Board

President

Architect at Perkins EastmanLi Ren is a project architect at Perkins Eastman, Li Ren focuses on senior living, multi-family housing, and urban design. Beyond the professional practice, Li serves as a board member/Director at Large in the AIA Washington Chapter, affiliate faculty at the Virginia Tech Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, and an active member of the NCARB Examination Committee.

Li has excellent enthusiasm for community-based design and urban regeneration. His research/practice targets DC urban regeneration, knowledge-oriented architecture facilities, and future architectural strategy within three focus areas — technology, sustainability, and culture — emphasizing community hotspot spaces such as new neighborhood libraries, affordable housing, and senior living facilities renovated community service centers. Li Ren embodies the young architect who has embraced the profession, continuous learning, and service. His impressive list of accomplishments has been undertaken quietly and without fanfare. However, everyone who has the chance to work with him or serve with him admires his focus, passion, leadership, and commitment.

Vice President, Lebanon Country Representative and AUB/LAU/NDU Liaison

Principal at RKTECT Studios

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Mr. Skaff is the Principal of “Roger Skaff, AIA” and “RKTECT Studios”, a licensed architect in the State of Nevada, USA, an NCARB member, a member of the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut, with practices in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Beirut, Lebanon, with architectural, engineering, and interior design, supervision, and management services.

Mr. Skaff graduated with degrees in Applied Physics from the Lebanese University, an Architectural Engineering Degree with Structural Concentration and an Architectural Degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

His diversified education and work experience allowed him to work on landmark and complex projects, where he headed the construction supervision of the AUB-IFI building, a Zaha Hadid and Rafik-El-Khoury project on the American University of Beirut campus.

As a Managing Architect of the UAE office for Steelman Partners, he managed the Butterfly 5-star hotel project in Dubai and the Starfish Resort conceptual study in the MENA region.

As a Project Manager with Perlman Architects in Las Vegas Nevada, he was in charge of mixed-use, hospitality, office, retail, educational, and multifamily projects from inception to construction, including zoning and building permitting processes.

His architectural engineering practice in the Philadelphia area ranged from design to supervision of residential, commercial, municipal, and airport projects while with SSM Group.

Mr. Skaff is an instructor at the Lebanese American University in Byblos Lebanon and an advisor for NAAB accreditation matters.

Secretary

Technical Director | Senior Associate, Gensler

With over 20 years of experience across the United States and the Middle East, Ryan brings his technical expertise to every project, displaying thoughtfulness to design solutions that uniquely reflect a client’s core values, vision, and business mission. His ability to design both interior architecture and base building projects makes him a unique contributor to the firm. He has served in both design and contract administration roles for a wide range of projects, and his strong communication skills, coupled with his technical knowledge, allow him to form a key trusted advisor role to both client and team members alike. Being approachable and attentive, he values the relationships he forms.

He has successfully coordinated construction documents and construction administration for some of Gensler’s most complex projects. He has extensive experience of managing on-site coordination and observation including coordinating the efforts of consultants and acting as a liaison with building officials and local authorities, Ryan’s expertise is integral to ensuring drawing and technical accuracy.

Treasurer

Jason is a Registered Architect in the USA with over 10 years of work experience in China. He is a Founding Partner of STUDIO DOHO, an architecture and interior design company in Shanghai. Jason has extensive experience in design, construction, and project management for both large and small scale projects in China.

Past President

Founder / Principal at Anomaly Architecture

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Timothy Winstanley is an architect focused on the integration of innovative and atypical approaches to design opportunities with an emphasis on the engagement and creation of contextual solutions that enrich experiential qualities on an international scale.

Prior to founding Anomaly Architecture in 2021, he was a Senior Architect at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, where he led the design of numerous international projects ranging from supertall towers to cultural landmarks, including the recently completed Al Wasl Trellis - the centerpiece of Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE.

His work embodies an approach that is heavily influenced by the local contextual curiosities present within each unique locale. This, in turn, reveals the potential for dynamic design to profoundly transform the human experience and enrich the urban fabric.

His experience directing large-scale complex projects from conception through construction on-site provides an additional layer of insight into the realization of complex designs through close collaboration with world-class fabricators and builders.

Timothy is a registered architect in the US states of Illinois and Arizona.

