Brian Davies is the co-founder and President of X-Calibur Construction Systems Inc in the USA and the President of X-International. He has over 30 years experience in the construction materials industry.

He graduated as a Civil Engineer then completed the Diploma in Advanced Concrete Technology. He spent 5 years with the engineering and environmental consultant Dames & Moore as a Project Engineer. He then spent 20 years with a major international construction chemicals manufacturer starting in research & development and eventually as the Vice President for Arabia and Global Trading. He is a Fellow of the institute of Concrete Technology and a Member of the Institute of Materials, Mining and Metallurgy through which he is registered with the United Kingdom Engineering Council.

Stephen has over 20 years experience in all property market sectors and is experienced in all property design disciplines. Until 2004, Stephen was based in Australia where he participated extensively in numerous mega-projects as well as Australian national environmental initiatives and standards. Stephen has been acknowledged as a significant contributor to the Australian national property industry, was a foundation member of the technical steering committee for the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and has contributed to many national publications including the Green Star “Green Building” rating tool (2003) and the Quality Grade Matrix published by the Property Council of Australia in 2006. From 2004, Stephen’s focus has been on international projects and sustainability initiatives. Current projects include Burj Dubai Tower (the world’s tallest building) and he is also the Project Director for the Strategic Environment Assessment on MASDAR City. In 2005, Stephen was Keynote Speaker and Session Chair at the first Green Building conference in the Middle East. In addition, he has been selected as a judge for the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants Scheme 2008, by the invitation of the United Nations (UNEP) a participant in the Zayed International Prize and Conference 2008 (US $1 million award) and is a significant contributor to various summits, conferences and workshops as well as government and industry initiatives.

Ahmed Al-Ali is a young and emerging new architect-entrepreneur of U.A.E. He graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a degree in Architecture and has since established his own firm – X Architects, a versatile and innovative design studio. He is a founding member of the UAE Architectural Association aauae. He has exhibited his designs in various international venues and events, including AIA Berlin 2002, Technical University (TU) Berlin, Dubai International boat show etc. Numerous local and international magazines, newspapers and TV channels have exhibited his designs including Al-Aghariya, Belgium, Italian and German televisions. He is a frequent critic at the School of Design and Architecture at the American University in Sharjah.

Simon is a strategic development specialist with over 25 years of experience in a variety of development-related sectors. He has worked on a number of major development projects in Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa and has successfully managed multi-cultural and multi-skilled project teams in both urban & tourism development, as well as utility privatisation when representing the world’s leading private water provider. In addition to working for a number of multi-national organisations on high profile projects in the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent, Simon was awarded the prestigious IRSM medal for his services towards the re-construction of Iraq.

Art college background – painting, sculpture, graphics and photography. Award-winning Landscape Architecture student (including international prize for self-sufficient community): career grounding in bottom-up urban rehabilitation in West of Scotland; then pioneered inner city housing programme in Portsmouth, Hampshire. In 1985 launched own UK practice specialising in commercial projects, especially USA-style Business Parks, working in UK, Germany and the USA; subsequently expanding into landscape masterplanning, and gave evidence as Expert Witness on impact in UK Planning system to over 50 Planning Inquiries. In early 2000’s moved from practice to interior design and property redevelopment. Joined Cracknell DXB in 2007 to strengthen the design team, focusing on internal structures and branch office establishment. BBC World TV appearance May 2008.

Mr. Ali Bin Towaih was appointed on April 10, 2005 as the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) at TECOM Investments. Bringing his extensive experience in the energy field and vision for a sustainable and environment friendly development, Mr. bin Towaih is currently working on several projects for TECOM Investment as well as the Government of Dubai on developing the renewable energy industry.

Parts of his responsibilities include bringing renewable energies to Dubai as well as the technologies and partners to develop them. In addition, he initiated and is managing the recently launched TECOM Investments Sustainable Development Policy which aims at the optimization of energy management and green building certification.

Another objective of the Division is to develop an iconic real estate project featuring the ultimate technologies and design in green building, which will offer the necessary infrastructure and ideal location for companies willing to invest and capitalize on new technologies related to energy and environment.

