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Global architecture, design and planning firm Gensler has appointed three directors to its Middle East office.
Thomas Williams, AIA, LEED AP and Arthi Balasubramanian, B.Arch. (Honours), PG Dip, COA have been appointed as studio directors, while Stephanie Kinnick AIA, LEED AP BD+C is the new director of operations. All employees will be based in the Middle East.
In announcing the key appointment, Gensler said it would be an important sign of growth for the group’s Middle East business, with Tim Martin as managing director.
Williams is a licensed architect in the state of Hawaii, USA, with over 25 years of experience; a global leader in hospitality, master planning, design leader for ultra-luxury resorts and high-rise urban complexes.
His expertise extends beyond the conceptual realm to technical work drawings and direct account management. With an extensive background in architecture, hospitality management and graphic design, he is able to bring a unique professional perspective to clients’ projects and design solutions.
With large projects such as; Park Hyatt & Andaz Porto Island Dubai (1,150 rooms); Van Don Resort Complex, Hanoi, Vietnam (2,400 rooms) and French Polynesia (300 rooms), Williams’ primary role is to lead and direct Gensler Lifestyle II studio designs, including: Hospitality, Residential and Retail, while working with Gensler’s global production team.
An industry veteran with more than 15 years of architectural practice, Arthi has worked in leading UK architectural studios where he has led several award-winning projects.
She studied architecture at Anna University in Chennai, India, before moving to the UK for a postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield.
Shortly after moving to the UAE, Arthi worked as Principal Design Manager at the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture, responsible for the complex masterplan and modernisation of the Qasr Al Hosn Cultural Foundation building.
In her previous role, she oversaw the design and delivery of all regional projects, developed strategy and led business development. Her passion is the design and renovation of cultural buildings, especially those that connect local heritage with contemporary architecture.
Kinnick is an architect with over 25 years of experience, working globally in a diverse range of jobs, from academic to commercial, from arenas to single-family homes, from civics and transportation to hospitality and retail.
Working in the MENA region for over a decade, she has had the opportunity to witness projects in various fields including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay and Jubail Island Town Centre. With a solid foundation in design and a passion for strategic leadership, Stephanie excels as a driven team leader.
She is currently the 2022 President of AIA Middle East, and in her current role, she will manage the day-to-day operations of Gensler’s Middle East office, covering all aspects of business, resources, finance, marketing, business development and team development.
Welcoming the appointments, Martin said: “The Gensler Middle East office has been extremely successful over the past two years, and as a result, the client base, revenue and staff have grown exponentially. With the giga project and two new offices, we have It’s a pleasure to continue to welcome the high-caliber talent of the Gensler family to help us deliver on our commitment to the design industry.”
“Guided by unwavering optimism, we believe in the power of design to inspire positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience and well-being for everyone,” he said.
Gensler’s global revenue in fiscal 2021 reached $1.235 billion, with the Middle East an impressive contributor, a key market for the global giant.
Currently, Gensler was founded in 1965 and has 50 branches in Asia, Europe, Australia, America, three of which are in the Middle East. The company serves more than 3,300 active clients in nearly every industry. –arab trade news agency
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