Architects Powerlist 2025 #4 Edward McIntosh, Regional Design Director, Middle East, AtkinsRéalis

In the ever-evolving world of architecture, few names resonate as profoundly as Edward McIntosh. As the Regional Design Director for the Middle East atAtkinsRéalis, Edward’s journey is a testament to innovation, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence

A Fulbright Scholar and former university lecturer, Edward’s academic prowess is matched only by his professional achievements. After graduating from Columbia University in New York, he garnered numerous design awards and developed his thesis under the legendary architect Sir Peter Cook. His work on “Inhabiting the Virtual World” explored the hybridization of the built environment and virtual realms, a visionary concept that anticipated the societal shifts we witness today.

Edward’s groundbreaking piece, “Autonomous Living Units,” showcased at the 2010 Saint Etienne Biennale, was a pioneeringeffort that bridged the physical and virtual worlds. Recreated within the Second Life gaming platform, it played a pivotal role in the early days of Bitcoin. This project exemplifies his ability to foresee and shape the future, always staying ahead of the curve.

The New Murabba and the Mukaab, Riyadh’s ambitious vision for a new modern downtown, were also won through an international competition and are further examples of the studio’s prowess. This downtown reflects the local culture, identity, and ambition, establishing itself as a pivotal center for Riyadh, the Kingdom, and the world. Focussed on global partnerships, New Murabba blends nature with modern design, valuing diversity to create vibrant communities in Saudi Arabia’s heart.

One of the most talked-about trends in the design world today is the integration of AI. Since 2022, AtkinsRéalis’ design studio has been at the forefront of this movement, experimenting with text-to-image AI tools and expanding its repertoire with the influx of talented young colleagues. By training bespoke AI models, the studio is establishing AI-assisted design streams that blend traditional techniques with futuristic approaches. Techniques such as LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation of Large Language Models) and Gaussian splatting are employed to facilitate interactive design processes, improve client engagement with high-quality visuals, and allow architects to explore new forms and structures efficiently. This combination pushes the boundaries of traditional design, making it easier to visualize and refine complex architectural concepts.

At AtkinsRéalis, the synergy between human intuition and computational power is unlocking unprecedented creative possibilities. The studio’s innovative workflows, inspired by industries outside of design and construction, are reimagining the architectural process. By creating experience maps before developing buildings, the Company is adding unexpected value for clients and refining project briefs based on a holistic vision of the built environment.

For example, the cohesiveness of design throughout all assets of the Mukaab was a key focus for AtkinsRéalis’ team. The strategy was to be precise in the number of architectural languages used across the vast Mukaab ecosystem, ensuring that the design elements could evoke either Najdi and Salmani features or Riyadh’s unique topography. The aspirations of the Mukaab’s technological capabilities aim at being the first of a kind and will be of a nature and scale never seen before by becoming a literal gateway for other worlds and realities. To achieve this, the Mukaab will leverage a number of different technologies to create a multi-sensorial, immersive experience with the goal of taking visitors into new realms.

Edward’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary thinking and relentless innovation. As he continues to push the boundaries of design, the future of architecture in the Middle East looks brighter than ever.

Edward’s observations on the future reveal, “Looking ahead, the design and architecture industry is one of boundless innovation and transformative impact. Our journey has only just begun, and I am committed to pushing the boundaries of design, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration. At AtkinsRéalis, we will continue to lead the way in integrating AI and other advanced tools into our design processes, creating environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and sustainable.

He further emphasises, “The future of architecture lies in our ability to blend the physical and virtual worlds, creating immersive experiences that enhance the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident that our team will continue to set new standards of excellence in the industry. Together, we will shape a future where architecture and design are at the forefront of societal progress, driving positive change and enriching the lives of people in the Middle East region and beyond.