Notice Board

Architecture & Design NOW presents Brian Johnson, in conversation with Victoria Baster
6 pm MT | November 15, 2021
uLethbridge Online Presentation
Free admission, everyone welcome

Due to the time difference, a pre-recorded conversation will be presented in this session.

Biography
Brian Johnson is the Principal and Managing Partner of Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ).

He began his career in London in 1973 and in 1975 he moved to Dubai where he worked for a small firm for a few months before the principal announced that he was leaving Dubai resulting in him asking his old partner to join him in the establishment of a new practice in Dubai. Brian was Managing Partner of this practice until 1989 when he left to join the long-established UK practice: Godwin Austen Johnson.

Brian has maintained an almost constant presence in the Gulf region since 1975 and in 1991 he opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai.

With more than 40 years of regional experience to his name, Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture is undeniable. His body of work comprises some of the region’s most recognisable and prized buildings. Among them is the Dubai Creek Golf Club, widely recognised as one of Dubai’s first architectural icons – so much so that it features on the 20 dirham note. Recognised as one of the most distinguished architects in the region, Brian is credited with having set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Arabic and Islamic themes into modern architecture.

His distinctive style and uncompromising resolve for design excellence has made Brian and GAJ a preferred partner for many distinguished projects and has resulted in the firm winning an array of design awards.

About GAJ

Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) is one of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the UAE. Throughout its history, which spans more than 30 years, the company has created some of the region’s most iconic buildings and has helped define the architecture of the Emirates as we know it today.

An award-winning and multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, specialist lighting and MEP practice, GAJ has particular expertise in hotel and hospitality, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design.  Despite its years the company remains young and dynamic employing more than 140 employees from its Dubai headquarters with offices also in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the UK. The GAJ portfolio of work is extensive with a wide range of built and ongoing projects across the Middle East and North Africa.