About Me
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Architect
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Designer
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Developer
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Project Director
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Traveller
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Urbanist
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Photographer
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Entrepreneur
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Leader
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Mentor
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Project Manager
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Consultant
- Architect
- Designer
- Developer
- Project Director
- Traveller
- Urbanist
- Photographer
- Entrepreneur
- Leader
- Mentor
- Project Manager
- Consultant
As an architect, passionate photographer, and intrepid globetrotter, I continually seek to uncover the Genius Loci, the spirit and essence of each place I encounter.
With experiences spanning three continents and professional engagements across four, my understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures forms the bedrock of my perspective. A true Mesopotamian at heart, the love for innovation flows through my veins.
Philosophy
am fervently dedicated to crafting comprehensive designs that thoughtfully integrate every facet of a project: the aesthetic, operational, and contextual elements. I persistently pursue the delicate equilibrium between cutting-edge forms and the intended function.
I wholeheartedly embrace an ethos of perpetual growth and excellence, and am unafraid to defy convention when I recognize potential for improvement. Undaunted by complexity or uncertainty, I confidently lead from the forefront, transforming business models and consistently elevating the standards of excellence.
Vision
I relish every challenge, honor each inquiry, and delve profoundly into the pursuit of answers. Design is an unending odyssey of addressing the complex questions of what exists and what lies ahead.
Fusing design excellence with forward-thinking business expansion and profitability, I attract top talent and cultivate flourishing, multidisciplinary teams within a culture of meritocracy and mentorship. I actively forge and nurture relationships with clients and stakeholders, possessing a keen understanding of technology and an entrepreneurial mindset.
In a Glimpse
Affiliations:
RIBA
LEED AP BD+C
PMP
AIA Intl Assoc.
MRAIC
USoE
IEU
Education:
Masters in Architecture & Urban Design
Sectors:
Hospitality, Residential, Mixed-Use, High-Rise
Locations:
Vancouver, San Francisco, Dubai
Key Milestones
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with gifted colleagues in esteemed organizations across the globe.
My most significant career milestones include:
Mazin Hakim & Associates
Started my first architectural practice, Mazin Hakim & Associates, in my hometown Baghdad.
Diar Consult
Moved to Dubai and joined Diar Consult, a boutique multi-national architectural firm.
ATKINS
Joined ATKINS, now a member of SNC-LAVALIN Group, as head of Architecture. Promoted to Director of Architecture.
Design Group
Co-founded PRP-ai (later rebranded to Design Group)
MABRX
Co-founded MABRX Design & Development Inc.
Key Milestones
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with gifted colleagues in esteemed organizations across the globe.
My most significant career milestones include:
Mazin Hakim & Associates
Founder | Design Architect
Diar Consult
Chief Architect | Design Manager
ATKINS
Head of Architecture | Design
& Projects Director
Design Group
(Formerly known as PRP|Ai)
Co-Founder | Managing Director
MABRX
Co-founder | Design Director
Expertise
Architecture
Embodying the role of an architect transcends mere occupation; it is a fervent passion, unwavering dedication, and driving force.
In my extensive experience designing a diverse array of structures—ranging from mixed-use, residential, and commercial buildings to skyscrapers, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities across various markets—I have consistently prioritized design excellence. This commitment is manifest in my innovative and inquisitive approach, addressing the intricate challenges of sustainability and sociocultural considerations.
Placemaking
Placemaking is a heartfelt journey that combines sustainable and adaptive urban design principles with exceptional architecture, ultimately cultivating vibrant communities, intelligent cities, and inviting spaces for living, working, and leisure.
My design philosophy is deeply rooted in a fervent fascination for placemaking, drawing inspiration from the distinctive Genius Loci present in each singular locale.
Interiors
Interior architecture is not a detached endeavor to enhance the aesthetic appeal of spaces; instead, it is an integral and imaginative process ingrained in every project I undertake.
The seamless progression of spaces and the captivating manner in which they reveal themselves to their inhabitants contribute to the essence of exceptional architecture, making it a holistic and inspiring experience.
Selected Works
I have been privileged to contribute to the design and execution of an extensive array of projects, encompassing everything from luxury five-star hotels and towering skyscrapers of over 90 stories, to eco-friendly residential communities and iconic workplaces.
