Tariq Hajj Architects (THA), a leading Saudi-based design practice which celebrates 15 years of service later this year, has grown on a simple axiom: ''Good design is good business if it is done properly and responsibly''.

The principal and owner of the practice Tariq Hajj and his team of 30 professionals work in a multi-disciplinary environment at their Al Khobar office, with a work ethic that puts the axiom into action.
The practice, which handles all aspects of architecture and design, has already been associated with several landmark commercial, residential, tourism and recreation development projects in the Eastern Province and the Gulf region.
The firm has also developed partnerships with architectural and design firms in North America on a project-by-project basis.
''I have a strong belief in networking and allowing other specialists to be involved and drawing in their expertise in specialist areas such as the design and architecture of hospitals,''says.
Elaborating on the philosophy he adopts in managing his business: ''I have resisted rapid growth in the firm as I have always wanted to maintain maximum control of the architectural and design elements of our project work. This attention to detail is important, as the personal touch is vital and I have never wished to turn the firm into a mass production architectural firm. The practice is divided into separate design studios both at the conceptual and design development level, and in this way, one can review and maintain close attention to detail throughout the creative process.''Hajj has established a reputation through his sense of social responsibility, and a sense of history in the making. He is happiest when he is making a difference ذ both inside the buildings he creates for the users and in the wider urban context.
Together with his fellow professionals and academics, Hajj wants to develop a new school appropriate to the region.
''Across the Eastern Province and the wider region, one is finding increasing evidence of a style of architecture. In my opinion, architects have not really lived up to the challenge that has been presented since the 1970s. And my generation, in particular, has to learn from the past and bring deeper thought, and a wider architectural vocabulary, to the typology of the planning and architectural process,'' says Hajj.
''Architecture is the totality of all disciplines embracing science, philosophy and the environment,س he continues. ''It is the responsibility of the architect to respect the urban or physical context as a building, once completed, has an enduring permanency and its architectural impact cannot be contained in isolation.''
Hajj does not subscribe to the view that one should have a style as that would pre-determine the design and architectural solution.
''I do not practice architecture with a style in mind. One should never impose and start with pre-conceived ideas but discover and let the architectural solution emerge. As a contemporary architect, it is equally wrong for our profession to think that being in Saudi Arabia or the Gulf, one should not be sensitive to the cultural context,'' says Hajj.
''At the same time, one should not dress up architecture and ignore the fact that we live in the 21st century. Whether symbolic, decorative or traditional, one should not copy and stick on architectural forms on a building purely for effect.''Says Hajj: ''Diversity is the key to our practice. It is stimulating to be involved with a variety of projects.''
Currently, the practice is working on the urban regeneration schemes working with the Mayor of Dammam. The practice has undertaken the planning of the ambitious urban renewal project in Al Khobar on behalf of Dammam Municipality. The first phase of this massive urban regeneration programme will cover four blocks of downtown Al Khobar to be followed later by a phased development of a further 16 block blocks. The programme involves re-zoning the area, changing traffic flows and traffic management, allowing for pedestrian areas, as well as residential and commercial renewal, and beautification.
THA is also working on a Planet Hollywood development for the Seef area in Bahrain, a residential development for Saudi Aramco in the exclusive Rabiya area near Dhahran, among other projects.
The practice has completed several major projects including the high-rise regional headquarters of Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) and the fine Al Rushaid residential villas compound, both located in Al Khobar; the iconic corporate headquarters of Al Binali Group, Dammam; a rehabilitation centre, and specific private residences in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
According to Hajj, the highlights of the BSF building are its proportions and the symmetry of the structure.
'In the case of the residential area for Al-Rushaid Group, the creation and building of a village-like community was vitally important. One cannot be limited only to the inside of a building but one has to make an architectural difference that contributes to the wider urban context,' adds Hajj.