Sheppard Robson, a leading architecture and design practice, is celebrating a significant win in the Middle East and the opening of its first office in the region at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

The practice will design Siemens’ headquarters, a flagship building in the first phase of the Masdar City development. The project is due to start on site in August 2011 with completion in December 2012.

Sheppard Robson is one of the UK’s largest architecture and design practices, employing 250 people across offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Abu Dhabi.

Sheppard Robson’s decision to open its new office at Masdar City reflects the commitment to sustainability which underpins each of its projects.

The practice designed the UK’s first zero carbon, Level 6 home and will shortly publish the results of innovative research into sustainable design in the Middle Eastern context.

Malcolm McGowan, managing partner of Sheppard Robson, said: “Winning such a significant project that will showcase our expertise in the Middle East has been the ideal launch for our new office. We are actively pursuing opportunities throughout the region and expect to announce another major win in the coming weeks”. - Trade Arabia News Service