Hussein Mansour, Ahmed Baz, and Ahmed Ibrahim form a dynamic trio blending business strategy, innovation, and design foresight. With expertise in strategic planning, future trends, and emerging technologies, they craft forward-thinking solutions that drive growth and redefine the landscape of modern design.
We are a team deeply rooted in design, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. With Hussein Mansour’s expertise in business development, strategic planning, and a strong command of emerging technologies, we approach each project with a clear vision for growth and effectiveness. Hussein’s ability to lead with proactive solutions makes our team adaptable and prepared for complex challenges.
Ahmed Baz, with his background as a futurist and entrepreneur, brings a transformative outlook to our work, connecting design with societal shifts and cutting-edge trends. His insights into innovation keep our projects forward-focused, helping us anticipate and respond to what lies ahead.
Ahmed Ibrahim complements our team with his versatility and keen understanding of emerging design trends. His strategic insight and collaborative approach ensure that our projects are not only dynamic but also resonate within today’s fast-paced business landscape. Together, we unite our strengths to deliver impactful and future-ready design solutions.
What drew us to architecture and design was a deep-rooted sense of curiosity and pride in our surroundings. Growing up in Egypt, we were constantly surrounded by spaces and structures with stories and layers of meaning woven into them. Egypt isn’t just a place of ancient wonders; it’s a living testament to how architecture shapes culture, memory, and identity.
Walking through streets that echo thousands of years of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and tradition sparked something in us early on—an urge to be part of that legacy and to create spaces that make people feel connected and inspired.
In a way, Egypt made us architects before we even realized it. Living in a place where history and modern life coexist so closely, it feels like second nature for us to look at design as more than just function. Every building, every detail, even the way light falls through a courtyard—these elements became part of how we see the world and how we aspire to contribute to it. Our passion for design is a continuation of that heritage, a way to keep those stories alive while shaping new ones in the spaces we create.
At RAL Plus, we see design as more than just aesthetics; it’s about crafting spaces that resonate both functionally and emotionally. Together as a team, we are deeply committed to overseeing each project from concept to completion, ensuring that every detail reflects our core values of innovation, quality, and purpose. Our shared passion for creating environments that enhance daily experiences and foster a deeper connection to space drives us forward.
Collaborating with talented professionals like Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahmed El-Baz has been key to achieving our vision. Ahmed Ibrahim’s unique blend of technical skill and creativity allows complex concepts to transform into designs that are as practical as they are striking, while Ahmed El-Baz’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to precision uphold the high standards we promise our clients.
As a team, we are united in our commitment to excellence, consistently setting new standards in design. Through collaboration and a collective drive for innovation, we believe we can create spaces that leave a lasting, meaningful impact.
To us, design is the art of shaping environments that go beyond aesthetics to create meaningful experiences. It’s about understanding how a space can influence mood, behavior, and connection, and then crafting that space with purpose. In every project, we use design as a tool to balance form and function, ensuring that beauty and purpose coexist seamlessly.
For us, design isn’t just about creating what looks good—it’s about envisioning what feels right, what works, and what resonates with those who experience it. It’s a process of thoughtfully considering every detail, from materials and light to structure and flow, to transform our vision into environments that truly enhance life.
Our favorite type of design revolves around creating spaces that foster community and interaction. Projects like Uptown Malqa exemplify this vision beautifully. In this project, we prioritized open, shared areas that encourage social engagement while also respecting the need for personal space.
What draws us to this design approach is its ability to bring people together, cultivating a sense of belonging and connection. We believe that architecture should not only serve functional purposes but also enhance human experiences by creating environments where individuals can thrive, collaborate, and forge meaningful relationships.
Additionally, we value the integration of sustainable practices in modern design. This ensures that our work respects the environment and contributes positively to the community, making a lasting impact for future generations. Each project is an opportunity to blend creativity with purpose, ultimately shaping a better quality of life for those who inhabit these spaces.
