Organised by BNC Publishing and Design Middle East, the inaugural Architecture Leaders Awards 2021 acknowledged and rewarded the exceptional architects, projects, and firms in the region. The gala award ceremony took place on March 31 at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. There were 19 award categories that were given solely on merit and were awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

Michelle Najm, JT+Partners, said: “It’s such a great honour to be recognised amongst peers and industry. It’s the result of a lot of hard work and I am looking forward to more opportunities.”

Najm studied Architecture at the Lebanese University of Fine Arts in Beirut. Her professional journey started when I received the prestigious Rifat Chadirji Award for young graduates in Architecture on my Final project, awarded at the end of my master’s degree studies. “My career started at an early stage when I joined Al Salaam International Group for my first paid internship back in 2006. Determined for ongoing progress, I joined JAR Group Architectural Design Team. This is where I developed my first skills as the only woman to work amongst 12 male architects. I was involved in projects across the Middle East and Africa, mainly in the residential, governmental, and commercial sectors. Deep down, always wanting more and going beyond boundaries, I decided to travel abroad. In search of new opportunities, I joined JT+Partners Design team in Dubai in 2015. At first it was particularly challenging to work in a completely new environment away from family and friends. Nevertheless, working with a multicultural team (16 nationalities) and learning from experienced colleagues around I was involved in projects from inception to completion and this is when I discovered and unlocked my true potentials,” said Najm.