Tariq Hajj Architects (THA) is one of the most successful architectural firms in Saudi Arabia and is responsible for the design of some of the prestigious buildings in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Gulf Construction spoke to the principal of the firm, Tariq K Hajj, regarding the firm, its philosophy and goals.
Can you trace the development and growth of Tariq Hajj Architects?
Tariq Hajj Architects was launched in 1989. I started the firm with three assistants and a strong desire to make a difference in the market. We began looking at competitions and participated in as many of them as we could. We saw design competitions as the best platform to give us both visibility and credibility at the same time. We won three national design competitions in the first two years, which was remarkable. We are now a firm of 27 people and offer complete and comprehensive professional services starting with concept design all the way through bid documents. During the past 10 years, we have also managed to develop strategic alliances with internationally-renowned architectural firms to work with us on specialised projects.What is THA's philosophy in design?
We approach each project on an individual basis. We believe that the best design is the one that develops as a result of addressing all factors relevant and specific to the project. We do not believe in "stylised" architecture. We see each project as a challenge. We also look at projects as "problems" that need "solutions". If we understand the problem, our chances of finding the right solution will be much higher.Do you follow any specific marketing strategy for your services?
Our best marketing strategy is client satisfaction. A large percentage of our clients are repeat clients. We believe that a satisfied client is your best marketing tool. We have also recently launched a web site (www.tharchitects.com) that enables our clients to see detailed visuals of our recent projects.What are THA's goals for future?
We want to expand regionally. We will be soon participating in regional competitions. We feel we have designed enough buildings locally to give us regional credibility. We, obviously, want to continue to enhance our design process. Design is an endless process - the more you design, the more you learn how to design better buildings.Tell us about some of THA's current projects.
We are very excited about the Tradco Center. This project is the result of a close collaboration between our firm and Pei Partnership Architects of New York. It is also a response to a very visionary client. We believe this project will be a major addition to the skyline of Al Khobar, and are convinced of its architectural impact on the city.We have also recently completed the AlBinali office building project, and the Rehabilitation Center for the Handicapped. The AlBinali office building in Al Khobar will have a total built-up area of 7,000 sq m on eight levels.
THA has also designed the Arab National Bank building, Dammam, which will be four storeys high and offer a built-up area of 4,500 sq m.
Other projects which has been on our drawing boards recently are the Al Qahtani Towers, an eight-storey office building in Al Khobar, and a nine-storey corporate headquarters project, offering a total built-up area of 10,000 sq m.
We are also currently working on several other major corporate headquarters in the area, in addition to few high-end residences.
What are your comments on the current market conditions?
We are very optimistic about the market outlook. A decade ago when we first started, people were very sceptical about the business value of design. Today, the situation is completely different. People now believe in the added value of design.We feel that there are a lot of possibilities in the market place and are confident that the local economy will translate those potentials into real projects.
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