Sara Al-Kooheji

When did you join Atkins?

I graduated in July 2004 and joined Atkins in September that year.

Why did you join Atkins?

I like the fact it’s a multidisciplinary consultancy with ideas being exchanged across disciplines throughout the business. I enjoy the team aspect and as an architect there are lots of opportunities to work on large scale projects. I relish the opportunity to be involved in some of the more challenging projects too.

How do you describe what you to do to family and friends?

I start with the term ‘concept’ and elaborate on the sphere of design at Atkins, and that the work I do can lead to the creation of a new landmark such as a new high-rise building.

Describe your role and the main project you are currently working on:

I’m working on a variety of mixed use developments such as a retail complex in Bahrain, a science centre in Saudi Arabia and a military camp in Kuwait for which we are only at the concept stage. I’ve also worked on hotels, apartment blocks and office towers in Bahrain which was pretty interesting.

What’s your proudest achievement at Atkins?

My proudest achievement at Atkins is being one of the first architects to work on the Durrat Al Bahrain project. I designed the single storey villas in the petal islands as well as a mosque that’s now considered a landmark.

What’s the most technically challenging project you’ve worked on?

That’s yet to come! There were plenty of technical challenges faced on the Durrat project as it is an exposed beach-front development. The causeway tower of King Fahd’s Bridge that’s going to be renovated this year will be quite a challenging project I imagine as there are a lot of structures involved.

Who are your main clients?

They are mostly government funded or big investment companies who want to change the surface of the Gulf landscape. They choose us as we can undertake any scale of project, large or small.

How has your career developed at Atkins?

I’ve been fortunate to practice purely architecture throughout my years at Atkins. My experience has resulted in me being able to work quickly and to a high standard.

How would you describe the culture at Atkins?

Atkins is a multi-cultural company employing people from different backgrounds, age and gender.

What are your interests outside Atkins?

I play piano regularly, and I enjoy playing tennis and painting too.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Cannes, London and Milan: they are great for shopping.