Atkins appoints new head of architecture for the Middle East and Africa
CEO Moon hails returning Atkins architect’s vision and leadership
Atkins has appointed regional veteran Lee Morris as head of architecture for the Middle East & Africa.
In his new role, Morris will focus on managing a team of architecturally led, multi-disciplinary designers and urbanists to spearhead projects in the region.
With the increasing activity in the Saudi Arabia market, the strength and capabilities of the Atkins’ international design and architectural offering is more important than ever, said the company in a statement announcing the appointment.
Atkins was acquired by SNC-Lavalin last summer and has masterplanned the KAAR (King Abdul Aziz Road) development in KSA over the last eight years and is now designing one of the key gateway buildings and two hotels for the project. Morris is integral to developing Atkins’ portfolio of work in the Kingdom, as well expanding on the strong foundation already established throughout the rest of the Middle East.
Prior to joining Atkins, Morris’ previous roles have included four years respectively as a senior development director at H&H Investment and Development LLC, design director at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Projects and senior positions at Atkins.
“During this time of change in the region, fresh and innovative approaches to design are essential,” said Simon Moon, Atkins’ CEO for the Middle East and Africa, commenting on Lee’s appointment. “I’m very happy to welcome Lee back to Atkins where I believe he will bring great vision and leadership to our architecture team in the region.”
Morris first joined Atkins in the UK and Europe region in June 2002, as head of design to oversee all aspects of design output, leading the multidisciplinary team of architects and engineers on a broad range of projects from concept designs through to onsite construction. He then transferred to Atkins in the Middle East and Africa in 2004 as a senior design architect where he was one of the key contributors to the company’s growth, while also accelerating his career and becoming a design director in December 2007. During this time, Lee led the architectural and engineering department of a 60+ strong team at the Atkins offices in Dubai and spent over four years leading on several projects across Middle East and Africa, including The Executive Towers, Trump International Hotel and Tower and QE2 Twin Towers.
Adding that he was delighted to be back at Atkins, Morris said: “The company has a rich heritage in the region, bringing all its international experience to turn clients’ visions into reality. I’m looking forward to working with clients, colleagues and partners to deliver high quality architectural design coupled with a high level of technical excellence that our clients expect from Atkins.”
Morris brings more than 23 years of extensive experience as an architect to the role, with accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). He has worked on small to large scale masterplans, residential, education, hotels, Ministry of Defence and cultural projects and has lived and worked in the UK, Hong Kong, China, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
