Board Members 2026

  • President

    Founding Principal at RKTECT Studios

    Roger Skaff owns and leads a practice with bases in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and Beirut, Lebanon. He is a faculty member at the Lebanese American University in Byblos and an advisor for NAAB accreditation.

    In his projects, Roger emphasizes sustainable design and agile management by adopting Data-Driven Project Design & Delivery methods. His office provides architecture, interior design, engineering, and management services, as well as third party expertise in Code Compliance, Fire Life Safety, and Value Engineering. 

    He has led high-profile projects, including the construction of the AUB-IFI institutional building, a Zaha Hadid design at the American University of Beirut, and the digital construction delivery of the Lusail Landscape Plaza, a Foster + Partners project in Qatar. Expanding his presence to KSA, he has contributed design, consultancy, and expertise to industrial, medical resorts, hospitality, and mixed-use developments in Riyadh, Neom, and Red Sea. 

    Before establishing his offices in 2010, he headed the UAE operations at Steelman Partners, overseeing iconic resort projects. This has complemented his prior design and management experience in mixed-use and hospitality developments in Las Vegas in addition to municipal and airport projects in Philadelphia, USA.

  • Past President, 2025

    Architect at Perkins Eastman

    Li Ren is a project architect at Perkins Eastman, Li Ren focuses on senior living, multi-family housing, and urban design. Beyond the professional practice, Li serves as a board member/Director at Large in the AIA Washington Chapter, affiliate faculty at the Virginia Tech Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, and an active member of the NCARB Examination Committee.

    Li has excellent enthusiasm for community-based design and urban regeneration. His research/practice targets DC urban regeneration, knowledge-oriented architecture facilities, and future architectural strategy within three focus areas — technology, sustainability, and culture — emphasizing community hotspot spaces such as new neighborhood libraries, affordable housing, and senior living facilities renovated community service centers.

    Li Ren embodies the young architect who has embraced the profession, continuous learning, and service. His impressive list of accomplishments has been undertaken quietly and without fanfare. However, everyone who has the chance to work with him or serve with him admires his focus, passion, leadership, and commitment.

  • Vice President

    Buro Happold

    Jason is a Registered Architect in the USA with over 10 years of work experience in China. He is a Founding Partner of STUDIO DOHO, an architecture and interior design company in Shanghai. Jason has extensive experience in design, construction, and project management for both large and small scale projects in China.

  • Secretary

    Technical Director | Senior Associate, Gensler

    Wit    h over 20 years of experience across the United States and the Middle East, Ryan brings his technical expertise to every project, displaying thoughtfulness to design solutions that uniquely reflect a client’s core values, vision, and business mission. His ability to design both interior architecture and base building projects makes him a unique contributor to the firm. He has served in both design and contract administration roles for a wide range of projects, and his strong communication skills, coupled with his technical knowledge, allow him to form a key trusted advisor role to both client and team members alike. Being approachable and attentive, he values the relationships he forms.

    He has successfully coordinated construction documents and construction administration for some of Gensler’s most complex projects. He has extensive experience of managing on-site coordination and observation including coordinating the efforts of consultants and acting as a liaison with building officials and local authorities, Ryan’s expertise is integral to ensuring drawing and technical accuracy.

  • Executive Director

    A founding member of the AIA Middle East Board of Directors, Sherif has served as the Chapter's Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and was the 2013 and 2016 President and is the chapter’s Executive Director. Sherif has also served on the AIA International Region Board of Directors as the founding Zone 1 Region Director, the 2017-2018 Secretary, and the current Middle East Chapter Representative.

    Working to foster stronger ties between the AIA, regional architects, and governments in the MENA region, Sherif and the Board seek to foster an understanding of the differences in professional practices between the US and Middle East; promote US training and design approaches; facilitate international recognition of US professional architectural credentials; and foster communications between the AIA and its members who work and reside in the Middle East.

