Advisor to the Chairman for Architecture & Design
Suhail Bahwan Group Holding
Total years of experience :17 years, 2 Months
My move to Oman in 2005 was precipitated by my secondment by the Lebanese American University (LAU) as the Dean of the Scientific College of Design (SCD), a newly established design school in Muscat which has entered into an academic association and collaboration with LAU. At the time, I held the position of assistant professor of interior design and architectural history for ten years teaching a host of courses in design, architectural history and design theory. As the first dean of SCD, I was entrusted with the responsibility of articulating the college’s vision, mission and objectives as well as charting the College’s strategic 5-year plan. As such, I formulated the College’s academic and operational policies and procedures and monitored their implementation in compliance with the directives of the Ministry of Higher Education. Moreover, I recruited a distinguished and diverse faculty, devised and implemented a system for Student Advising, marketed the College’s educational program, fostered beneficial alliances with the community and directed an Academic Accreditation Board to ensure academic excellence and high educational standards. My tenure at SCD concluded in the spring of 2008 with the graduation of the first promotion of students and coincided with my introduction to and appointment by the Suhail Bahwan Group Holding LLC, the preeminent business house in the Sultanate of Oman.
In my capacity as Advisor to the Chairman for Architecture and Design, I was chiefly responsible for providing professional council that assisted the Chairman and the Suhail Bahwan Group in making informed decisions regarding real estate, architecture and interior design at the local and international levels. Duties focused on three functions: development and realization of in-house interior design proposals, appointment and monitoring of architectural consultant for the fulfillment of approved design projects and the appointment and supervision of interior fit-out contractors. Hence, I established an in-house interior design department and managed a team of creative talents to design and realize interiors to the highest professional standards. Projects included office suites, car dealerships, showrooms, luxurious, large scale villas, private majlises, etc. Beyond in-house design, my duties involved the appointment of architectural consultants to jointly design and supervise large scale projects which meet the appointed functional, aesthetic, statutory and budgetary requirements. Projects included master plans, townships, commercial office buildings, residential compounds, special needs housing, car parking structures etc. In both capacities, I was in charge of preparing design briefs, developing project program and timeline and compiling preliminary budgets. Moreover, I supervised visual presentations and reviewed working drawings and technical specifications. Furthermore, I directed and coordinated the selection of furniture, furnishings and materials and sourced and contracted suppliers both nationally and internationally. Moreover, I appointed independent consultants for the preparation of tender documents, assessed competitive tenders, finalized contracts and hired interior fit-out contractors. Additional duties involved monitoring the performance of interior contractors through periodic site visits, sustained project meetings and the implementation of quality assurance measures.
Advisor to the Chairman for Architecture and Design August 2008- December 31, 2013
Head of Interior Design Department
Suhail Bahwan Group Holding LLC, Muscat, Oman
Provided council that aided and empowered the Chairman, the Bahwan family and the Suhail Bahwan Group, the preeminent business house in the Sultanate of Oman in making informed decisions on matters of real estate, architecture and interior design at the local and international levels
- Conducted ongoing research in the Real Estate Market and the Service Industry sector in Oman to determine market trends, understand emerging needs and identify opportunities which are critical to the conception of new projects
- Developed an annual Operating Plan with specific objectives, support structures, timelines and deliverables in consultation with the Chairman
- Researched, proposed and acquired plots and properties on behalf of the Chairman, negotiated sale contracts and supervised the logistics and legalities of deeds transfer
- Established and headed an in-house Design Department to provide creative design support for the Chairman and the Group; recruited, managed and supervised a team of architects, interior designers, project managers and draftsmen to conceptualize, design and supervise projects that meet the appointed functional, aesthetic, budgetary requirements. Projects ranged from master planning and township planning, large scale commercial office buildings, showrooms and residential compounds to luxurious villas, private majlis, health clubs and spas.
