George Efstathiou ME Architect of the Year

George J. Efstathiou Image: © SOM Architects

George J. Efstathiou, FAIA , RIBA, Consulting Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), has been named Middle East Architect of the Year for his innovative leadership and involvement in several high-profile projects throughout the Gulf region. Bestowed by Middle East Architect magazine, a jury of seven local architects and engineers recognized Efstathiou as one of the region's most celebrated and established architects.

Efstathiou accepted the award at the fourth annual Middle East Architect Awards ceremony, held in Dubai on 14 September 2011. Upon receiving the honor, he commented, "I have worked for great clients in the Middle East and have been fortunate enough to have had the lead role on Burj Khalifa, but to be recognized by my peers away from home is truly a highlight of my career". Last year, Efstathiou was also recognized by the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), as one of Saudi Arabia's most influential architects.

While at SOM, Efstathiou has managed and led several key projects that have shaped Dubai's skyline, helping secure SOM's reputation as a global design leader. For the last eight years, Efstathiou served as Managing Partner and Chief Architect on Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, ROLEX Tower and Infinity Tower, all in Dubai. He has also been one of the top leaders for SOM on several major planning projects, including the national Planning Strategies for the Kingdom of Bahrain and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE ).

Efstathiou continues to lead SOM's expertise in several on-going projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE. In its nearly unanimous decision, the jury noted that Efstathiou boasts a "prolific experience which represents a deep and thorough knowledge of the profession." SOM capped the successful Middle East Architect Awards ceremony with ROLEX Tower's win for Overall Project of the Year. It is the second year in a row that an SOM project has claimed this distinct honor.

See projects by SOM on architects24.com: List of SOM Projects

Further Information:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)
www.som.com