STUDIO MONOGRAPH

Practice & Leadership

Arkan Architects was established as an independent practice dedicated to the tectonic permanence and material honesty of built space.

The name Arkan (أركان) translates from Arabic as "pillars, corners, and foundational cornerstones." This principle guides our design process: we prioritize primary load-bearing structures, raw mineral materials, and calibrated natural light over superficial applied decoration.

We operate across two studio locations in Dubai and Amman, leading projects from early topographic feasibility and concept design through full structural documentation and active site construction administration.

Every commission begins with a thorough material investigation of the site: analyzing regional soils, quarried stone aggregates, solar angles, and local microclimates to ensure each structure performs durably over generations.

Professional Licensing Registered Architectural Practice (UAE / Jordan)
Practice Experience 16 Years Active Practice (Est. 2010)
Typologies Residential, Cultural, Civic, Adaptive Reuse
Design Governance Partner-Led Project Oversight
Arkan Architects studio facade in Dubai

DUBAI ATELIER / ALSERKAL AVENUE

PARTNERS & DIRECTORS

Studio Leadership

Our practice is led by registered architects with specialized backgrounds in structural engineering, heritage conservation, and environmental design.

Tariq Al-Mansoor

Principal & Design Director

Educated at the Architectural Association (AA London) and Columbia GSAPP. Registered Architect with 18 years leading monumental cultural and private residential projects across the Gulf.

Nour Haddad

Partner & Tectonic Lead

Specialist in structural concrete engineering and stone masonry. Previously researcher at ETH Zürich Institute of Tectonic Systems. Leads technical detailing and environmental performance.

Kareem Zaid

Director of Construction & Delivery

Over 15 years overseeing contractor execution, site supervision, and tender coordination for complex bespoke architectural commissions.

Arkan Architects reception gallery with stone sample library
STUDIO ARCHIVE

Tactile Material Library

Our studios house a curated permanent archive of regional geological samples, full-scale 1:1 joinery mockups, and cast-in-situ concrete test cylinders. Clients and collaborators are invited to touch and evaluate real mineral materials before construction commences.

CRITICAL RECEPTION

Monographs & Honors

Monographs & Publications
  • Architectural Review: "Tectonic Resilience in Arid Landscapes" (2025)
  • Domus Middle East: "House in the Quarry Monograph Feature" (2025)
  • El Croquis: "Emerging Architectural Practices in Western Asia" (2024)
  • Detail Magazine: "Board-formed Concrete Joints & Anchors" (2023)
Selected Exhibitions
  • Venice Architecture Biennale: National Pavilion Contributor (2023)
  • Sharjah Architecture Triennial: "Raw Earth & Thermal Mass" (2022)
  • Amman Design Week: "Basalt Formworks & Public Shading" (2021)