Perkins+Will, a global architecture and design company, has appointed Roger Wilson as the new managing director for its Dubai office as part of its new strategy for Middle East operations.

He replaces Steven Charlton, who will now join the company’s London studio as the managing director.  

“I’m thrilled to establish my base in Dubai and put my knowledge of the UAE marketplace and wider Gulf region to work for both Perkins+Will and the clients we serve,” remarked Wilson, after taking over his new role today (October 3).

He will be manning the 100-plus-person practice and working closely with the studio’s design directors, Diane Thorsen and Firas Hnoosh, on client engagement and design strategy, said the company in a statement.

“There is so much opportunity in this part of the world, and I look forward to collaborating with Diane, Firas and colleagues around the firm to build on what they have created,” he noted.

Wilson joins Perkins+Will from another international architecture and design firm, where he built up extensive experience working on large-scale retail, aviation and mixed-use commercial projects within the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

He also has experience launching successful architectural enterprises in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, said the statement.

Some of his most notable projects over the years include the city centre regeneration masterplans for Lancaster, Bath and Portsmouth in the UK; retail masterplanning and interior design for Critic Square in Shanghai and Landmark Prince’s in Hong Kong; retail design and master planning for the likes of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai; Heathrow Airport T5 and Gatwick North Terminal, it stated.

Wilson’s clients also included Hammerson, British Land, and Multi Development.

Welcoming Wilson into the Dubai office, Charlton said: "It is with great enthusiasm that I ‘pass the torch’ to him to lead this dynamic practice and take it to the next level."

"The Dubai market is known for rapid change and dynamism, necessitating agility both from a business and a design perspective. Wilson brings all of that to our office, as well as great energy and expertise. The team - and most important, our clients - are in safe hands," he added.
 
Meanwhile, in London, Charlton succeeds Jack Pringle, PPRIBA, AIA, who served as the managing director of Perkins+Will’s London office for the last five years.

He will now focus on strategic growth and the development of new regional client relationships as Perkins+Will’s regional director for the EMEA.  
 
Pringle pointed out that the leadership transition would result in stronger architecture and urban design practices in both the London and Dubai studios, while ensuring a high quality, personalised service for clients locally, regionally and internationally.
 
"The greatest thing I’ve learned about Perkins+Will is: not only are we a large, extremely capable firm full of world-class design expertise, but we also deliver a personal service with a thorough understanding of each office’s local market," noted Pringle.

"With the fresh, dynamic energy that Steven and Roger bring to their respective offices, there’s a lot for us to look forward to," he added.-TradeArabia News Service