Dubai-based architect Ryan Banks. SUPPLIED
Meet the Filipino architect of Dubai’s coolest offices
Google, Microsoft. While they are renowned for their employee-friendly offices, the man behind their Dubai workspaces is elusive and unknown. Until now. Meet Ryan Banks, the Dubai-based architect who designed some of the coolest offices, cafes and "experience centers" in the UAE. Working in Dubai in the last 15 years as a lead architect, Banks has delivered design works for renowned brands such as Mubadala, The Address Hotels, Le Meridien Hotel, Google, Microsoft, Aldar, Mastercard and Huawei.
Banks tells Expatmedia.net he was inspired by his time at architecture school in the Philippines. His influences are the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright and Alberto Campo Baeza.
It wasn’t until Banks left his home city of Cebu to work in Dubai in 2007 when he had the chance to create some of the most inspired architectural designs of his career. He was headhunted for the role.
Banks says he loves the architecture in Dubai. “It is mostly modern and futuristic, but also pays respect to the country’s design roots,” he says.
When designing, Banks says he prefers to sketch his ideas first. “Pencil and paper first,” says the self-confessed night owl. “My mind is more creative at night. I feel like it is quicker for me to ‘zone in’ during the night when there are lesser distractions,” he says.
His latest work is the Cartier Café that was completed in March. “This is my first design project for the ultra-luxury jewelry brand, Cartier. A lavish cafe exclusive for their VIP guests,” Banks said. “The concept is to bring guests into the modern and grandeur jungle of ‘Panthere De Cartier’,” he said.
His dream project? "I want to design my dream modern mansion," he shares. ICA/Expat Media
This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine.
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