CEO Today Hall of Fame

HALL OF FAME 3 www.ceotodaymagazine.com Abdullah S. Elkhereiji graduated from California State University Long Beach, USA. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture as well as in Construction Engineering Management. He has completed his MBA from Paperdine University in California, USA, majoring in Global Business Management. He is a Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute Contractor (AIC), Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE). He joined the Elkhereiji Group as a Site Architect soon after graduation and later worked as a Procurement Manager. In 2008, he became the Board Member of Elkhereiji Group of Companies and in 2011, he was assigned the role of Business Development Director for SAK Group of Companies, and in 2016 he became the CEO of SAK Group of Companies. His main areas of expertise are Business Intelligence, Client Relationship Manage- ment, assessing Sustainable growth opportunities, Finan- cial Forecasting and Budget- ing. He is highly recognized for delivering the very high- est quality of work to clients, and producing world-class intellectual strategies and solutions for the SAK Group of companies. He is open- minded and thoughtful with a deft nature, ensuring strategic delivery of projects from in- ception to completion; whilst developing the practice’s approach to project delivery through innovative and sus- tainable design solutions. Below, Abdullah S. Elkhereiji discusses what brought him to his career, the role that technology plays in architec- ture, and how SAK Consult conducts its successful busi- ness. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture? I have followed the footsteps of my father, Arch. Solaiman A. Elkhereiji. His lifetime achievement as an architect was a true inspiration to pursue a career in the field of architecture, which I have been influenced by from a very young age, and I have grown to love it. He has been a mentor to me since childhood with his passion for Islamic architecture, poetry and calligraphy. Tell us a bit about SAK Consult’s mission, values and business model? SAK Consult’s mission is to design innovative, sustainable, functional and economically built environments by introducing interactive design experiences to our clients and enhancing safety and comfort in people’s lives, while incorporating the local culture and contributing to the local community and our natural environment. Our business model is based on the essence of our employees and the company’s identity, its principles, beliefs and philosophy of reflecting our core values, which in turn supports our vision and mission. At SAK Consult, we believe in the direct impact of volunteering our time to benefit local causes. What role does tradition play in SAK Consult’s projects? The architecture and the character of our towns and cities are part of our inherited culture. Tradition is renewed but slightly altered by additions like steps through time, which is how change is normally affected, not by grand schemes that break the tradition like contemporary architecture, which may not fit into their surroundings. Tradition plays an important role in our projects. The layout of plans are mostly influenced by its function based on the local culture and tradition. We make every effort to incorporate the traditional facades in a modern and contemporary style into the aesthetics of the buildings. The use of traditional style buildings maintains the town’s core identity and gives local people a definite sense of belonging and well-being. How has technology changed the architecture sector and SAK Consult’s services in recent years? Cutting edge technology in architecture and design are often great measuring sticks for the state of technology. Architecture and technology have always intersected at perilous crossroads. In a very real sense, architecture and design are applied sciences that utilize research and development in technology to propel their work to new heights, presenting buildings and products that are not only more interesting, but more responsible and useful as well. Everything we use on day to day basis is being affected by breakthroughs in technology. At SAK Consult, it’s our responsibility to adapt the latest technology after thoroughly analysing its durability and efficiency, not only during design or construction, but also during the life span of the buildings during the operation phase. We have promoted smart building solutions to our clients using Building Automation and presented it to them using Virtual 3D animated walkthroughs. We have initiated awareness by educating our clients on the added value of introducing Sustainable materials and smart systems to our building designs. What incentives are in place to encourage foreign participation in the construction sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? What else needs to be done? Our government has always encouraged and supported foreign participation in the construction sector by providing various subsidies and incentives. SAGIA was established a few years ago to support them. SAK Consult, since its inception, has collaborated with international strategic partners through Joint Venture Agreements. Foreign Embassies and