    With a rich and diverse experience in the USA, London, and the GCC, Sherif relocated to Abu Dhabi from Boston in 2008 and is actively involved in projects in Abu Dhabi. With more than 31 years’ experience working in Architecture, Interior Design, and Urban Planning, his work ranges from residential and commercial buildings to academic and institutional facilities, all of which possess the qualities that make any type of project successful, attractive, sustainable, and most importantly, livable. Sherif is a Fellow in the AIA, a registered licensed architect in the State of Massachusetts. and also a member of the Boston Society of Architects.

    Mr. Anis received a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture.

  • Treasurer

    Strategic Advisor I Planning & Development, Abu Dhabi Airports U.A.E

    Cheryl Chan is a US-registered architect with over 23 years of global experience in architecture and aviation infrastructure across the United States, Middle East and Asia.

    She currently serves as Strategic Advisor - Planning & Development at Abu Dhabi Airports Company, advising on major airport capital programs, lifecycle asset planning and delivery strategies.

    Her work spans large-scale airport master planning, aviation and non-aviation assets development, and complex international programs, including Public-Private-Partnerships and Build-Operate-Transfer initiatives. She translates architectural and engineering design intelligence into executable development strategies, with experience in capital planning, consultant procurement, risk assessment, and value optimization across multi-phased infrastructure projects.

    A long-standing member of the AIA, she has been actively involved in professional outreach across multiple regions. She holds a Master’s in Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Architectural Engineering from Tufts University, and is licensed in the United States with NCARB certification.

  • Professional Licensure Director

    Brian Kleiver has over 20 years of experience with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), working extensively on projects across the Middle East. He has been based in the region for the past 13 years and is currently a Senior Associate Principal and MENA Director of Architecture, based in Dubai.

    Brian co-leads SOM’s Dubai and Riyadh offices and serves as the regional sustainability champion. His role includes pursuing new work across the region, engaging with clients, consultants, and contractors, and overseeing regional projects in collaboration with teams in the United States and London. He also leads ongoing engagement with Middle East–based vendors, evaluating products and systems for use in regional projects.

  • Professional Associations Director

    Associate Architect at Perkins Eastman | Assoc. AIA, LEED GA

    Christina is an alumna of Syracuse University in New York, where she earned a comprehensive 5-year Bachelor's degree in architecture with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises. With a global perspective gained through diverse professional experiences, Christina is a proactive architect and designer who excels across various practice areas.

    Christina’s passion lies in leveraging design as a powerful tool to enhance social architecture, creating captivating spatial experiences both in physical and virtual realms. In her role as an emerging designer, Christina has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant inter-office culture at Perkins Eastman, positioning the firm among the best within its caliber.

    Beyond her design responsibilities, Christina has actively championed the expansion of Perkins Eastman's social responsibility initiatives, emphasizing work-life balance, promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the workplace, and cultivating a positive office culture—both in the United States and Dubai.

  • Sponsorship Director

    Megha Arjun is a licensed Architect with COA in India, currently working in Qatar in the field of architecture, design, and construction. Her passion for Architecture originated from her love and understanding of Life. Learning and exploring the world of Architecture, One's idea is to take Inspiration from Life itself and give it back in the Physical form. One believes in creating spaces which can contribute to the World in a way which helps create value in people's lives and in the environment.

    Megha has worked for a global design firm - HKS Inc. where she has worked on different scale of projects in the US, China and India. She has been actively involved in preparing and participating in Client presentations for reputed Clients in India and Singapore. Currently, to advance her knowledge in Building construction, she has been leading the construction and coordination effort with Blue Star Qatar W.L.L in Qatar for Qatar University.

    Megha is a member of the AIA American Institute of Architects as an International Associate. She has been awarded Gold Medal in her Bachelors for Academic Achievement. She has also been a Better Together Champion for the firm-wide initiative in HKS Inc. as a part of HR to include Diversity, inclusion, and Equity.

