Meet the Design Principal — Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji
INJ Architects is not an office focused on high-volume competition, but rather an architectural platform that seeks meaning before form and idea before implementation. We do not design for everyone; we design for those who appreciate the difference between the designed space and the filled space. We believe architecture is not a recycled product, but an existential decision requiring awareness and real context. Therefore, we prioritize quality over quantity, only working on projects we deem ‘honest’.
A seasoned architectural consultant with extensive expertise in architecture and design since 2009, recognized for delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors including luxury, hospitality, and governmental projects.
| Field | Information | Field | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji | Nationality | Saudi |
| Profession | Architect and Visual Artist | City | Jeddah, Makkah Region |
| Office Address | Jameel Square Building, Office 109 | Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Practice | INJ Architects | Website | injarch.com |
| Languages | Arabic, English | — |
Follow Ibrahim Joharji
Ibrahim Joharji is more than an architect — he is a visual thinker, a design theorist, and a distinctive voice in contemporary architectural discourse. To connect with his ideas, works, and professional journey, explore his verified online profiles:
Theoretical and Artistic Contributions
Archigenetics
Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji is the originator of the Archigenetics theory — a novel architectural framework proposing that architecture is not only a cultural or functional product, but also a biological and personal extension of identity. The theory suggests that our aesthetic preferences and spatial choices are influenced by an inherited “design DNA” — a kind of genetic mirror that links faces, garments, and buildings across generations. Its core principle, “we build what we are”, positions human identity at the center of architectural production and opens new ground for research at the intersection of architecture, anthropology, and perception.
TOPOARTIC
As a visual artist, Joharji developed TOPOARTIC — an ongoing art initiative that transforms topographic contour lines into a visual and spatial language. Through erosion, absence, and layered geometry, TOPOARTIC operates between art and architecture, turning terrain data into poetic, three-dimensional compositions. The work has been presented internationally as a bridge between digital tools, landscape memory, and contemporary visual culture.
Employment History
| Institution | Duration | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Joharji Architects — Founder and CEO | June 2008 – Present | INJ Architects specializes in design, architecture, engineering studies, and project management. Its team includes 61 experienced engineers from around the world. The office operates two centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Makkah). |
| JRM Real Estate — Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors | January 2016 – July 2017 (1 year, 6 months) | A family enterprise specialized in gold, jewelry, and the sale of precious stones, established in 1988. |
| Rawae Al-Mazadat and Services Limited — Part-Time Consultant | February 2008 – October 2013 (5 years, 9 months) | A family enterprise specialized in gold, jewelry, and the sale of precious stones, established in 1988. |
| Joharji Hotels — Owner’s Representative | September 2007 – 2018 (11 years) | Representative of the owner and CEO of the Joharji group of hotels in Makkah. The hotel group was established in 2011 and serves pilgrims and Umrah visitors. |
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Architectural Engineering — Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah (2006).
- Diploma in Engineering Project Management — Project Management Institute (PMI) (2012).
- Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration — International Arbitration Organization.