- Identified and appointed architecture consultants for the approved design project, drafted contractual agreements and managed contract stipulations to best serve the project and the interests of the Group
- Prepared detailed design briefs for in-house and contracted projects within a framework of technical, statutory, budgetary and environmental parameters; developed project program and timeline and compiled a preliminary /estimated project budget
- Initiated and supervised conceptual design proposals for master plans, individual buildings and interior spaces, evaluated options and presented the optimal design concept to the Chairman for securing his approval
- Supervised the translation of the schematic design concepts and proposals into preliminary design drawing and working 3-D models
- Oversaw the visual presentations of the proposed designs which including artistic sketches, models and drawings using AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop CS2, Sketch-Up Pro 6, ArchiCad, & Revit
- Supervised and reviewed working drawings and technical specification with related architectural and interior design disciplines
- Assessed and monitored design development and construction detailing to ensure compliance with relevant local building codes and standards
- Liaised with the appointed consultant and with various statutory boards towards seeking their approval of the design project and the timely procurement of the building permit
- Coordinated with the in-house Civil Engineering team and with specialist contractors as needed for the determination of optimal and cost effective architectural and interior design solutions
- Directed and coordinated the selection of materials, finishes, furniture and fabrics and supervised the preparation of presentation boards
- Identified and contracted Specialist Suppliers within the group's highly diverse sister companies for the procurement of the required FFM in order to optimize efficient use of resources and to maximize quality and price considerations; resourced, identified and contracted prominent local and international suppliers for the realization of the design proposal and specifications
- Appointed independent consultants for the preparation of tender documents and supervised material specifications articulated in the tender
- Analyzed competitive tenders, finalized interior fit-out contracts and appointed contractors
- Coordinated the overall management of the interior fit-out project including detailed planning and precise scheduling and setting out of duties to ensure completion of the project within time and budget parameters
- Monitored and supervised the performance of interior contractors to ensure adherence to specifications and quality workmanship; Set-up and implemented quality assurance measures and document control procedures
- Maintained periodic visits to project sites for inspection of Civil, MEP and HVAC works to verify adherence to design specifications and for trouble shooting
- Conducted periodic project review meetings with consultants and contractors
- Resourced, identified and procured works of art, furniture, furnishing and antiques on behalf of the Chairman and the Bahwan family
- Represented the Chairman in official meetings, negotiations and contracts signing
REFER TO ATTACHED LIST OF PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING MY TENURE
Media Appearances
- Interview on the Conference on Media and the Transformation of Arab Societies organized by BIMA, "Sabah Al Ward". New TV. 2004
- Interview on the Conference on Media and the Transformation of Arab Societies organized by BIMA, NBN. 2004.
Baadarani Residence, Beirut - Lebanon. 2003
- Redesign and refurbishment of a 250m2 apartment.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- New design for kitchen, bathrooms and balconies.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical and lighting plans and woodwork.
- Full selection of furniture, antiques, accessories, fabric and light fixtures.
Design Proposals
Zaatari Residence, Beirut, 2002
- Redesign and refurbishment of the entire 375m2 apartment.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans & wood work.
Full selection of furniture, antiques, accessories, fabric and light fixtures
- Interview on the Value of Interior Design in Qualifying our Lives. Future TV- "Alam al Sabah". 2002.
- Interview on National Culture and the Launching of the Program in Islamic Art, Architecture and Design at LAU, LBC, 2003.
Al Amir Residence, Beirut - Lebanon. 2001
- Redesign and refurbishment of a 280m2 apartment.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
Kuwait Embassy, Beirut - Lebanon. 2001
- Proposed design concept and schematic layout including layout for the reception area, dining room and private audience chambers.
- Provide a comprehensive portfolio of suggested selection for furniture, antiques, accessories, and light fixtures, as well as detailed folio of samples of fabric choices.
- Presented a computer generated perspectives and detailed drawings for proposed design.
- Interview on the Meaning of Design, Future TV. 2001.
Consultancies
Fawwaz Chalet, Fagra. 2000
- Redesign and refurbishment of a 300m2 chalet.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- In-depth study of insulation and protection under extreme weather conditions.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans and woodwork.
- Full selection of furniture, accessories, fabrics and light fixtures.
Ghandour Residence, Jennah - Lebanon. 2000
- Redesign and refurbishment of a 300m2 public area.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans and woodwork.
- Full selection of furniture, accessories, fabrics and light fixtures
O'Cocoon Retain Store, Beirut - Lebanon. 2000
- Proposed design concept and schematic layout including display, circulation, work station, and support areas.
- Presented a complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans & wood work.
Jabre and Solh Building, Beir Hassan - Lebanon. 2000
- Proposed design concept and schematic layout for the building's entrance.
- Presented construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans & wood work.
- Supplied computer generated perspectives and detailed drawings for proposed design.
- Proposed samples for material, finishes and accessories.
