BRAND VIEW / 25will work on a new school in Saudi Arabia and a clubhouse in
Pakistan.
“I believe working with this multi-disciplinary, forward-thinking
group of professionals provides a good environment, which
helps and guides me toward being a better designer and taking
an active role in key projects,” said Faizal Razak, junior interior
designer at GAJ. “Having set a solid foundation for design in
the region, GAJ has created a platform for young designers and
architects like me to be inspired and nurtured.”
Scott Hett, mechanical engineer at GAJ, added, “There is a
clear and defi ned pursuit to deliver projects at a consistent level
of commendable quality at GAJ, and it is a value that I aspire to.
As part of my professional development and my position within
GAJ MEP, I continually strive to better contribute to the delivery
of our projects and to the client’s requirements.”
Despite the fi rm’s success, and its ongoing adaptability to
shifting market demands, longevity was never a concern for
Johnson – and perhaps that’s because timing was always on his
side. Between launching the fi rm’s Dubai offi ce and the Global
Financial Crisis of 2008, Johnson had ample time to grow the
fi rm and establish roots in the UAE. The period between 2001
and 2008 in particular saw “amazing expansion”, he said, in
terms of offi ce size and expertise.
“I had been working in Dubai since I was 25 years old,”
Johnson added, “with only a couple of years work in London
before that, so it never crossed my mind to wonder how long
the practice would exist for – especially since one of the most
interesting things about life as an architect in Dubai is the huge
array of different design opportunities that are on offer.”
While well-timed expansion, thoughtful leadership and
maintained client relationships are some of keys to the fi rm’s
success, its recruitment of emerging talent helps carry the fi rm
from the present to the future. It also works to ensure its family
of employees are constantly kept up to date on market trends,
sustainable solutions and newly available technology.
“GAJ is always keeping up with trends through events,
seminars, suppliers and constantly bringing out the best in their
team members who come from different backgrounds,” said
designer Aya Faour.
“An element of project delivery that proves signifi cantly
important during shifts in the market or economy is effi ciency,”
added Hett. “Software and technology are constantly advancing,
creating new or improved means of making our personal and
professional lives easier and more effi cient. GAJ supports its
teams by creating a work environment that welcomes and
promotes innovation.”
“None of our achievements would have been possible
without the tremendous support and commitment of the GAJ
employees at all levels, both now and throughout our history,”
said Johnson. “My hope is that the practice will continue to go
from strength to strength as we become more focussed on
delivering high-quality products on time and on budget.”Dubai College Scott HettSerena Residences
The PalmFaizal Razak Aya Faour