  • Events Director

    Christian Romulo Vasquez is a Senior Architect and Senior Business Development Executive at National Engineering Bureau (NEB), one of the Middle East’s leading architectural and engineering consultancies. Based in Dubai, he plays a key role in driving large-scale developments and global business growth, contributing to NEB’s recognition among the World Architecture Top 100 firms.

    In 2026, he was named Global Architecture Icon Awardee, recognizing his excellence in architecture and his significant contributions to elevating Filipino representation and leadership in the built environment across the Middle East. A Dubai Municipality–certified architect (Unlimited Floors) and USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, Christian is also the first recipient of the 2016 Young Architect of the Year (MENA) at the Future Cities Awards.

    He is the first UAE Country Representative to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and the first Filipino to represent the MENA region in the council. With over 18 years of professional experience, Christian has worked on hundreds of projects ranging from urban masterplans and hospitality developments to iconic towers, including Marina 101, once recognized as the second-tallest building in the UAE.

    Beyond practice, Christian is widely acknowledged for his influence in professional advocacy and institutional leadership, serving as a Board Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Middle East Chapter and as a multi-term President of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Dubai Chapter. He is also the founder of Architect Gives Back, a long-standing charitable initiative supporting education for underprivileged children in the Philippines.ription text goes here

  • Continuing Education Director & AUD Liaison

    Professor of Architecture at American University in Dubai

    Alex I. Albani is an architect and an academic with over 22 years of international experience. He began his career teaching CADD at the University of California at Berkeley where he earned his M. Arch and M.A. in Design. He continued after graduation as a CADD/BIM specialist and a store designer for Gap, LVMH, and Mexx. He joined the American University in Dubai (AUD) with the purpose of introducing BIM in academia.

    Alex gained valuable CADD/BIM and design/build experience working on projects that ranged from creating and driving design/construction standards to phasing technology upgrade transitions. His architecture portfolio includes apparel, residential, civic, and office projects.

    Alex’s contributions in academia include the Integrated Computational Design concentration and the introduction of BIM as a core subject. He was responsible for AUD’s MoU with Autodesk which secured over one million US dollars in Autodesk educational grants and services in the cloud for AUD students and faculty. He set up AUD as the first academic Autodesk Authorized Certification Centre in the Middle East which later was acquired by Certiport/Pearson VUE. He actively promotes BIM professional certification as well as NCARB Licensing and is presently serving as the AIA ME Continuing Education Director.

    Alex is an associate member of the AIA, a BIM Revit for Architectural Design Certified Professional, and an Autodesk Certified Instructor. He received the AUD President’s Award for Teaching Excellence as well as the AUD Provost’s Award for Innovative Teaching.

  • At-Large Director, AIA MIddle East Past-President

    KSA Country Director - Ramboll ME

    Architect, Design, and Operations Leader with over 25 years of experience in the design and planning of commercial-driven mixed-use environments and developments throughout the Middle East, India, and the USA. Managed the growth and development of (3) three design consultancy offices, crafting multidisciplinary design studios with core support teams.

    Strong Business Development background with an understanding of brand awareness and the importance of identifying and executing tactical marketing initiatives. Brings a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the operational and financial targets of Clients and achieving their project goals.

    John is a graduate of the University of Houston and the Ecole d'architecture et d’Urbanisme, Saintes, France.

    John is a US registered architect in the state of Florida, licenced architect in Saudi Council of Engineers and Dubai Society of Engineers.

  • At-Large Director, Past President 2024

    Founder / Principal at Anomaly Architecture

    Timothy Winstanley is an architect focused on the integration of innovative and atypical approaches to design opportunities with an emphasis on the engagement and creation of contextual solutions that enrich experiential qualities on an international scale. Timothy is a registered architect in the US states of Illinois and Arizona.

