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Lorenzo Zoli is the CEO of M+N Architecture SRL (Italy) and Managing Director of its Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary, both founded (by Zoli and six other partners)

in 2010. Zoli’s initial role was to establish the subsidiary company in the UAE and create a base from where they could reach the GCC market. Now he manages the company in all its day-to-day activities but with an attention to the medium- and long-term strategies as well. Zoli explains: “I also overlook the contractual, financial and technical matters, including business development and client’s liaison. In a few words, we are able to adapt to different types and scales of projects, where the common background is the approach to design: creating sustainable and unique spaces which suit clients’ needs, expectations, and budget.”

Zoli studied architecture in Florence (Italy) where he graduated cum laude, receiving the Best Student of the Year award in 2002. His studies included a year spent at the University of Central England in Birmingham (UK) and a term at the New York University in New York City (USA). Soon after graduation, Zoli registered as a chartered architect and began post-graduate study, obtaining his PhD in Architecture Technology in 2007.

In 2010, Zoli was appointed managing director of M+N Architecture and since then he has been based in Abu Dhabi from where he has led the development of the company in the GCC market. In the past ten years of operations he has been exposed to all sides of the design business, overlooking the growth of the company which delivered over 200+ projects in the field of education, residential developments, mixed use, governmental buildings and interior design (in particular corporate offices, retail and hospitality).

The quality of the work of M+N has been recognised by several awards, in particular for sustainability and interior design. Zoli’s academic career is continuing in UAE, with collaborations as part time instructor and tutor for local universities.

Provis and Khidmah’s headquarters In Abu Dhabi has been awarded with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The joint head office received the highest level of points in LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) Commercial Interiors certification in the GCC region, and the fourth company globally to achieve 90 points in the USGBC rating, across all sectors.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Zoli says: “We already have four offices, one in Abu Dhabi (UAE), two in Florence, and one in Milan (Italy). Currently, we are more concentrating on re-thinking our strategies to make the most out of our current setup, even though we are always on the look-out for opportunities in other markets as well.” Projects by M+N Architecture include Khidmah/Provis HQ at Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; new Cyber Security Department for New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; and others.

The current year looking promising for the M+N Architecture. Zoli says: “In 2021 Al Raha Lofts, a residential development with 168 units located in Al Raha Beach area of Abu Dhabi designed by our company will reach 100% completion and we should be on site soon with our project for the office building of the Ministry of Interior, for which we will be in-charge of the supervision for the next two years.”