Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Sep 25: AECOM has appointed Rami Mansour as Vice President of Building Design, with a focus on strengthening human-centred design, technical quality and the use of advanced technology across its building design practice.
Mansour said building design carries a responsibility to shape how people work, live, connect and experience their communities. He said his vision for AECOM’s Building Design team is centred on human connection, uncompromising quality and intelligence.
He emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between design teams, clients and communities, while raising technical standards and using data, advanced tools and integrated systems to improve project outcomes.
Mansour also sees significant opportunities to rethink established approaches in the real estate and built environment sectors. He said the industry needs to move beyond traditional, transactional delivery models towards more collaborative and client-focused approaches.
This includes adopting modular construction methods, circular economy principles and digital simulation earlier in the design process. According to Mansour, such changes can reduce inefficiencies and allow design teams to devote more time to addressing real-world challenges.
He said technology is changing how architects and engineers work rather than replacing the fundamental purpose of building design. Digital intelligence, he noted, can help teams develop designs more efficiently and create more time for client engagement and innovative, sustainable solutions.
Across the Middle East and Africa, Mansour pointed to the growth of giga-scale programmes, faster delivery expectations and increasing demand for resilient buildings as major trends shaping the market. He said the industry should not simply attempt to deliver existing processes faster but should rethink systems and adopt more collaborative delivery models and offsite construction.
Mansour also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, generative design and computational tools as enablers of creativity. He said these technologies can process large volumes of information and test design scenarios quickly, allowing professionals to focus more on innovation and complex problem-solving.
At the same time, he stressed that technology must remain focused on human experience, cautioning that architecture could lose its purpose if algorithms dictate design without empathy.
Mansour believes closer integration between design and construction will be essential to transforming the built environment. He identified advanced offsite construction as a key opportunity and advocated the use of standardised building components while retaining flexibility in architectural expression.
He also called for lifecycle thinking to be incorporated much earlier into the design process, with buildings planned from the outset for maintenance, energy performance, predictive servicing and material reuse.
Looking ahead, Mansour said he was particularly encouraged by the scale of ambition emerging from the Middle East and its potential to reshape approaches to master planning and architectural innovation.
He said success in his new role would involve building a strong design practice recognised for creative courage, technical quality and intelligent solutions, while helping employees develop into industry leaders and delivering projects that create a lasting positive impact on communities.