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As Architecture design director of Gensler Middle East, Raj leads a practice delivering high-profile commercial, hospitality and lifestyle projects throughout the region and Asia. Raj’s experience across different cultures influences his design approach as he weaves traditional and modern architecture into contemporary designs relevant to their cultural and contextual settings. A passionate designer, he exhibits care in creating rich, unique, and aesthetically iconic facades that not only respond to the program of the internal spaces but also the harsh external climatic environment.

Patel earned a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. He is a registered American Architect and moved to the region 20 years ago. Patel frequently speaks at conferences and events with an aim to engage in conversations that influence design trends as well as participates in design review panels at several universities.

Recently, Patel has led the studio towards a successful design of the Diplomatic Quarter Development in Riyadh and Alembic Office Building in Bangalore during the on-going pandemic as Gensler implemented remote working for its worldwide employees. The transition to collaborating virtually with clients and the studio was seamless and led to new efficient design processes. With numerous other significant office headquarters, education, mixed-use and retail, and residential projects completed or in development, Patel aims to expand his practice outside the GCC with a keener focus on North Africa and Asia-Pacific markets.