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GEORGE D. DIMITSAS RIBA, AIA, B.Arch, M.Arch

GEORGE D. DIMITSAS RIBA, AIA, B.Arch, M.Arch

DUBAI

 
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About 

A professional with extensive experience, George is an award-winning, multidisciplinary Architect Engineer with a focus on Architectural design, Concept, Schematic & Detailed design development, design team & project delivery management. He is a Greek national, based in Dubai, U.A.E, speaks 5 languages, he is a Chartered Architect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) & an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

George has extensive years of experience spent in the delivery of high-end, fast track and complex projects across a number of sectors ranging from hospitality to mixed-use/residential in diverse countries that include the UAE, KSA, USA, Singapore, Italy, Cyprus & Greece.

Driven by the passion of innovating his own style and offering an exceptional vision of his interpretation of architecture, Dimitsas designs projects with the highest level of uniqueness and sophistication all around the world, always meeting and exceeding his clients’ expectations.

George's work has gained a lot of recognition among the design communities in the UAE, KSA, Greece & Italy. His multidisciplinary background influenced his approach to his work, which sought to promote the architectural concept design as the fundamental step underlying all of his architecture. In his recent research and work, he aims to promote a concept of green architecture development for the Middle East and Europe that produces sustainable Architectural knowledge. 

George recently completed an executive education program for AIA Architects that focused on Architectural History and Criticism with an in-depth understanding of both the functional and aesthetic objectives of Architecture, Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA.  

His work is influenced by his knowledge of international design and demonstrates a commitment to re-examining Architecture from a more creative perspective. As part of his design approach, he especially looks at master planning projects from a conceptual standpoint, resulting in project development consisting of an intensive examination of design dynamics. Throughout his work, George explores the unique conditions of each project that can be enhanced, embodied, and extended through architecture towards more sustainable futures.

DESIGN PROCESS

George considers architecture as the language that speaks of the place ... The design process is guided by the idea of employing a minimalist material palette inspired by the local context of each project, climate and natural surroundings determined by the pattern of the client's lifestyle & tastes.

 This is the recipe with which he creates timeless architecture, with a strong identity and character of his own.

DESIGN STRENGTH

George's Conceptual creative design skill is his design strength utilizing hand sketches, visuals aids such as 3D Virtual reality, stills and videos, Photo-montages, High definition Renders, Video fly-through and fly-overs. 

George designs simple yet modern-contemporary buildings in their essentiality, inspired by the natural environment of each territory, uses humble materials and enhances the surrounding forms of the building (if any) through the intelligent use of a modern aesthetic.

DESIGN VISION

George's vision is to take client's initial ideas and give them shape and concreteness by creating progressive buildings and spaces that harmonize & enhances the quality of the individual lifestyle with the natural environment and favoring the well-being of those who use them.

Employment 

NEOM, Trojena, KSA, Senior Design Manager

- Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Development Management Assets for Trojena's proponent team, and managing the delivery design team for Trojena.
- Review the quality and accuracy of all technical project components against program requirements, scope of work, specifications, and guidelines during the design process.
- Managing the architecture review process for external consultants throughout the design stages for hospitality, residential, and luxury retail assets.
- Provide direction and leadership to teams (both internal and external design departments) across multiple disciplines in order to generate commercially viable concepts, designs, and ideas which meet the business's requirements.

Apr 2023 - current
 

NEOM, Trojena, KSA, Design Manager

- Responsible for leading the management, coordination and optimization of the design of the Lake hospitality, residential and luxury retail assets within Trojena on NEOM from project inception to delivery and handover.
- Reporting directly to the Design Director of Assets of the Trojena/NEOM proponent team and interacting with all NEOM internal departments.
- Ideate architecture, establish design standards and provide guidance to external architects and consultants (MDC, EDC & LDC) in order to conceptualize designs consistent with the philosophy and the strategic objectives of Trojema - NEOM on the side of the Proponent NEOM's Team.