A curated selection of my works can be viewed in the accompanying slideshow, with additional projects showcased on my Work page:
IPIC Headquarters
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Office Building
Hilton Beach Resort
Ras al-Khaima, UAE | Hospitality
Marriott at the Park
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Basra Investment Council HQ
Basra, Iraq | Offices
Hyde Hotel
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Hilton Gateway Hotel
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Bab Ezzouar
Algiers, Algeria | Mixed Use
Al-Forsan International Sports Resort
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units
Various Locations, Iraq | Civic Buildings
The Lounge - at Hyde
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
The Hyde Interiors
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Marya Development
Dubai, UAE | Mixed Use
Al-Rajihi Tower
Riyadh, KSA | Mixed Use
Facade Details - Hyde
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Sustainable Homes
Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential
Al-Ain Mixed Use Development
Al-Ain, UAE | Mixed Use
Emerald Gateway
Abu Dhabi | Residential
Wanda Club
Abu Dhabi | Sport and Mixed use
Private Residence
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential
Private Residence
Palm Island, Dubai - UAE | Residential
Ain Living
Al-Ain, UAE | Residential and Mixed Use
IPIC Headquarters
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Office Building
Hilton Beach Resort
Ras al-Khaima, UAE | Hospitality
Marriott at the Park
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Basra Investment Council HQ
Basra, Iraq | Offices
Hyde Hotel
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Hilton Gateway Hotel
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Bab Ezzouar
Algiers, Algeria | Mixed Use
Al-Forsan International Sports Resort
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units
Various Locations, Iraq | Civic Buildings
The Lounge - at Hyde
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
The Hyde Interiors
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior
Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality
Marya Development
Dubai, UAE | Mixed Use
Al-Rajihi Tower
Riyadh, KSA | Mixed Use
Facade Details - Hyde
Dubai, UAE | Hospitality
Sustainable Homes
Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential
Al-Ain Mixed Use Development
Al-Ain, UAE | Mixed Use
Emerald Gateway
Abu Dhabi | Residential
Wanda Club
Abu Dhabi | Sport and Mixed use
Testimonials
Gisela Loehlein
PROFESSOR | AUS, BUID
Mazin led the Architecture team of ATKINS in Abu Dhabi and it has been always a pleasure working with him and his team. He was an inspirational leader and enabled the team to work creatively, which in a commercial environment is outstanding. He is highly dedicated, professional and creative enabled a seducive environment to explore sustainability opportunities in design within the office.
Samir Zidane
CEO | BLOOM PROPERTIES
Mazin is a very intelligent and talented architect with a distinctive ability in designing, managing complex projects. He is open minded, easy to deal with, reliable and confident...
I appreciated his competence and his expertise in understanding project design & development process, his knowledge in the international standard requirements, his skills in energy and environmental sustainability.
I appreciate his prompt availability and his valuable advices, which worked out very useful for my Real Estate development portfolio.
Don Lyon
DIRECTOR | RAMBOLL
Mazin I found to be not only an excellent architect but an inspirational leader for others to follow and aspire to. He was always able to come up with creative and diverse ideas on the buildings he designed. he also understood the need to consider and understand all the engineering elements as well, which to me as a building services engineer was great, as it allowed for effective integration throughout the design.
Enrico Perez
SENIOR ARCHITECT
Mazin is one of the most talented individuals I have had the privilege of working with while in Atkins. A superb leader unparalled in his league and the best person I have met. His leadership has brought the studio where it is at present and without which would have not been successful in the growth of Atkins' clientele.
I would be very grateful if given the chance to work with him again in the future.
Ban Damlouji
SENIOR ARCHITECT | AEDAS
I was really impressed by his positive attitude, the way he guides and mentors his juniors and appreciate the seniors. His sincerity, dedication and hard working nature made every single staff member excel in his task and the department flourished by the synergy and potential it had. A wonderful social life was developed between all in multi-cultural Atkins Architectural Department, as a direct result for the excellent managerial skills he has. I admired his efficient skills in business strategy plans, which raerly can be found.
Really miss working with him!
Architecture is
A never-ending experiment in creating liveable sociable and culturally-aware places.
Here are some of my favourite architects who influenced my style and philosophy, and what they had to say about what architecture means to them:
“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about its beauty, I just think about how to solve the problem, but when I finish it, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it’s wrong.”
Richard Buckminster Fuller
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness”
Frank Gehry
“Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space … On the one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure.”
Zaha Hadid
“Even a brick wants to be something.
It aspires. Even a common, ordinary brick… wants to be something more than it is. It wants to be something better than it is.”
Louis Kahn
“I like ruins because what remains is not the total design, but the clarity of thought, the naked structure, the spirit of the thing.”
Tadao Ando
IPIC Headquarters, Abu Dhabi
Completed 2010
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