While architecture can be a corporate profession, Mr Gillard said it can be fun either working on a small project or planning a city
Philip Gillard, 52, is managing director of global architecture firm Arquitectonica, headquartered in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Mr Gillard has spent more than 20 years transforming Middle Eastern skylines as a visionary architect, working with governments and royalty to dream up cityscapes such as DIFC
Mr Gillard oversees ambitious ventures including Mr C. Residences Jumeirah in Dubai Water Canal and the 71-storey Aire Tower in Al Wasl, Jumeirah
Mr Gillard grew up on a council estate, left school at 16 to become a junior draftsman at a glass facades company, before enrolling on a formal architecture course
He then was granted a scholarship for a master's degree in Oklahoma, before graduating from the Architectural Association in London
The architect's days are filled with discussing projects with team members, visiting the Mr C. building or a new site on which his team is working
During the day, Mr Gillard will step away from his desk to dust off his sketchpad and let the ideas flow
Mr Gillard's role also includes guiding junior colleagues and nurturing the workforce
While architecture can be a corporate profession, Mr Gillard said it can be fun either working on a small project or planning a city
Philip Gillard, 52, is managing director of global architecture firm Arquitectonica, headquartered in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Mr Gillard has spent more than 20 years transforming Middle Eastern skylines as a visionary architect, working with governments and royalty to dream up cityscapes such as DIFC
Mr Gillard oversees ambitious ventures including Mr C. Residences Jumeirah in Dubai Water Canal and the 71-storey Aire Tower in Al Wasl, Jumeirah
Mr Gillard grew up on a council estate, left school at 16 to become a junior draftsman at a glass facades company, before enrolling on a formal architecture course
He then was granted a scholarship for a master's degree in Oklahoma, before graduating from the Architectural Association in London
The architect's days are filled with discussing projects with team members, visiting the Mr C. building or a new site on which his team is working
During the day, Mr Gillard will step away from his desk to dust off his sketchpad and let the ideas flow
Mr Gillard's role also includes guiding junior colleagues and nurturing the workforce
While architecture can be a corporate profession, Mr Gillard said it can be fun either working on a small project or planning a city
Day in the Life: The Dubai architect building a futuristic metropolis in the desert
Philip Gillard has spent 23 years working on the Middle East’s evolving cityscapes
Emma Pearson
16 January, 2024
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