Good design seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetics, and context while enhancing the user experience. From our perspective, it should not only meet the practical needs of its occupants but also resonate with their emotions and aspirations.
Drawing from our collective experience in the architectural field and our academic backgrounds in architectural engineering, we understand the importance of creating spaces that foster connection and community. A well-designed project encourages interaction while also providing a sense of refuge and comfort.
Moreover, sustainability is a crucial element of good design. It involves thoughtful material selection and energy-efficient solutions that minimize environmental impact. A truly successful design strikes a balance between innovation and tradition, respecting the cultural context while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Ultimately, good design should evoke a sense of belonging and inspire those who inhabit it, transforming a mere space into a vibrant environment that enriches lives.
Our design philosophy centers around the idea that architecture should tell a story, resonating with both its environment and community. We aim to create spaces that not only captivate visually but also enrich the experiences of their users, fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection.
Sustainability is a core principle in our work, as we believe that thoughtful material selection and energy-efficient practices are fundamental to responsible design. Good architecture should harmonize with its surroundings, carefully balancing human needs with environmental considerations.
Projects like Uptown Malqa and Rema Compound embody this philosophy. Uptown Malqa showcases our dedication to community-centered design, with open spaces that invite social interaction alongside areas for personal reflection, making it a lively, cohesive space for residents.
Meanwhile, Rema Compound integrates these ideals on a broader scale, combining functionality and modern aesthetics to create a refined, inspiring atmosphere. In both projects, our goal has been to enhance the quality of life, crafting environments that are both functional and uplifting for all who experience them.
Our design process is deeply rooted in understanding the unique context and needs of each project. We begin by immersing ourselves in the environment, gathering insights from the site and the community it serves. This initial exploration allows us to identify key elements that will inform the design.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in our approach. We often engage with team members, including talented individuals like Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahmed Al-Baz, to exchange ideas and perspectives. This collaborative spirit enriches our design process and ensures that various viewpoints are considered, leading to more innovative solutions.
Once we have a clear understanding of the project goals, we move into the conceptual phase, where we translate our research and insights into tangible design ideas. We focus on creating spaces that balance functionality with aesthetics, always keeping the end-user experience at the forefront.
Throughout the design process, we emphasize sustainability, ensuring that our choices reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. By selecting appropriate materials and integrating energy-efficient systems, we strive to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and resilient.
Ultimately, our design process is a journey of exploration, collaboration, and innovation, aimed at delivering spaces that inspire and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them.
Egypt’s cultural heritage absolutely influences our design process in a deep and personal way. Growing up surrounded by structures that are not only ancient but also incredibly innovative, it’s hard not to be inspired by the brilliance of our ancestors. From the intricacies of Islamic architecture to the symmetry in Coptic designs, Egypt’s past offers endless lessons in balance, detail, and innovation.
What stands out to us is how the essence of Egyptian design has always been about purpose—designs were made to last, to tell a story, and to serve a function. That mindset still influences how we approach projects today. We always consider how a space or structure will interact with the people using it and how it can convey something deeper than just its physical form.
In a modern context, we draw on this blend of function and meaning, allowing tradition to meet contemporary needs in a way that feels organic and timeless. It’s not just about looking back at history but about using those lessons to create something forward-thinking and relevant for today’s world.
Winning the New York Architectural Design Awards is not just a recognition of our collective achievement; it reflects the passion and effort that our team at RAL Plus pours into every project. This award signifies our commitment to creating spaces that resonate deeply with the communities we serve.
As professionals in this field, our journey as architects has been profoundly influenced by our experiences and collaborations with talented colleagues like Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahmed Al-Baz. Each of them brings a unique perspective that enriches our design discussions and ultimately enhances our projects. Ahmed Ibrahim’s innovative approach complements the rigorous conceptual framework developed by Ahmed Al-Baz, especially in our work on conceptual designs. Their insights and creativity are vital to pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.