Continually placed in leadership positions, Mr. bin Towaih handled challenging projects including previously with Dolphin Energy Limited as Marketing Manager and Operations Interface Manager from 2002 to 2005.

While he also assisted the VP-Marketing in setting up the division's missions and objectives, he was responsible for leading and developing the Gas Department and planning its business and operations.

He was also instrumental in leading gas sales agreements with different governments as well as transition operations on Eastern gas network in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi From 1993 to 2002, Mr. bin Towaih was Terminal Superintendent at Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (EMARAT) where he supervised all terminal manpower and managed the petroleum terminal operations as well as the first and only LPG project operations and terminals distribution for the company.

Equipped with an extensive experience and background in Oil and Gas Operations, Safety and Management, Mr. bin Towaih successfully finished Mobil's Terminal Superintendent Management Program in the USA in 1995 and earned a B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering with high honor from Boston - USA.

Prashanth is Senior Development Manager - District Cooling for M/s Rakeen in Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E. He works closely with the Chairman, COO & CFO and will be leading the District Cooling business in the areas of research, development, marketing, outsourcing and management. He has been given the responsibility to develop District Cooling Utility and associated Infrastructure for all Rakeen Developments in UAE (RAK), Middle East, and Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the CIS countries, presently concentrating on District Cooling for their Marjan Island Development, RAK Financial City, RAK Gateway City and Dana Island Developments in Ras Al Khaimah.

Previously Prashanth worked as Business Development Manager for Palm District Cooling in Dubai, U.A.E for 3 years. His expertise was to utilize and develop relationships with top level business leaders and heads at various organizations in the local, regional, global real estate developers, investors and operators and government around the world. His responsibilities include identifying business growth opportunities for new and existing projects, developing feasibility reports and developing awareness, interest and participation with developers that materialize in Concession Agreements for Palm District Cooling. He was also responsible for continuous customer relationship management to ensure high customer satisfaction.

Before Joining Palm District Cooling Prashanth worked as Sales Manager – Commercial Systems and Heavy Engineered Equipments for 12 years at United Technologies “Carrier Corporation” based in Dubai UAE.

His 22 years experience includes all aspects of air-conditioning, specifically design and application of products and systems to match small, medium, large buildings & Districts. He is an IDEA member and ASHRAE Falcon Chapter Treasurer and Board of Governors and holds a Bachelors in Engineering (Mechanical - Industrial & Production), Bangalore University, India.

Henrietta has over twelve years experience in corporate environmental management, operational environmental management, environmental verification and monitoring and environmental training and briefing.

Henrietta is a qualified international BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) assessor and is in the process of completing a number of sustainability assessments in the Middle East under the new Estidama New Residential and Commercial Buildings assessment guidelines. Henrietta is also in the process of becoming a LEED accredited professional.

Henrietta has worked in a variety of industries in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United Arab Emirates including mining, power generation, civil and industrial construction, Defence, waste management and recycling, corporate social responsibility and natural resource management.

Henrietta has worked in both the private and public sectors on a number of high profile projects managing teams from a variety of environmental disciplines. Henrietta has also worked with numerous strategic alliances in Australia and has spent the last eight years as a senior consultant.

Chris Venemore is a Chartered Engineer and is currently the Area Director for Hyder Consulting in Abu Dhabi with commercial and technical responsibility for over 450 staff working in water, environmental management, highways, marine engineering, O&M, and construction management. He has over 20 years experience in the technical field and has held the posts of MEP Manager accountable for a team of design engineers who were assigned on numerous projects throughout the Middle East. He was also Hyder’s first Property Manager in Abu Dhabi overseeing projects such as the structural design of the Sky and Sun Towers on Reem Island. Chris has been Project Director for the delivery of Construction services, design services, financial planning and advisory services throughout the world.

He has previously worked as a project Manager for a contracting company and so understands the pressures and constraints involved in actually bringing consultant designs into reality.

Key projects include: Qatar Education City, ICAD III, Shams Abu Dhabi, Noor Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach Construction.

Chris has a passion for protecting the environment and recently featured in a round table discussion on the environmental impact of new developments and how best to promote environmentally responsible construction with developers.

