Designing Tomorrow: Masar's Journey in Regional Architecture

Egyptian companies have expanded to have a global presence during the nation’s architectural surge. Ahmad El Metwally, an architect and CEO of Masar Architects, is one of the emerging leaders pushing Egyptian architectural firms throughout MENA. Navigating numerous challenges, his firm has continued to thrive domestically and internationally.

At He Properties, we had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. El Metwally to delve into his journey as an architect and CEO.

In the age-old tradition of architecture, the path to becoming an architect is shrouded in mystery. Do dreams spark the desire, do parents plant the seed, or is it an innate calling? El Metwally's journey began with certainty from the start; he claimed, “As a young person aspiring to be an architect, I quickly realized that my passion lay in the art of creation. From my earliest days, I found joy in drawing and shaping things, constantly molding ideas until they took the concrete form of a building. “I was deeply engaged in extracurricular activities throughout my school and university years. After graduation, I ventured into many different things, guided by my philosophy, No matter where you start, what matters is what you gain and where you aim to go. Once I achieved my goals and acquired the knowledge I sought, I transitioned to the next endeavor. When we launched MASAR in 2017, I applied the lessons learned from generations of people before me.”

El Metwally isn't just an architect; he's an entrepreneur, leveraging his architectural expertise for business success. Starting MASAR in 2017, he found himself in a new era of architecture within the MENA region. He mentions, “In 2017, Egypt and the Middle East witnessed a surge of advancements and fresh visions, demanding higher expertise and talent. The market has evolved significantly over the past decade, showcasing marked priorities in quality and standards.” he continues by saying, “We often collaborate closely with individuals throughout the design process to ensure their vision is realized.”

Over the past decade, Egypt and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region have significantly scaled up architectural endeavors. This growth is evident in several aspects. First, there has been a surge in iconic landmark projects, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, showcasing innovative designs and pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be, a project that symbolizes progress and attracts global attention. Secondly, there has been a notable emphasis on sustainable architecture, focusing on energy efficiency, green spaces, and eco-friendly materials. For instance, Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District integrates sustainable features like solar panels and green roofs, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Embracing advanced tools for remote work and virtual meetings became essential, showcasing the capability to accomplish diverse tasks from home. Despite challenges affecting our equipment and tools, we persevered to ensure continuity and productivity.” Instead of seeing the pandemic as a roadblock, Masar used it as an opportunity to innovate and saw an expansion route. He explains, “Our stability during that time stemmed from our deep involvement in ongoing projects before the pandemic, including those outside Egypt, such as Riyadh, where we have a branch. Despite this expansion, our core team, vision, and primary focus remain in Cairo. We're grateful for how this period strengthened our presence and influence in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.” Their ability to keep themselves grounded where they are is due to having offices in the locations they have projects in, “We aspire to establish a presence in every location where we operate, including Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Riyadh.”

Saudi Arabia underwent a profound transformation during the 2010s, embarking on a journey of innovation and substantial growth across infrastructure, tourism, and architecture. Masar, having been present even before the inception of the new Saudi Vision, uniquely observed and contributed to Saudi Arabia's evolution from a distinctive perspective, witnessing the nation's progress before and after the vision's implementation. Describing it further, El-Metwally explains, “Having been in Saudi Arabia before the launch of their vision, we witnessed a remarkable transformation. The landscape shifted dramatically as people eagerly embarked on new ventures, accelerating progress, planning, and growth. This wave of change brought forth new clients seeking collaboration, propelling our company's development and learning.”

The work environment in Saudi Arabia is unique compared to that of Egypt, informing what MASAR was involved in during that time. El Metwally explains, “In Riyadh, we undertook a groundbreaking landscaping project for a hospital, marking our inaugural venture in the healthcare sector. This project significantly contributed to shaping our company's identity and expertise. Additionally, we constructed the Miyrad Towers in Riyadh, further establishing our presence and reputation in the city. We also focused on creating unique identities for gas stations, adding to our diverse portfolio of projects that enriched Riyadh's landscaping and architectural scene.” Amidst the bustling activity in the MENA region, opportunities abound for everyone; however, the ever-present competition remains an integral aspect of every endeavor. Discussing MASAR’s experience working within the Gulf El Metwally highlights the fondness the Middle East has cooperating with Egyptian companies, stating, “The Middle East shares similarities with Egyptian practices, fostering a cooperative spirit that values collaboration with Egyptians. The narrative often revolves around shared meetings where mutual learning occurs, drawing from each other's practices. Thanks to our strong management skills, Egyptians are sought after for their diligence, understanding, and ability to fulfill requests efficiently. Life in Egypt inherently cultivates multitasking abilities, allowing us to navigate and oversee various tasks effectively.” Egypt's strong ties and shared innovations with the Middle East are crucial, setting us as an ideal partner that offers unique capabilities and innovations that are difficult for others to replicate. Further elaborating, he explains, “When you transplant elements from one environment to another without considering the context, the outcome often lacks the original quality and effectiveness. Muslims were pioneers in environmental control and ventilation systems, so we approach these aspects based on our deep understanding and expertise.”

Masar is making a regional impact, gaining recognition for its blend of fresh graduates and experienced architects. It is now extending collaborations from clients to developers. Conversing with El Metwally, we delve into Masar's prospects and direction, being informed, “We're focused on fortifying our branches, particularly in Egypt, where our focus has shifted from clients to developers. The evolving landscape in Egypt necessitates active involvement and contribution, aligning with the new vision. We believe in leaving our mark and moving forward once a project is completed, continually progressing towards new endeavors.”