Professional Training and Certifications
Architectural Design and Computational Technology
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Architectural Visualization (50 Hours) | ARTC Roma — Authorized Rhinoceros Training Center, Rome, Italy | 2012 |
| CTRL.SHIFT: Grasshopper and Processing Intensive Workshop (48 Hours) | Co-de-iT / 3D Dreaming — Vienna, Austria | 2013 |
| Responsive Skins: Parametric Design Workshop — Mashrabiya Reparametrized | d.NAT / Co-de-iT — Dubai, UAE | 2014 |
Sustainability and Green Building
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| LEED 201: Core Concepts and Strategies | U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) / Green Technologies FzCO | 2012 |
| LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Workshop (12 Hours) | Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) — Saudi Arabia | 2018 |
| Conquering the Energy Code for Architects and Engineers: Commercial | Urban Green Council — New York, USA | 2017 |
| Conquering the Energy Code for Architects and Engineers: Residential | Urban Green Council — New York, USA | 2018 |
| Passive House Towering in NYC | Building Energy Exchange (BEEx) — New York, USA | 2018 |
| Do No Harm: Achieving Net Zero Buildings | Building Energy Exchange (BEEx) — New York, USA | 2019 |
| INJ Architects — USGBC Organizational Member | U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) | 2021 |
Project Management
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management Training Diploma (100 Hours — 5 Specialized Courses including PMP Preparation, Primavera 6.0, and Microsoft Project) | Saudi Council of Engineers — Jeddah | 2012 |
| Saudi Building Code: Architectural Requirements and Standards (15 Hours, 4 Days) | National Center for Training and Quality / Saudi Council of Engineers | 2015 |
| Saudi Building Code: Architectural Requirements and Standards (12 Hours, 6 Days) | National Center for Training and Quality / Saudi Council of Engineers | 2015 |
| Mathematical Modeling Applications for Air Pollution (Workshop) | Saudi Council of Engineers — Gulf Engineering Forum 16 | 2013 |
Safety and Occupational Health
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems Seminar | National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — USA | 2014 |
| Administration Workplace Safety (25 Hours) | OSHAcademy / Al Thiqa Training Institute — Saudi Arabia | 2015 |
| 8-Hour Site Safety Manager Course | Big Apple Occupational Safety Inc. — New York, USA | 2017 |
| Safety Assessment Program (SAP) | AIA New York State / Applied Technology Council — New York, USA | 2017 |
Engineering Arbitration and Legal Expertise
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Workshop in Construction Arbitration | Saudi Council of Engineers — Jeddah | 2010 |
| Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects | Saudi Council of Engineers — Jeddah | 2013 |
| Real Estate Valuation According to International Standards | League of Arab States / Administrative Development Organization — Sharjah, UAE | 2014 |
| Wafi Program for Off-Plan Sales and Rent | Saudi Council of Engineers — Jeddah | 2015 |
| International Commercial Arbitration Diploma | Equity College — Special Arbitration Unit, London, England | 2018 |
| International Commercial Arbitration Diploma | International Arbitration Organization / Arab Economic Unity Council — Cairo, Egypt | 2018 |
| License to Practice International Commercial Arbitration | International Arbitration Chamber — General Bar Association, Egypt | 2018 |
| Registration in the Registry of Engineering Arbitrators and Experts — Category (A), No. 597 | Federation of Engineering Institutions of Islamic Countries — Cairo Regional Office | 2018 |
| Registration as Arbitrator and Expert — Arab Center for Arbitration | Arab Center for Arbitration / Engineering Expertise Center — Saudi Arabia | 2018 |
Professional Diplomas
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Quality Management System (60 Hours — Certificate No. AFA50371) | American Federation of Accreditation (AFA) — USA | 2020 |
| Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (60 Hours — Certificate No. AFA50372) | American Federation of Accreditation (AFA) — USA | 2020 |
| Diploma in Business Administration (60 Hours — Certificate No. AFA50373) | American Federation of Accreditation (AFA) — USA | 2020 |
Architectural Philosophy and Specialized Summits
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Harmony in Sound and Space: A Perennial Analogy | Institute of Classical Architecture and Art — New York, USA | 2019 |
| Healthscape Summit GCC — Healthcare Architecture | IDE Consulting Services — Dubai, UAE | 2016 |
Specialties and Professional Licenses
