International architecture firm RMJM has announced plans to open offices in the emerging markets of Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey within the next two months.

RMJM, which has an existing network of 15 offices throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the US, has been restructuring its business in recent months by creating global architecture studios, said a top company official.

'The company is eyeing opportunities in the growth areas of healthcare, education and transport infrastructure which are subject to massive government investment,' said RMJM chief executive, Peter Morrison.

The company also aims to strengthen its presence in Abu Dhabi and explore opportunities in North Africa, he added.

RMJM has also been making some key appointments around the business, including the appointment of Dr Vladimir Kvint, a high profile international economist and strategist as chairman of the company’s Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) division.

Although the new offices in Instanbul in Turkey, Doha in Qatar and Manama in Bahrain will initially employ only two or three staff in each location who will focus on pursuing business development opportunities, such geographical expansion is against the current trend in the architectural industry, he stated.

'We have got to tackle the recession head on - this involves restructuring our business to make it fit for purpose and capitalising on government spending programmes.'

'Importantly, however, we have to also plan for our long term growth and the best opportunities currently lie in emerging and developing markets,' Morrison remarked.

'We are making good headway in developing existing and new relationships in Turkey, Qatar and Bahrain and it is important that we show our commitment in each of these locations by setting up permanent offices,' he added.

RMJM is boosting its presence in the UAE capital, where the firm has relocated Nick Haston from its UK headquarters as director of Global Emerging Markets, where he will be better placed to capitalise on opportunities in the Middle East.

The company has also made a new appointment in the form of Gary Wright as director of Emerging Markets in North Africa.

Both Haston and Wright are former commanders in the British Army who led large military operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, and have a global network of contacts and an in depth understanding of international relations, Morrisson observed.

The company plans to expand each office with new contract wins thus relocating relevant experts from elsewhere in the RMJM group and employing staff locally.-TradeArabia News Service