BSBG hosts 50-year anniversary celebration

Words by BSBG Media Team, Wednesday 28 October 2026

On Thursday 15^th October 2026, BSBG welcomed almost 300 clients, partners, colleagues and friends to The Space at ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai, to celebrate 50 years of architectural design, collaboration and growth in the UAE.

The anniversary event brought together people from across BSBG’s history and wider professional network to reflect on five decades of work in the region, recognise the relationships that have helped shape the practice, and look ahead to the next chapter.

Guests enjoyed an evening of food, drinks and music, with a programme that combined a look back at BSBG’s achievements with an opportunity to celebrate the people behind them. Colleagues from BSBG’s London studio flew to Dubai to join the celebrations, bringing together the wider team from across the practice’s UAE, Saudi Arabia and UK studios.

Five decades of projects and partnerships

A central feature of the evening was a curated exhibition showcasing projects from across BSBG’s 50-year history. Display boards brought together work from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, London and Riyadh, illustrating the breadth of the practice’s experience and its evolution alongside the cities and communities in which it works.

Bespoke architectural models offered guests a closer look at selected projects, bringing the designs to life in three dimensions and providing an opportunity to appreciate the detail, scale and ambition behind the work.

Together, the exhibition reflected the changing nature of the built environment over five decades, from BSBG’s early years in the UAE to its more recent expansion into international markets. It also highlighted the importance of the long-standing relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and collaborators that have enabled the practice to contribute to projects of increasing complexity and ambition.

Commenting on the event, BSBG Managing Partner Alistair McMillan said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising the anniversary event. Bringing together so many of our clients, partners, colleagues and friends was a fitting way to mark 50 years in the UAE.

“The evening was an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together, but also on what this milestone represents. BSBG’s history is built on the relationships we have developed, the people who have contributed to the practice over the years, and the trust our clients have placed in us. Seeing so much of our work brought together, alongside the people who have been part of that journey, was a reminder of how much has been achieved through collaboration.

“Reaching this 50-year milestone is something we can all be proud of, but it is also a point from which to look forward. We remain focused on building on that experience, continuing to develop as a practice and delivering work that meets the ambitions of our clients. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable occasion, and to all those who have played a part in BSBG’s journey.”

Looking back and looking forward

A key moment in the evening was an address from Andrew Bereza, Senior Partner at BSBG, who reflected on the practice’s journey and the contribution of the people and partnerships behind its 50 years in the UAE, as well as its continued growth in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

In his speech, Andrew recognised the vision and ambition of the UAE’s Federal Government and the leadership of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, saying: “Their commitment to the country’s development has helped create an environment in which businesses and the built environment can continue to evolve.” He also acknowledged the opportunities to work in Saudi Arabia and the UK, where BSBG has continued to develop its presence, build new relationships and contribute to projects in different markets.

He expressed BSBG’s gratitude to its clients and industry partners, acknowledging that: “Our achievements have been made possible through collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering successful projects.”

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Andrew spoke about the privilege of delivering projects in the UAE for five decades, alongside the people and organisations that have helped shape the country’s development. He highlighted the importance of the relationships built over that time and the role of the wider team in sustaining the practice’s progress across its studios in Dubai, Riyadh and London.

The speech also looked to the future. “While our 50-year celebration has provided an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, we are focused on what lies ahead: continuing to develop, take on new challenges and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.”

As Andrew’s address reflected, BSBG’s history is not defined by projects alone, but by the people who have worked together to deliver them, the relationships that have endured along the way, and the opportunities to contribute to the built environment across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Recognising the people behind 50 years

The anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise one of the most important aspects of BSBG’s history: the commitment and continuity of its people. All staff were given BSBG-branded gifts as a memento of the historic occasion.

Prior to the evening’s main event, Managing Partner Alistair McMillan hosted a presentation for BSBG’s longest-serving colleagues. Each received a personalised engraved gift as a memento of their time with the practice and in recognition of the contribution they have made over the years.

The presentation celebrated colleagues whose experience spans more than a decade, including several who have been part of BSBG for two decades or longer. Their service reflects the depth of knowledge, professional experience and institutional understanding that has developed within the practice over time.

In total, BSBG has 41 colleagues with a decade or more of service. They are:

23 years: Henrik Bautista, Seyed Hameed, Kevin Harper
21 years: Fernando Juatco
20 years: Andrew Bereza, Shajahan Syed Shahib, Mona Saleem, Gabrielle Robles, Abdul Rehman Qureshi, Reagan Fulin Lu, Ahmed Ismael, Virudchalam Thangavel, Ahmed Hekal
19 years: Abraham Ninan, Nicholas Turbott
18 years: Demetrios Tourtouras, Christopher Brown
16 years: Glenn Dumendeng
14 years: Alistair Bradley, Maria Mia Hinanay, Scott Orwin, Tristan Ellazar
13 years: Mohamed Basheer Bava, Michael Gaspar
12 years: Jithesh Panthalil, Charlotte Vaughan, Enrico Mallari
11 years: Sherif Saleh, Judith Gamboa, Dan Charter, Bijoy Balagopal, Mark Vaughan, Gabriel Fernando, Christopher Day, Jainudeen Bawadeen
10 years: Steven Bailey, Donn Jozwel Laroa, John Abibas, Teodoro Almanzor, Marissa Bandao, Roxanne Djaiji

During the presentation, Alistair McMillan said: “The experience, knowledge and commitment of our long-serving colleagues are a hugely important part of BSBG’s success. They bring continuity to our teams, build lasting relationships and help maintain the standards that underpin our work. As the practice has grown, expanded into new markets and taken on new challenges, their contribution has remained central to our development. We are proud to recognise their dedication and grateful for the part they continue to play in shaping BSBG’s future.”

Celebrating the past, building the future

The evening at The Space was a celebration of more than a milestone. It brought together the projects, partnerships and people that have shaped BSBG over five decades, providing an opportunity to reconnect with clients and collaborators, recognise the contribution of colleagues and reflect on the practice’s continuing evolution.

From its beginnings in the UAE in 1976 to its presence today across Dubai, Riyadh, London, and with an Abu Dhabi studio soon to be announced, BSBG’s journey has been shaped by changing markets, new opportunities and an ongoing commitment to design quality and project delivery.

As the practice looks ahead, its focus remains on strengthening relationships, developing its capabilities and continuing to deliver projects that respond to the ambitions of its clients.

This anniversary year also marks a significant personal milestone for Alistair McMillan, who is celebrating his 30th year with BSBG. We will be sharing more about Alistair’s journey and contribution to the practice in the coming weeks.

As BSBG celebrates its first 50 years in the UAE, the practice looks forward to the opportunities, challenges and partnerships that will shape the next 50.

BSBG Media Team

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