Tim is the Technical Director of Energy with WSP Environment and Energy based in Dubai. He has extensive experience in sustainable buildings, energy management and the energy market both as a practitioner and as a consulting advisor. He has practical experience of the operation, management, and maintenance of major plants and buildings. Tim is the Project Director of the Green Building Project which developed new green building regulations for Dubai Municipality and DEWA.

Tim is fully conversant with the US Green Building Council LEED system and has applied these principles to buildings within the Middle East.

He has a strong interest in sustainability and energy management matters, particularly in ensuring that all forms of energy and water are used in the most efficient and effective manner.

In New Zealand and the UAE, Tim has been involved in the development of Government regulations to ensure increased energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings.

Richard has practised as a building services engineer for over thirty years and started his career with Contractor, Haden Young. After six years he moved into design consultancy starting with Devon County Council and then moved to Ewbank Preece where he eventually became Team Leader – Special Projects. In 1992 Richard joined Atkins in the UK to establish a new regional building services business and having successfully completed this took up the challenge of an overseas secondment where he was responsible for the technology packages for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. He returned to UK to lead building services for Atkins western cluster, but was soon seconded overseas again, this time to the Sultanate of Oman where he set up a building services business and managed the multi-disciplined design for the prestigious Barr Al Jissah resort. Having successfully delivered the design, Richard returned to Dubai where he is now technical director responsible for design staff in Atkins Middle East region and also Atkins’ initiative with the British University in Dubai.

In addition, Richard leads a regional team of building scientists/engineers that include, sustainable consultants, building physics, acoustics, fire engineering. These resources add value to the core design disciplines and have enabled us to embrace the issues of sustainability in our designs.

Jeff is an engineer with nearly 40 years experience in the construction industry. He has been working for ARUP for 29 years, being located at various times in offices in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. He is currently based in Dubai on his third posting to the Middle East, having previously been in Qatar (1983-87) and Abu Dhabi (1993-95). His role is as Sustainability Leader for Arup in the Gulf. He has a long-standing interest in sustainable design for buildings and urban developments. When he was stationed in Singapore, he lectured on the subject at the National University of Singapore and has lectured at the University of Sharjah. As a Founder Member of the Emirates Green Building Council, and the Co-ordinator of the Technical & Awards Committee, he is responsible for the work to formulate the sustainable building rating system for use in the UAE. He is currently also a member of the advisory group for the Sustainable Design of the Built Environment programme at the British University on Dubai and an Associate member of the World Green Building Council Tools & Projects Committee.

Robert Forest has extensive knowledge and experience with the execution of projects on an international scale. Bob’s expertise in both project management and technical architecture contribute to his comprehensive understanding of both the built environment and the practice of architecture.

A recognized authority on the economics of sustainable design, Bob has combined his knowledge of local and international policies, funding sources and varied economic models to develop a system of ‘best practices’ for the management of high-performance projects. He has lectured and published his work on a national scale.

Bob is dedicated to the advancement of the management discipline within an architectural context. After over a decade spent practicing abroad Bob has developed a unique understanding of architectural practices across the globe and has utilized this knowledge in the management of numerous large-scale, complex projects. He works diligently alongside design teams from all disciplines throughout each project, ensuring that designs are executed with a careful understanding of each client’s goals and vision. Prior to founding Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP in 2006, Bob was an Associate Partner in the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, and had previously worked at design firms in Toronto, Hong Kong and Osaka, Japan.

Prior to beginning his architectural career, Bob played professional football for Canadian teams the Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Machine. He utilizes the leadership skills and understanding of team dynamics gained from this experience today in a professional capacity.

Yahya Jan is Vice President and Design Director at NORR Group Consultants International Limited. A member of the firm’s Dubai office for the past eleven years, Mr. Jan has designed a wide range of projects throughout the Middle East. During this time, Mr. Jan has won numerous international design competitions including high-rise office and residential towers, retail malls, hotels, and mixed-use complexes.