May 2022 - Apr 2023
 

AVRA Group Development, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Creative Director, Head of Design

- Directly reported to the CEO while managing a team of 17 Architects & Draftsmen, leading and developing projects from early concept through design development.
- Spearheaded and remotely coordinated the concept design and design development stage of several projects in the Middle East, Europe & USA.
- Liaised and created building designs with highly detailed drawings both by hand and by using 3D software while working closely with a team of other professionals.
- Successfully resolved design and development problems and managed design competitions for several projects in Middle East Region & Europe.
- Reviewed contractor’s design and technical submittals and prepared design budget estimates and Overall Feasibility studies reporting to the higher management.
- Oversaw all project documentation, including Specifications, cut sheets, Schedules. Organized and managed the design team and resources.
- Spearheaded Detailed Delivery Program and Drawing Transmittal Register and ensured design is in compliance with relevant codes, standards, regulations and requirements of local authority having jurisdiction.
- Meticulously Steered Performance and Project Evaluation, Design Management and Design Coordination.

Key Projects:

RESIDENTIAL:

The Hellinikon Tower, Luxurious residential Tower, 31 floors, Former Hellinikon Airport, Athens, Greece

HOTEL:

Paradise Hotel, 5 floors+Ground floor Bungalows, Methoni, Peloponnese, Greece

LUX Serviced apartments Hotel, 33 floors, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

COMMERCIAL:

Athens Hellinikon Commercial Center, 5 floors, The Hellinikon, Athens, Greece

MASTER PLAN:

Reconstruction of Aristotle Square's central urban axis, International Design competition, Thessaloniki, Greece

VILLAS:

Mediterranean private mansion, 3 floors, Fisher Island, Miami - Florida, USA

Contemporary Luxury private villa, 2 floors, Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Traditional Mediterranean private villa, 2 floors, Tiberio, Capri Island, Italy

Traditional Greek Private villa, 2 floors, Saint George, Antiparos Island, Greece

Façade Uplifting & renovation of 75 villas, 3 floors, Al Maqta village, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Jul 2020 - May 2022
 

Bruce Henderson Architects - BHNS Engineering Consultants, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Principal, Head of Concept Design

- Spearheaded the Concept Design Team of 6 Sr. Design Architects for live projects and assisted with Architectural Design issues.
- Ideated design concept of conglomerate categories and demonstrated initial concept and design development looks and styles.
- Led the Design Reviews, directed presentations to the Client and managed comments and revisions to secure client's approvals.
- Liaised with a team of architects, engineers and multi-disciplinary designers to produce high quality CGIs, reports and documentation in the form of client deliverables.
- Liable for the development of the design across the masterplan, individual buildings, residential villas, landscape, lighting and interior design disciplines.

Key Projects

RESIDENTIAL:

Marina Vista Tower 1: 29 floors, Tower 2: 39 floors + common Podium, EMAAR, Dubai Harbour, UAE

Collective 2.0 - 2 Towers, 18+20 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Hills, UAE

Al Deyar Residence, 2 Towers of 35 floors in common podium, Al Deyar, DowTown Jebel Ali-1, Dubai, UAE

River Point, 4 Residential buildings of 5 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Hills, Dubai, UAE

Al Jaddaf Building II, 15 floors, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, UAE

HOTELS:

La Zuli Hotel, 61 floors, Buhaira Corniche, Sharjah, UAE

COMMERCIAL:

EMAAR FM Management Office, 3 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai, UAE

Ghantoot Mall, 4 floors, Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

MASTERPLANNING:

The Car Museum, 7 Buildings of 4 floors & Master Urban Planning, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE

RT8 Complex, 1 Hotel:51 floors, 1 Offices Tower:26 floors, 1 mall:4 floors & 1 Cultural Center:5 floors, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, UAE

INDUSTRIAL:

DSOA warehouses, 2 floors, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE

VILLAS:

Damac Akoya Oxygen Villas, 4500 Residential Villas, DAMAC, Dubai, UAE

Various Private Residential villas, 2-3 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Hills, UAE

May 2019 - Jul 2020
 

Bruce Henderson Architects - BHNS Engineering Consultants, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Senior Design Architect, Concept Design Practice Leader

- Directly reported to the Design director while managing a team of 3 Architects, leading and developing projects from early concept through design development.
- Spearheaded and Coordinated the Concept Design Department and liaised with Client and understood the reflection of their Design requirements into detailed Conceptual Architectural drawings.
- Directed the preparation of detailed presentation boards for clients and follow up with the relevant authorities such as TECOM, DM, DCD, DTCM, RTA, and Green Building for live projects.
- Finalized budget estimates, Overall Feasibility studies, Material study and selection.

