Adrian Welch architect, Architecture website editor, Buildings designs images, Articles
Adrian Welch Architect
Curriculum Vitae + Key Projects – Architecture in UK, Dubai and KSA
post updated 21 September 2024
– Co-Editor of five architectural websites since 2000.
– Completed a higher education in the field of architecture, doing a degree course at Manchester University and a Diploma at University College London.
– Worked in architects offices since 1987, in Scotland, England, Hong Kong, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
– Making editorial decisions on what buildings to showcase, and how to feature them, since 2000.
– Expertise in guiding high-quality architecture tours in various cities since 2001.
Adrian Welch is an Architect working in The Gulf, and a Co-Editor of www.e-architect.com
Portrait of Adrian Welch:
photo © James Whitaker
Adrian Welch, Architect & Founder of e-architect
Adrian Welch CV
born 1971
Graduated as an architect in 1995, worked in architect offices since 1987.
Adrian Welch is an architect from the UK, currently practicing in the Middle East. He founded international architecture resource e-architect.com which has carried daily news and events for over a decade. The aim of the website is to promote good quality architecture, with over 38,000 pages of information.
The platform operates architecture tours in 82 cities across the globe, having been established in Edinburgh in 2000.
Adrian gained his Diploma from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London in 1995 and went on to work for the world-famous Eva Jiricna Architects in London (most famous for glass staircases). He was a Project Architect on the Stirling Prize-winning Scottish Parliament Building for EMBT/RMJM.
Adrian has served on architecture juries around the world since 2002 and his columns and articles have been published widely. He has given numerous lectures and assisted various schools of architecture with student crits. Adrian works in Saudi Arabia on a major masterplanning exercise.
Before that he worked for GAJ in Dubai as a Senior Architect, in charge of a 44-storey skyscraper (Dubai Creek Harbour Palace Hotel and Residences, 122 -star hotle keys in one tower, and 587 branded apartments in the main tower).
Adrian was nominated for Middle East Architect of the Year in 2022 (beaten by TA_ Tabanlıoğlu Architects, Turkey), and was also nominated for British Young Architect of the Year in 1998 whilst working in London at Eva Jiricna Architects.
Some key aspects of Adrian’s architectural career:
* worked as an Editor since 2000 for a number of architecture websites
* experience in concept design, detail design, analysing technical/construction/buildability issues, providing drawings and specifications coordinated with engineering and other disciplines and in taking projects on site
* Many years experience of supervising others and leading teams, since the Scottish Parliament project
* Experience in a variety of building types such as housing, offices, restaurants, retail and mixed-use buildings
* RIBA Part 3
* ARB registered
Adrian Welch : e-architect Editor & Architect
photo © Adrian Welch
Architectural Travel
Recent architectural trips include:
UK, Denmark, Australia, UAE, Saudia Arabia (2024)
UK, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, UAE, Saudia Arabia (2023)
UK, Denmark, UAE, Saudia Arabia (2022)
UK, Dubai (2021)
UK, Dubai / Abu Dhabi (2020)
UK, Denmark (2019)
Moscow, Denmark (2018)
Dubai, Copenhagen (2017)
New York City, Copenhagen, Malmö, London (2016)
Spain (2015)
Kuala Lumpur (2014) – e-architect directors Adrian Welch & Isabelle Lomholt met with the Tan family, Malaysia’s largest high-end housing provider.
Sicily (2013):
e-architect directors Adrian Welch & Isabelle Lomholt meeting Leoluca Orlando, famous Italian politician, former film star and Mayor of Palermo at the time (straight after he met Rita Borsellino):
photo © Harriet Lomholt-Welch
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Adrian Welch Competition Jury Work
Recent architecture jury positions:
2023:
Notion of Space design competition for artuminate and archiol
2022:
2020:
Alternate Realities by theCharette
Museum of Design Oslo Competition by Switch
Urban Chair Design Competition
Jurassic Camp House Competition by archasm
Tomb of waste design competition by Switch
Home Design Competition by archasm
2019:
Rural Tourism Accommodation (RuTA) Vietnam by Arquideas
Central Park Book Studio, New York
Fashion Pavilion Milan, Italy
2018:
Museum of Language, London
Paris Pavilion Art of Peace Competition
Tokyo Anti Library Competition
2017:
Amsterdam Art Bridge Architecture Competition
School without Classrooms Competition
Hyde Park Library Competition, London
5th Earth Architecture Competition, Senegal
Reshape wearable technology competition in Barcelona
2016:
Statue of Liberty Museum Competition, New York
Rio Olympics Sustainable Fanbox Competition
Paris Pavilion: The Art of Peace Competition
