Arthi Balasubramanian

Arthi Balasubramanian is an experienced Architect, passionate about the complex discipline of Architecture. She is a creative problem solver and proficient in design and delivery. Arthi has worked for a number of renowned architectural studios in the UK, leading several prestigious and award-winning projects during that time. Shortly after moving to the UAE, she joined Danish architectural practice CEBRA in 2016, and was appointed as Head of the Abu Dhabi office in 2018. In this role, she oversaw the design and delivery of all projects from the local office, which worked on bridging the cultural heritage of the UAE with contemporary architecture and was the lead design manager of DCT’s complex Al Hosn masterplan and modernisation of the Cultural Foundation Building. Having then worked as Studio Director at Gensler Middle East, Arthi has recently joined the Architecture team at the Department of Culture and Tourism as Senior Architect to pursue her passion of working on cultural and leisure building projects.

Andy Shaw

Andy Shaw RIBA is an architect based in Dubai. He is the Managing Partner at AMA (www.ama.design).  AMA is a boutique design studio, designers of the landmark ‘Yacht Club’ in Dubai Harbour, a Nobu hotel in the UAE,  and over 1700 homes for the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority. He is currently working on new hotel resorts and housing communities  in the UAE

He is the elected Chair of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, helping to grow the design community and create events including the regionally focused Sustainability Series, technology showcases and upcoming Architecture Festival.

He has been using AI technology to further the design process in the studio, and has his AI generated work featured in the RIBA Journal.

Andy is passionate about how combining innovative technology and sustainable design can improve the built environment for all citizens, whilst addressing the emerging climate emergency.

Dr Yianni Spanos

As Vice President – Sustainability at Expo City Dubai, Dr Spanos oversees all the Sustainability department’s activities, including implementation of new initiatives, reporting and safeguarding the quality of the living environment. Dr Spanos also focuses on Expo City’s sustainability certifications as well as the delivery of its decarbonisation activities.

A strategy and sustainability leader with more than 20 years’ experience in energy transition, climate change and sustainable strategies for major projects, Dr Spanos is known for his ability to develop and deliver advanced solutions that recognise the interconnectedness of different programmes, align technical delivery to budgets, and support stakeholder communication and engagement on sustainability. He has provided consultancy and advisory services for developing projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, hospitality and leisure, renewable energy, sports, real estate and urban planning.

Dr Spanos has been in the Arabian Gulf region since 2013, working closely with world event organisers and developers of future global destinations.

A chartered engineer, holding a PhD in Physics from Coventry University and a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD, his undergraduate and postgraduate academic studies focused on engineering, construction management and building services. Dr Spanos is a member of the Energy Institute, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Edward McIntosh

Edward McIntosh is the Regional Design Director for the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis. As part of his role, he leads the design team at the Company to bring clients’ visions to life by creating design concepts that integrate the region’s cultural heritage with sustainable urban design practices.

Edward has more than 20 years of experience in the design & construction industry, having worked in the US, UK, Europe, China and the Middle East. Since the start of his career, he has had the opportunity to work on the conception and delivery of large, complex, high-profile buildings that are renowned as iconic architectural landmarks, collaborating with architectural legends like Sir Peter Cook, his personal mentor. He is a Fulbright Scholar with a postgraduate degree from Columbia University in New York.

Edward is highly passionate about the intersections of technology, entertainment, urbanism, futurology, activation and architectural design and has lectured and written about these topics in different institutions and publications. He describes his approach to design as “Feel Crafting” – a vision that seeks to create detailed, crafted and unique solutions for each project, focusing on understanding its vision and bringing it to life.

Ewa Patrycja Juszczyk

An experienced Architect and Project Manager with significant skills in the design and procurement processes, worked on numerous projects from concept design to the delivery on site. Experienced in directing a large team with a host of disciplines and expertise to realise the design intent and develop creative and effective design solutions for each project. With 20 years of industry experience, the area of expertise includes: masterplanning and mixed-use projects: retail, commercial, residential, hospitality and education.