Key Projects

RESIDENTIAL:

Al Jaddaf II, 17 floors, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, UAE

Burj Vista, Tower 1: 71 floors, Tower 2: 28 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Down Town, UAE

The Lagoons, Tower 1: 28 floors, Tower 2: 38 floors, EMAAR, Dubai Creek Harbour, UAE

Creek Towers, 2 Towers of 37 floors, EMAAR, DCH, UAE

Al Suhai Tower, 17 floors, Al Mamzar, Dubai, UAE

HOTELS:

T-001 (Al Sufouh Suites), 26 floors, Reem Real Estate Developers, Dubai Al Sufouh Gardens, UAE

The B tower, 32 floors, Harbor Real Estate, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Acacia, 31 floors, Al Reem Real Estate Development, Dubai Al Sufouh Gardens, UAE

Majestine, 23 floors, DAMAC, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Premier Hotel apartments, 23 floors, Baghdad, Iraq

COMMERCIAL:

The Palace Cafe, EMAAR, 2 floors, Dubai Down Town, UAE

Nesto HyperMarket, 5 floors, Western International, Al Nahda, Sharjah, UAE

Millennium Mall, 4 floors, Jumeirah II, Dubai, UAE

INDUSTRIAL:

Underground Car Park, EMAAR, DCH, UAE

MASTERPLANNING:

Acaccia Avenue, 8 mixed use buildings & Master urban Design, Dubai Al Sufouh Gardens, UAE

Port Rashid, Master Sustainable Urban Development, Dubai, UAE

VILLAS:

Various Private Residential villas, 2 floors, Dubai, UAE:

EMAAR - Dubai Hills

MERAAS - Pearl Jumeirah

Sep 2016 - May 2019
 

Prada, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Senior Architect - Project Manager

- Directed a dynamic team comprising 4 Architects, 7 Fit-out Engineers, and 2 Draftsmen, reporting directly to the Regional Manager. Facilitated key meetings with PRADA store Managers, Store Design, and Planning Project Managers, ensuring seamless team coordination and project alignment.
- Vigilantly ensured that every PRADA store and retail point across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Malaysia adhered to the brand's stringent environmental standards and design codes, reinforcing the brand’s prestigious reputation.
- Oversaw all technical aspects of designing, producing, and integrating official distributor POS fixtures. Focused on elevating PRADA's brand visibility through meticulous supervision of installation works.
- Coordinated closely with Store Designers and Planning Managers to guarantee that merchandising and display elements were not only correctly installed but also consistently maintained to the highest standards across all PRADA stores, enhancing the overall brand experience.

Sep 2015 - Sep 2016
 

Taka + partners, Thessaloníki, GR, Senior Design Architect

- Chaired and orchestrated client meetings to determine project program & project goals and worked upon the decided elements within the given budget constraint.
- Ideated & Performed design work and produced design deliverables per defined project schedules.
- Identified design challenges and design opportunities, key issues, and other considerations that will have an impact on the project design.

Key Projects

HOTELS:

Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, five-star Resort complex, 9 floors, Chalkidiki, Greece

Private Air BnB Hotel renovation, 2 floors, Chalkidiki, Greece

COMMERCIAL:

Twar Mall Cinemas, 2 floors, Doha, QATAR

Jan 2015 - Sep 2015
 

Al-Hamad Contracting Company - Dubai Civil Engineering, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Senior Design Architect

- Successfully steered the project from Pre-Concept up to detailed design proposals, Exterior Facade & Interior design proposals.
- Spearheaded and directed the development of CGIs and final presentation boards for Senior management approvals.
- Facilitated Architectural material study and selection and budget estimates.
- Produced concept boards of images for feedback and approval from the Art Director and Clients, which captured the intended look and attitude and that reflected branding and positioning with architecture, color, finish materials, and lighting.