| Specialty | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| Architectural Consultant — License to Practice | Saudi Council of Engineers |
| Civil Defense Systems Inspector | National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — USA |
| Safety Specialist — Occupational Safety Practitioner | OSHAcademy — USA |
| Saudi Building Code Practitioner | Saudi Council of Engineers, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and National Center for Quality and Training |
| Engineering Arbitrator — Category (A) | Saudi Council of Engineers, Arab Center for Arbitration and Real Estate Appraisal, Federation of Engineering Institutions of Islamic Countries, and Arab Federation of Commercial Arbitration and Dispute Settlement |
| International Real Estate Evaluator | League of Arab States and Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| International Commercial Arbitrator | Arbitration Chamber of the Human Rights Committee — General Bar Association |
| Off-Plan Sale Wafi Program Qualification | Ministry of Housing — Wafi Program |
| LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) | U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) |
| Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Practitioner — Buildings Affected by Natural Disasters | Applied Technology Council — USA |
| Conquering the Energy Code for Architects and Engineers: Commercial | Urban Green Council / American Institute of Architects (AIA) |
Memberships
| Organization | Membership Details |
|---|---|
| Saudi Council of Engineers | Member No. 33222 |
| National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | Authorized Member |
| U.S. Green Building Council — LEED | Active Member |
| Urban Green Council | Active Member |
| Arab Federation of Arbitration Centers | Member No. 170 |
| Federation of Engineering Organizations in Islamic Countries | Expert Member — Category (A), No. 597 |
| Arab Center for Arbitration | Expert Member — Category (A), No. 597 |
| American Society of Arab Architects and Engineers | Active Member |
| Chicago Architecture Center | Member |
| Institute of Classical Architecture and Art | Member |
| American Institute of Architects (AIA) — New York Chapter | Active Member |
| Applied Technology Council | Active Member |
Areas of Interest
- Design: Architectural design, building systems, engineering techniques, value engineering, and building construction cost management.
- Planning: Urban planning, housing studies, feasibility studies, and real estate development.
- Development and Management: Project management and development plans for construction projects.
Experience Gained
Arbitration and Legal Expertise: Extensive experience in studying and applying the Saudi arbitration system, providing engineering consultations for arbitration cases, and contributing to studies in the civil defense and safety sector. Practical knowledge of the Ministry of Justice’s legal argument systems.
Procurement and Financial Systems: Proficient in SAP Arabia systems, including government procurement and contract management.
Advisory Roles:
- Contracted consultant with the Ministry of Interior for three years, providing strategic engineering and project management guidance.
- Consultant within the NEOM project, focusing on cutting-edge urban and regional developments.
Hajj and Umrah Expertise: Extensive experience in Hajj and Umrah operations and hotel management, with hands-on involvement since 2012.
Feasibility Studies: Proficient in conducting feasibility studies for real estate, engineering, hospitality, and small-to-medium-scale projects.
Food Security Workshops: Participated in specialized workshops addressing critical challenges in food security.
Competitions and Innovation: Founder and Director of the White Earth Competition 2021, aimed at proposing innovative housing solutions for sacred sites and pilgrimage needs.
Legal Background
Through leadership roles across multiple sectors, Ibrahim Nawaf Joharji has developed substantial legal expertise in managing complex engineering and commercial cases. The following represent key legal cases handled:
| Case Value (SAR) | Judgment | Role | Case Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| +100 Million | Judgment in favour of JRM clients | Plaintiff’s Attorney | 38116698 — Makkah General Court |
| +100 Million | Judgment in favour of Masterpieces Auctions Company for Commercial Services Ltd. | Plaintiff’s Attorney | 38116695 — Makkah General Court |
| +20 Million | Judgment against the defendant | Plaintiff’s Attorney | 36284669 — Makkah General Court |
International Architectural Awards
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| International Property Award for Architecture — Saudi Arabia | 2025 |
| Luxury Lifestyle Awards — Residential Architecture | 2025 |
