People

Born in Lisbon and shaped by experiences across Barcelona and Los Angeles, Ana brings a symphony of global perspectives to her architectural designs! Her journey is as unique as her approach - from studying at the Lisbon Conservatory of Music to mastering the discipline of competitive swimming, she's learned to orchestrate the perfect balance of creativity and precision. When she's not crafting spaces that sing with personality, you'll find her drawing inspiration from her lifelong love of music and art. As our newest architect and interior designer, Ana's natural empathy and warmth shine through in every project, while her readiness to embrace new challenges brings a refreshing energy to our team. Her ability to create spaces that resonate with people on an emotional level, combined with her diverse international experience, makes her exactly the kind of designer who can turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.

With roots in Moscow's dynamic energy and wings that have carried her across the world, Anna brings a uniquely artistic vision to her role as Social & Creative Marketing Consultant. Her journey is a beautiful blend of diverse passions - from the precise elegance of mathematics to the fluid grace of ballet, from captivating photography to compelling TV ads. When she's not crafting inspiring marketing strategies, you might find her exploring new ways to enhance human well-being or discovering fresh creative perspectives. Anna's adaptable nature and global mindset (she'll tell you the whole world feels like home) allows her to connect authentically with diverse audiences, while her commitment to raising the bar in everything she does drives our creative projects to new heights. Her belief that great design can influence how people think, feel, and evolve makes her the perfect person to tell our architectural stories in ways that truly resonate and inspire.

If you're looking for someone who embodies the spirit of adventure in architecture, that's Ashley! Our globe-trotting architect's journey from the small towns of South Africa to the bustling streets of Japan (and now Dubai!) has shaped his wonderfully unique approach to design. His love for architecture was born in a small beach town in the Eastern Cape, where his grandfather's handcrafted family home became the stage for his childhood memories - and sparked a lifelong passion for creating spaces where beautiful moments unfold. When he's not designing memory-making spaces, you'll find Ashley scaling rock climbing walls, perfecting his golf swing, or seeking out new adventures. His ever-present smile and ability to find silver linings in any situation bring a special energy to our team. As a self-proclaimed 'jack of all trades,' Ashley brings an eclectic perspective to every project, drawing inspiration from his nomadic life experiences and his belief that architecture is the ultimate stage setting for life's most precious moments.

One of the first team members of Nellis Architecture, this Belgian architect has a special gift for turning complex tech into architectural magic, making AI and cutting-edge tools feel as natural as sketching with a pencil. He's the kind of architect who gets genuinely excited about creating spaces that people love to live in, always putting clients at the heart of his designs. Whether he's working on massive masterplan projects or fine-tuning the details of a private residence, Ben brings that perfect blend of innovation and human touch to everything he does. When he's not bringing innovative solutions to our projects, you'll find him perfecting his golf swing or exploring new places that spark his creativity. As our resident tech enthusiast and founding team member, Ben's the perfect example of how passion for both people and technology can create something truly special.

Say hello to Franklin, our 3D visualization wizard who turns architectural dreams into jaw-dropping reality. With two decades of experience under his belt, he's the genius who makes our designs look so real you'd swear you could walk right into them. When he's not working his magic on stunning visualizations, you'll find Franklin geeking out over his impressive art toy collection. Having Franklin on our team is like having a Hollywood special effects master, but for architecture... and with way more art toys!"

There's something special about an experienced architect who understands both innovation and roots - that's Ivy! Her approach to design has been shaped by rich conversations with fellow architects and hands-on experience, always driven by a curiosity that runs deep. When she's not creating spaces that stir emotions, you'll find her on the tennis court. Ivy brings a unique blend of boldness and thoughtfulness to our team, always remembering that great architecture isn't just about what catches the eye - it's about how it makes you feel when you move through a carefully crafted space

Meet Katya, our operations guru who keeps Nellis Architecture running like a well-oiled machine! With years of globe-trotting experience in hospitality, she brings that special touch of warmth to everything we do. If you're wondering where her knack for creating feel-good vibes comes from, it all started with lively family gatherings and shared meals that taught her the magic of bringing people together. When she's not masterfully coordinating our team and projects, you'll find her exploring art galleries, discovering new places, or diving into the stories behind everything she encounters. Katya's love for different cultures and creative expression makes her the perfect fit for supporting our diverse architectural projects, keeping our operations smooth and our team connected.

As the founder of Nellis Architecture, Lee brings more than just his Scottish roots and RIBA/RIAS credentials to Dubai's architectural landscape - he brings heart! Since 2010, he's been crafting not just buildings, but lasting relationships that extend far beyond the final blueprint. Lee's philosophy perfectly balances traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation, creating spaces that tell meaningful stories and touch lives. When he's not transforming architectural dreams into reality, you'll find him deeply engaged in his passion for football - watching, playing, or diving into the latest match analysis. What truly sets Lee apart is how he treasures the human side of architecture; there's nothing he loves more than being invited back years later to share a meal in a home he helped create, seeing how his designs have become part of families' stories.

Born in France and raised across Hong Kong, the US, and Dubai, Marine brings the global and cultural influences of her expat childhood, as well as an adaptive, open-minded approach to her work. Having inherited a strong work ethic and a love for artistic expression, Marine is passionate about creating unique spaces that incorporate the functional elements of everyday life while weaving art into every detail. Although sometimes a challenge, Marine brings a perfect mix of practicality and creativity when creating and curating spaces for her clients, the results of which she finds to be the most rewarding experience. Fuelled by working on spectacular projects that give the utmost creative freedom, Marine is inspired by the team around her and the supportive environment where creativity flourishes and ideas are celebrated.

