< Previous30 August 2023 TOP 10 ARCHITECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST UAE Steering LWK + PARTNERS, a renowned architecture and design firm, Cengiz has been instrumental in incorporating green building principles and technologies into the company’s projects. Under his helm, the firm has successfully integrated passive design strategies, energy-efficient technologies, and materials into key environmentally friendly residential projects includ- ing the recently launched The LOOP in Hong Kong and DIFC Living & Innovation Two in Dubai, UAE. These include energy-efficient building systems, green roofs, and passive design components. Beyond sustainability, Cengiz’s expertise includes Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD), where LWK has been a strong advocate for promoting walkability, public transport, as well as reducing reliance on private vehicles. LWK + PARTNERS’ CSR initiatives LWK, as a rm, has demonstrated a commitment to CSR initi- atives that contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustain- able design and construction sector. One of the key aspects of LWK's CSR strategy is its collaboration with local partners to share its knowledge and experience in design and planning while simultaneously tapping into the valuable expertise of the local partners. Through this collaborative approach, LWK has successfully established partnerships with various architectural rms and developers across di erent regions, including KSA, the Middle East, and South Asia. These partnerships help enhance the rm's capacity to deliver high-quality designs and constructions that align with local customs, traditions, and environmental consid- erations. Additionally, this approach can contribute to the professional development and capacity-building of local archi- tects and designers, fostering a sustainable and inclusive growth of the design and construction industry. KEREM CENGIZ Good design is delivered through an intrinsic understanding of the cultural, societal and commercial needs of those who we are designing for Managing director, MENA LWK + PARTNERS Fostering vibrant pedestrian-friendly spaces LWK also steers the concept of vertical urbanism as the rm has excelled in developing sustainable and compact urban environments through high-rise buildings after recognising the challenges posed by limited land resources and urban density. Moreover, LWK + PARTNERS has also demonstrated a keen abil- ity to design public spaces that foster social interac- tion and vibrant pedestrian-friendly environments. Notable examples include their collaboration with Diriyah Company in KSA, which features a network of public spaces, pocket parks, promenades, and outdoor event areas that encourage creativity and collaboration.arabianbusiness.com 31 TOP 10 ARCHITECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST OMAN In 2023, Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S), an esteemed architectural firm based in Oman, celebrated 14 years of dedicated service and operation. After a rebranding from Hoehler+Part- ner (H+P) in 2016, H+S, under the visionary leadership of Al Salmy, pursued a focused expansion strategy, establishing a remarkable global pres- ence over the past year. In 2021, a significant milestone was achieved when Al Salmy acquired full ownership of H+S, while concurrently maintain- ing a valuable joint venture agreement with H+P Germany. This noteworthy accomplishment propelled H+S to solidify its position as a prominent Omani rm with a well-estab- lished global reach. Key projects by H+S H+S distinguished itself through its involvement in several prestigious architectural projects, including the design and supervision of a boutique four-star chalet-only resort in Jabel Akhdar, showcasing their expertise in hospitality architecture. Furthermore, H+S demonstrated their prowess in institutional design with the Diplomatic Institute project at the Foreign Ministry, the Khazaen Economic City headquar- ters building, and the Ravine Mall at GUTech. Preserving cultural herit- age, the rm successfully contributed to the architectural and cultural signi cance of the Dabba Archaeological Centre. Not limited to local endeavours, H+S extended its architectural prowess internationally with the interior design of a high-end apartment project in London. And their talent in renovation and redesign came to the fore with a chalet project in Davos, Switzerland. With an impressive portfolio that encompasses a diverse range of architectural domains, H+S rmly establishes itself as an esteemed architectural rm with a thriving global presence. As part of its CSR initiatives, H+S has been developing an environ- mental awareness application to promote sustainability. Moreover, H+S actively engages Omani intern students, providing them with hands-on learning experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of their studies, in alignment with the country’s Omanisation initiatives. MUHAMMAD AL SALMY We use competition to our advantage by breaking through design and construction barriers in the industry, and setting new construction standards in Oman $7.76BN The size of Oman construction market by 2028, according to a report by analysts Mordor Intelligence Managing director, partner and lead architect HOEHLER + ALSALMY (H+S)32 August 2023 TOP 10 ARCHITECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST UAE Bishop Design, under Bishop’s visionary leadership, has become a prominent architec- tural studio with humble beginnings that began from a shared warehouse in Al Quoz, Dubai. Today, Dubai remains the agship location, with his in uence extended to KSA and the US. With the launch of a new branch in Miami, Florida, Bishop Design’s commitment to growth and expansion is evident and has further steered their team expansion and increased oppor- tunities across global markets. Expansion and key projects by Bishop Design Bishop Design recently expanded its team with the addition of 10 new employees and has also recognised the exceptional contributions of four individuals, with three of them being promoted to senior positions. Also, during the previous year, Bishop Design has been involved in multiple distinguished projects, including the addition of the eccentric Colombian-in- spired restaurant, En Fuego, at the Atlantis the Palm to their portfolio, and the creation of Mesa at Tomorrowland’s Terra Solis. Bishop Design, in collaboration with Advanced Tastes Holding Company, is actively contributing to the vibrant food and beverage scene in Riyadh. Their involvement includes the development of ve distinct venues within the Laysen Valley Development, a project that promises to shape the city's culi- nary landscape and create memorable dining experiences for residents and visitors alike. Supporting independent craftsmen and artists During Bishop Design’s sourcing trip in Colombia for their En Fuego project, the team was introduced to Oliver, a highly skilled craftsman. They were