Perkins+Will appoints new director of corporate interiors
DUBAI, December 17, 2018
Perkins+Will, a global interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, has announced the appointment of Martin Smith as the new director of corporate interiors for the Dubai office.
One of the Middle East’s leading architecture firms, Perkins+Will said Smith brings with him over 18 years of professional experience working within the real estate and construction industries, including 13 years’ local experience gained in the GCC.
His experience draws on several international projects across multiple sectors, from the management of large-scale development programmes to leading corporate fit-out projects.
Commencing his career in the UK, Martin worked with a major contractor on several prestigious residential, commercial and healthcare projects. He transferred to the UAE in 2005 to work on the Dubai Festival City Waterfront Centre project.
Smith holds a degree in construction engineering management from Loughborough University.
After transitioning to a leading project management firm in 2008, Smith worked on the commercial offices component of mixed-use Dubai Trade Centre District, now known as One Central.
He has also led various corporate real estate projects for international energy companies and investment banks. Most recently he led the flagship retail mall project at Dubai Hills Estate.
Smith's role at Perkins+Will will focus upon expanding the company’s regional interior design business. He will report directly to Managing Director, Roger Wilson.
Welcoming the appointment, Wilson said: "We are delighted to make this addition to the Dubai studio. Smith comes to us with a wealth of experience across multiple end-market developments and has an exceptional track record of executing prestigious projects in the region."
"I very much look forward to seeing what we can achieve together, and I’m sure his addition to the team will enable us to reach our growth targets in the region’s interior design space," he added.
Originally from North Wales, Smith lives in Dubai with his wife and two small children.
On his new role, Smith said: "I am thrilled to join Perkins+Will, a company known and respected for delivering world-class design services globally across many end-markets and projects. I’m excited to be a part of its vision for growth, including expansion into Saudi Arabia."
"I’ve admired Perkins+Will from the outside for many years and I’m delighted, therefore, to have been chosen to join the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. I greatly look forward to working with the team and collaborating with clients to achieve further success in the years to come," stated the top official.
“We plan to expand our corporate interiors offering in the region by offering design, fit out and refurbishment services that are second to none,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service
