Upon completing my Bachelors of Architecture degree in 1999 and registering as a professional Architect in Beirut Lebanon, my academic and professional paths have maintained close proximity to one another over the 10 year period that followed. In 2000, I ventured to the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY-UB) to start my M.Arch program. Shortly after commencing the academic year I received the opportunity to design the ‘Hus Var Estate’ a waterfront property located in Grand Island - Niagara Falls New York. Through the support of the faculty at SUNY-UB I began to develop the architectural concept for the project while continuing my studies. Due to the high operating cost of forming a design practice in N.Y, I utilized my background and know-how of the Lebanese market to form a start-up studio called ‘ARC99’ in Beirut to develop all the required drawings and models. Although the project helped launch my professional career, its hope of realization was short lived due to the faltering IT economy of 2002; the prospect remained at the Pre-Construction Drawing stage. Although un-realized the project received 15 legal variances by the Grand Island Town Council and was considered to be the largest private home in Western N.Y pushing the 5000 square meter mark. After completing my M.Arch I returned to Lebanon and focused on local opportunities both in academic and professional circles. Over the next year 2001 to 2002 I began teaching at the Lebanese American University (Beirut Campus) Foundation Year courses, focusing on moulding the conceptual abilities of 1st year students, teaching them how to translate ideas and concepts to 3-dimensional form. Professionally, 2001 – 2002 brought forth several architectural projects such as (1) Competition for a Conference Center [Budapest-Hungary], (2) Tra-lala Day Care Center [Keserwan-Lebanon] and a Private Residence for Mr. & Mrs. Rizk [Batroun-Lebanon]. Although these projects remained un-built the research and conceptual work invested in them would allow me to build an architectural repertoire and language. During this year I also had the opportunity to deliver a lecture at the Notre Dame University [Keserwan Campus] as well as hold an exhibition for my professional Works. The year also allowed the development of an apartment for Mr. & Mrs. Serhal [Martakla-Lebanon] where I was commissioned to design and build the interior fit-out as well as cost design and execute all furniture. This project allowed me to gain experience in the realm of custom mill-work, fabric selection, upholstery, as well as, time and budget management. Although the pace of the project was slow, extending from 2001 to 2006 for comprehensive completion. Although the time allocated to the project gradually decreased, I maintained steady communication with the client to assure that decisions were not rushed, and work was developed at a mutually convenient rate. The close of 2002 came with a desire to continue my academic research and development. I successfully received a seat in the PhD Architectural Design program at the Bartlett School of Architecture with Internationally renowned architects Professor Jonathan Hill, and Professor Peter Cook as my advisors. During my residency at the Bartlett School of Architecture I was endowed with the opportunity to work as Personal Assistant with Peter Cook, allowing me the opportunity to participate as guest critic on several M.Arch review sessions (as P.Cook was also the Chairman of the Bartlett). I also had the opportunity of organizing and spearheading the activities for the ‘Archigram World Rally’ a life-time event consisting of a 2 month lecture series by Architects such as Zaha Hadid, Morphosis, Asymptote, Future Systems and Bernard Tschumi. During my residency for my M.Phil degree at the Bartlett 2002 – 2004 I successfully won the completion to design the American University of Kuwait (AUK). With permission from the Bartlett, I was allowed the opportunity to return to Lebanon for the necessary time and develop the project, and was required to maintain a sufficient presence in London so as not to hinder my residency. The AUK developed into a considerably large campus consisting of 5 Major Structures, including a stadium, laboratories and research center. Unfortunately, just 14 months into the project as my team and I prepared the Tender Drawings and Specification Documents for Contractor bids, the project scope was down-sized due to limited funding from the investors. Although the AUK was not built to the standard I had envisioned due to the fact that they were planning a potential relocation. During the process, I developed the skill to manage a reasonably sized [15 person practice] consisting of draftsman, engineers and designers. Concurrently as my residency neared completion, I received the opportunity to teach seminar courses at the Notre Dame University that were based on research I had been conducting on the relation between film and architecture, and how the role of the architect could be compared to that of a Neo-realist film director in post-war/post-Syrian occupied Beirut. Based on several reviews and correspondences, my advisors and I decided that my research topic ‘Neo-realist Director Architect: critically observing the obvious’ required me to spend more time in Beirut. I took the opportunity to deliver lectures and exhibitions throughout various academic institutions that had shown interest in my work. From 2004 – 2006, in tandem with the development of my research, I continued to develop professionally through projects such as the Kuwait Urban Hub, and the Flex Residential Tower & Spa. Both projects served to inject some funding into my office, but that funding was not sufficient to remain afloat. I then decided to move back to New York and search for work. For the greater part of 2006 – 2007, while continuing my PhD research, I worked in two architectural firms in N.Y.C, as well as developed two independent proposals. The first N.Y firm was Raymond Chan Architects [http://www.raymondchanarchitect.com] working on local building design as well as liaising with their office in China for my conceptual study of the Song Zhuang Artist Metropolis [6 month engagement], followed by the second N.Y firm; TPG Architecture [http://www.tpgarchitecture.com] working on building design, with a focus on recording studios and corporate branding [15 month engagement]. The final section of 2007 brought along a landmark opportunity to design a city in Morocco entitled the Casbah Coastal Development (CCD), as well as, the Pine Plaza Tower (PPT) [Beirut-Lebanon]. The CCD master planning and urban design project evolved into 7 main sectors: (1). Hotel Community 4.44 km2, (2). Residential Development 8.64 km2, (3) Community Facilities .47 km2, (4). Financial District 1.50 km2, (5). Media District 3.40km2, (6). Marina 2.70km2, (7) Entertainment & Leisure 4.25km2. The Pine Plaza Tower dovetailed into the picture as the CCD had come to a temporary halt due to the collapse of Bear Sterns who were the financial arm at the time. The investors are currently searching for alternative financial solutions. 2007 - 2009 came with a desire to enhance my understanding of the built environment, as well as experience the phenomena of what was happening in Dubai? Although the Pine Plaza Tower was not built, the project investor had invited me to come to Dubai and establish a practice there at his company Adyton Art. Adyton Art hand managed to land two potential commissions for theatres in Fujairah. I accepted the role, and developed the concept work and preliminary design of the projects. The project client had not wished to pursue the brief, and only after 4 months I re-established myself as a Design Manger in Gulf Technical Contracting Company (GTCC) a subsidiary of Drake& Scull International PJSC. At GTCC I oversaw and managed the actual construction and delivery of 4 major structures. The experience was an eye-opener. I learned how a building comes together, and how the contracting industry functions. I acquired the skills of managing the delivery of a project rather than taking the design role that I was accustomed to. I learned how contracts are written, how sub-contract agreements are scripted, but mostly I acquired the ability to understand and comprehend how involved and intricate the making of architecture was. During my work at GTCC, I also successfully completed my VIVA and received my PhD in Architectural Design. The nature of my 10 year trajectory, from receiving my B.Arch (1999) to completing my PhD. (2009) taught me a great deal. Based on my professional and academic experience that I have matured along the way, I am very keen on re-focusing on my academic career path.

Architecture