    Prior to founding Anomaly Architecture in 2021, he was a Senior Architect at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, where he led the design of numerous international projects ranging from supertall towers to cultural landmarks, including the recently completed Al Wasl Trellis - the centerpiece of Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE.

    His work embodies an approach that is heavily influenced by the local contextual curiosities present within each unique locale. This, in turn, reveals the potential for dynamic design to profoundly transform the human experience and enrich the urban fabric. His experience directing large-scale complex projects from conception through construction on-site provides an additional layer of insight into the realization of complex designs through close collaboration with world-class fabricators and builders.

  • Iraq Country Representative

    Fatima H. Mohsin, Intl. Assoc. AIA, is a project architect with over a decade of experience managing multimillion-dollar projects across the Middle East, including the region’s largest cinema screen. Her work navigates the intersections of urbanization, nature, and environmental consciousness. As an artist, she merges architectural precision with a deeply textured, emotive approach, utilizing mixed media to explore the subtle tensions between humanity and the natural world.

  • Egypt Country Representative


    Principal, Shalalat Group, Egypt

    Mr. Habbak is the founder and principal of The Shalalat Group, Architects, and serves as a Board Member and Egypt Country Representative for the American Institute of Architects Middle East Chapter. He is a licensed consultant architect in Egypt and a member of the Egyptian Syndicate of Engineers. 

    He received his Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, in 1987, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Alexandria, Egypt. His professional training also includes specialized courses in lighting design with Philips (Holland), computer-aided design at the University of California, Berkeley, and an internship with Renardet Engineering in Paris, France. 

    Mr. Habbak has acted as a consultant to several architectural firms in both the United States and Egypt, drawing on his extensive experience in construction and design. He also served in the Egyptian Navy on national architectural projects and was a member of the advisory board of the Architecture Department at the American University in Cairo. 

    His work includes multiple studies on the urban evolution of cities and contributions to City Plans & Places, published by the University of Southern California. He has collaborated with the Los Angeles City Redevelopment Agency on the Broadway Street development study and participated in the preparation of the Alexandria 2005 Master Plan. 

    Mr. Habbak received first prize in an international architectural competition for the design of the Library of Alexandria. His work has been featured on national television and in major international newspapers in both Egypt and the United States. He has also received several photography awards, including a national award from the American Institute of Architects. 

  • Oman Country Representative


    Architect at Meinhardt Group


    Maryam graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters in Architecture, as well as studying abroad for a semester in Centro Studi Città di Orvieto in Italy. Maryam is also an active member of the Oman Society of Engineers and one of the founding members of the Women in Engineering chapter in Oman

    Maryam's design vision is to create spaces that evoke revolutionary ideas, educate budding minds and respect the fragility of our earth. Deeply interested in the practice of design that fuses diverse minds, she seeks mutual respect and openness to idea generation and eventually produces something beautiful and powerful. She is an advocate of design that not only transcends borders and is used as a tool for change, but is also contextually appreciative, innovative and ultimately timeless in nature.

  • Morocco Country Representative

    Working with clients from project conception to construction completion. Specializing in commercial and residential architecture, renovation, planning, interiors, and landscaping.

  • Fellowship Director

    Principal at Thierry Paret-Architect

    Thierry Paret is an American architect, with 25 years of richly diverse experience in the USA, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Thierry previously worked as a Design Studio Lead for major Irish and US Firms where he designed pharmaceutical, laboratory, education and residential projects. More recently Thierry was an Advisor to the Qatari government working on program wide strategic initiatives for their multi-billion dollar portfolio comprising of the Healthcare, Educational and General Sectors.

    Thierry earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and is a registered architect in the States of New York, Nevada, Oklahoma (dormant), Utah (dormant) and the Republic of Ireland. He was elevated to the College of Fellows in 2014 at the age of 47.