Executive Director

Director of Design, Planning & Development at LEAD Development

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A founding member of the AIA Middle East Board of Directors, Sherif has served as the Chapter's Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and was the 2013 and 2016 President and is the chapter’s Executive Director. Sherif has also served on the AIA International Region Board of Directors as the founding Zone 1 Region Director, the 2017-2018 Secretary, and the current Middle East Chapter Representative.

Working to foster stronger ties between the AIA, regional architects, and governments in the MENA region, Sherif and the Board seek to foster an understanding of the differences in professional practices between the US and Middle East; promote US training and design approaches; facilitate international recognition of US professional architectural credentials; and foster communications between the AIA and its members who work and reside in the Middle East.

With a rich and diverse experience in the USA, London, and the GCC, Sherif relocated to Abu Dhabi from Boston in 2008 and is actively involved in projects in Abu Dhabi. With more than 31 years’ experience working in Architecture, Interior Design, and Urban Planning, his work ranges from residential and commercial buildings to academic and institutional facilities, all of which possess the qualities that make any type of project successful, attractive, sustainable, and most importantly, livable. Sherif is a Fellow in the AIA, a registered licensed architect in the State of Massachusetts. and also a member of the Boston Society of Architects.

Mr. Anis received a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture.

Regional Director

Director of Operations and Associate

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Stephanie is the Director of Operations for Gensler Middle East and is responsible for all operational aspects of the firm’s Middle East studios. She also serves as the Culture & Museums Leader for Gensler’s APME region. As an architect with over 25 years of experience, she has a diverse portfolio of work globally ranging from academic to commercial, arenas to single-family residential, civic and transportation, hospitality and retail.

Stephanie is a collaborative team leader with excellent communication skills who has been based in the Middle East and North Africa region for over ten years. With a strong foundation in both design and technical construction knowledge, she has excelled as a driven leader experienced in managing large multi-disciplinary teams.

In her current role, she successfully manages the day-to-day operations of Gensler’s Middle East studios in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, covering all aspects of business, resourcing, fiscal operations, marketing and business development, and team development.

Fellowship Director
Principal at Thierry Paret-Architect

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Thierry Paret is an American architect, with 25 years of richly diverse experience in the USA, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Thierry previously worked as a Design Studio Lead for major Irish and US Firms where he designed pharmaceutical, laboratory, education and residential projects. More recently Thierry was an Advisor to the Qatari government working on program wide strategic initiatives for their multi-billion dollar portfolio comprising of the Healthcare, Educational and General Sectors.

Thierry earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and is a registered architect in the States of New York, Nevada, Oklahoma (dormant), Utah (dormant) and the Republic of Ireland. He was elevated to the College of Fellows in 2014 at the age of 47.

Thierry was a founding member of the AIA Middle East Chapter and served as its first President from 2010-2012.  He also was one of the founders of the AIA International Region and served as its Treasurer in 2014-2015. He previously served on the AIA Membership (2013-2014), AIA Community Committees (2013) and AIA Knowledge Committee (2016). In 2015 Thierry was elected as one of six Directors At Large (2016-2017)on the AIA's National Board.

As a result of his significant contributions, in 2012 Thierry Paret was honored as the 41st most influential person in the Middle East and North African consgtruction industry by top regional magazine feauturing the "Power 100" in the industry. That same year he was also voted the 16th most influential architect in the Middle East by Architect Middle East Magazine.  Over the past 4 years he has supported the US Commerce Department with Trade Missions to the Middle East. He has also been an organizer of AIA Middle East End of Year Conferences since its inception.  Thierry's work has been published in Damdi's Competition Panel Book, Interior Magazine, Big Project Magazine, New York Times and other publications.

Thierry sits on the Advisory Boards of the American University in Dubai and Qatar University supporting them in their bids to become NAAB Accredited. He previously sat on the Advisory Board of Informa, the organizers of Cityscape events in the Middle East.

Thierry holds an FAA Private Pilot's License, is a fourth degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate who competed in the 1996 Sixth World Open Kyokushinkai Full Contact Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.  He is also an advanced tennis player and enjoys road cycling.

Events Director

Membership Director
Principal at Infinity Design

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Farouk Tadros, an architect, and owner of “Infinity Design”. Holds a bachelor degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California-Los Angeles (USC), obtained his master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from University of Southern California-Los Angeles (USC). He has been a part-time lecturer at several universities in Jordan. Tadros is a member of the Green Building Committee at the Jordan Engineering Association (JEA) and a member of “Greener Amman 2020 Committee” hosted by Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). In addition, committee member for the landscape design accreditation at the Jordan Engineering Association (JEA). He has worked on a variety of design projects within the region ranging from urban regeneration projects, development of archeological and tourist sites, city parks, coastal developments, residential and commercial buildings. Tadros is an architect who strongly believes in the impact of development on the existing environment, thus sustainable approaches are mostly adapted in his designs.