Born in Szczecin, Poland, Margaret has always felt a deep connection to the outdoors, shaped by strong childhood memories of the countryside and the coast. Inspired by her grandfather, who was passionate about landscaping and agriculture, Margaret fused her love for drawing and design with agriculture, leading her towards a career in landscape architecture. With a natural creative streak, Margaret enjoys blending beauty with functionality, especially when contributing to meaningful projects where, at Nellis Architecture, her imagination knows no bounds.

With an eye that catches the poetry in architectural details, Shamel is constantly uncovering the stories behind every building he encounters - from grand construction methods down to the smallest design elements. Shamel's calm and focused nature, combined with an unwavering ambition, brings a grounding presence to our team. When not crafting purposeful spaces, you'll find him cycling through nature trails, capturing moments through his camera lens, or exploring new destinations - experiences that continuously inspire his architectural vision.

Driven by an innate curiosity about how spaces shape human experiences, Paul brings a photographer's eye and an architect's vision to every project he touches! His journey in architecture, enriched by studies in Lebanon and Barcelona, started with childhood sketches of buildings and evolved into a passionate pursuit of creating spaces that transform how people live and interact. When he's not crafting environments that enhance quality of life, you'll find him behind his camera lens, capturing subtle details that others might miss - a skill that beautifully influences his architectural perspective. Living in Dubai, Paul draws endless inspiration from the city's dynamic blend of cultures and innovation, channeling this energy into his detail-oriented approach to design.

Growing up surrounded by South Africa's breathtaking landscapes, Pieter developed an eye for natural beauty that still influences his work today. He's the kind of architect who never stops learning - always on the hunt for creative solutions and fresh perspectives that push the boundaries of design. Whether he's crafting iconic spaces or solving complex design challenges, he's always thinking about how to blend beautiful aesthetics with real-world comfort.

Looking for the perfect blend of creativity and precision in architecture? That's Quinton! A design-driven architect with a wonderfully methodical approach, he brings the same thoughtful balance to his work that he cultivates in life. When he's not crafting innovative spaces or collaborating with fellow creatives, you'll find him cycling outdoor trails, perfecting his golf swing, or cooking up something delicious - that is, if he's not busy having adventures with his two beautiful daughters! Quinton's unique ability to be both structured and intuitive shows in everything he does, whether he's cutting through complexity to find elegant solutions or sharing a joke to lighten the mood. His passion for creating meaningful spaces, combined with his curious nature and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, makes him exactly the kind of architect who can turn ambitious visions into beautifully functional realities.

With roots in Lisbon and architectural training in London, Raquel brings a world of possibilities to every project she touches! Her unique approach to architecture mirrors her approach to life - thoughtful and adventurous, always seeking that perfect balance between technical precision and creative expression. When she's not turning architectural ideas into art, you might find her chasing sunsets or exploring diverse landscapes, from urban beaches to snowy countryside retreats. Raquel's easy-going nature combined with her drive for growth makes her a natural collaborator, while her passion for helping others infuses her designs with genuine purpose.

From the cultural richness of Moscow to the dynamic energy of the Middle East, Sasha brings a wealth of cross-sector experience to her role as Executive Director at Nellis Architecture. Since moving to the region in 2008, she's built an impressive career spanning different industries, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to everything she touches. When she's not championing our team's growth or exploring the depths of human psychology, you'll find her embracing wellness through vegan cuisine and holistic living. Sasha's hunger for constant learning and her courage to question the status quo have shaped Nellis Architecture into more than just a business - it's become a place where technical excellence meets artistic soul, where profits take a backseat to purpose. Her favorite quote from Émile Zola, 'I came to live out loud,' perfectly captures how she approaches both life and leadership, creating an environment where architecture becomes a celebration of human potential and meaningful connections.

Meet Shaheen, whose calm demeanour and patient approach bring a special kind of zen to our architectural team. Born in India (and still a huge fan of its wonderfully spicy cuisine!), he brings a philosophy built on the foundation of hard work and dedication to everything he does. For Shaheen, architecture isn't just about buildings - it's about turning people's dreams into reality and creating spaces that truly mean something. When he's not helping clients bring their visions to life, you'll find him staying active with sports and fitness, which he credits for his refreshed mind and balanced approach to work.

With 15 years of shaping architectural landscapes across the Middle East and Central Asia, Shereign brings a wealth of expertise in architecture, interior design, and construction to every project she touches! Her journey has been one of constant evolution, fuelled by a passion for art, culture, and historical architecture that spans continents. When faced with challenges, Shereign doesn't just meet them - she embraces them with characteristic proactivity, turning obstacles into opportunities for innovation. Her philosophy that architecture means shaping your world shines through in her hands-on approach to design, while her commitment to continuous learning keeps her at the cutting edge of architectural solutions.

From the raw beauty of Siberia to the bold skyline of Dubai, Valentina brings a fascinating perspective to every architectural challenge she tackles. Her journey through engineering studies in Saint Petersburg laid the perfect foundation for her architectural career. When she's not creating spaces that make life more beautiful and functional, you'll find her unwinding with her latest knitting project, catching up on favorite series, or exploring new corners of the world. Valentina's unique ability to embrace challenges - a skill she credits to her Siberian roots - combined with her endless curiosity for learning and growth, makes her exactly the kind of architect who can turn ambitious visions into reality.

Viktoriia is a dynamic and dedicated Business Manager with a passion for architecture, design, and the natural world. Originally from Ukraine, Viktoriia brings both structure and soul to the team she supports. Known for her energy, humour, and people-first mindset, she takes pride in fostering a positive, high-performing workplace. Having always been amazed by the beauty and creativity in architecture, she is proud to be part of the Nellis Architecture team and is committed to contributing to its continued success and growth.