Our architects use their creativity to engage their audience creating a meaningful dialogue between the natural and the built environment, between culture and innovation, form and function. Through our integrated work approach we create designs that address the specific needs and identities of the intended users, integrating cultural context and lasting value.
WE CREATE EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST BUILDINGS.
Architecture plays an essential role in inspiring and enhancing the environment in which we live and work in.
Headquartered in Dubai since 1991, we have been responsible for creating some of the Emirates’ most iconic buildings and spaces. Over the years we have attracted an international team from 22 countries, made up of more than 180 architects, designers, technicians and business support, all of who work towards achieving our ethos.
We work closely with our clients to achieve a detailed and thorough understanding of key areas such as history, society, culture, technology and functionality of the projects. We also pride ourselves on forming and maintaining strong and respectful relationships with subcontractors, all of whom have a common goal to meet, exceed and deliver on our client’s vision.
An award winning and multi-disciplinary firm, GAJ has particular expertise in hotel and resort, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design as well as master planning, mixed use, public sector, institutional and cultural projects.
GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society, in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.
THE TEAM
We believe that open communication and collaboration form a critical part of the design process where we can collectively identify objectives and expectations and assess the operational and functional relationships.
Brian Johnson
Managing Partner
With more than 40 years of regional experience to his name, Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture is undeniable. His body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings. Among them is the Dubai Creek Golf Club, widely recognised as one of Dubai’s first architectural icons – so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.
Ricus Van Zyl
Partner / Production Director
Ricus brings to GAJ over 20 years’ design experience with particular expertise in healthcare, education retail and leisure facilities.
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Jason Burnside
Partner / Head of Education Design
A highly successful architect, Jason specialises in the education sector and has led the design of more than 20 schools in the region since taking over the role in 2011. As a team leader he aims to deliver holistic projects that are highly functional, energy efficient and engaging designs.
Avinash Kumar
Associate Partner
Born and educated in India, Avinash began his career in 1998 as an architect in New Delhi, India. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the M.N.I.T Bhopal and a professional certificate in environment and sustainable design.
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Jon Hedley Sander
Associate Partner
With extensive and diversified experience of more than nine years, a comprehensive educational and training background and an exemplary career at leading national and international organisations, Jon is a highly experienced architect.
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Chander Shekher
Senior Associate
Indian born Shekher began his architectural career in 1991 working on a diverse portfolio of projects that include residential, industrial, commercial and budget housing projects in India. After four years in practice, he moved to Dubai to broaden his experience internationally.
Shounak Patne
Senior Associate
Shounak has an in-depth knowledge of Abu Dhabi Municipality’s requirements in addition to International Building Codes, authority requirements, project specifications and is well-versed in the latest architectural software.
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Eduard Juliano
Associate
One of our success stories, Eduard first joined GAJ as an Architect Assistant in 2004 and was shortly promoted to Concept Architect and more recently to Associate. He has consistently shown his passion for architectural design and presentation often using his exceptional freehand-sketching skills.
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Manuel Moraga
Associate
Manuel’s portfolio is vast and varied. He has been responsible for the design of a large number of residential buildings, master planning, shopping malls and several hotels in his home country and has been instrumental in the design of several hospitality projects in the Middle East and North Africa.
Andrew Milburn
Associate
Zimbabwean Andrew has been an integral part of the GAJ team having joined the company in 2004. He was educated in both the UK and South Africa having earned a BSc (Architecture) at the University College in London and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Hrishikesh Pradhan
Associate
As an experienced architect Hrishikesh is leading the schematic and detail design delivery for major hospitality projects. As an experienced Site Architect, he is leading the site supervision team in the coordination of their day-to-day supervision activities.
Srinivasan Parthiban
Associate
An accomplished architect site manager Srinivasan is often called upon to run technical meetings, deal with all local authorities and act as the link between the client and the contractor to ensure the smooth running of the site.