highly impressed by Oliver’s meticulously handcrafted Chiva buses and purchased all avail- able pieces, enabling Oliver to retire earlier than expected. Today, Oliver’s exceptional work is proudly exhibited in Dubai, re ecting Bishop Design’s commitment to supporting inde- PAUL BISHOP 81 The number of food and beverage venues designed by Paul Bishop Owner and founder BISHOP DESIGN pendent craftsmen and artists while creating visually stunning designs. In terms of CSR, Bishop Design actively collaborates with Habitat for Humanity, a non-pro t organisation committed to constructing homes for families facing challenges in obtaining housing nancing. By provid- ing secure and safe housing, this partnership has positively impacted multiple lives. Bishop is also committed to creating opportunities for talented individuals through university scholarships and internships within his rm. arabianbusiness.com 33 TOP 10 ARCHITECTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST UAE With over three decades of e xperience w o r kin g throughout the Middle East and India, Ghosh has actively engaged in design and master planning for mixed-use, residential, o ce, retail, and hospitality projects. Known for his passion for cutting-edge designs that stretch the limits of practical architecture while maintaining functionality, Ghosh specialises in the design of complex mixed-use projects which embrace multiple build- ing typologies which has enabled him to deliver award-winning projects and developments during his successful tenure at the helm of multi-na- tional design rms, including his most recent previous role as a senior principal director in CallisonRTKL’s (CRTKL) Dubai o ce. Ghosh joined Mirage in 2022 to lead the Architecture and Planning at the rm. About Mirage Mirage has been involved with many projects that are part of Dubai’s glittering skyline, including the Address Downtown Dubai; Al Manzil Hotel; Madinat Jumeirah, among others. Globally, some of Mirage’s projects have a presence in Oman, South Africa, KSA, Morocco, Mauri- tius, and more. Having conceptualised, designed, and delivered some of the most complex and high-pro le projects across the globe, just some of Mirage’s projects include mixed-use destinations, civic spaces, leisure, entertainment, and islands. Mirage’s three-stage methodology As Mirage manages the full project life cycle, integrating all disciplines to provide clients with an all-encompassing solution and eliminating overlaps, they inculcate a three-stage methodology which enables them to add distinct value to a project at any stage of its lifecycle. Stage one is visioning and planning during which the rm operates an open book policy on the project and appoints a suitably quali ed and experienced quantity surveying rm to provide independent quantity surveying and cost control services. Stage two is management and design during which Mirage pre-qualify, select, appoint and direct a professional team of experts towards a consistent project goal. Stage three, super- vision and delivery, is the pivotal stage where design, technical and nancial plans converge in action to help steer the success of a project. PRODIPTO GHOSH The Middle East is leading the world in terms of real estate development. Its eyes are set on the future of its people and its place on the world stage 15 The number of CallisonRTKL o ces around the world Director of Architecture and Planning MIRAGE LEISURE AND DEVELOPMENT 34AB Top 10 Architects Supplement, August 2023 Macro factors reshaping business this decade “As we entered the 2020s, economies were already on the edge,” says Mark Raskino, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “A decade-long boom, generated substantially from inexpensive nance and lower-cost energy, led to structural stresses such as highly leveraged debt, crumbling international alliances and bubble-like asset prices. We were overdue for a reckoning.” Although the pandemic was the visi- ble impetus for the economic volatil- ity we’ve seen the last several years, the reality is that the markets were already fragile and precarious. What we’ve found, though, is that actions you take now are critical to your success during a downturn and beyond. The most important? Deci- sions around the way you allocate resources and invest in growth. Success requires early, decisive action by every function in the organ- ization to manage spend, secure talent and accelerate digital. In the 2022 Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey, we surveyed more than 400 senior busi- ness leaders about their 2022-23 priorities. “Environmental issues” came in ninth, with 9% of respondents citing it as a top-three priority. That may be a relatively small portion, but this is the rst time the category has ever cracked the top 10 and re ects a very signi cant increase in interest. (It was in 14th position just three years ago and 20th position seven years ago.) Business leaders are now under pressure from customers, investors, regulators and employees to do more on environmental sustainability, and having a sustainable business is seen as an opportunity to drive e ciency and revenue growth. Organisations nd themselves with a unique challenge: Keeping the in-de- mand talent they have and nding the competitive talent they need, espe- cially when staff budgets are contract- ing or staying at. Fighting for new headcount will be challenging, so organizations will have to get creative. To combat the tricky combination of an economic slowdown and the talent market squeeze, the best leaders will enact creative methods to acquire new skills and capabilities without hiring new full-time employees. Emerging technologies will have a large, disruptive effect in the coming decade. Adaptive AI, the metaverse, platform engineering, sustainable tech- nology and superapps will change how organizations and societies operate. Seismic change does not happen over- night, but ignoring a disruption in its early stages typically makes the entry price higher later. To capture the oppor- tunities, it’s critical to understand what, when and how key technologies will impact your strategic ambitions in the coming years. The digitalisation of work, coupled with the adoption of hybrid and remote work practices, has created a renewed focus on the fundamentals of workplace productivity. Once detached executives are starting to peer down through delegation layers and into the details to nd out-of-date technologies, bureaucratized prac- tices and process ine ciencies. But, the reality is - employees are being asked to do more with less when they least have the capacity to do so. They can only make so many improve- ments in productivity and effective- ness, especially as organizations shift in response to rapidly changing condi- tions, when they’re con ned to the same old processes and work ows. Emerging technologiesA talent shortage Sustainability The threat of recession Poor economic productivityTHE ART OF ELEVATION OMNIYAT.COMNext >