Aedas Middle East is entering a transformative phase, expanding its influence across cultural, hospitality, and large- scale masterplan projects. In Saudi Arabia, the firm is reimagining historic cities by blending heritage with modern urban systems, while in the UAE it is leading residential and creative clusters, including Dubai Design District’s first residential offering. Transport remains a key focus, with future rail and suspended mobility projects set to reshape urban connectivity. Technology—through AI-driven tools, parametric design, and VR—is revolutionizing workflows. Beyond projects, Aedas is committed to people, strengthening mentorship, gender diversity, and nurturing the next generation of architects to advance these ideas.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

From a small town in Southern Spain to Global Design Principal at Aedas Middle East, Ignacio Gómez’s path has been shaped by persistence and curiosity. He was captivated by architecture at age seven after visiting an architect’s studio with his father—a revelation that turned a childhood fascination into a lifelong vocation. After studies in Madrid, Sweden, and Barcelona, he moved to Dubai in 2006, where the scale and ambition of the region transformed his practice.

Ignacio learned early that architecture is not a solo pursuit but a collective effort, honed through mentors and peers who helped shape his design philosophy. Over nearly two decades, he has contributed to redefining the architectural identity of the Middle East, leading projects from Dubai Metro stations to visionary destinations in Saudi Arabia. Today, he leads Aedas’ creative direction in the region, driving innovation while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.

Leading with Impact

Ignacio’s leadership is grounded in accessibility, mentorship, and belief in people. He rejects the notion of architecture as a one-man show, instead seeing teams as the true drivers of design. His role is to create the conditions for success—clarity of purpose, high standards, and the courage to challenge assumptions. He encourages colleagues to work without ego, listen closely, and let context guide solutions. Hands-on and committed to quality at every stage, Ignacio also places mentorship at the heart of his practice, taking pride in seeing interns grow into leaders. For him, leadership is not about visibility but continuity—building resilient, creative teams capable of shaping the next era of design.

THAT DEFINE EXCELLENCE

For Ignacio, every project is a learning opportunity, regardless of scale. He approaches each with equal seriousness, whether a landmark development or a modest commission. NEOM’s Trojena Ski Village in Saudi Arabia stands out as a breakthrough in designing with nature, merging vertical urbanity with pristine mountain landscapes. The Red Palace in Riyadh transforms one of the Kingdom’s most historic sites into a boutique hotel, redefining adaptive reuse in a region dominated by new builds. Equally formative have been projects in the UAE, such as the ENOC Futuristic Station at Dubai Expo, or earlier works in Khorfakkan and Al Seef Dubai. These experiences reinforce his belief that design is never just about form or function but about learning—each project adding new layers of knowledge, perspective, and responsibility.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking ahead, his vision is to expand Aedas’ influence westward into North Africa and Europe while remaining rooted in the Middle East. He sees the future of architecture shaped by sustainability, technology, and cultural identity. For him, true sustainability means rethinking how we design, build, and consume, beyond certifications. Technology—AI and autonomous systems—will redefine mobility, free land, and accelerate design cycles. Yet cultural authenticity must remain central, ensuring projects belong to their place. He believes architects will play a critical role in mediating between these forces, creating environments that are resilient, functional, and emotionally resonant, while staying adaptive and true to enduring human values.