2014:
ONE Prize, New York by Terreform
International Museum of Astronomy, Chile by Arquideas
Adrian Welch Employment
Employment
since Mar 2000
Founder and Co-Editor of e-architect, international
*************
Mar 2018 – Jun/Sep 2021
GAJ, Dubai
Senior Associate: Project Architect on 46-storey skyscraper in Dubai – 121 key 5-star hotel and 587-unit branded apartment towers
Nov 2016 – Feb 2018
Pace, Kuwait
Senior Architect
Project Architect on Hamala Mixed Use Development, Bahrain – new town centre:
image courtesy of Pace
image courtesy of Pace
Project Architect on Mazaya Downtown, Kuwait City – pair of towers:
image courtesy of Pace
image courtesy of Pace
image courtesy of Pace
Work on Wafra Towers, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain – pair of towers by Wiel Arets Architects (WAA):
image courtesy of WAA
image courtesy of WAA
Work on Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, Boubyan Island, Kuwait – major new seaport
Dec 2013 – Sep 2016
Lewis & Hickey, Edinburgh
Senior Architect
Architect on Virginia Water, Surrey, England – 58 units assisted living – 2016
Project Architect on Geddes Court, student housing at University of Stirling, Scotland – 180 beds – 2015
Project Architect on Juniper Court, student housing at University of Stirling, Scotland – 277 beds – 2014-15
Project Architect on Beech Court, student housing at University of Stirling, Scotland – 255 beds – 2014
Jun – Aug 2008
Sutherland Hussey Architects, Edinburgh
Architect
Principal Projects:
Xiling Cable-Car Station, Sichuan, China
picture from architect
Xiling Gateway, Sichuan, China
image from architect
Jan 2005 – Jun 2008
Michael Laird Architects
Senior Architect
Principal Project:
Project Architect from Concept Designs to Site liaison – East Fettes Avenue
Competition Design Statement & drawings – Tanfield redevelopment
Concept Design to Planning Permission – Ellersly Hotel redevelopment:
Responsible for Practice PR and Marketing, eg running the website and issuing press releases
Worked on:-
Shrubhill House redevelopment; St Margaret’s House redevelopment; Leith Street site; Fairmile Inn site redevelopment; Westport House redevelopment; Edinburgh Park South Phase Site – Invited Competition; Lochrin Place housing; Belford Road housing; Hanover House redevelopment, Glasgow; Edinburgh Technopole, Midlothian – Invited Competition
Jan 2002 – Jan 2005
RMJM Architects Scotland Ltd, Edinburgh & Hong Kong
Project Architect – Scottish Parliament Interiors: Edinburgh
MSP Foyer View © Adrian Welch
Jan 2000 – Dec 2001
Richard Murphy Architects, Edinburgh
Project Architect – Oloroso restaurant, Castle St, Edinburgh
Project Architect – Caernarfon Theatre & Arts Centre, Wales
Project Architect – Northern Lights Phase I & II, Edinburgh
Project Architect – Dean Tennis & Squash Club, Edinburgh
Designer of RIAS Summer 2000 Festival Exhibition with Murray Grigor
Worked on:-
Napier University Consequentials; Edinburgh Royal Infirmary; Art Gallery & Service Station, Japan; Broomhill Steading; Private House, Udny
1999 – 2000
Allan Murray Architects, Edinburgh
Project Architect – HQ Building, Site A, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh
picture © Keith Hunter
1998 – 99
Conran Design Partnership, London & Edinburgh
Site Architect – Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh
1996 – 98
Eva Jiricna Architects, London
Project Architect for Boodle & Dunthorne, No.1 Sloane Street, London:
leading to Part 3 Qualification at The Bartlett, UCL School of Architecture
Principal design assistant to Eva on 170-bed five-star Hotel Josef, Prague
Principal design assistant to Eva on Interior of the Commercial Bank, Prague
Principal design assistant to Eva on Lavka Bridge, Brno
Principal design assistant to Eva on North Woolwich Bridge competition, London
Project Architect for various house refurbishments/extensions in London
1996
RH Partnership, Cambridge
Architectural Assistant – Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge
1995 – 96
RMJM, Cambridge
Architectural Assistant – Homerton Ladies’ College Phase II, Cambridge
1992 – 93
Michael Hyde & Associates, Manchester
‘Year-out’ Practical training
Tertiary Education
Part 3
Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London
1996 – 97
Part 2
Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London
Dip. Arch
1993 – 95
Part 1
Manchester University School of Architecture, Manchester
BA (Hons)
1989 – 92
Awards
E&L Education Business Partnership: Champions Award – 2001
Fruitmarket Day Event for Mid & East Lothian School Pupils
Manchester Society of Architects Scholarship:
Expressionist Architecture in Eastern Europe – 1992
Hulme Hall Travel Award:
Aalto & The New Modernists, Finland – 1991
photo © Adrian Welch
Publications
2002-20
various articles and photos appeared in Building Design, Prospect magazine, The Drouth Literary magazine, Edinburgh Evening News, and most recently Gulf News (with over 4 million online readership).
