Mazin Hakim

Architect
& Designer

Mazin Hakim

Architect & Designer

About Me

  • 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

IPIC Headquarters

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Office Building

Hilton Beach Resort

Hilton Beach Resort

Ras al-Khaima, UAE | Hospitality

Marriott at the Park

Marriott at the Park

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Basra Investment Council HQ

Basra Investment Council HQ

Basra, Iraq | Offices

Hyde Hotel

Hyde Hotel

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Hilton Gateway Hotel

Hilton Gateway Hotel

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Bab Ezzouar

Bab Ezzouar

Algiers, Algeria | Mixed Use

Al-Forsan International Sports Resort

Al-Forsan International Sports Resort

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units

One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units

Various Locations, Iraq | Civic Buildings

The Lounge - at Hyde

The Lounge - at Hyde

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

The Hyde Interiors

The Hyde Interiors

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior

Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Marya Development

Marya Development

Dubai, UAE | Mixed Use

Al-Rajihi Tower

Al-Rajihi Tower

Riyadh, KSA | Mixed Use

Facade Details - Hyde

Facade Details - Hyde

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Sustainable Homes

Sustainable Homes

Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential

Al-Ain Mixed Use Development

Al-Ain Mixed Use Development

Al-Ain, UAE | Mixed Use

Emerald Gateway

Emerald Gateway

Abu Dhabi | Residential

Wanda Club

Wanda Club

Abu Dhabi | Sport and Mixed use

Private Residence

Private Residence

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential

Private Residence

Private Residence

Palm Island, Dubai - UAE | Residential

Ain Living

Ain Living

Al-Ain, UAE | Residential and Mixed Use

IPIC Headquarters
IPIC Headquarters

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Office Building

Hilton Beach Resort
Hilton Beach Resort

Ras al-Khaima, UAE | Hospitality

Marriott at the Park
Marriott at the Park

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Basra Investment Council HQ
Basra Investment Council HQ

Basra, Iraq | Offices

Hyde Hotel
Hyde Hotel

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Hilton Gateway Hotel
Hilton Gateway Hotel

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Bab Ezzouar
Bab Ezzouar

Algiers, Algeria | Mixed Use

Al-Forsan International Sports Resort
Al-Forsan International Sports Resort

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units
One Stop Shop - Modular Administrative Units

Various Locations, Iraq | Civic Buildings

The Lounge - at Hyde
The Lounge - at Hyde

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

The Hyde Interiors
The Hyde Interiors

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior
Hilton Abu Dhabi Gateway - Interior

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Hospitality

Marya Development
Marya Development

Dubai, UAE | Mixed Use

Al-Rajihi Tower
Al-Rajihi Tower

Riyadh, KSA | Mixed Use

Facade Details - Hyde
Facade Details - Hyde

Dubai, UAE | Hospitality

Sustainable Homes
Sustainable Homes

Abu Dhabi, UAE | residential

Al-Ain Mixed Use Development
Al-Ain Mixed Use Development

Al-Ain, UAE | Mixed Use

Emerald Gateway
Emerald Gateway

Abu Dhabi | Residential

Wanda Club
Wanda Club

Abu Dhabi | Sport and Mixed use

Testimonials

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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Vancouver, BC
San Francisco, CA
Dubai, UAE