Middle East Architect of the Year and Young Architect of the Year goes to...   
 
15th October 2008

The spotlight shone on us last week at the 2008 Middle East Architect Awards, as we walked away with two coveted honours, further strengthening our Architectural credentials. Of a possible 11 awards presented during the gala dinner in Dubai, we were shortlisted as a finalist in four categories and claimed the top honours of Architect of the Year and Young Architect of the Year, overcoming stiff competition.

“This vote by the industry on our architectural capability is very well received and exemplifies the quality work we are producing in a wide variety of sectors across the region.” commented Tim Askew, managing director for Atkins in the Middle East & India.

‘Poetic, refreshing, responsible’ were some of the words used by judges to describe the 2008 Middle East Architect of the Year, Nicholas Bailey, one of the leading architects in the region whose focus on sustainability has bought a new dimension to architecture.

“I’m shocked and surprised, but very happy. It’s a triumph for quiet architecture” said Nick after he collected the award. Based in Atkins in Bahrain, Nicholas is responsible for the award winning* design for Al Sharq in Kuwait, Mahboula Towers in Kuwait, Bombay Dyeing in India and Nomas Towers in Bahrain. He is helping to establish the Middle East as a benchmark for world-class architecture with buildings and developments that are not only beautiful and iconic but also practical in construction and sustainable in philosophy.

His philosophy is clearly an inspiration to those that work alongside him, as Carmy Wong, a senior within the design team, clinched the Middle East Young Architect of the Year award.

This award was hotly contested by Atkins, with fellow Atkins Architect Loubna Al Zalek also shortlisted as one of three finalists to make the cut. * Winner of the Future Architecture Awards MIPIM 2007 and Winner of the CNBC Arabia Property Awards 2007