The Studio
AboutUs
Tariq Haddad Founder & Principal Architect
The Founder
Tariq Haddad was born in Dubai, educated in London and Zürich, and returned to establish his practice in 2004.
Tariq studied architecture at the Bartlett School in London, then completed his postgraduate studies at ETH Zürich. He worked for six years across leading practices in Europe before Dubai called him back.
In 2004, he established the practice with a single commission and a team of three. Today the studio is a team of twelve architects and designers, focused on projects that deserve genuine time and care.
His philosophy is simple: good architecture begins with listening. Not just to the client, but to the site, the climate, the history, and the materials. The result is buildings that feel as though they were always there.
Education & Training
- 1997–2001 B.Arch - Bartlett School of Architecture, London
- 2001–2003 M.Arch - ETH Zürich
- 2004 RIBA Chartered Member
We believe exceptional architecture is born from deep listening, honest materials, and an unwavering fidelity to place. Since 2004, we have been making spaces that withstand the test of time.
How We Work
Listening
Every project begins with an extended conversation. We want to understand how you live, how you work, what truly matters to you. This is not a formality it is the foundation of every design decision we will make.
Interpreting
After listening, we begin translating turning what was said and unsaid into space. This phase combines analysis with intuition. We draw plans, discard them, and redraw them until the project feels right.
Developing
The development phase is where the concept becomes real. We document every detail from the overall volume to the door handle with the same level of care.
Delivering
Construction supervision is not an add-on for us it is how we protect the quality of the design vision. We visit the site regularly and ensure what is built matches what was designed.
Awards & Recognition
- 2023 Best Residential Architecture - UAE Arabian Property Awards
- 2022 Excellence in Luxury Interiors Middle East Architect Awards
- 2021 Commercial Project of the Year Cityscape Awards
- 2020 Sustainable Design Commendation Green Building Council UAE
- 2019 Best Private Residence - Dubai Arabian Property Awards
- 2018 Outstanding Architecture - Gulf Region RIBA Gulf Award
FAQ
Questions our clients often ask
We specialise in luxury private villas, penthouses, family estates, and high-end commercial architecture across Dubai and the UAE. Every project is treated as a singular commission.
The design phase typically runs 3–6 months depending on project complexity and scale. This covers client listening, concept design, detailed drawings, and construction documentation.
We work across the UAE and accept select projects in the wider Gulf region. We believe quality requires proximity to the site, so we are selective about projects further afield.
Fees are structured based on project scope, complexity, and programme. We provide a detailed proposal following a complimentary initial conversation.
Yes. We offer construction supervision services to ensure every detail is executed to the design standards we set. This is optional but strongly recommended.
We are a small, focused practice and that is precisely what makes us different. Tariq Haddad personally oversees every project. We do not take on more work than we can give proper attention to.
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