Alistair is a multi-licensed Architect with an international career spanning more than 30 years across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With a broad focus ranging from master planning concepts to curtain wall detailing, Alistair has been responsible for leading diverse multi-disciplinary consultant teams on significant projects, with key expertise in high-rise building design having had design and technical responsibility on several supertall projects in the Far East. Alistair possesses an in-depth knowledge of exterior wall design, and is working at the forefront of digital design, directing teams utililsing advanced parametric software.

Darryl has over 34 years of global design and management leadership experience and is a global expert in large planning projects and commercial urban mixed-use developments.

As the Managing Director of the Design division, Darryl is responsible for bringing excellence to KEO and the Design division and all its associated disciplines, from early concept designs to final construction documents. He is also a member of KEO’s Executive Leadership Management Board.

A talented designer with strong communication skills, Darryl is focused on supporting his client’s goals and overall community benefit. Before joining KEO, he spent 18 years with a global architecture, planning, and design practice, where his focus was primarily project management and design studio leadership with an emphasis on client and team development through the entire design process. Today, Darryl thinks of himself as a teacher, working with his teams to create designs that push boundaries, and projects that address issues of sustainability, using architecture to create community-driven, smart, urban mixed-use environments for today, and tomorrow.

Currently based in the UAE, Darryl’s experience is truly global, spanning China and Southeast Asia, the US, the GCC, and North Africa.

Darryl holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the US. He is a licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects, NCARB certified and is also a LEED Green Associate Member.

Dr. Karanouh is an established inter-disciplinary design innovation specialist in the built environment, with over 25 years’ experience in integrating the principles of design, technology, and whole lifecycle among others; An advocate of the ‘master builder’ concept based on disciplines integration as opposed to standard coordination practice, Dr. Karanouh's core expertise lies in leading specialised project teams in developing and delivering context-inspired integrated innovative solutions. Dr. Karanouh is currently the International Director and Global Head of Interdisciplinary Design Research at Drees & Sommer.

Paolo Rossi, ARB, RIBA, OAR, is a Pace Architecture, Kuwait Design Director. With 20 years of experience realising visionary award-winning designs worldwide, with Pace has won the WAN gold medal as the best project and the AIA Middle East honorable mention with the Schools of the Future in Kuwait. Paolo has studied at the “La Sapienza” Architecture University of Rome. His projects have included JW Marriot in Kuwait, the RETAL Mosque in Saudi, and the Kuwait Digital Campus. His work was presented in numerous architectural exhibits, including the “Venice Architecture Biennale” in 2008 and 2023. Since 2005, his cooperation with such firms as n! studio and SOM has been published in important magazines and architectural catalogues.

He has held several lectures at IOWA and Penn State University in Rome, Design Critique at the Dubai American University, Herriot Watt, and been on juries for the World Architecture Festival and the LEAF awards.

Mark is the Head of Architecture for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture & Tourism. He is a past Branch President and longstanding member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a former member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservators.

For the past eleven years Mark has worked in UAE and gained an extensive knowledge of both Emirati Vernacular Architecture and the Modern Heritage of Abu Dhabi. This work has been mainly focused on the restoration, remodeling and refurbishment of Qasr Al Hosn (a building which is defined as Abu Dhabi’s most significant heritage structure) The Cultural Foundation (a significant modern heritage landmark) the urbanisation of the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi and other renowned Museum projects.

The works which Mark has undertaken, have been recognised by UNESCO as being an exemplar approach to rehabilitating a World Heritage Site. He is delighted to have been recognised by his peers for these works which obtained a High Commendation in the ‘Mies van der Rohe’ award at the World Architecture Festival, in Barcelona 2008 and for the Qasr Al Hosn Musalla to be recognised as the best Religious building at the World Architecture Festival Awards in Amsterdam 2019.

After completing a degree in Architectural Engineering Anna joined the Façade Engineering team at BuroHappold in 2007. Anna is currently an Director responsible for leading both façade specific and multi-disciplinary projects as well as managing the façade team resources.

Anna has experience of delivering projects from conceptual design stages through to tender and construction. Her technical façade expertise include the design, engineering and detailing of a wide range of façade systems and materials incorporating key performance attributes such as structural, environmental, fire, acoustics and security.

Anna has a focused interest in the broader application of an integrated engineering approach to building design addressing the complex demands of the built environment. Anna specialises in bringing together a range of highly specialised engineering disciplines to unlock design opportunities and deliver seamless solutions to specific engineering challenges within the building environment and fabric.