Prior to moving to Dubai, Mr. Jan worked for ten years in the US with design offices in New York and Boston. Mr. Jan’s designs for architectural and masterplanning projects in North America have been selected for national awards and have been published in leading professional journals worldwide.

Yahya Jan undertook his undergraduate and graduate studies at Princeton University, receiving a Bachelor of Science (Architecture & Engineering) degree in 1986 and a Master of Architecture degree in 1989. He has taught at Princeton University and has served on design juries at universities in the US, Middle East, and Asia. Mr. Jan is a licenced architect in New York and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Sougata is a qualified Energy Engineer from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), a top tier engineering institute ranking amongst the best institutes like MIT, Berkley, Caltech etc. He holds both a Bachelor and a Master degree in Energy Engineering from IIT. In a career spanning 12 years, Sougata has directly saved thousands of tons of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere, with the help of his energy & water conservation and LEED certification projects.

Sougata is a LEED Accredited Professional since 2005 (the second to be so from the UAE) and a certified Project Management Professional. In India and Nepal, Sougata has conducted several Energy Audits, especially in energy intensive industries like Steel, Paper and Chemicals. In the UAE, Sougata has several successful Performance Contracting projects in energy & water conservation and has in recent years expanded his portfolio into LEED Certification, Sustainability Policy for Corporates, Renewable Energy, Awareness Generation on Sustainability and Sustainable Procurement.

Sougata organized the first conference in the Middle East on Green Buildings in March 2003 in collaboration with CERT Technology Park the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan. Amongst his significant career achievements are:

• Developed the sustainable Master Plan of Enpark (www.enpark.ae), Enpark’s Sustainable Development Policy, Green Building Guidelines and Sustainability KPIs;
• Authoring the Sustainable Development Policy of TECOM Investments and overseeing its implementation since August 2006;
• Delivering the 3rd LEED Certified building in Dubai and the Middle East – Metitio HQ, in 2007;
• Setting up the first retrofit gray water treatment plant at a Labour Camp in Al Quoz in 2005;
• Achieving a bill-to-bill saving of 9% (AED 2.4 million) in a period of 11 months at TECOM Investments without incurring any Capex;
• Achieving a reduction in water consumption of 24% at TECOM Investments by implementing a programme that paid for itself in 13 days;
• Successfully establishing the Energy Management profit centre for a facility management company in 2004;
• Conducting numerous training programmes and workshops on Energy & Water conservation and Green Buildings in India and the UAE since 1997;
• Mentoring students of American University in Dubai on energy conservation projects in 2007.

Paul Sherbo has been in the Lighting Controls industry for 27 years, and has worked extensively in international markets for 18 years. Currently he is the Director of International Business Development for Leviton Manufacturing’s Lighting Management Systems Division. His lighting controls background began in the theatrical industry with Colortran Inc. of Burbank, California where he worked for 18 years before joining Leviton. He holds a master’s degree in theatre from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, in the USA. Paul’s knowledge of theatre lighting was a natural lead-in to architectural lighting controls and energy management where he has extensive experience with daylight harvesting systems and whole building solutions for lighting controls. He is based at the division headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

Gunnar Svensson has been working with Swegon for 30 years. He graduated as a Technical Engineer in 1966 and begun to work on technical issues and development. Gunnar is one of the people behind the development of Chilled Beams.

Before starting up in Dubai his role was to start up new companies in Europe as an Export Development Manager. He started Swegon in Dubai in the beginning of 2008 and his new challenge is to develop the Swegon business in the Middle East region.

Matthew Plumbridge has established the Nakheel R&D department focusing on establishing Nakheel as the global leader in ecologically sustainable development and assisting Dubai in becoming an exemplary 21st century, resource efficient low carbon economy. During his time at Nakheel, Matthew established the Sustainability Department at Waterfront (arguably the world’s largest urban development) and prior to that was ESD (Ecologically Sustainable Design) Manager for the Tall Tower (formerly known as Al Burj). Matthew’s career has focused on reforming the property industry towards a ecologically sensitive, low carbon future. Prior to joining Nakheel Matthew was the project manager of CH2 building in Melbourne which was considered the world’s greenest office building setting the standard in green design..

