One of the Middle East’s leading architecture firms today announced the appointment of a new Associate Principal, Director of Architecture Mixed-use and Commercial, to be based in its Dubai office.

John Lister brings over 25 years of commercial architecture experience, including three years working in the UAE on retail, leisure and hospitality developments. His recent portfolio of projects include: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Aldar’s Yas Mall Hotel, Emaar’s Signature Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour and Emaar South.

“I’m honoured to have joined Perkins+Will, which I see as a fantastic opportunity and the move I have been looking for since arriving in the UAE. The position is exactly where I want to be and I am fully aligned with the direction the organisation is going.

“I first came into contact with Perkins+Will while working on the Vida Hotel Bahrain project, where I was very impressed with the open, flexible and efficient approach to problem solving.

“I love the way the management team at Perkins+Will takes ownership and makes quick and smart decisions that move things forward in a way that’s entirely uncommon in the global workspace.

“My real professional passion is the retail sector. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy shopping and the commercial and psychological dynamics of the retail experience. I see this as an opportunity as part of a forward-thinking company to do something different and inspirational in the retail sphere and further develop this side of the business.”

Lister predicts an exciting future ahead for the region’s architecture industry: “I wouldn’t be in this part of the world if I didn’t see continued exciting growth and the pipeline looks impressive. With huge global events planned in the next few years, the spotlight is very much on the Gulf countries, so I believe we are the perfect place for cutting-edge architecture. The UAE is a perfect example of a government that never rests on its laurels and the country will continue to steadily grow – particularly across housing, commercial, education and healthcare sectors,” he said.

Perkins+Will Principal, Steven Charlton, welcomed the appointment: “We are proud to make this important addition to Middle East operations. John is not only extremely well-qualified and experienced, but his personality will be the perfect fit for the team and I have no doubt he will prove to be an inspirational driving force for all that work with him.”  

Hailing from Yorkshire in the UK, John Lister studied in Manchester and has worked in the UK and US, before moving to the UAE. He is happily settled in his home overlooking Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, with his wife and daughter and two miniature Schnauzer dogs he enjoys walking and taking to the beach. A skiing enthusiast, John’s winter holidays usually consist of a destination, such as the Austrian Alps, where good snow conditions are guaranteed.

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For more information, please contact Alexandra Williams at IHC for Perkins+Will on +971528697868 or alexandra@ih-c.com

© Press Release 2017