Architects Powerlist 2025 #1 Mohamed Ali, Executive Design Director, Rank 12th

Mohamed’s journey in architecture has been fueled by an enduring passion for creativity, innovation, and meaningful impact. His path began at one of the top 500 universities in the world, where he made the pivotal decision to pursue architecture. The five years of rigorous education not only provided him with a strong foundation but also instilled a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Embracing challenges along the way, Mohamed has remained committed to refining his skills and pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence.
Mohamed’s professional career began at Naga Architects, where he was exposed to all aspects of design disciplines. This experience allowed him to build a strong foundation in architecture, working across various project types and gaining a deep understanding of how design influences the built environment. Under the mentorship of Dr. Shams Naga, he absorbed knowledge from one of the best, learning the nuances of design excellence and technical precision.
Seeking to expand his skills beyond design, Mohamed joined RMJM, one of the most established architectural firms in the region with a 65-year legacy of adding value to the market. His time at RMJM was transformative—it was here that he evolved beyond a designer and gained insights into business development, marketing, bidding, and securing projects. He was entrusted with responsibilities that sharpened his strategic thinking and leadership skills. The trust and encouragement from RMJM CEO Robin Brown empowered him to grow both professionally and personally, reinforcing his ability to navigate complex projects and industry challenges.
As Mohamed’s journey progressed, he sought new challenges that would further diversify his portfolio. This led him to Meinhardt, a globally recognized engineering firm, where he worked on a new range of project types while closely collaborating with top industry leaders. Under the guidance of Ehab Ibrahim and Meinhardt Group CEO Omar Shahzad, he strengthened his understanding of engineering solutions and their critical role in shaping architectural visions. This experience broadened his approach, enhancing his ability to integrate technical precision with creative architectural solutions.
Mohamed reveals: “At a pivotal point in my career, I asked myself, what’s next?”
He further expands: “I wanted to take on a role that aligned with a greater purpose—one that would challenge me and allow me to contribute on a national and global scale. This led me to PIF, where I became part of a grand vision that is reshaping the future. Working on projects of this magnitude has pushed my boundaries, enabling me to apply my expertise while learning from some of the best minds in the industry. It has been an exhilarating journey of innovation, transformation, and responsibility.”
At every stage of his career, Mohamed has been fortunate to work alongside visionary leaders and talented colleagues who have played a significant role in his success. Their mentorship, support, and shared commitment to excellence have been invaluable. “Each experience has shaped my path, fueling my ambition to continue learning, evolving, and making a lasting impact in the architectural world. And the journey continues,” Mohamed concludes.