Design Middle East

February 20, 2023

Our managing partners Lee Nellis and Marc Roca who have been recently named in the architects powerlist by Design Middle East as ones of 30 most influential architects in the Middle East.
“They are the Middle East’s reigning and influential architects, reshaping there region’s landscape with their creative minds, vast experience, in-depth knowledge, and foresight.”
Design Middle East

Lee Nellis, a Chartered RIBA

Architect from Scotland, has over 12 years of experience in the region and established the architecture division at XBD Collective in 2016. The primary goal was to form a design team that focusses on a creative approach while leveraging collective expertise. With the team’s initial focus on the residential market, hospitality and commercial projects quickly followed, adding to a growing and impressive portfolio. Nellis continues to apply his innovative design philosophy and vision, creating architectural projects that reflect the client’s needs and aspirations. He contributes his insight and knowledge to the team, fostering a creative ethos and facilitating synergy and collaboration. Some ofthe most prolific projects within the Dubai residential sector include the St Regis Residences and The Solar House.

Nellis comments: “After the pandemic and the end of Expo, | believe that the Design Industry were a little cautious for their next move. However, | believe that the strengths of being an architect are always ones of research, learning, creation, and pushing the boundaries. Essentially, the entire Industry thinks this way as well. Therefore, | envisage that the industry shall thrive in the years to come, as the Gulf Regionc is a pioneer of innovation. With the economy doing really well, and large scale masterplan developments being continuously announced all over the region, designers can only benefit from the opportunities. Nowhere else in the world is this currently offered, and the types of projects are attracting great global talent to move and work here. The Middle East’s industry has a promising future, and | am proud to be part of it.”

“With over 13 years of industry expertise, Marc Roca joined the team in 2021 to lead the architectural and interior design services to hospitality, a education, commercial and multi-residential
projects.

Roca’s passion for creativity and detail is matched by his global experience, having worked on projects in Europe, South America, and the Middle East His hands-on approach and ability to translate
concepts to construction has resulted in strong client relationships and an unrivalled portfolio. His notable projects include the acclaimed ‘St Regis Residences Financial Road’ in Downtown Dubai, the “Metropolitan Towers’ in Lagos, and the offices for Modern Living at the Opus Tower in Business Bay, Dubai

“Marc explains his vision for the region: “This region is always evolving, cities in the middle east are dynamic entities which constantly absorb the new trends of contemporary architecture. For the past decade, some of these cities have been characterised by the use of high-rise buildings and super-sized
structures using the latest technology available.With a bright future ahead, architects and master planners have a unique opportunity to help re-defining the main parameters that should mould the places where we live and complement and co-exist with the existing urban fabrics. Together with other industry actors, such as authorities, regulatory entities and developers, now it’s time to place our communities and our environment as the key parameters of our designs to define sustainable and life- style oriented developments with the well-being of it’s citizens at the forefront.”