Launch of a Female-Led Design, Engineering and Project Management Service in the GCC

Launch of a Female-Led Design, Engineering and Project Management Service in the GCC

Three Dubai-based experts in interior design and architecture, engineering and project management have just launched a new service that offers a one-stop shop solution to those seeking professional and customer-centric approach to Design and Build. Architect and Engineer Ankita Rao of Freeline Engineering, Project and Construction Manager Natasha Abbas of North 51 Consulting , and Interior Designer/Interior Architect Nikki Bisiker of Nikki Bisiker Interior Design, who speak nine languages between them, bringing  experience and diverse cultures to customers who value a range of talents accessible under one roof.

The new collaborative approach, between three independent firms, allows clients to dip into three specialist skillsets they require. This modern approach to consultancy is a refreshing way to pool many decades of talent yet retain independent thinking and provides a positive, trustworthy and unbiased framework for clients.

The women entrepreneurs will offer this consultancy in the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.  Their joint and expansive client base includes luxury hospitality operators, restaurants, luxury retail space, prime and super-prime residential, including both new builds and renovations.

Their first joint collaboration was on the complex yet exciting Cipriani Dolci restaurant at Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall. This project sets an exemplary first for the team and acts to showcase their individual areas of expertise combining seamlessly to deliver and exceed the owner’s expectations.

Natasha Abbas, of North 51 Consulting, said: “Our diverse technical skills and experience, both internationally and locally, puts us at the forefront of providing a unique service in a rapidly changing construction landscape.”

British Project Manager, Natasha, brings over 17 years’ experience in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Commercial Builds, Interior Fit -out and complex Contracts. Previously she worked at Jacobs, CBRE Asia Pacific, Arcadis, JLL Mena, Emaar and now leads North 51’s portfolio in the UAE.

Ankita Rao of Freeline Engineering Consultants said: “Having found a rare synergy amongst ourselves, our biggest USP is the ability to offer the convenience of being one unified technically strong solution that covers all aspects of design & construction.”

Dubai raised and American educated architect, Ankita is a second-generation entrepreneur in her award-winning family-owned consultancy of over 23 years. Their design and engineering portfolio boasts of over 1000 completed projects ranging from luxury villas, residential buildings, factories / warehouses, schools to commercial projects. Besides lending key design expertise to projects, they also undertake local authority approvals.Ankita started her career almost 15 years ago with FXCollaborative in their New York & Dubai offices before joining Freeline Engineering Consultants in 2008.

Multiple award-winning British Interior Designer Nikki Bisiker, Founder and Lead Creative Director of Nikki Bisiker Interior Design said: “The dynamics of creativity and productivity is what makes the team so strong. Each discipline brings a perspective that helps create a robustness and aesthetic to the plans and execution.”

Nikki’s ethos is not formula or ego driven. With 30 years in the design and hospitality industry, she deploys a wealth of strategic thought processes within a structural framework, and aims to make creative, yet functional style statements.  She has designed a wide range of interiors from royal palaces, luxury homes and yachts to hotels and restaurants.