Atkins appoints familiar face as new head of architecture

Lee Morris returns to old stomping ground after four years away

Lee Morris has rejoined Atkins after four years to head its architecture practice in Middle East & Africa region.

Morris will spearhead Atkins’ portfolio of work in the recovering Saudi Arabian market, as well as expanding on the strong foundation already established throughout the rest of the Middle East.

With activity on the rise again in the kingdom, the strength and capabilities of Atkins’ international design and architectural offering is more important than ever, the firm said in a statement.

Atkins has masterplanned the KAAR (King Abdul Aziz Road) development in KSA over the last eight years and is now designing one of the key gateway buildings and two hotels for the project.

Simon Moon, Atkins’ CEO for the Middle East and Africa, said: “During this time of change in the region, fresh and innovative approaches to design are essential. I’m very happy to welcome Lee back to Atkins where I believe he will bring great vision and leadership to our architecture team in the region.”

Prior to rejoining Atkins, Morris spent four years respectively as a senior development director at H&H Investment and Development LLC and design director at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Projects.

However he first joined Atkins in the UK and Europe region in June 2002, leading a multidisciplinary team of architects and engineers on a broad range of projects from concept designs through to onsite construction.

He then transferred to the Middle East and Africa in 2004 where he led the architectural and engineering department of a 60+ strong team at the Atkins offices in Dubai and spent over four years leading on several projects, including The Executive Towers, Trump International Hotel and Tower and QE2 Twin Towers.

Lee said: “I’m delighted to be back at Atkins, especially at a time where the firm is experiencing a demand for innovation in design across projects. The company has a rich heritage in the region, bringing all its international experience to turn clients’ visions into reality.”