Continuing Education Director and American University of Dubai | AUD Liaison

Principal at Infinity Design

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Alex I. Albani is an architect and an academic with over 22 years of international experience. He began his career teaching CADD at the University of California at Berkeley where he earned his M. Arch and M.A. in Design. He continued after graduation as a CADD/BIM specialist and a store designer for Gap, LVMH, and Mexx. He joined the American University in Dubai (AUD) with the purpose of introducing BIM in academia.

Alex gained valuable CADD/BIM and design/build experience working on projects that ranged from creating and driving design/construction standards to phasing technology upgrade transitions. His architecture portfolio includes apparel, residential, civic, and office projects.

Alex’s contributions in academia include the Integrated Computational Design concentration and the introduction of BIM as a core subject. He was responsible for AUD’s MoU with Autodesk which secured over one million US dollars in Autodesk educational grants and services in the cloud for AUD students and faculty. He set up AUD as the first academic Autodesk Authorized Certification Centre in the Middle East which later was acquired by Certiport/Pearson VUE. He actively promotes BIM professional certification as well as NCARB Licensing and is presently serving as the AIA ME Continuing Education Director.

Alex is an associate member of the AIA, a BIM Revit for Architectural Design Certified Professional, and an Autodesk Certified Instructor. He received the AUD President’s Award for Teaching Excellence as well as the AUD Provost’s Award for Innovative Teaching.

Fundraising Director

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Megha Arjun is a licensed Architect with COA in India, currently working in Qatar in the field of architecture, design, and construction. Her passion for Architecture originated from her love and understanding of Life. Learning and exploring the world of Architecture, One's idea is to take Inspiration from Life itself and give it back in the Physical form. One believes in creating spaces which can contribute to the World in a way which helps create value in people's lives and in the environment.

Megha has worked for a global design firm - HKS Inc. where she has worked on different scale of projects in the US, China and India. She has been actively involved in preparing and participating in Client presentations for reputed Clients in India and Singapore. Currently, to advance her knowledge in Building construction, she has been leading the construction and coordination effort with Blue Star Qatar W.L.L in Qatar for Qatar University.

Megha is a member of the AIA American Institute of Architects as an International Associate. She has been awarded Gold Medal in her Bachelors for Academic Achievement. She has also been a Better Together Champion for the firm-wide initiative in HKS Inc. as a part of HR to include Diversity, inclusion, and Equity.

Communications Director and Bahrain Country Representative

Senior Architect and AIA Middle East Country Rep. with over 8 years of experience in the Middle East. Senior Architect with experience in various architectural projects. Shahd has expertise in BIM, LEED GA, and design software such as Autodesk REVIT, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite. She has worked on high-profile projects for government entities and strategic clients, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Her experience includes preparing design and shop drawings, conducting architectural studies, and managing project teams.

• Worked for leading A/E consultants in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

• Artistic, creative and high dynamic individual.

• Executed a wide variety of difficult architectural tasks.

• Implemented design solutions, practices, codes and standards.

• Accomplished high profile projects for strategic clients and government entities (including Diplomatic, Municipal, Commercial, Residential, Retail and Mixed-use Developments)

• Experienced in BIM and generating remarkable presentation packages

DEI Director and Algeria Country Representative

Director at Large

Country Manager

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Architect, Design, and Operations Leader with over 25 years of experience in the design and planning of commercial-driven mixed-use environments and developments throughout the Middle East, India, and the USA. Managed the growth and development of (3) three design consultancy offices, crafting multidisciplinary design studios with core support teams.

Strong Business Development background with an understanding of brand awareness and the importance of identifying and executing tactical marketing initiatives. Brings a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the operational and financial targets of Clients and achieving their project goals.

John is a graduate of the University of Houston and the Ecole d'architecture et d’Urbanisme, Saintes, France.