Anna has a broad experience of working across a variety of sectors with specific expertise in Culture, Education, Sports and Aviation. She has worked globally on projects within Europe, North America, India, Asia and the Middle East allowing her to gain a sound knowledge of the requirements and expectations in a range of climates and cultures.

Mathieu Meur provides strategic and technical leadership as the director of DP Façade, a leading façade consultancy practice with global projects. Through his training as a multi-disciplinary engineer, and subsequent years of experience heading the largest façade consultancy practice in the world, Mathieu has developed extensive knowledge of all types of building envelope systems, their design, engineering, and related codes of practice. Mathieu has worked on numerous major construction projects on five continents, including Changi Airport in Singapore, The Dubai Mall, New Lima Airport and 145 City Road in London.

Passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others, he is a frequent speaker at conferences, writes for technical publications, and has been a lecturer on the topic of façades for many years. Mr. Meur has also been an active member of several Singapore Standards working groups, writing or updating multiple standards related to building envelopes.

Andy has over 25 years of experience in the field of Building and Construction, ranging from structural testing within the nuclear industry to fire testing. Having established the Dubai Cladding Technology Centre and Laboratory, and operated it for 10 years, he has particular knowledge of heavy structures testing and weather tightness testing of cladding, curtain walling and building envelope systems.

He has carried out many consultancy projects as a third-party specialist in the field of building envelope technology.

Andy has a long-standing association with the CIOB. He is currently the Chairman of the Dubai and Northern Emirates Center and he is also an experienced candidate mentor.

He continues to provide input into the UAE code and is a regular speaker at industry technical seminars such as this one.

John Downes is the Global Head of Facades for Lendlease . He has 30 + years’ experience in the façade, construction and real estate development industry.

John holds an MSc Façade Engineering from the University of Bath and is a board director of the CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology). He also sits on the CWCT technical standards committee and is a fellow of the Society of Façade Engineers (SFE).

John is passionate about sustainability and has been appointed as Chair of the CWCT strategic committee on Sustainability.

He is a regular lecturer and contributor to the MSc Façade Engineering at the University of West of England and University of Bath.

John leads the Lendlease Global Façade Specialism Unit that supports all façade related aspects of the Lendlease business. The façade unit strives to provide fully coordinated building envelope design, delivery input to enable Lendlease to ‘Create Better Places’ and decarbonizing the façade industry.

Sherif is an architect and development management director with over three decades of diverse experience spanning the USA, UK and the GCC. Since 2007 Sherif has been actively involved in transformative projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With a keen focus on design and design management, Sherif has a proven track record of developing innovative, cost-effective designs in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. His high-profile project portfolio consists of large, mixed-use commercial/residential projects, corporate headquarters, hotels, university campuses and buildings, extensive multi-use developments, major educational projects, and contemporary residences; all of which incorporate qualities that make projects successful, attractive, sustainable, and livable.

An award-winning and published designer, Sherif is a regular speaker, panelist and chairperson at regional conferences and design award juries. He has been ranked #68 in the ‘Power 100 most influential people in the GCC’s construction industry. As a founding member of the American Institute of Architects’ Middle East Board of Directors and a Fellow of the Institute, Sherif presently serves as the chapter’s Executive Director and has served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President.

Sherif holds a Bachelor of Architecture from New York’s Syracuse University School of Architecture and is a licensed architect in the State of Massachusetts.

Nicky Dobreanu is a seasoned professional working with Omnium International, a distinguished RICS regulated firm with a global footprint spanning the Middle East and Europe through five branch offices. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Management, and a PgCert in International Arbitration, Nicky is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and a Member of the RICS UAE Regional Advisory Board.

Beyond his notable academic and professional credentials, Nicky is a fervent advocate for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, championing sustainability and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across various realms. His career has unfolded across continents, steering projects in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and North America.

Nicky's commitment extends beyond project landscapes to volunteering with professional bodies dedicated to public welfare. He passionately champions DEI, striving for a harmonious and inclusive professional realm. With technology and sustainability at the forefront of his approach, Nicky leverages innovation to propel projects forward, aiming not only to meet but exceed industry standards. His unwavering belief is that progress should not only be groundbreaking but also equitable and sustainable, a philosophy evident in every endeavour he undertakes.

