Sunday, October 31, 2021: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) Architecture and Interior Design alumni, Sana Fatima Razvi and Alan George, have been nominated for the Young Talent of the Year Award at the upcoming 2021 Design Middle East Awards.
Recognizing the creative best and foremost from the region's design and architecture industry, The Design Middle East Awards are one of the region’s most popular award ceremonies dedicated to honouring the year's top architects, designers, projects, and firms.
Speaking to this accomplishment, Sana said: “To be recognized amongst the finest in the fraternity and nominated as a young talent is an absolutely delightful feeling. I’m grateful for this opportunity. This nomination not only motivates me to dream bigger but pushes me to work harder and never stop learning and growing, because sky is the limit.”
Her passion and enthusiasm for the field has helped her to gain a successful career as an architect and has further inspired her thirst for knowledge and innovation. Sana credits some of this success to CUD Professors Hamoud Dekkiche (Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design) and Serkan Gunay (Senior Lecture, Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design), whom have largely contributed to mentoring and honing her skills as a designer. She graduated from CUD in 2014 and is currently working on some highly appealing yet functional designs for luxury mansions and commercial projects.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alan added: “CUD has always encouraged its students to go the extra mile. To deliver, beyond expectations. At its core, this approach to career and lifestyle has undoubtedly helped contribute to my success. This nomination makes me want to aim higher. To double down on what works and fill in my knowledge gaps. My focus remains on designing and delivering quality work above all else.”
Alan graduated from CUD in 2012 and was a part of the first graduating batch of architects at the University. During those formative years, Alan felt that the input and guidance from his professors were instrumental in molding his pragmatic approach to design. His focus is now on the high-end, luxury, residential sector, working on delivering projects within the hospitality and the public realm.
The design market post-pandemic has opened many windows of opportunity for architects in the region to map unrealistic and un-imaginable yet creative and sustainable creations. Designers are in high demand and both Sana and Alan are ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Alan continued: “These are very exciting times to be in the design ecosystem of Dubai. Many projects are now kicking into gear and clients are optimistic.”
Taking place at Sofitel Dubai The Palm on October 31, 2021, the award ceremony will strive to recognize individual excellence, company strengths, and project success; a chance to rejoice, network, and celebrate the deserving talent. Winners will receive a commemorative trophy, as well as extensive print and online coverage in Design Middle East.
The Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design at CUD provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to become change makers within the industry. Students are provided with a unique studio experience that challenges them to put their classroom experience into practice through innovative design and entrepreneurial ideas. With the fast-paced evolution of architecture, interior design, and sustainability, students are encouraged to critically analyze situations and develop creative design solutions, while acknowledging the human relationship to plan and design with empathy and responsibility.