John is a US registered architect in the state of Missouri

Director at Large
RAYA ANI- Founder & Design Director, RAW-NYC Architects

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Raya Ani an award winning architect and urban designer with 25 years of professional experience having worked in Baghdad, Germany, Boston, New York City and Dubai. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, she was named one of the top most powerful Architects in the Middle East. She won the AIA Middle East election at the end of 2015 to become the 2017 President of the American Institute of Architects - Middle East Chapter. She received her BSC in Architectural Engineering from Baghdad University with distinctions, and an MS in Architectural Studies from MIT where she was awarded the Harvard / MIT Aga Khan Scholarship. She has taught urban and architectural design studios and served as a guest critic at a number of leading architectural schools in New York, Boston and Dubai. Raya Ani is a licensed Architect in the State of New York and a US Green Building Council Accredited Professional. Raya has designed the first public green school in New York City and two green- certified (LEED) residential towers in Battery Park City. In 2011, she was nominated for the Middle-East Architect of the year Award and her work was highly commended by the jury. In 2012, she founded RAW-NYC Architects, an interdisciplinary architectural studio based in New York City. In 2014, She established the Dubai office. In 2013, she received AIA-ME honor award for her visionary work on the marshes of southern Iraq as well as a merit award for her design of Aspire sports complex in Qatar. In 2014, Her Aspire Sports complex project received the Leisure Project of the Year Award by Middle East Architect. In 2015, one of RAW-NYC Architects’ commercial projects was named “Most innovative Commercial structure” in Build Magazine’s Architecture Awards. In 2016, She was selected as one of five inspiring and powerful personalities in the world by Black Tomato travel and Cadillac and represented the MENA region. In 2016, She was shortlisted from a list of 43 leading women architects in New York to enter an international design competition to convert a women’s prison to an international Hub for Women’s Empowerment. She led RAW-NYC team for Liberland to design a masterplan for a new micro-nation. Her vision for liberland won the first place and the work was widely published. In 2017, BUILD magazine named RAW-NYC Architects as Best Interdisciplinary Architecture Studio - New York and Best Middle Eastern Sport Facility Design for Qatar Sports Complex. Her design of Bamiyan Cultural Center in Afghanistan won a Merit Award at the AIA International Region Design Awards in Prague. Raya Ani is a regular guest speaker at international architectural conferences including Harvard Arab conference. She has been invited to speak at MIT in Cambridge, Women in Design in Denver and at the Center of Architecture in New York City. She was also invited to speak at the Iraqi Embassy in Vienna and by Architectural universities in Dubai, Qatar, India, London and the US. In 2017, she was the conference Chair for 10,958 DAYS into the future conference by AIA Middle East in Sharjah. She participated in a series of workshops as a volunteer to help build schools and homes for children in Tanzania. She had led recycling initiatives to help build more sustainable and innovative projects.

Director at Large
Project Manager at Dar Group

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Chucri is a licensed Architect in the State of New York and a LEED accredited professional with a remarkable educational background and a solid experience in the architectural design of a wide range of buildings and facilities, including mixed-use structures, residential and healthcare facilities. Chucri has a diversified educational experience: He received his bachelor of Architecture with honor from the “Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts, ALBA”, holds a Master in Restoration and PhD in Architecture from the University of Valladolid in Spain.

Chucri carries 17 years of experience in the design, management and site execution, actively contributing to the realization of several award winning mega projects located in the United States and throughout the Middle East. He started his working experience in the United States, as a designer at Perlman architects, a residential & mixed-use oriented architectural design firm. He later joined Steelman partners and collaborated in the design of several entertainment projects in the United States and Macau, China.

Chucri is currently working at Dar Group, a privately owned consultancy firm operating in many locations around the globe, following up the design and execution of several healthcare projects in the Mena region. He is also a member of the Lebanese syndicate of engineers and the Saudi Council of Engineers.

Egypt Country Representative
Principal, Shalalat Group, Egypt

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Mr. Habbak, a principal of “The Shalalat group”, and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers, and a licensed consultant architect in Egypt, and a founder of The “Society of Egyptian architects” in Alexandria-Egypt..

In 1987 he received a Master degree in architecture from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from the University of Alexandria.  In addition, he attended several courses in different institutes such as: “Lighting Design Course” Philips, Holland. “Computer aided design” University of California, Berkeley. Intern at “Renardet Engineering”, Paris, France.

Mr. Habbak was a consultant to several architectural firms in the United States and Egypt for his vast experience in construction and talent in design.  He also served in the Egyptian Navy on national architectural projects.

