UK IN BAHRAIN Nicholas Bonaventure, CEO of international architecture firm nicholas, shares how his Bahrain-based practice blends design excellence with regional understanding to shape environments that bring maximum success. After three decades in the field, Mr. Bonaventure believes that architecture is a continual process of shaping environments that reflect who we are as a society and where we aspire to be. With numerous senior regional roles under his belt and a decade running his own practice, he founded nicholas in Bahrain, where the firm has become a regional hub for innovative, peoplefocused design. “I’ve always seen architecture as a way of making things better – for people and for the planet,” says Mr. Bonaventure. His design philosophy is deeply rooted in social and environmental responsibility, which is why regenerative design, not just sustainability, is a core tenet of nicholas. “Regenerative design moves beyond zero waste or zero energy. It’s about creating positive outcomes – making the natural, social, economic and built environments better through our work.” Having first arrived in Bahrain in 2005 as Head of Architecture and Design Director for Atkins to lead major developments such as Durrat Al Bahrain and the Bahrain World Trade Centre, Mr. Bonaventure returned to open nicholas’ Bahrain office in 2023. “Bahrain is a fantastic place to live and work, with incredible people,” he says. “There’s no need to look outside the country for world-class design solutions. The answer is here.” Despite its local roots, nicholas operates with a global mindset. “We don’t follow trends – we aim to be ahead of them,” he explains. “We are the ones setting the standards.” The practice advocates for progressive urban planning strategies such as the 15-minute city, where essential services and opportunities are accessible within a short walk. “We’re designing precincts where life naturally happens,” says Mr. Bonaventure, “with realistic walkability key to our approach.” Adaptability is another hallmark of nicholas, which works across education, healthcare, hospitality and residential sectors. Mr. Bonaventure stresses the importance of understanding sector-specific needs: “We apply universal principles but tailor our solutions by understanding our clients’ business cases and the specific levers that drive each project.” In a region where climate plays a critical role in design, nicholas takes cues from tradition while applying modern strategies. “We know it’s possible to lower the outdoor temperature by up to seven degrees through shade, landscaping and evaporative cooling. Traditional forms like courtyards and colonnades already do this – so we learn from them, then improve on them using technology.” The firm is also forward-thinking when it comes to tools. “We work entirely in 3D using intelligent BIM,” says Mr. Bonaventure. “But we don’t use AI to design – architecture must reflect human spirit, and AI cannot replicate nuance or individuality.” Looking to the future, Mr. Bonaventure envisions Bahrain as a regional design leader. “We want to help position Bahrain as a centre for design excellence and expand our presence in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf,” he says. “Our goal is to deliver moment-defining projects that act as catalysts for positive change.” www.nicholas.design @nicholas_architecture @nicholasdesign - Nicholas Bonaventure Design with Purpose bahrainthismonth.com | MAY 2025 25
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