Qamar Najdawi, Senior Architect
Ever wonder what a day looks like for a Senior Architect at XBD? Let me take you through it. My role is an exciting mix of designing luxurious villas for clients, bouncing between project meetings, site visits, and keeping up with the latest architectural trends. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of design.
Since joining XBD a year ago, I’ve had the pleasure of overseeing multiple projects, usually working on two to three villas in the concept stage. This is where the magic happens—when ideas start to take shape on paper (and screen), and I get to create spaces that blend form and function. At the same time, I’m guiding another three or more projects through various phases of development, making sure everything stays on track right up until these villas become dream homes.
Client meetings are a big part of my role. These sessions are all about listening to our clients’ visions and understanding their lifestyles, tastes, and needs.
I bring along concept drawings, mood boards, 3D renders, and virtual tours which help bring our ideas to life. It’s exciting to see their reactions as they visualize their future homes. The best part is hearing their feedback and refining the designs to make sure every detail resonates with their style. Building that connection with clients is incredibly rewarding—it’s about creating something that not only looks beautiful but reflects and enhances their lifestyle.
Site visits are another essential aspect of my day-to-day. There’s something special about seeing a project transition from concept to construction. I walk through the site, checking on the progress and ensuring everything aligns with our designs. It’s also a chance to solve any challenges that come up on-site, which is where my experience really comes into play. I work closely with contractors, making sure all details are spot-on and any adjustments stay true to the original vision.
I always leave a site visit with a sense of satisfaction, knowing we’re one step closer to bringing a new home to life.
Presentations are a major part of my role in XBD Collective. Whether it’s showcasing a design to clients, getting feedback from management, or updating our internal team, these sessions are where I get to share the bigger picture. I present floor plans, material boards, and design concepts, explaining how each element contributes to the overall vision. It’s collaborative, and I love hearing ideas from the team—Ferran, Abhay, Tareq, Neethu, and I all work together to make our projects exceptional.
It’s not just about the in-house team. I work closely with a network of contractors, suppliers, and even the clients themselves, who sometimes bring incredible insights that inspire us to take the design in new directions. The construction teams and suppliers also contribute their knowledge of the latest materials and trends, keeping our designs both innovative and practical.
At XBD, it’s all about collaboration, and I thrive on the energy of working with such talented people. Every day, I’m reminded why I love this job: it’s a mix of artistry, problem-solving, and teamwork. We’re not just designing buildings; we’re creating homes that are as unique as the people who live in them. It’s a journey from concept to completion, and I’m grateful to be part of every step.
