One Year in the Middle East: Merging Design and Cultural Identity
One year ago, Lemay established an official presence in the Middle East with the opening of studios in Dubai and Riyadh. Since then, our team has immersed itself in this dynamic region to develop a design vision rooted in cultural sensitivity, sustainable innovation, and climatic responsiveness.
Over the course of this inaugural year, several major projects have taken shape: the Victory Tower in Dubai, Motoon’s Tahlia offices, the Moon and Alargan towers in Riyadh, and The Gold in Khobar. Each of these projects reflects our commitment to creating meaningful environments — grounded in context and responsive to the pressing challenges of contemporary urbanization.
This approach extends beyond the Arabian Peninsula. It resonates with our earlier work in Casablanca, where we reimagined the seaside promenade around the Hassan II Mosque and the Ain Diab corniche. It also informs the urban design of the Grande-Côte in Dakar and a sustainable district master plan in El Menia, Algeria.
Our vision is shaped by a North American design practice that values plural perspectives and local narratives. Through our NET POSITIF™ approach, each intervention aims to generate more positive than negative impacts — for human health, the environment, society, and local economies.
Leading our regional operations, Amro El Chabti embodies this synergy. With more than two decades of international experience, he bridges architectural ambition with a deep understanding of local realities. His portfolio — from the expansion of Dubai International Airport to the Marriott in New York — reflects the global scope of our commitment.
“Our presence in the Middle East has uncovered a remarkable openness to co-creation and dialogue,” says Amro El Chabti. “These collaborations are giving rise to projects rooted in local context but infused with a global vision.”
“Amro has brought together talent and ideas around a generous and coherent vision of design,” adds Louis T. Lemay, President. “This is where our transdisciplinary approach truly flourishes — in a context as stimulating as the Middle East.”
One year in, the collaboration between our experts and regional partners continues to redefine what architecture can be: a platform for collective expression, resilience, and beauty — shaped by the stories, landscapes, and communities it seeks to elevate.