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 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. By crafting a compelling storyline and combining it with cutting-edge technologies to push the frontiers of what is possible in architecture, Ignacio’s approach has led to pioneering work, making Aedas a force to reckon with in the Middle Eastern architectural scene.
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 Archidaily to name a few.
Ignacio’s commitment extends beyond design; he aims to create lasting impacts in both architecture and the region. He dedicates his efforts to mentoring young local architects, encouraging them to think creatively and explore new ideas. 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. More recently, he has also been a named of the most influential architects in the Middle East by Construction Week and Design Middle East and has been on several architecture and design power lists.
Under Ignacio’s leadership, Aedas is poised to respond to the region’s rising demand for innovative design solutions through the firm’s tailored regio-cultural methodology that not only distinguishes the firm within the competitive architectural landscape but also resonates with clients seeking solutions that go beyond mere aesthetics. Commitment to thoughtful and culturally sensitive design combined with a proactive approach to innovation and technology are the two guiding principles
that allows Aedas to forge ahead by creating architecture that is regionally relevant and adaptive whilst staying at the forefront of design.
“Virtual and fictional narratives have and will always be incredibly powerful sources of inspiration, and with the economy and world heading into unknown territory, architects can and should play a part in the role of
imaginary landscapes and stories. The architect must be able to create non-fiction from fiction. Then the work becomes an active entity in the imaginations of society — a type of fable or myth. The source becomes less important, even obliterated, and what counts more is the way the story or the building or the city lives on in
collective memory.”
1. Trojena Mountain – Ski Village, Saudi Arabia
Trojena Ski Village is intended to be an integrated futuristic resort destination located at NEOM Peak at an elevation of +2,300 m, comprising of an urban-mixed use animated center with hotels, commercial, entertainment, and sports integrated and surrounded by residential accommodation.
The development includes a hotel with 100 keys, along with 18 villas and chalets that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. It is a signature hospitality and recreational village equipped with pioneering technology-enabled and customer-tailored adventure.
2. Gidori, Saudi Arabia
Gidori in NEOM is an exclusive private golf community that is set amidst the breathtaking coastal hills of the Gulf of Aqaba in northwest Saudi Arabia. It effortlessly combines world-class golf and active leisure in an ultra-modern community for golfers and non-golfers.
‘Gidori is an ultimate experience of community living. A series of spaces offering points of connection between humans and nature’, shared Ignacio Gomez. With ambitious architecture that blends with the dramatic natural landscape, Gidori hosts luxury hospitality, premium residences, and a range of sports and leisure amenities that offer an unmatched living experience.
3. The Red Palace Boutique Hotel, Saudi Arabia
This landmark project involves the transformation of the historic Red Palace that served as the residence of King Saud during his reign. Subsequently, for over three decades, it functioned as the headquarters of the Council of Ministers. The palace will be revamped to offer more than 70 keys, 8 spa suites, and 5 high-end restaurants and cafes. Blending traditional Najdi elements with Art Deco references and modern luxury comfort.
Ignacio says, “Our design aims not to simply recreate a physical space but rather 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. We want to create an experience that would transport visitors to a different era, immersing them in the rich heritage of the palace while also reflecting its significance in the present and future.”
4. Rixos Dubai Residences, UAE
Located in the heart of the city, this iconic development marks the debut of the world’s first Rixos standalone residences. Rixos Hotels and Residences, part of Ennismore, a global lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, brings an added layer of prestige to the project. The building will offer some of the finest views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai while raising the bar for sophistication and urban living.
Standing as the second tallest residential tower in Dubai after the Burj Khalifa, this landmark building will occupy the last corner plot in Downtown Dubai. With one side overlooking the vibrant streets of Downtown Dubai and the other offering picturesque vistas of the canal, residents will experience the best of both worlds.