Our Approach
Shape employs a multi-disciplinary approach built upon three key pillars of service: research, sustainability, and technology. By committing to these tenets, we are able to meet the unique requirements of every project, fully understanding client goals and building a connection that stays strong throughout the design and construction process.
People
Emirati-owned and run, Shape brings an in-depth understanding of the local lifestyle, culture, and environment to every project we take on. At the same time, the diversity of our staff enables us to bring fresh perspectives to our work, capitalizing on international design experience and methodologies. Our team members come from all corners of the world, from here in the Middle East, to as far as Argentina and South Korea. We blend our strengths to deliver designs that have global relevance, while still fitting seamlessly into the fabric of their locales.
Research
The value of dedicated research is an integral part of the Shape philosophy. Our design process is informed by continuous research that delves into everything from mathematical formulas to experimentation with materials and parametric design. We leverage our research insights to attain results that push the boundaries of architecture and deliver optimized performance.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a top priority in every one of our projects. Combating climate pressures is not only a matter of environmental responsibility, but also of design performance. We employ a wide spectrum of solutions to enhance energy efficiency, carbon impacts, and indoor quality, creating buildings that can comfortably adapt to their environment. Our approach makes sustainability a fundamental part of our designs, not merely an afterthought.
Technology
We utilize today’s most advanced technologies to achieve new innovations in design. In addition to customized software and coding, we also deploy BIM design techniques to create data-driven models. Our BIM models empower our process, allowing us to find the most effective design choices for a range of performance parameters.
Services
Shape provides a full suite of services to meet all architectural needs, even for the most complex projects.
Architecture
Our team delivers premier architectural services that achieve the highest level of design. We combine artistic intuition with technical expertise to develop groundbreaking builds. Shape works with clients throughout the design process to gain an in-depth understanding of stakeholder goals, priorities, and vision, using the industry’s best tools to satisfy all three.
Engineering
Shape harnesses the power of engineering to achieve the most ambitious architectural goals. Our team fulfills all structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering needs to ensure top performance of every design. We perform structural design and value engineering audits to investigate all possible opportunities for improvement, as well as complete evaluations of sustainability and energy efficiency solutions.
Interior Design
Shape uses interior design services to ensure that the internal environments of our builds are as inspiring as the external. In addition to creating harmonious aesthetics, we also work to cultivate interiors that offer the functionality, ease, and atmosphere that can best meet occupant needs.
Building Information Management (BIM)
Our experts use BIM to develop data-filled models that not only optimize the design process, but also offer critical insights for ongoing building maintenance and management. We arm our projects with fully-realized representations of the design, down to every detail, generating actionable information about building performance and the lifespan of installations.
Cost Management & Quantity Surveying
We provide full clarity for project costs and logistics by employing the full spectrum of cost management services. In addition to general cost control and planning, we also perform pre- and post-contract quantity surveying, BOQs, and value engineering. Complete contract documentation is delivered to establish firm cost estimates and terms.
Post-Contract
The Shape team stays on with every project to guarantee that the design is built as envisioned. Our staff provide construction management and supervision services, as well as defects liability supervision to confirm successful corrections in the event of contractor error.
Consultants
To satisfy all service requirements for our clients, we leverage the expertise of a wide network of specialist consultants. Outsourcing via these established partnerships enables clients to rely on Shape as a single source for all project needs.