Key Projects

RESIDENTIAL:

PalmaRossa Residence, 14 Floors, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE

Pacific Towers, 6 Towers, 12 floors, Al Marjan island, Ras al-Khaimah, UAE

Mizin, 6 floors, Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE

HOTELS:

PalmaRossa SPA Luxury Hotel, 15 Floors, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE

Lady Tower - 5 star Hotel, 57 floors, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Symphony Hotel (Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront), 21 floors, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Al Bareeq Tower (Radisson Blu Dubai Canal View), 21 floors, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Hilton Hotel 2 Towers, 43 floors, Amman, Jordan

COMMERCIAL - OFFICES:

Carrefour shopping center, 5 floors, Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah Wedding Hall, 2 floors, Sharjah, UAE

Sales offices, 3 floors, RAK, UAE

Bawadi Sales Office, 4 floors, Abu Dhabi, UAE

MASTER PLAN:

PalmaRossa Development, 1 Hotel, 1 Residential building, Spa Center, 200 Vip villas, 8 Vip SPA villas, 56 VIP Townhouses, community center, Shoping centre, School campus, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE

Morocco Private Community, mixed-use Master plan development - 1000 villas, Auditorium, Golf camp, community center, shopping center & 1 Hotel, 5 floors, Casablanca, MOROCCO

Private Villas Compound, Master planning & Landscape design, 2 floors, Al Warqa, Dubai, UAE

VILLAS:

Private Residential villas, 2 floors, Dubai & Sharjah, UAE

Private Residential villa, 2 floors, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Oct 2013 - Jan 2015
 

Ministry of Defence | Engineering department, Athens, GR, Architect - Engineer

- Reported to the Army base Commander while managing a team of 25 Architects/Soldiers.
- Classified design documentation from Concept stage to Construction documents.
- Authorized drafting plans, elevations and details for both military residential and military camps projects.
- Responded to RFI's during the BID phase and construction, assisted Project Managers and Manage staff in the production of construction documents using AutoCAD and hand sketches.

From this position, George has been involved in numerous design proposals for military housing, military camps and outdoor areas that belong to the Greek Army during his military service at the Engineering Department | Greek Ministry of Defence.

Jan 2013 - Oct 2013
 

Architetti Italiani & Sabila S.R.L, Pescara, IT, Design Architect Engineer

- Working part-time in parallel with his Master's degree studies at the Polytechnic University of Architecture in Pescara, Italy
- Report to the Design Manager. Responsible for a team of 5 Draftsmen.
- Development, coordination and delivery of architectural and interior design proposals for more than 20 traditional and modern style Private residences, commercial buildings, motels and restaurants in various areas in Europe & USA.

Key Projects

RESIDENTIAL:

Melek Complex, 4 floors, Derinia, Cyprus

HOTELS:

La Sorgente, Interior & landscaping design, 2 floors, Brindisi, ITALY

CULTURAL:

SYNORA, Military monument, Serres, GREECE

COMMERCIAL:

Union State Congress Hall - Nigerian government building, 41 floors, Abuja, NIGERIA

United colors of Benetton, Interior design, 350 sq.m, Pescara, ITALY

La sirenetta ristorante, Interior design, 200 sq.m, Pescara, ITALY

Per Se cafe-bar, Interior Design, 140 sq.m, Thessaloniki, GREECE

MASTERPLANNING:

Union State Congress Hall - Nigerian government building, Landscaping Urban Design, Abuja, NIGERIA

VILLAS:

Various Private Residential villas, 2 floors, Pescara, Italy

Various Private Residential villas, 2 floors, Blancard, Marseille, France

Mansion Private Residential villa, 2 floors, Jemison, Alabama, USA

Several Concept Desing proposals of indoor custom furnitures, kitchen and master bathroom in collaboration with the italian interior design office De Francesco Interiors, Ortona, ITALY

Oct 2009 - Jan 2013
 

Università degli Studi 'Gabriele d'Annunzio'​ di Chieti - Pescara, Abruzzo, Pescara, IT, Assistant Tutor

