Lee French, the Partner and Managing Director for MENA at Cundall, has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s regional operations. His journey, which began as an apprentice in 2001, is a testament to the opportunities for growth and development at Cundall. With over 24 years of experience in the construction industry, Lee’s leadership has led to significant growth, including expanding offices in Riyadh and Bengaluru and a 64% increase in the overall team to meet the rising demand.
Cundall, a globally recognized multi-disciplinary consultancy, is renowned for its sustainable engineering and design solutions across various sectors, including entertainment, hospitality, infrastructure, and workplace design. The company boasts a presence in 27 locations and a team of over 1,200 consulting engineers and designers, offering expertise in more than 20 disciplines, such as structural engineering, civil engineering, building services, and digital engineering.
Over the past year, Cundall has achieved numerous sustainability milestones, solidifying its position as a go-to consultancy in the region. The company has delivered significant projects like the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, the Greater Salalah Structure Plan, and the Ibri Structure Plan, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040. These projects not only demonstrate Cundall’s technical expertise but also its commitment to sustainable development. Additionally, Cundall has garnered project wins from Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), reinforcing its reputation as a leading entertainment industry designer in the region.
Lee’s strategic vision and dedication to client success have led to continued wins and more complex projects, with Cundall offering a fully integrated Lead Design Consultant approach. His commitment to sustainability is evident through his involvement in Cundall’s Zero Carbon Design 2030 initiative, aiming to achieve zero carbon design on every project by 2030. This initiative underscores Cundall’s investment in enhancing its people’s capability and collaborating with clients and industry stakeholders to advance sustainability.
Lee’s forward-looking leadership also emphasizes the importance of digital engineering, supporting talent and R&D to expand knowledge in BIM, parametric modelling, and other platforms. This approach ensures that Cundall remains at the forefront of technological advancements, further cementing its status as a leading consultant in the industry.