    Thierry was a founding member of the AIA Middle East Chapter and served as its first President from 2010-2012.  He also was one of the founders of the AIA International Region and served as its Treasurer in 2014-2015. He previously served on the AIA Membership (2013-2014), AIA Community Committees (2013) and AIA Knowledge Committee (2016). In 2015 Thierry was elected as one of six Directors At Large (2016-2017)on the AIA's National Board.

    As a result of his significant contributions, in 2012 Thierry Paret was honored as the 41st most influential person in the Middle East and North African consgtruction industry by top regional magazine feauturing the "Power 100" in the industry. That same year he was also voted the 16th most influential architect in the Middle East by Architect Middle East Magazine.  Over the past 4 years he has supported the US Commerce Department with Trade Missions to the Middle East. He has also been an organizer of AIA Middle East End of Year Conferences since its inception.  Thierry's work has been published in Damdi's Competition Panel Book, Interior Magazine, Big Project Magazine, New York Times and other publications.

    Thierry sits on the Advisory Boards of the American University in Dubai and Qatar University supporting them in their bids to become NAAB Accredited. He previously sat on the Advisory Board of Informa, the organizers of Cityscape events in the Middle East.

    Thierry holds an FAA Private Pilot's License, is a fourth degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate who competed in the 1996 Sixth World Open Kyokushinkai Full Contact Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.  He is also an advanced tennis player and enjoys road cycling.

  • Regional Director

    Director of Operations and Senior Design Manager with over 25 years of experience and a diverse portfolio of work globally ranging from academic to commercial, arenas to single family residential, civic/transportation to hospitality and resorts.

    As a resident of the United Arab Emirates for close to 14 years, she has worked with large, mutli-discpiplinary teams on some of the most exciting hospitality, retail and residential developments in the Middle East. Mrs. Kinnick is a collaborative team leader with excellent communication skills and a strong foundation in both design and technical construction knowledge.

    Stephanie has served as the Middle East chapter's Vice President, President, and Past President and is currently the Regional Director as part of the Executive Committee. Stephanie has also served on the AIA International Board of Directors as the Middle East Chapter Representative for 2023 and 2024 and is currently the 2025-2026 Secretary as part of the Executive Committee.

  • Membership Director

    Principal at Infinity Design

    Farouk Tadros, an architect, and owner of “Infinity Design”. He holds a bachelor degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California-Los Angeles (USC), obtained his master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from University of Southern California-Los Angeles (USC). He has been a part-time lecturer at several universities in Jordan. Tadros is a member of the Green Building Committee at the Jordan Engineering Association (JEA) and a member of “Greener Amman 2020 Committee” hosted by Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). In addition, committee member for the landscape design accreditation at the Jordan Engineering Association (JEA).

    He has worked on a variety of design projects within the region ranging from urban regeneration projects, development of archeological and tourist sites, city parks, coastal developments, residential and commercial buildings. Tadros is an architect who strongly believes in the impact of development on the existing environment, thus sustainable approaches are mostly adapted in his designs.

  • Communications Director & Bahrain Country Rep.

    Communication Director and AIA Middle East Bahrain Country Representative, bringing 10 years of experience in the Middle East’s architectural landscape. As a registered architect with the Saudi Council of Engineers, Shahd has worked on diverse design projects, demonstrating expertise in BIM and LEED GA principles.

    Beyond architecture, Shahd has a deep passion for photography, videography, and social media, using visual storytelling to capture the essence of design and the built environment. Their creative approach enhances engagement in architectural discourse, blending technical expertise with artistic expression.

    Actively engaged in the MENA region’s architectural events and exhibitions, Shahd plays a vital role in fostering industry dialogue and innovation. Her involvement in prestigious gatherings, including AIA Middle East conferences and design awards, reflects a dedication to creativity, sustainability, and excellence in the built environment.

  • At-Large Director

    Founder & Design Director, RAW-NYC Architects

    Raya Ani is an award-winning architect, urban designer, and global practice leader with over three decades of experience across the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Her work advances architecture as an integrated system shaping buildings, cities, and society. She is a candidate for AIA National President-Elect 2027 (President 2028).