Merlyn as GM for sustainable development is responsible for ensuring that all developments across the Group Portfolio meet best practice standards for sustainability and provides an internal consultancy to advise both MAF development managers and external design and construction professionals To identify achievement in sustainable development the application of measurement methodologies such as the USGBC Green Building rating system is being adopted. Merlyn works closely with external consultants to achieve the corporate aspiration for LEED certification

He comes from an MEP Consultancy backround and for 20yrs was the Chairman and CEO of Roberts & Partners which he founded in 1984. Retail and Shopping Malls were a major business sector for R&P and major projects included “Bluewater Mall” in the UK and “Festival City Mall’ in Dubai.

Whilst working as a consultant to MaxFordham, a market leader in low energy/ sustainable design, Merlyn focused on passive design and the application of renewable technologies. He is a Chartered Building Services Engineer, with an MSc in Energy Engineering from Surrey University

Ms Whitman is currently the Director of Sustainable Strategies for Parsons’ Water & Infrastructure division headquartered in Pasadena, California. Ms. Whitman is a registered engineer in the State of CA, is a LEED AP, and has more than 19 years of civil engineering experience in design, construction, and operation of major infrastructure projects for environmental agencies in the United States, Europe, and Asia, including more than a decade of experience on sustainable projects. Her professional experience prior to joining Parsons includes service as Manager of Planning and Water Resources and as Deputy Manager of Engineering for a southern California public agency.

Ibrahim Jaidah graduated from the University of Oklahoma (USA) in 1988 and worked for Qatar’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture as head of the Architectural Section before acquiring Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) in 1991. He is the driving force behind the rise of AEB from seven staff to the current figure of over 300 with projects completed in several countries. Under his leadership, AEB has evolved into the leading architectural design consultancy in Qatar and currently operates in Abu Dhabi, Manila and Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, AEB is looking to open offices in Dubai, Muscat and Sudan very soon.

His passion for Arabic architecture is demonstrated throughout all of his projects and his first commission, the Al Dana Club, won him his first nomination for the Aga Khan Award and the Arab Cities Award, first rank.

AEB has been instrumental in developing Qatar and in presenting its image globally through major projects across all sectors leading to several awards, including three (3) Arab Cities Awards and one Islamic Cities Award.

In each project, Ibrahim Jaidah attempts to retain the identity of his culture, embrace the modern, and present the true potential and ambition of Qatar and AEB—perhaps best seen in his design for The Barzan towers.

He is dedicated to enhancing the architectural style of modern Qatar and is soon to publish a book which will chart the history of Qatari Architecture, with a second book charting the evolution of the AEB architectural style to follow.

Mr. Jaidah is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with new generations of architects through grants at Virginia Commonwealth University. He frequently serves as guest speaker at universities and conferences throughout the region.

In 2005, he received the Award for State Encouragement, which is given for career achievement and servers as a testament to his central role in shaping Qatar’s future and that of architecture in the region.

Mr. Jaidah is seen as a pioneer of a new movement in architecture, which combines the far reaching influences of Islamic art with a modern style.

Elias joined Bovis Lend Lease International – Dubai in January, 2008. His experience extends from Multiplex Australia and the Mirvac Group Australia. Elias has 7 years working experience with high end top tier organisations. He specialises in Client Project Management but has experience in all facets of the construction related business including, contract administration, estimating, programming, project coordinating, site supervision and project management. Elias has carried out a number of important projects from civil and marine works to refurbishment and construction of high end residential and commercial base builds and fit-outs.

Elias has recently completed works to the New – Bovis Lend Lease Regional Head Office Middle East. His scope was to deliver a ‘SHARP’ corporate BLL Regional Head Office that incorporates safety, sustainability (LEED) requirements and innovation in design. Elias is also appointed as the Group Administrator of the Bovis Lend Lease safety initiative ‘Build Safe Dubai’.

Elias enjoys the challenges of working with various clients on different and unique projects from initiation to handover. Elias has completed an Advanced Diploma of Building, Advanced Diploma of Quantity Surveying a Certificate in Construction Project Management and is currently completing a Post Graduate Masters of Construction Project Management at The University of New South Wales.

