Architects-Group expands into Saudi market

A North East-based architecture firm is broadening its reach with an international expansion aimed at tapping into the rapidly growing Middle Eastern construction sector.

Architects-Group, based at AirView Park in Woolsington, has secured a special MISA investment license from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, paving the way for its entry into the lucrative Saudi construction market.

Bosses say the strategic move comes after strong growth over the last year, including several successful project wins, with the MISA license enabling the firm to “lay down some real foundations” in Saudi Arabia.

Tony Harmieson, managing director of Architects-Group, said: “Now that we have secured the MISA license, we are extremely excited to be able to start to lay down some real foundations with clients and contacts as the next step to our expansion within the international marketplace.”

As part of the international expansion, the firm’s architectural director Dan Cogdon and BIM manager Husham Taha have both become members of the Saudi Council of Engineers, with Architects-Group also opening a new office in Riyadh by late spring, enabling it to compete for major government and private sector contracts across the country.

It will also benefit from legal protections and compliance with Saudi regulations.

The firm, which will operate as SadlerBrown in the region, has already contributed to Riyadh’s infrastructure with design work on two new multi-million-pound metro stations and is poised to capitalise on the region’s $180 billion construction market.

Tony added: “The sheer scale and number of potential developments within Saudi Arabia requires experienced international design consultants with the requisite expertise and experience. 

“Local consultants will undoubtedly struggle to cope with the volume of developments over the next five to ten years. 

“It was on this basis that we have teamed up with local partners to enter the Saudi market and look forward to engaging in this exceptional country’s growth.”

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