Harpreet Seth, Associate Professor, is the Head of Architecture and Director of Studies in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD). She played an instrumental role in establishing the Architecture programme at HWUD, a RIBA Part 1 candidate course. Her current role is characterized by a strong commitment to a distinctive pedagogy that addresses current and future challenges through design and critical thinking in architectural education internationally and within the MENA region.

Before joining HWUD, Harpreet held several senior academic positions in reputed institutions across the UAE. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) She steered her own practice in Architecture, Landscape, and Interior Design in Dubai for over a decade before entering the world of academia to fulfill her ambition to meaningfully contribute to teaching and research.

Harpreet completed her PhD at Wolverhampton University, UK, with a specialisation in Urban Design and Architecture, and her Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), India. She is an avid sketcher and a founder member of Urban Sketchers Dubai (USD), the Dubai chapter of the International Urban Sketchers.

James is a structural and facade engineer with over 20 years of experience. Widely acknowledged as an authority on structural glass, he is perhaps best known for his highly innovative designs for glass envelopes, stairs, bridges and other structural elements in Apple’s iconic retail stores around the world.

He co-founded Eckersley O’Callaghan in 2004, his ongoing interest in the development of structural glass design has led to the firm’s involvement with many challenging and award-winning glass projects around the world. This was recognised in 2010 when the practice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Innovation.

James is a member of the Design Council Board of Directors, the HS2 Design Panel and a member of the South East Design Panel. He has taught at the University of Portsmouth and is currently a visiting professor at the TU Delft School of Architecture.

In 2016, he received the Milne Medal from the International Association of Bridges and Structures for Excellence in Structural Design, one of the highest distinctions for an individual in the industry. In 2017, he received the Phoenix Award for his contributions to structural glass. In 2018, James was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2019, James was awarded the IStructE Gold Medal.

Jason Carlow is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture at American University of Sharjah. He holds a BA in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. Prior to joining the faculty at AUS in 2016, he taught architecture at multiple institutions including the University of Hong Kong, Parsons School of Design in New York and the Yale School of Architecture. His current research and teaching themes include façade systems for desert climates, high-rise housing and dense urban environments. He is co-author of the forthcoming book, Cities of Repetition: Hong Kong’s Privately Developed Housing Estates (AR+D Publications 2024).

In addition to his work as a professor and academic leader, Carlow is an award winning designer. His design work has been published widely and exhibited internationally at the Hong Kong/Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture, Dubai Design Week, the Venice Biennale of Architecture, and Beijing Architecture Biennial. He is the recipient of an AIA Honor Award, the 2020 AIA/ACSA Housing Design Education Award and was listed in Perspective Magazine’s “40 under 40: Asia Design Awards” in 2010.

Mark is the Head of Architecture for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture & Tourism. He is a past Branch President and longstanding member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and a former member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservators.

For the past eleven years Mark has worked in UAE and gained an extensive knowledge of both Emirati Vernacular Architecture and the Modern Heritage of Abu Dhabi. This work has been mainly focused on the restoration, remodeling and refurbishment of Qasr Al Hosn (a building which is defined as Abu Dhabi’s most significant heritage structure) The Cultural Foundation (a significant modern heritage landmark) the urbanisation of the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi and other renowned Museum projects.

The works which Mark has undertaken, have been recognised by UNESCO as being an exemplar approach to rehabilitating a World Heritage Site. He is delighted to have been recognised by his peers for these works which obtained a High Commendation in the ‘Mies van der Rohe’ award at the World Architecture Festival, in Barcelona 2008 and for the Qasr Al Hosn Musalla to be recognised as the best Religious building at the World Architecture Festival Awards in Amsterdam 2019.

Andy Shaw RIBA is an architect based in Dubai. He is the Managing Partner at AMA (www.ama.design). AMA is a boutique design studio, designers of the landmark ‘Yacht Club’ in Dubai Harbour, the Nobu Hotel and Residences in the Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, and over 1700 homes for the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority. He is currently working on new hotel resorts and housing communities in the UAE.

He is the elected Chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, helping to grow the design community and create events including the regionally focused Sustainability Series, and led the team delivering the Sustainability - Past, Present and Future exhibition in Dubai Design Week, d3.

He has been using AI technology to further the design process in the studio, and has his AI generated work featured in the RIBA Journal.

He has previously worked on facade designs for global landmark projects such as the London Olympic 2012 Velodrome and Pune International Cricket Stadium.

Andy is passionate about how combining innovative technology and sustainable design can improve the built environment for all citizens, whilst addressing the emerging climate emergency.