50 Years

BSBG marks five decades of architecture in the UAE.

50 years of design + delivery excellence

BSBG is celebrating 50 years in the UAE, marking five decades of architectural design, project delivery and growth in one of the world’s most dynamic built environments.

Established in 1976, we have evolved from our origins in Dubai into an international architectural practice with studios in Dubai, Riyadh and London. Today, we bring together a team of approximately 250 people representing more than 20 nationalities. Throughout our history, we have contributed to the development of the UAE, while supporting clients across the wider region and beyond.

Throughout the years, we have navigated changing economic cycles, evolving client expectations and increasingly complex project requirements. Our growth has been built on long-standing client relationships, a collaborative approach to project delivery and a commitment to design quality that balances ambition with the practical demands of construction.

The opening of our London studio in 2017, followed by our Riyadh studio in 2019, marked significant milestones in our evolution, extending our reach into new markets while bringing an established approach to design, detailing and project delivery to a wider client base.

Our portfolio reflects the breadth of our experience, spanning projects such as the iconic Emirates Golf Club, completed in 1988, through to Bluewaters Residences, ICD Brookfield Place and Zaha Hadid’s The Opus. More recently, our work in Saudi Arabia has included the award-winning Misk Schools Campus, and we are currently working on Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre, as we continue to contribute to the region’s evolving development landscape.

As BSBG marks this milestone, we recognise the contribution of our people, our clients, consultants and contractors, whose collaboration and support have been integral to our development over five decades.

With an established presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK, we enter the next chapter focused on strengthening relationships, developing our capabilities and continuing to deliver projects that respond to the ambitions of our clients.

50 Celebration - The Space, ICD Brookfield Place

To mark 50 years of BSBG in the UAE, we welcomed clients, colleagues and friends to a special anniversary celebration at The Space, ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai. The evening brought together people who have played a part in our journey, offering an opportunity to reflect on five decades of architectural design, collaboration and growth.

Curated display boards and architectural models showcased the breadth of our work over the years, bringing projects from across our history together in one place. Guests enjoyed food, drinks and music from a live DJ, alongside a speech from Andrew Bereza and a series of videos reflecting on BSBG’s journey. Above all, the evening was a celebration of the people, partnerships and shared experiences that have shaped the practice over five decades, and an opportunity to look ahead to the next chapter.

Our Clients

Over the course of our 50-year history, we have had the privilege of working alongside some of the world’s most prestigious developers, building long-standing relationships founded on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional projects. These partnerships have given us the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the built environment across the UAE and beyond, working on developments that reflect the ambition, vision and changing needs of the regions in which we operate.

Timeline

Timeline

BSBG is founded

BSBG was established in Dubai as a boutique architectural design practice in 1976. The practice, at that time known as Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf, was located in an office space overlooking Dubai Creek, and from there began providing design solutions for clients in the UAE and MENA region. Dubai was on the cusp of a dynamic and ambitious construction programme that would span decades, and propel the city towards its current status as one of the world’s leading destinations for business and tourism. However, the first project designed at the practice was for neighbouring emirate, Sharjah - the historically significant Marbella Club. The project has since been renamed as the Marbella Resort, but remains enduringly popular, renowned for its uniquely quintessential Andalusian architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds.

World-renowned design of Emirates Golf Club completed

In 1988, the BSBG-designed Emirates Golf Club opened. The emblematic buildings that feature across the complex are designed to resemble a group of traditional Bedouin tents, in tribute to the rich culture of the United Arab Emirates. The facilities at Emirates Golf Club are renowned the world over, and have regularly hosted legends of the game, from the late Severiano Ballesteros, to modern greats including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

A new direction under Managing Partner Alistair McMillan

Alistair McMillan assumed leadership of BSBG in 1995, with aspirations of developing the practice into a dynamic, technically astute architectural practice, capable of designing and delivering large scale construction projects; the kind earmarked at that time as pivotal components to the successful development of Dubai.

A second expert discipline is introduced – Structural Engineering

BSBG’s engineering division is created, enabling the practice to provide full building design and structural solutions on projects.

BSBG’s Interior Design studio is founded

BSBG established a presence in interior design in 2007, and since that time the size of the studio has grown dramatically, along with the scale and number of projects. BSBG's interior design portfolio is extensive, with key projects in the hospitality, commercial, mixed-use, retail and residential sectors.

The Beach provides the blueprint

The Beach was completed in 2014; a much beloved and enduringly popular urban beachfront destination in Dubai. The impact of The Beach is such that many subsequent urban realm projects in Dubai identifiably reference the original scheme of the project as the basis of design.

Work begins on ICD Brookfield Place

Ground was broken on prestigious commercial development ICD Brookfield Place. The 53-storey tower was designed by Foster + Partners, with BSBG the lead consultant and executive architect.

BSBG’s London office is launched

The group’s international expansion continued with a new UK office opening in London. Immediately upon establishment, the group was engaged by London + Regional Hotels (L+R Hotels) to deliver two hugely prestigious hotel refurbishment projects in the UK’s capital.

Work begins on The Dorchester Collection hotel and residences in Business Bay

The intricate Foster + Partners design of the dual tower Dorchester Collection hotel development moved to the construction phase on early 2018. BSBG is the lead consultant, coordinating and managing delivery of the project.

Highly anticipated Bluewaters Residences delivered

Designed by 10 Design for developer Meraas, BSBG’s work as executive architect and lead consultant results in the successful delivery of one of Dubai’s iconic new residential developments. Located on the man-made island of Bluewaters, the residential component is comprised of 10 low-rise apartments blocks containing 698 units, and 17 beachfront townhouses.

The Opus by Zaha Hadid is officially unveiled

BSBG’s capabilities in project delivery, and reputation as the leading ‘development of design intent’ architect, led to the group working alongside Zaha Hadid Architects to deliver the design of The Opus. The complexity of the building’s iconic design that is the hallmark of Hadid’s body of work was matched by the engineering and construction challenges, all of which were overcome as BSBG delivered the shell and core for developer Omniyat in early 2019.

BSBG establishes studio in KSA

In early 2021, BSBG established an architecture and engineering studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From the studio, BSBG provides its design and delivery capabilities to projects across the Kingdom, targeted at meeting the aspirations of the Saudi Vision 2030.

BSBG announces Lead Design Consultant role on landmark Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre project

Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre represents a dramatic departure from established theatre design. The landmark building is envisaged as an alien craft that has landed on the cliff-edge in Qiddiya City.

Learn more about our people

Our people define our approach. Combining creativity, technical expertise and collaboration, our team delivers projects with clarity and precision. Discover the talent behind BSBG.

Go to our people