    She is the Founder and Design Director of RAW-NYC Architects, a women-founded and owned interdisciplinary practice established in New York City in 2012 and expanded to Dubai in 2014. Her work operates at the intersection of design, innovation, sustainability, and technology across architecture and urban systems. The practice spans institutional, educational, commercial, and large-scale urban developments, as well as cultural infrastructure and regenerative master planning.

    Licensed in New York and a LEED Accredited Professional, Raya has led high-performance design projects including New York City’s first public green school and high-rise residential towers in Battery Park City. Her international portfolio includes the Liberland master plan, a winning international competition in Europe proposing a self-sustaining urban model; the Green Bridge of Baghdad; and the Iraq Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which she led from advocacy and concept through fundraising and delivery.

    Her work extends into global advisory roles, including serving as an Advisor to UNESCO and as President of the Jury for the international competition for the reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Complex in Mosul, Iraq.

    Within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she has been a member since 2004 and has served in multiple leadership roles since 2012, including Director of Events (2012–2016), Vice President (2016), President of AIA Middle East (2017), and Past President (2018), becoming the first woman elected to lead the chapter. She currently serves as Director at Large (2019–present). During her presidency, she established official country representation in Jordan (2017) and Iraq (2018) and served as Conference Curator, Strategist, and Speaker for the AIA Middle East International Conference & Design Awards, “10,958 Days.”

    Raya was elevated in 2019 to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) under Object One—Design. She is a Forbes 50 Over 50 (EMEA) honoree, a recipient of the Takreem Award for Environmental Development and Sustainability, and has been featured on MSNBC. She has been recognized among the most influential architects in the Middle East and North Africa region since 2015.

    She holds a Master of Science in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was awarded the MIT/Harvard Aga Khan Scholarship, and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering with honors from the University of Baghdad, Iraq. She also holds a Professional Diploma in Public Policy and Leadership from the American University of Sharjah.

  • At-Large Director

    Project Planning Manager at KAUST

  • KSA Country Representative

    Director at ROSHN

    Rawan Yassin is a Senior Architect at ARC-IDC. She graduated from Northumbria University, UK with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. In 2011, she returned to Riyadh and began her professional career working for Omrania and Associates. To broaden her horizon and develop her architectural education further, Rawan enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program at Pratt Institute, New York. Throughout her education, she developed a sophisticated skill set, a comprehensive understanding of building technologies, and a passion for experimenting with forms and translating digital into possible reality.

    Upon graduation, Rawan worked for Leeser architecture in New York where she acquired essential experience in a highly design oriented environment. Rawan has a particular interest in generative design with expertise in digital media and fabrication.

  • Lebanon Country Representative

    Roba Youssef is an architect and designer whose work interprets nature in built form, designing spaces and objects that immerse users in experiences that reconnect them with themselves, their surroundings, and the environment. Inspired by natural systems, she uses design to reveal unseen patterns and create meaningful, sustainable experiences.

    She is the founder of Roba Youssef Architects, with its main office in Beirut and an additional team in Cairo. Her multidisciplinary background bridges architecture, interior, and product design, translating concepts into architecture and products that connect users to space, nature, and cultural context.

    Roba holds two professional degrees: a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch, Track III) from Lawrence Technological University, USA, and a Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture from Lebanese American University (LAU), Beirut, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (Assoc. AIA).

  • Qatar Country Representative

    Komal Kotwal is a Global Sustainable Strategy and Management Leader, Architect, Educator and Advocate for Women’s Leadership. As the Founder & Principal Consultant at EquiSustain, she specializes in knowledge-based sustainability consulting, education, and mentoring.

    Previously, she was Principal & Firmwide Sustainable Design Leader at HOK, where she led health, well-Being, and equity driven strategies for corporate clients over 10 million sq. ft. of projects,including net-zero energy initiatives, ESG frameworks, and WELL & LEED Platinum certifications.