This particular recognition stems from our projects, Uptown Malqa and Rema Compound, which embody our core values of sustainability, functionality, and community engagement. We meticulously crafted every aspect of these developments to ensure they not only meet the needs of their residents but also enhance their quality of life. Both projects are testaments to how thoughtful design can create harmonious environments, allowing people to connect with each other and their surroundings.
Receiving this award reinforces the importance of collaboration and innovation in our work. It serves as a reminder of the impact we can make as architects and designers in shaping the future of our cities. We are grateful to lead a team that shares this vision and is dedicated to excellence in every detail, from concept to completion. Winning this award is a celebration of our shared journey, and we look forward to what we will create together in the future.
The project that won us the NY Architectural Design Awards is Uptown Malqa, a residential development in Riyadh that truly reflects our vision for modern living. From the very beginning, this project has been special. We weren't just designing a collection of buildings; we were creating a community where individuals could genuinely feel at home in every sense—physically, emotionally, and socially.
When we set out to design Uptown Malqa, our goal was clear: to balance comfort with connection. The spaces are open and modern, featuring clean lines and large windows that invite natural light. However, we aimed for more than just aesthetics; the design had to function for real life. That’s why we placed a strong emphasis on creating shared areas that encourage interaction and a sense of community, while also providing private retreats for those moments when personal space is needed.
What we love most about this project is how everything feels intentional. Whether it’s the seamless flow of the layout or the sustainable materials we utilized, the design is not just about looking good—it’s about creating practical, beautiful, and future-proof spaces. We aimed to construct something that feels fresh and modern while still respecting the cultural context of the area.
In addition to Uptown Malqa, our project Rema Compound also embodies our commitment to thoughtful, people-centered design. Rema Compound emphasizes community living with a blend of private and communal spaces that foster connection while ensuring individual comfort. This development reflects our dedication to sustainability and quality of life for its residents, just as Uptown Malqa does.
Winning this award for both Uptown Malqa and Rema Compound holds significant value for us. It showcases the importance of thoughtful design in shaping how people live, connect, and thrive. This recognition is a testament to our belief that architecture should enhance lives, making this achievement all the more rewarding for our team.
The biggest challenges we faced with both Uptown Malqa and Rema Compound revolved around finding the right balance between modern design and cultural context. Riyadh is a city evolving rapidly, yet it maintains a strong connection to tradition and community values. We had to ensure that both projects felt innovative and forward-thinking while resonating with the local culture and lifestyle.
Another challenge was designing layouts that encouraged a sense of community without compromising privacy. It was crucial to create shared spaces in both developments that felt welcoming and open, while also incorporating private areas within the residences to offer comfort and personal retreat. Achieving this balance between openness and seclusion was key to the success of both Uptown Malqa and Rema Compound.
Additionally, incorporating sustainable solutions in Riyadh's hot, arid climate presented its own set of technical challenges. We needed to think carefully about material choices, energy efficiency, and shading techniques to ensure that both projects not only looked modern but also functioned sustainably within the local environment. By addressing these challenges, we aimed to create spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents while respecting their cultural heritage and the natural surroundings.
Winning the New York Architectural Design Awards has been a pivotal moment in our careers, marking a significant milestone that reflects both our personal and professional growth. This recognition has elevated our profiles as architects and reinforced the ethos of our team at RAL Plus, where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of our work.
The award has opened doors to new opportunities and projects that align with our vision of creating spaces that genuinely resonate with their surroundings. It has enhanced our confidence in taking bold design decisions, knowing that our efforts can achieve meaningful recognition on an international stage. This acknowledgment also serves as motivation for continuous improvement, inspiring us to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality in our future projects.
Working alongside talented colleagues like Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahmed Al-Baz has been instrumental in this journey. Their insights and expertise, especially in conceptual design, have challenged us to think differently and embrace new perspectives. Together, we've fostered an environment that encourages experimentation and collaboration, leading to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the community.
Ultimately, this award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. It strengthens our commitment to excellence and serves as a reminder of the positive impact we can have through architecture. As we move forward in our careers, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, motivated by the recognition of our efforts and the potential to create even more inspiring spaces for the communities we serve.
