David Manfredi to lead building design team as Atkins expands design and engineering business in KSA
Several new appointments made to strengthen the company’s mixed-use developments focus and enhance its leisure and entertainment presence
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has announced the expansion of its design and engineering services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in order to meet the needs of the country’s growing mixed-use developments, leisure and entertainment industries.
As a result of this expansion the company is also appointing several new senior positions to support its existing projects and new market opportunities, a statement said.
David Manfredi, director of Architecture and Building Engineering, Saudi Arabia, will lead Atkins’ KSA-based Building Design team, working closely with the regional business and global team of experts to understand and deliver clients’ visions.
An award-winning architect possessing a uniquely balanced range of conceptual, project delivery and business skills, Manfredi’s approach embraces design concept and critique, technical delivery, studio culture and team development, and the exploitation of digital transformation.
He has 25 years of experience, 18 of which have been in the Middle East. He has run his own practice, has been a tutor and lecturer in design, construction, and professional practice, and has worked on projects across the GCC, Asia and Australia.
Bradley Caruk has been appointed to the newly formed role of creative project director, Saudi Arabia. Working closely with Atkins’ Design teams, Bradley brings international expertise in spearheading major innovations in the creative themed leisure and entertainment destinations, championing cutting-edge technologies and concepts that redefine the customer experience and setting new industry standards.
This move will help set a new precedent for Atkin’s creative services in the theming and entertainment sectors. Caruk comes with 25 years’ experience across the US, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, and has founded several creative companies over the past decades. More recently leading a team of writers, designers and architects, he conceptualised the show design for seven major attractions for the Ocean Flower Island currently under construction off the north coast of Danzhou, Hainan, China. He has also provided his creative expertise to Sony Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, EA, Activision, LucasArts, Paramount Studios & Universal Studios, to name a few.
In addition, Edward McIntosh, will is lead Atkins’ Architectural Design team in the Middle East, is currently based in Saudi Arabia to support the design business expansion and provide in-country strategic advisory to major projects. Edward has 18 years of experience leading international architectural design teams and projects in sports, commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality markets in South America, UK, China, South East Asia, and the Middle East.
He started his career in Ecuador where he delivered several commercial and hospitality projects incorporating innovative low-carbon construction materials. He also worked for 6 years at Populous in London where he successfully led the design of more than two dozen arena, stadia and sports masterplan projects. He also led the Grimshaw’s South East Asia design team focusing on retail, hospitality, workplace, transit-oriented development and sports projects.
Vasushree Mohta, design director, Master Planning, Middle East, has been with Atkins for 12 years and has led the urban design team to deliver world-class projects across the GCC. She is leading flagship master plan projects in the Kingdom including King Abdullah Financial District and Diriyah Gate project that aim to create the leisure, culture and entertainment focal points within mixed use urban precincts.
Atkins is spearheading urban master plans that emphasise on user experience and draw in design experts early in the process to create urban districts that are cohesive, synergetic and deliverable with a clear focus on the project vision as the main driving force.
“We are committed to continue supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by bringing world class talent to the Kingdom and providing our engineering and design expertise to nurture local capabilities through our Riyadh Design Studio and Training Academy,” said Ian Redmayne, managing director of Atkins KSA, Engineering, Design and Project Management, SNC-Lavalin.
“Our country-focused design leadership team is key to expanding our market offering and delivering 360 creative, sustainable, and data driven design and architecture solutions that meet the needs of growing mixed-used developments in the Kingdom.”
With over 50 years’ presence in the Middle East, Atkins has established a proven track record of designing some of the region’s most iconic projects ranging from full-scale communities to individual buildings that blend aesthetic and functional elements, while promoting human interaction and sustainable impact.
Currently, Atkins is providing lead design consultant services for the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park project, which will provide both recreational and professional opportunities to the Saudi population and boast a number of record-breaking attractions.
The Company’s Training Academy helps early career professionals master technical and soft skills in engineering, design, and project management and gain knowledge needed to progress in their careers. Over the past six months, the academy has trained more than 500 employees in Saudi Arabia with specialised programmes designed to develop their skills.