    A Master Class provider at VCUarts Qatar Continuing Education Program and Content Director for the U.K based Sustainable Design Academy, Komal is passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders. She serves on the AIA Middle East Board of Directors, IWBIs Community Advisory, and has been featured in Disrupt Magazine and Madame Architect for her thought leadership. Komal has been part of Fast Company’s Impact Council and honored by the International WELL Building Institute for her contributions to advancing sustainability and impact-driven design.

    Holding a Master's in Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor's from the University of Mumbai, Komal blends technical expertise with a passion for leadership development. Through workshops, seminars and advisory roles, she empowers professionals – especially women – to elevate leadership, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change in their careers and workplaces.

  • UAE Country Representative


    Bridging the fields of architecture and public policy, with interests in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Nature based Solutions, Lisa has serviced key real estate stakeholders across the Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East regions, along with prominent NGOs, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the U.S. Mission to ASEAN (YSEALI), and the Biomimicry Singapore Network (BSN).

    Currently, Lisa serves on the Board of the American Institute of Architects - Middle East Chapter as the UAE Country Representative. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the American University of Dubai and a Director of the Singapore Business Council, UAE, where she oversees Strategic Partnerships and Inter-Council relationships.

  • AUC Liaison

    Associate Professor of Sustainable Design, The American University in Cairo

    Khaled Tarabieh is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Design and the Associate Chair of the Department of Architecture at The American University in Cairo. He is a holder of a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from Alexandria University and both a master's in city planning (MCP) and a PhD in city and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, with a specialization in the planning of energy efficient urban environments, high performance building design, certification and assessment.

    He is a LEED-accredited professional with expertise in green buildings design, construction and assessment using different types of rating systems. At AUC, he teaches the sustainability in the architectural design core studio and is the Director of the Building Sciences Lab where he conducts research on the thermal performance of building envelope materials for residential buildings in Egypt and the assessment of its ecological impact, smart and energy efficient window typologies, understanding the thermal impacts of façade geometry and optimization of the wall insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

  • QU Liaison

    Dr. Hameda Al-Janahi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at the College of Engineering, Qatar University. She earned her PhD in Architecture from the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University in 2022, her MArch in Architectural Design from The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, in 2016, and her Bachelor of Architecture from Qatar University in 2014, graduating with a scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence.

    Dr. Al-Janahi has contributed significantly to advancing architectural education by updating design studio content, developing innovative student projects, and strengthening the integration between teaching and professional practice. Her work includes collaborative lesson planning with faculty, aligning studio learning outcomes, and designing practice-oriented educational experiences across curriculum levels. She has also participated in joint teaching initiatives with national partners such as Msheireb, Qatar Museums, and the Ministry of Municipality, providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world, application-based learning.

    Her research focuses on the relationship between the built environment, population health, and quality of life. She has published in internationally refereed journals and presented her work at specialized conferences in architecture, urban planning, and public health. She also leads several funded research projects exploring how neighborhood design influences health behaviors and quality of life through multidisciplinary analytical approaches. In addition, Dr. Al-Janahi plays an active role in academic supervision, student mentorship, and representing the department in institutional and national initiatives related to the built environment.

  • 2025 Li Ren, AIA

    2024 Tim Winstanley, AIA

    2023 John Robertson, AIA

    2022 Stephanie Kinnick, AIA

    2020 Eric Tomich, FAIA

    2019 Chucri Haddad, AIA

    2018 Daniel Henderer, AIA

    2017 Raya Ani, FAIA

    2016 Sherif Anis, FAIA

    2015 Tanner Whitney, AIA

    2014 Loay Quota, AIA

    2013 Sherif Anis, FAIA

    2012 + 2011 Thierry Paret, FAIA - Founding President

AIA ME Mission & Policies
AIA ME Mission & Policies