He conducted several studies concerning urban evolution of different cities. As well as participating in “City Plans & Places” a book published by the USC University.

He has been involved with the Los Angeles City Redevelopment Agency in the study of the Broadway street development as well as participating in the preparation of the Alexandria 2005 master plan.

Mr. Habbak received a first prize award in an international architectural competition for the design of the “Library in Alexandria”. Interviewed on national television and major International newspaper both in Egypt and the United States.  He also received several awards in photography, including a national award from the AIA “American Institute of Architects”.

Jordan Country Representative
Principal architect at Raed al naber architects planners and consultants, and Industrial professor at the German Jordanian University in Jordan.

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With more than 36 years of diverse experience in the Middle East and Europe.

I started my career in Jordan as designer in my own practice (Darat el turath) and as full time lecturer at the University of Jordan. I spent more than 10 years practicing in Greece and GCC countries as head of architecture section in CCC contracting company and as manager of special assignments and projects sponsor. In the last 10 years, I am practicing in my own design bureau in Amman and as industrial professor at the German Jordanian University.

My practice included work in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscaping and Urban Design.

Projects ranges from residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects.

He won several architectural competitions in Jordan and the region

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Jordan (1984). A master degree in architecture from Maryland University USA (1994) in regional architecture and member of the Jordanian Engineering Association.

Morocco Country Representative
Principal at A359 Partners in Architecture

Brian earned a Master in Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2004. After graduation he spent a year in Germany and worked for Christof Ingenhoven in Dusseldorf, a practice renowned for its high tech approach to sustainable design. Brian became LEED certified in 2006. Upon his return to Ohio he took on a leadership role introducing BIM and sustainable design to retail, corporate, and institutional clients in the US.

In 2008 Brian moved to Spain where he continued his role as BIM implementer while also gaining conceptual design and visualization experience in Madrid and Barcelona with b720 Fermin Vazquez. Brian earned his Spanish professional license in 2014 at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

Brian moved to Morocco in 2015 and currently works with Cincinnati-based A359 Partners in Architecture. From his office in Rabat he works on commercial and residential projects both in the US and Morocco.

With experience from project conception to construction completion, Brian takes a direct and pragmatic approach to design. While having international background, he strives to imbue each project with authentic local character.

Oman Country Representative
Architect at D&A Architecture

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Maryam graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters in Architecture, as well as studying abroad for a semester in Centro Studi Città di Orvieto in Italy. Maryam is also an active member of the Oman Society of Engineers and one of the founding members of the Women in Engineering chapter in Oman

Maryam's design vision is to create spaces that evoke revolutionary ideas, educate budding minds and respect the fragility of our earth. Deeply interested in the practice of design that fuses diverse minds, she seeks mutual respect and openness to idea generation and eventually produces something beautiful and powerful. She is an advocate of design that not only transcends borders and is used as a tool for change, but is also contextually appreciative, innovative and ultimately timeless in nature.

KSA Country Representative

Senior Architect at ARC-IDC

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Rawan Yassin is a Senior Architect at ARC-IDC. She graduated from Northumbria University, UK with a bachelor of architecture degree. In 2011, she returned to Riyadh and began her professional career working for Omrania and Associates. To broaden her horizon and develop her architectural education further, Rawan enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program at Pratt Institute, New York. Throughout her education, she developed a sophisticated skill set, a comprehensive understanding of building technologies, and a passion for experimenting with forms and translating digital into possible reality.

Upon graduation, Rawan worked for Leeser architecture in New York where she acquired essential experience in a highly design oriented environment. Rawan has a particular interest in generative design with expertise in digital media and fabrication.

AUC Board Liaison
AUC - The American University in Cairo | Assistant Professor

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Khaled Tarabieh is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Design and the Associate Chair of the Department of Architecture at The American University in Cairo. He is a holder of a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from Alexandria University and both a master's in city planning (MCP) and a PhD in city and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, with a specialization in the planning of energy efficient urban environments, high performance building design, certification and assessment.

He is a LEED-accredited professional with expertise in green buildings design, construction and assessment using different types of rating systems. At AUC, he teaches the sustainability in the architectural design core studio and is the Director of the Building Sciences Lab where he conducts research on the thermal performance of building envelope materials for residential buildings in Egypt and the assessment of its ecological impact, smart and energy efficient window typologies, understanding the thermal impacts of façade geometry and optimization of the wall insulated concrete forms (ICFs).