expansion efforts, mainly by establishing its new office in…
In a pivotal era for the Middle East, architecture plays a crucial role in adapting to and shaping its dynamic landscape amidst political, economic, and social shifts. Emphasising a human-centric approach, architects can craft environments that meet the evolving needs and aspirations of communities. This blend of urbanism and design not only enhances functionality but also enriches aesthetic appeal, fostering resilience in the built environment and contributing to the region’s advancement. OBMI, renowned for its holistic design process, emphasizes heritage preservation and innovative modern living integration. This approach is particularly relevant as cultural exploration gains traction in luxury tourism across…
P. Martin Dufresne, Co-founder and Managing Principal of U+A, part of Egis Group, has made significant strides in the architectural field under his leadership. His career began with a strong foundation in design, graduating from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism in Canada in 1996. His journey took him to HOK’s Hong Kong office, where he quickly advanced to a senior role, gaining extensive experience in large-scale commercial and residential projects across Asia. This global experience has not only honed his skills but also demonstrated his adaptability to diverse cultural contexts. In 2001, Martin joined Kerry Hill Architects in…
Raya Ani is a visionary architect renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the field. Her accolades include being elevated as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects by the New York Chapter, the highest honour for her exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Raya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering with distinction from Baghdad University and a Master’s in Architecture from MIT, awarded the Harvard/MIT Aga Khan Scholarship. She has made an unforgettable mark on the industry with an illustrious career spanning decades across three continents and four countries. She is a licensed architect in New…
Driven by design excellence Shaun Killa is an award-winning architect with international experience spanning over 29 years. His design philosophy centres on creating sustainable, innovative buildings and master plans that are contextually inspired and take a holistic approach to the natural and economic environment. This philosophy has guided him to work on numerous high-profile projects, including the Dubai Opera House, a 2,000-seat opera house located in the heart of Emaar’s cultural district; The Address Boulevard, a luxury hotel, and residential tower; Almas Tower, once the tallest building in Dubai; and the Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC), the world’s first large-scale…
Joe Tabet is an innovative visionary architect wearing different hats, with over 20 years of professional experience in the worldwide architecture and construction industry. Joe founded JT+Partners in 2015, starting with a handful of staff in a 100sqm office in Business Bay, Dubai. The company became an “overnight success,” earning recognition as an acclaimed international multidisciplinary consultant with impressive projects located in global destinations.In the span of seven years, despite economic slumps and pandemic challenges, Joe persevered, formulated a vision/mission, planned everything around the future—from business strategy to financial situation—and started exploring work in different geographies and other sectors like…
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. In his role at Aedas, he has been responsible for a number of key projects across a broad range of sectors including Hospitality, Commercial and Residential, Retail and Transportation, Civic and Cultural, Sports and Leisure, Education and Healthcare. He has also been instrumental in establishing the overall design…
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, is a forward-thinking leader who has transformed Diriyah into a premier cultural and heritage destination. His leadership has been instrumental in the awe-inspiring $50 billion Diriyah Gate Development, a colossal project spanning 14 square kilometres that aims to attract over 27 million visitors annually by 2030. The development will feature 20 luxury hotels, 100 dining outlets, and numerous cultural institutions, all within the historic birthplace of the Saudi state. Jerry’s strategic approach focuses on developing and preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify the economy and establish…
Founded by the Dubai Real Estate Corporation in 2008, Wasl boasts a dynamic portfolio of over 55,000 residential and commercial properties, 32 hotels, 6,000 land plots, and various golf clubs and master developments. Under the visionary leadership of Hesham Al Qassim, Wasl has embarked on several ambitious projects that are strategically aligned with the UAE’s economic aspirations. Their recent ventures into sustainable real estate, partnerships with Food Tech Valley, and introduction of solar photovoltaic and energy retrofitting technologies highlight their commitment to a greener future. Notably, Wasl set a new record this year, selling all 600 units of Park Views…