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BuILDINg DrEAMS
Ibrahim Jaidah First Qatari Architect “A true leader is someone who is an active part of the team and is never isolated. He should be involved in every process of his industry, because every step is important”
“D
reams definitely come true,” believes Qatari architect, Ibrahim Jaidah. “But dreams have limits and you have to be realistic as nothing can be achieved without effort.” In Jaidah’s case, dreams definitely came true as he took over a small construction company, Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) in 1991 with just seven employees, and resurrected it to an organisation with over 300 employees and branches in numerous countries. Under his leadership, AEB evolved into Qatar’s esteemed architectural design consultancy, working on projects worldwide. AEB’s work has garnered several awards, including two Arab Cities Awards and two Islamic Capitals and Cities Organisation Awards, as well as received three nominations for the prestigious Aga Khan Awards. Meanwhile, the architect is elated at the growing rate of environmental awareness in the architectural community. “Qatar has already established the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System which is the first attempt to custommade certificates for environment that relates to Qatar. Many of our clients are requesting LEED-certified projects for most of the new developments. Developers now realise that by doing so, it will be much cheaper to operate and maintain the building.” Paving the path to success often requires a mentor or two. Unfortunately, Jaidah took on the role of his own mentor due to the lack of one in his profession. Outside the realms of professional world, there were a few though who influenced his way of thinking. “They gave me opportunities and challenges, and however hard they may seem to be, they made the best out of me,” says Jaidah. And who were the few? “My mother, brothers, friends, their parents and a
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Advice to the younger generation
“Dream a lot but be ready to work hard to attain it.” few colleagues. They were the ones who believed in me and gave me an opportunity to work hard and make me what I am today.” And how does being a leader, motivate people around him? “Motivation requires encouragement, be it at any position – everyone deserves equal opportunities. Those who work very hard need opportunities and you can see them move ahead very fast.” Jaidah has found a way out to handle lonliness that comes along with success. “My colleagues and me sit down together and openly discuss what we are going through, the challenges we are facing, our weaknesses, our strengths. It’s nice to share the pressures you are facing; eventually nobody is left lonely.” “The day you think you don’t have to learn from your mistakes, is the day to quit. As long as mistakes are committed in good faith and not negligence, they can be rectified and we can learn from them.” For those pursuing architecture, he says, “Architecture in particular requires lot of patience and open-mindedness. You have to accept criticism, and those who can’t, will lose.”
Qatar Today November 10
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11/2/10 10:12:29 AM