George Katodrytis, RIBA. An architect involved in practice, teaching and research. He studied architecture at the University of Manchester and the Architectural Association (A.A.), UK. Taught at the AA and Bartlett in London. He has lectured, exhibited and published widely and built a number of projects in Europe. His work addresses contemporary design digital processes and techniques for the design of small and large projects. He is currently Associate Professor at the School of Architecture and Design of the American University of Sharjah. Web site: http://www.katodrytis.com

Duncan A. Phillips, Ph.D., P.Eng., is a Senior Specialist with Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin (RWDI). He is part of RWDI’s Ventilation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) team. He is responsible for solving indoor environmental problems and industrial process flows by analyzing fluid flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics. Duncan also participates in one-of-a-kind projects involving unique assessment techniques. Recent sustainable design and high performance ventilation projects have included the assessment of natural ventilation within a high school, parking garage and transformer vault; the evaluation of performance of four different double skin façades; the assessment of thermal comfort within a room using UFAD and chilled slabs; and stack effect studies a number of large towers. Duncan is also involved in the design and evaluation of smoke management systems in atria, transit stations and tunnels.

Dr. Gisela Loehlein is an Architectural Engineer by training (B.Eng. Hons) and holds a PhD from the Welsh School of Architecture, she is currently pursuing a second PhD in Urban Design from the City and Regional Planning Department, Cardiff University. Successfully set up the first sole postgraduate university NAKA (Nord Europaeische Kunstakademie)- completely privately funded in Schwerin (between Hamburg and Berlin), Germany.

She has held research/ teaching positions at:

• Fraunhofer Research Institute in Germany, Institute that specializes in research into new trends and analysis and advices the German government on research focuses in the future.
• School of Architecture and Design at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand
• School of Architecture and Design at the American University in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Institute of the Built Environment at the British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is linked to Cardiff University and ATKINS.

She further has held the position as the Principal Sustainability Research Fellow of ATKINS and Research fellow of the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK, Research fellow School of Architecture and Design, Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand.

Currently she holds a position as Consultant to the Director General at the Directorate of Public Works in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and Representative for the Middle East to the United Nations for Sustainability- Built Environment NY & London.

Tom Hootman is the director of sustainability and a senior associate at RNL where he leads RNL’s internal Green Team and advances the firm’s sustainable design practices and resources. He has more than 14 years of experience in high performance and sustainable buildings. Tom succeeds in delivering inspired project solutions that are environmentally responsive, cost effective, energy and operationally efficient and promote occupant well being. Tom works collaboratively across all RNL design studios and serves as a green design advisor and mentor on other RNL project teams. Tom also conducts research on green design strategies and trends supporting RNL’s sustainable design leadership role in the industry. The sustainability of RNL’s business operations is also a priority of Tom’s where he works to find ways of reducing RNL’s operational carbon footprint. Tom is an active leader in the building industry promoting green building practices. He regularly writes and speaks on green building issues and LEED.

Tom is the Chair of the Board of the US Green Building Council, Colorado Chapter and serves as the Chapter President. As the Chapter President he strives to further the organization’s mission of green design outreach and education. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and is always seeking to inspire others and lead by example, whether it is in his project work or in his continuing effort to reduce his own carbon footprint.

Richard Epstein, AIA, LEED AP, is an award-winning architect and educator with an extensive background in sustainable design for diverse project types. These include leading-edge projects such large public recycling centers in Boulder and Phoenix, and innovative mixed-use, civic and housing projects across the western U.S. Epstein is currently working on several large-scale master planning projects in the United Arab Emirates, as well as domestic architecture and urban design projects, all of which are creatively integrating sustainable solutions at all scales.

He is the recipient of numerous awards for his projects including the Colorado Renewable Energy Society and design awards from the American Institute of Architects. Epstein is on the Executive Committee of the Colorado Council of the Urban Land Institute. He co-chairs the Colorado Tomorrow Alliance, a regional alliance of diverse members promoting smart growth in the Denver Metropolitan region. He has served as a board member on the Boulder Energy Conservation Center for more than 10 years. Epstein attained his Master in Architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has taught at the University of Colorado School of Architecture and Planning.

