Hussam brings experience in commercial architecture and academia as well as knowledge of global emerging and upcoming studios to the senior MRC team.
An ARB chartered architect, Hussam grew up in the MENA region before settling in the UK. He studied at the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) and the University of Westminster.
Hussam spent his early career as an architect working at award-winning Squire and Partners, known for working with some of the world’s leading developers, and later joined Eaststead Private Equity Limited, leading a portfolio of real estate and development projects between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
While Hussam is experienced in the practice and commerce of architecture, he also prizes its intellectual dimension. As Director of the AA Jeddah – Makkah (Mecca) Program he launched and directed the first AA Visiting School in Saudi Arabia – a unique programme, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, which centred on archiving and documenting the holy city of Makkah.
To advance his Makkah research, Hussam launched the much-admired Studio Bound, a design and research collaborative, known for developing relationships with local and international cultural institutions (since joining MRC he has stepped back from this). Most recently, Studio Bound designed and curated the Saudi National Pavilion at the 2021 Venice Architectural Biennale.
Hussam has written for publications including the Architectural Review and Open Ended Design. He has spoken at Harvard University and taken part in roundtables and panels for Art Jameel and the Global Heritage Fund, as well as exhibiting at Sharjah Architecture Triennial (Sacred Landscapes).
Hussam has Bachelor’s and Diploma degrees in Architecture from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Westminster.