Assistant tutor for taught module in Sustainable Architecture and study- design of renewable energy sources
Assistant tutor in teaching 3D Google Sketchup Pro, photorealistic rendering by using Shaderlight photorealistic software & animating by using Lumion Pro

Sep 2009 - Feb 2010
 

Maratheftis & Yiannouris - Architects & Engineers, Nicosia, CY, Trainee Design Architect Engineer

The main aspects of George’s design deliverables from this Architectural Internship position covered the following areas:

Report to the Design Manager. Responsible for a team of 2 Draftsmen.
Design documentation from Concept stage to Construction documents.
Produced interior finish boards, illustrated drawings, 3D sketchup models and realistic renderings for a variety of clients.
Involved in the development, architecture, design, as well as lead engineer in the final implementation.
Produced and analyzed technical drawings, specifications, reports, bids and RFI’s.
Utilized Sketchup & 3Ds Max in order to provide to clients building and facility 3D models.
Developed detailed 3D interior sections drawings with the use of Sketchup.

From this position George has been Involved in the Design & construction supervision of IKEA store and shopping mall “SIAKOLA”, Nicosia CYPRUS

Jun 2006 - Aug 2006
 

Maratheftis & Yiannouris - Architects & Engineers, Nicosia, CY, Trainee Design Architect Engineer

The main aspects of George’s design deliverables from this Architectural Internship position covered the following areas:

Report to the Design Manager. Responsible for a team of 2 Draftsmen.
Design documentation from Concept stage to Construction documents.
Produced interior finish boards, illustrated drawings, 3D sketchup models and realistic renderings for a variety of clients.
Involved in the development, architecture, design, as well as lead engineer in the final implementation.
Produced and analyzed technical drawings, specifications, reports, bids and RFI’s.
Utilized Sketchup & 3Ds Max in order to provide to clients building and facility 3D models.
Developed detailed 3D interior sections drawings with the use of Sketchup.

From this position George has been Involved in the Design & construction supervision of IKEA store and shopping mall “SIAKOLA”, Nicosia CYPRUS

Jun 2005 - Aug 2005
 

Education 

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens MBA (NKUA MBA), Athens, GR, MBA in General Management

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Management

Jan 2023 - current
 

Harvard University, Massachusetts Avenue Heights, DC, US, Executive Education in Architectural History and Criticism

Executive Education | In-depth understanding of both the functional and aesthetic objectives of Architecture | Massachusetts, USA

Dec 2019 - Dec 2021
 

Università degli Studi 'Gabriele d'Annunzio' di Chieti, Pescara, Italy, Pescara, IT, MArch, Master's degree (M.Arch) in Architecture and Civil Engineering

Master's degree (M.Arch) in Architecture and Civil Engineering

Nov 2009 - Nov 2012
 

Università degli Studi 'Gabriele d'Annunzio' di Chieti, Pescara, Italy, Pescara, IT, BArch, Bachelor’s degree (B.Arch) in Architecture

Bachelor’s degree (B.Arch) in Architecture

Sep 2004 - Sep 2009
 

Awards 

Tribute to the Greek Architect George D. Dimitsas by the Greek National TV, Honorable Mention

Tribute to the Greek Architect George D. Dimitsas for his contribution to the International Architectural Design as a Greek Architect ambassador living and working abroad - January 2019 | Thessaloniki - Greece | Greek National TV

2019
 

Design AWARD by the German Design Council | German Design Award Special 2019, Honorable Mention

Project: Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, five-star Resort complex, 9 floors, 300 Keys, Chalkidiki, Greece.

2019
 

Best European Hotel Interior in Greece | Design AWARD by the International Property Awards, 1st Place

Project: Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, five-star Resort complex, 9 floors, 300 Keys, Chalkidiki, Greece.

2018
 

Middle East Architect Awards 2017 | Hospitality Projects Category, Nomination

Nominee for the Tower Concept Design Awards | Project: Lady Tower, 5 stars Hotel tower design proposal, 57 floors, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

2017
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills