“My journey in architecture began in Jeddah, where I was born and raised. From a young age, my fascination with building and design was sparked by my father (Bader Ajinah), a self-made real estate developer whose passion and vision continue to inspire me today. He often took me and my sisters to palaces under construction, sharing with us his insights and excitement from the earliest stages of each project. He’d involve us in discussions, brainstorming ideas about land selection, planning, and design—even when we barely understood. When the projects were finally completed, we’d return as a family to celebrate his achievements, spending entire days swimming and enjoying his creations. This was his way of showing us what it meant to build something enduring, and I treasured these experiences.

Tragically, he passed away when I was in the 9th grade, but his legacy became a guiding force in my life. Three years later, I realized I wanted to live as he did—to create, innovate, and turn ideas into reality, not just in architecture but in every aspect of life. I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Dar Alhekma University, driven to honor my father’s memory and build on the foundation he laid for us. Soon after, I channeled this passion into a German Patent for a physiotherapy device—a project that allowed me to combine my love for design with a meaningful, practical application that improves people’s lives.

This journey has led me to contribute to many landmark projects across Saudi Arabia, including large-scale and waterfront developments that reflect my dedication to shaping this place I call home. To deepen my knowledge and further connect with my vision, I went to Istanbul for my Master’s degree at Bahcesehir University, where I specialized in urban waterfront design. My thesis, ‘Public Accessibility to Urban Waterfronts: The Case of Jeddah City,’ allowed me to explore my hometown from a new perspective, blending community-centered design with my lifelong love for waterfront spaces.

Recently, I had the honor of serving as the senior architect and project coordinator within the engineering department at Saudi Motor Sport Company for the Formula 1 Paddock Club, PIT, and Team Buildings on Jeddah’s Corniche circuit during the F1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024. This project was both a professional milestone and a personal achievement, bringing me closer to the vision my father once shared with me—one where I could create, inspire, and contribute fully to the growth of this city and the country I consider home.”

During my role as a senior architect and project coordinator for the PIT & Team Buildings at Saudi Motor Sport Company’s Engineering Department, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the best engineers in the industry. Together, we tackled an ambitious challenge: transforming over 50,000 square meters of space in just 6 months to create an unforgettable architectural experience for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. This encompassed the architecture, exterior, and outdoor designs of the paddock club, team villas, race tower, and PIT lane.

Without the tremendous support of our technical manager, Eng. Tamer Alsayes, and head of engineering, Eng. Ahmad Abu Alkheir, this vision would have been impossible. Their expertise and seamless facilitation enabled us to overcome hurdles instantly, allowing me the creative freedom to carry out the architectural and outdoor designs in a way that embodied the thrill and prestige of the event.

The most captivating—and demanding—element of this project was designing the perforated facades and ceilings. These intricate, custom-designed facade panels with wavy, perforated patterns took 18 continuous hours to perfect, with countless days spent refining the flowing waves that line the entire span of the 2 levels paddock balconies’ ceilings. These designs weren’t just about aesthetics; they added a unique energy to the venue, creating an exciting atmosphere that extended to the crowds overlooking the race. Seeing the final result come to life and watching the fans immersed in this environment was a powerful reminder of the impact architecture can have on an experience. It’s a project I am incredibly proud of, and one that reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team.

As an architect, my services go beyond design—I’m deeply dedicated to immersing myself in my clients’ vision, whether they are companies embarking on high-stakes projects that demand both speed and precision, or individuals aiming to elevate their quality of life through thoughtful architecture. My approach is about more than just meeting stated requirements; it’s about hearing the unspoken aspirations, the unique desires that make each project meaningful. When I create concepts tailored so precisely to their needs, clients often find they can’t imagine settling for anything less.

To me, designing exceptional spaces means truly listening—tuning into each client’s deeper aspirations for the environment they envision. I strive to infuse every project with my commitment to quality, innovation, and functionality, ensuring each space becomes something uniquely theirs, something that couldn’t belong to anyone else. This blend of careful listening, intuition, and unwavering design integrity is what I believe makes my work stand out. My goal is always to go beyond expectations, creating spaces that elevate the client’s experience in ways they may not have anticipated but instantly feel right. That’s the passion I bring to every project, and it’s what makes this work so meaningful to me.

My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture is a powerful force that shapes feelings, behavior, and lives, not just spaces. It goes beyond the blueprint and materials—architecture is about connecting deeply with the essence of a person or a user, understanding their vision, their dreams, and their silent desires. I view each project as a chance to bring something truly meaningful into existence.

I approach every project with empathy, listening carefully to what’s said and, more importantly, to what’s not. The unspoken aspects of a client’s needs and feeling that often reveal the heart of the design. It’s through this deep understanding that I can create concepts that not only meet the brief but also embody the spirit of those they are meant for. My goal is always to create environments that stir emotions, inspire, and connect with people in ways they might not have anticipated—but instantly recognize as true to themselves. The spaces I design become a reflection of their unique identities, something that can never be replicated because it belongs to them—only them.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding projects I’ve worked on recently was a residential villa interior design—a field I had never fully explored before. Until a month ago, interior design felt like uncharted waters for me, but I was determined to embrace the challenge and push my creative boundaries. The concept for the villa incorporated a unique blend of elements from different periods—antique, retro, and classic pieces—woven together to create a space that felt timeless yet contemporary.

At first, the complexity of combining such diverse styles seemed daunting, but I saw it as an exciting opportunity to test my design instincts and skills in an entirely new way. Every piece, every detail had to be thoughtfully curated to ensure balance and cohesion. With passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to making it work, I poured myself into the project, meticulously refining every element. Today, I’m proud to say that I have successfully tackled this challenge, creating a space that seamlessly fuses history with modernity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. It was an adventure that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and it reaffirmed my belief that there’s always room to grow and innovate as an architect.

Incorporating traditional architectural elements into modern designs is one of the most thrilling aspects of my work as an architect. I see it as a beautiful opportunity to honor the past while shaping the future. Traditional elements— whether it’s intricate arches, time-honored materials, or regional motifs—carry with them a sense of history, culture, and identity. When blended thoughtfully with modern design, these elements don’t just stand out; they enrich the entire space, creating a narrative that connects generations and stories.

For me, it’s about more than just mixing old with new—it’s about finding the right balance where tradition enhances the modern aesthetic. I approach this process with deep respect for craftsmanship, using modern techniques to highlight and elevate these elements in a way that feels fresh, dynamic, and timeless. For example, I might incorporate a traditional stone façade into a sleek, minimalist structure, or add hand-carved wooden panels to a contemporary

interior, allowing the textures and details to speak to the richness of the past, while the clean lines and openness of the modern space express the possibilities of today.

The goal is always to create spaces that feel both rooted and forward-thinking, where the beauty of tradition doesn’t just coexist with modernity—it amplifies it. This fusion is where true magic happens, and it’s what keeps me inspired as an architect. It’s a way to honor our architectural heritage while making sure it evolves to meet the needs of the present and the future.

One of the most powerful tools in my design process is passive design. It’s about truly understanding the rhythms of the climate and harnessing the natural elements to our advantage. From orienting buildings to maximize natural ventilation and daylight, to the use of shading elements; it’s about making buildings that breathe with the landscape, creating comfort without compromise.

I find incredible beauty in blending the wisdom of traditional techniques with modern innovations. For example, integrating mud bricks and other time- honored materials with contemporary construction methods allows me to create structures that offer natural thermal mass—helping to maintain coolness in the scorching heat while reducing energy consumption.

Ultimately, my vision is to design buildings that don’t just sit in the landscape— they belong to it. I want to create spaces that are a true reflection of Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty, using materials and design principles that respect the land and provide a sustainable future for generations to come.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D printing have revolutionized the way I approach design, and I find their potential absolutely exhilarating. For me, they are not just tools—they’re transformative forces that allow architecture to evolve in ways we’ve never imagined before. These technologies enable me to push the boundaries of creativity, while simultaneously enhancing precision, efficiency, and sustainability.

As an architect, I’m incredibly excited about the role AI is playing in shaping the future of design. The ability of AI to analyze vast amounts of data and generate design solutions that are both innovative and efficient is something I find truly inspiring. It allows us to push the boundaries of creativity, helping to optimize space usage, improve energy efficiency, and even predict how a design will perform in real-world conditions. AI-driven design tools are also enabling more personalized and adaptive spaces, where every detail can be fine-tuned to meet the specific needs and desires of the user. I believe AI will revolutionize how we approach architectural challenges, making the design process faster, smarter, and more responsive than ever before.

In the next five years, my goal is to be part of transformative urban development projects that not only push the boundaries of design but also enhance the quality of life for communities. My focus will be on creating spaces that reflect the heart of this nation—spaces that honor our rich heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability. I’m passionate about contributing to projects that integrate seamlessly with the environment, that promote well-being, and that help build a future for generations to come. Being part of this dynamic shift in Saudi Arabia, where architecture plays a pivotal role in growth and identity, is both a privilege and a driving force for me.

“The way to predict the future is to design it.” – Buckminster Fuller

This quote deeply resonates with me because, on a personal level, I am often driven by a fear of the unknown. Yet, as an architect, I see that we are not simply constructing buildings, but actively shapinghe future. Every design decision we make has the power to influence how people live, work, and interact with the

spaces around them. Architecture, for me, is more than just creating structures— it’s about crafting environments that inspire, reflect our values, and leave a lasting imprint on the world. As architects, we are the visionaries, entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of designing the future we wish to see. This quote fuels my passion to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible, knowing that the future is ours to create.