Jess Alexander, associate of RNL, has distinguished himself as a landscape architect specializing in sustainable urban design and master planning. His focus has been on design and project management on a variety of new cities, communities and developments, many of them located in the United Arab Emirates. His experience includes design and documentation of a 500-acre LEED-Neighborhood Development U.S. Green Building Council pilot project and he is well-versed in many other sustainable design guidelines and programs such as Pearl, Estidama and the Sustainable Sites Initiative. This experience has led him to play a key role in coordinating and implementing sustainable strategies on all of RNL’s master planning projects.

Georgina’s skills are in embedding sustainability into the DNA of organisations. She helps clients integrate sustainability imperatives into strategic business planning and develop the practical guide to implement sustainability across the business. She is adept at identifying material issues and the organisation’s appetite for change and acceptance of this 21st Century business agenda.

Recently, Georgina has facilitated the commencement of the sustainability journeys for the world’s largest private property developer, Nakheel; and the largest listed global retail property group, Westfield. Previously, Georgina worked across a range of sectors and with clients such as Investa Property Group, Green Building Council of Australia, Port of Melbourne Corporation and Santos.

John has over 27 years of consulting experience in the construction sector, and has managed consultancy commissions for a wide range of clients, both in the UK and internationally. He writes and lectures widely in the areas of construction management and procurement, client demand, and sustainability. He chaired the Environment Committee of the UK Construction Industry Council, and was a founder member of the Board of the Movement for Innovation (M4I). From 1999 to 2004 he was an independent Board member of Genesis Housing Group.

John leads Davis Langdon’s Management Consulting services, and also heads up Sustainability in Davis Langdon. His other professional interests include innovation in construction and improving the procurement process.

As an Associate of Arup, Stuart leads the Facade Engineering team in the Gulf. Since joining Arup in 1996 he has spent time in Dublin, London and Singapore offices before moving to Dubai in July 2006.

A chartered structural and facade engineer, Stuart has led new build and refurbishment projects in all building sectors and climates.

With international experience, Stuart enjoys working alongside some of the world's leading architects and is a valued partner in all stages of the design, procurement and construction of building envelopes. His extensive knowledge and skills in realising complicated and geometrically challenging architectural designs significantly enhances our service offering in the Gulf.

Wael Al-Masri, Partner and Director of Urban and Architectural Design, together with a team of highly qualified and talented architects at Dar Al-Omran, have been responsible for important projects in Kuwait and the region. Al-Masri has contributed over the past three decades, through his urban and architectural designs as well as research and writings, toward the development of contemporary architecture in the Arab region.

Christopher Choa is a Principal with EDAW, an international practice focusing on socio-economics, design, and the natural environment. A prize-winning architect, urban designer, and author, he brings over 20 years of experience to a wide range of government, commercial, institutional, and cultural projects. Christopher has served as co-chair of New York New Visions - the design coalition for the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan. Some of his ongoing or completed projects include European Embankment masterplan/St. Petersburg, Saadiyat Island Masterplan/UAE, the masterplan of Shanghai's North Bund/China, the Twentieth Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles/USA, and the Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka/Japan. A graduate of both Harvard and Yale, he has served as a visiting critic at the Harvard School of Design, the Rhode Island School of Design, Columbia University, and Yale University. His design work, citations, and professional columns have been published in a wide range of journals, including World Architecture, Architectural Review, The Shanghai Daily, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. A native of New York City, he is currently based in London.

Daniel Hajjar received his M. Arch from the University of Manitoba, Canada and is a registered architect with 20 years of experience in all aspects of architectural and planning projects both in North America and the Middle East. He has been invovled in a number of high profile and pioneering projects in the region including the Dubai Marina Master Plan, Dubai Marina Phase One, Dubai MotorCity, Dubai Festival City and Dubai Studio City.

His current position is Vice President in charge of the Middle East and North Africa for HO+K based in the company’s Dubai office. Daniel has served on a number of advisory panels as well as being a guest juror to various universities and a board Member on the Emirates Green Building Council.