Gulf News Dec 2019: Review of Middle East architecture trends
GAJ blog Jul 2019: Article about the future of libraries
Saudi Arabian Construction News Apr 2019: Review of new KSA developments
Architecture Review Dec 2006: Review of the websites
Architects Journal Nov 2006: Review of the websites
RIBA World Oct 2006: Announcement of e-architect.com launch
Edinburgh TV Nov 2003: Website interview
Prospect Nov.Dec 2002: ‘you’ve got mail’
BBC Scotland Radio Nov 2002: interview about the Old Town Fire Competition
Edinburgh Evening News 3 Oct 2002: Dutch architects tour
Business am Oct 2002: Scottish Architecture overview
Working Lunch BBC2 TV Oct 2002: Website interview
Edinburgh Evening News 1 Sep 2002: ‘Build it and they shall complain’
Edinburgh Evening News 21 Jun 2002: ‘Building on pupils’ plans’
Edinburgh Evening News 12 Jun 2002: ’Landscapers reap £2.5m BMW deal’
Edinburgh Evening News 4 Apr 2002: ‘Princes Street kept in the pink’
Firm magazine Apr 2002: Edinburgh offices
Edinburgh Evening News 6 Jan 2002: ‘Changing rooms’
Prospect magazine 2002: various issues
Prospect Nov/Dec 2001: Website announcement article
Edinburgh Evening News 9 Nov 2001: site relaunch
Cockburn News Nov 2001: Edinburgh Architecture article
The List 6-20 Sep 2001: Edinburgh Architecture – main article
Sunday Herald 23 Sep 2001: Scottish Architecture article – mention
Prospect Jul/Aug 2001: Comment on Edinburgh re Development/Conservation
Evening News 7 Jun 2001: CERT – www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk scoop
Building Design Nov 2000 Scottish pull-out: Scottish Architecture
Prospect Sept/Oct 2000: RIAS 2000 Festival Exhibition
Arca Volume 5: RIAS 2000 Festival Exhibition
Building Design 25 Aug 2000: RIAS 2000 Festival Exhibition review
Architects’ Journal 31 Aug 2000: RIAS 2000 Festival Exhibition – diary picture
Instant Late Winter 2000: First Edinburgh Architecture
Architecture Review Jan 2000: Marcus – Jewellery Shop
Building Design Interiors Dec 1999: Hotel Garni Rybna
Architekt Dec 1998: Lavka Bridge
Architecture Today Oct 1998: London GLA Masterclass
Building Design Nov 1998: London GLA Masterclass
Architekt Sep 1998: Commercial Bank
Architect’s Journal Interiors Jun 1998: Boodle & Dunthorne
Building Design May 1997: North Woolwich Bridge
Illustrations: book, guidebooks, scientific journal, magazine, exhibition
IT
CAD:
fluent in AutoCAD
Graphics:
fluent in Photoshop; experience in Imageready, Powerpoint, Sketchup
Web:
fluent in WordPress CMS + Search engine optimisation; experience in Joomla CMS + Dreamweaver
Office:
experience in Word, Excel
Education Work / Talks
Member of Jury for numerous international architecture competitions 2016-
Architecture Tours for specific clients 2000-
Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen 2009-11: crits
Member of Jury for Scottish Design Awards 2008
Chair of Jury for EAA Annual Awards for Architecture 2006
Member of Jury for Adrian Welch Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) Awards 2005
Member of Jury for Scottish Design Awards 2004
Member of Jury for Edinburgh Scenes, Art competition for Edinburgh school pupils, May 2003
Member of Jury for Scottish Design Awards 2002
Edinburgh University, June 2002: crits
Fruitmarket, May 2002: Day Event – Fifth Year’s learning about architecture
Edinburgh University, Dec 2002: crits
Fruitmarket, Nov 2001: School pupil’s learning about being an architect
Edinburgh College of Art, Nov 2001: crits
Fruitmarket, May 2001: Day Event – Fifth Year’s learning about architecture
The Cockburn Association, Feb 2001: ‘Edinburgh on the Rocks’ Talk
Humberside University 1998: crits
Humberside University 1998: talk on Eva Jiricna’s office
Tertiary Education Projects/Results
UCL Diploma, 1993 – 95
Holographic Intervention, Piccadilly Circus, London
Meditation Space, City of London
UCL Thesis, 1994 – 95
Holographic Architecture – Distinction
MU Degree, 1989 – 92
Community Arts Centre, Manchester – A
First & Second Year Design Projects – A,A,A; B(group), A
Secondary Education Results
CSYS: A,A,A
Highers: A,A,A,A,A,A
O-Grades: 1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1
Location: UK / KSA / UAE
British Architect Adrian Welch
Further Information about Adrian Welch
Adrian Welch articles : 5 texts on architecture
Adrian Welch worked since 1996 as an architect in Aberdeen, Manchester, London, Cambridge, Hong Kong, Edinburgh, Kuwait City, Dubai and NEOM in chronological order. He first worked in an architects office in 1987, in his hometown of Banchory, Scotland. Adrian Welch has also exhibited work / paintings in Manchester, Aberdeen, Birmingham & London.
Adrian met Portuguese architect Eduardo Souta de Moura at the Wolf Prize.
Comments / photos for the Adrian Welch Architecture page welcome
Adrian Welch Architect
Website: Architecture