In our industry, there are three key aspects that we truly cherish:
1. Creativity and Innovation: Architecture and design provide a unique platform for expressing creativity. Each project presents a fresh canvas, allowing us to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what's possible. This constant evolution fosters an environment where innovation thrives, making every day an opportunity to create something exceptional.
2. Impact on Community: The ability to influence and enhance the lives of people through thoughtful design is incredibly fulfilling. Our work has the power to shape communities, create connections, and improve quality of life. Knowing that our designs can foster interaction and bring people together is a profound aspect of our profession that drives our passion for architecture.
3. Collaboration: The collaborative nature of our industry is something I greatly value. Working alongside talented professionals like Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahmed Al-Baz enriches the design process, allowing us to combine diverse perspectives and expertise.
This teamwork not only leads to more innovative solutions but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among us, which I believe is essential for achieving outstanding results.
These elements together make architecture a dynamic and rewarding field, continually inspiring us to strive for excellence in our work.
Egypt's uniqueness in the world of design stems from its incredible history as the birthplace of architecture and engineering. From the earliest days of civilization, Egyptians were creating wonders that still inspire professionals today.
Take the Pyramids of Giza, for example—these aren't just landmarks; they’re proof of the Egyptians' deep understanding of complex geometry and precise engineering, thousands of years ago. It's hard to imagine how such mastery was possible without modern technology, yet they did it, setting the bar for all who came after.
However, Egypt’s role in design isn’t just locked in the past. The beauty of our contribution lies in how it continues to shape the present and future. Our temples, tombs, and monuments laid the groundwork for principles that still guide modern architecture. With Egypt being a cultural melting pot, blending African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences, it has developed a design aesthetic that’s as diverse as it is timeless.
What fills us with pride is knowing that as Egyptian architects and designers, we’re not just inheritors of a glorious past—we’re active participants in a rich, living tradition. We build on centuries of innovation, creating designs that speak to both our heritage and our future. This legacy is something we hold dear, and we’re honored to be part of a journey that started thousands of years ago but continues to thrive today.
The design industry is set to undergo significant evolution over the next 5 to 10 years, influenced by key trends:
1. Sustainability: There's a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and materials as climate change awareness increases. Designers will need to integrate energy-efficient systems into their projects to meet consumer expectations.
2. Technology Integration: Advancements in AI, virtual reality, and parametric design will enhance creativity and precision, allowing for immersive client experiences during the design process.
3. Wellness and Human-Centered Design: Designing spaces that prioritize well-being, natural light, and connections to nature will become essential, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.
4. Global Collaboration: The industry will see increased interconnectivity, with professionals collaborating internationally to share ideas and tackle challenges.
In summary, the future of design holds immense potential for innovation, and architects will play a vital role in creating sustainable and human-focused environments that meet future demands.
One thing we’ve never shared before is that our journey in architecture began with countless nights in university, working together as a team through challenges that seemed impossible at times. There was a specific project that pushed our limits, where we had to design a full concept from scratch with an impossibly tight deadline.
We learned to rely on each other's strengths, support each other's ideas, and keep our shared goal in sight. That experience taught us the true value of collaboration and shaped our approach to every project we take on today.
The people who have most inspired us are those mentors and colleagues who shared both their wisdom and passion for architecture with us. We were fortunate to work with individuals who saw potential where others didn’t, pushing us to innovate and think beyond traditional limits.
Their dedication and insight not only influenced our career paths but also taught us the importance of resilience, vision, and collaboration in every project we undertake.
Hussein Mansour, Ahmed Baz, and Ahmed Ibrahim form a dynamic trio blending business strategy, innovation, and design foresight. With expertise in strategic planning, future trends, and emerging technologies, they craft forward-thinking solutions that drive growth and redefine the landscape of modern design.
Read about the interview of Creating A Sustainable Design in Shaping Future with Upcycling by Naixin Shi here.