Academic Consultant, Abdel-Hadi Dibs Foundation - Al Makassed Foundation- Beirut, Lebanon-. 2000
- Committee member for the restructuring of the technical school's design curricula.
- Proposal for the development of a technical program in interior design.
- Islamic Architectural Heritage in Lebanon: A Plea for Conservation- Conference on UNESCO World
Heritage - Lebanese American University, 2000
Design Consultant, Headquarter for the committee of the Friends of Dar Alaytam al Islamiyah, Beirut 1999
- Proposal for the redesign and refurbishment of the entire handicraft atelier 570m2.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Design and execution of storage cabinets.
Bizri Residence, Beir Hassan, 1998
- Redesign and refurbishment of a 200m2 public area.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans.
- Full selection of furniture, antiques, accessories, fabrics and light fixtures.
Verdun Building, Beirut - Lebanon. 1998
- Proposed design concept and schematic layout for the building's entrance.
- Presented construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans & wood work.
- Supplied computer generated perspectives and detailed drawings for proposed design.
- Proposed samples for material, finishes and accessories.
Fawwaz Residence, Beirut, 1997
- Redesign and refurbishment of the entire 280m2 apartment.
- Complete documentation of existing structure and condition.
- Comprehensive design proposal including space planning, finishes and furniture layout.
- Complete set of construction working drawings including HVAC, electro mechanical, lighting plans & wood work.
- Full selection of furniture, antiques, accessories, fabric and light fixtures.
Consultant, SOLIDERE, Beirut 1997
- Proposal for the establishment of a museum of modern art in the Beirut Central District.
- Developed a Strategic Marketing Plan, an Operating Plan and a Projected Budget.
- Identified fundraising strategies to target constituency groups.
Conferences Papers and Presentations
- Perceptions of the Beirut Central District: Between the Scepter of Globalization and the Call of
National Identity.- Conference on Media and the Transformation of Arab Societies organized by BIMA,
Design Manager January 1993-December 1995
The Knoll Group, New York, NY
- Oversaw the management of 3 design projects from their formative stage up to the point of market introduction.
- Interfaced between commissioned designers, assembly engineers and the marketing dept.
- Instigated market research for potential design projects.
- Proposed and develop strategies for collaborative efforts among leading furniture design firms.
- Researched advanced material/processes for furniture application.
- Presented Knoll product designs to the sales force and the design community.
- Represented Knoll at national and International industrial design conferences.
- Prepared and delivered lectures about design theory in various art and design schools.
- Authored and published design catalogues and annual design reports.
Third Sector Management Group - Irvine, California
Practicum - full time Consultant May-December 1992
TSMG is a leading Southern California consulting firm specializing in strategic planning for the non-profit sector. List of distinguished clients handled include: The Huntington Library, Art Gallery, and Botanical Gardens; Pasadena Symphony; and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
- Prepared a comprehensive resource audit for an institution.
- Investigated the external and internal environments of an institution.
- Developed a Strategic Marketing Plan, an Operating Plan and a Projected Budget.
- Identified fundraising strategies that target all constituency groups.
- Conducted a separate comprehensive questionnaire form for each constituency group.
- Launched extensive Telemarketing campaigns in the area of customer satisfaction.
- Instigated research and collecting data on market segmentation and future investments.
- Collected and analyzing data to support multi-level correlations on issues ranging from market share to revenue development.
- Prepared a final marketing report of findings and recommendations using EXCEL & SPSS.
Professional Design Consultancies
Realized Projects
Ed.D., Doctorate in Art & Design Administration/ Education, Columbia University, New York, USA- May 1995. Dissertation: Islamic Art and the American Public: Difficulties and Misconceptions M.A., Art and Architectural History, University of Oregon, December 1992. M.S., Interior Architecture, University of Oregon, June 1988. Thesis: Islamic Cultural Center – Portland, Oregon B.B.A., Business Administration, American University of Beirut, June 1984
Ed.D., Doctorate in Art & Design Administration/ Education, Columbia University, New York, USA- May 1995. Dissertation: Islamic Art and the American Public: Difficulties and Misconceptions
M.A., Art and Architectural History, University of Oregon, December 1992.
M.S., Interior Architecture, University of Oregon, June 1988.
B.B.A., Business Administration, American University of Beirut, June 1984
Thesis: Islamic Cultural Center - Portland, Oregon