| FITT Italy Research Center Design Competition — Architectural Prize and Honors | 2021 |
| Iceland Hotel Architecture Competition — Architectural Honor | 2021 |
| Detroit Tower Design Competition — Architectural Award and Honors | 2020 |
| Luxury Lifestyle Awards — Architecture | 2020 |
| Le Havre Port Design Competition — Art Pipe | 2024 |
Projects
| Project | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NEOM — Mountain Resort (Confidential) | Architectural Principal | Design consultation for a prestigious mountain resort within a world-renowned future city initiative. The project integrates cutting-edge architecture with environmental sustainability in a unique high-altitude setting. |
| Indonesian Consulate Building — Jeddah | Architectural Principal | Design and construction of the new Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Jeddah — a landmark diplomatic project commissioned by the Government of Indonesia and mandated by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). |
| N*** Bay — Coastal Development (Confidential) | Architectural Principal | Contract advisory and design management for an exclusive coastal project focusing on innovative waterfront design and sustainable luxury residential and mixed-use spaces. |
| AR-VR Architectural Modeling and Simulation — NEOM | Project Manager | Business modeling and architectural simulations for transformative projects within one of the largest global urban developments. |
| Ministry of Interior — Additional Buildings, Complexes and Workshops, Madinah | Project Manager | Design of administrative buildings, warehouses, and workshop complexes for the Ministry of Interior center in the Madinah region. |
| Sports and Hospitality Buildings Project (1) — Sharurah, Empty Quarter | Project Manager | Design and project management for the sports and hospitality complex in Sharurah. |
| Sports and Hospitality Buildings Project (2) — Sursaqam, Najran | Project Manager | Design and project management for the sports and hospitality complex in Sursaqam, Najran. |
| Command and Control Building — Border Guard Sector | Project Manager | Full design and project management for the Border Guard command and control facility. |
| Khafji Housing Development | Architectural Principal | Architectural design management and proposals for a quality residential housing project in Khafji. |
| Aquapower Visitor Centre — Shuaiba Station | Architectural Principal | Design management for the visitor center at Shuaiba Power and Desalination Plant. |
| Luxury Sea Chalet — Durrat Al Arous | Architectural Principal | Design management for a private luxury resort in Durrat Al Arous. |
| MFJ Mansions — Al-Marjan District, Jeddah | Project Manager | Full design and construction management for residential mansions in Al-Marjan District. |
| Ministry of Interior — Projects Sector Consultation | Adviser | Part-time consultation contract for the Ministry of Interior projects sector (4 months). |
| Helipad — Al Badiah Island, Jeddah | Project Manager | Design and supervision of a helipad for the Minister of Interior, northern sector, Jeddah. |
| 4-Star Hotel — Part-Time Consultation | Project Manager | Design and implementation works for a 4-star hotel. |
| Al Aziziyah Hotel — 5-Star | Project Manager | Full design works for a 5-star hotel in Al Aziziyah. |
| Jadwa Sedky Hotel and Jadwa Hotel Hebron | Architectural Consultant | Part-time contractor consultancy for the construction works of both hotel projects. |
| Tilal Al-Awali Complex | Project Manager | Architectural design and contractor supervision for the complex. |
| Al-Taqwa Al-Musafa Hotel — 3-Star | Project Manager | Design and implementation supervision for the hotel project. |
| Immigration Hotel | Project Manager | Architectural design and feasibility studies. |
| Towers of the House — King Abdul Aziz Endowment Trade Center | Project Manager | Director of Execution and Marketing Departments for Towers 2, 4, and 5 of the Trade Center. |
| Rehabilitation Center for People with Special Needs — Abdul Latif Jameel Hospital | Project Designer | Competition entry to rehabilitate a 160-bed facility in Al-Laith. |
| Diyar Al-Aseelah Development Study — Makkah | Project Designer | Study for developing and investing a 37,000 sqm area in Makkah. |
| Al Saud Plaza | Project Consultant | Preparation of studies and implementation plans. |
| Umm Al-Qura Hospital — 300 Beds, Makkah | Project Consultant | Local consultant for the construction of a 300-bed hospital in Makkah under the Crown Prince’s scheme. |
| Gold Club Project — Makkah | Project Consultant | Design consultancy for the Gold Club facility. |
| Association for Children with Disabilities — Makkah | Local Consultant | Design and licensing consultancy and owner’s representative at the municipality. |
| Al-Rawda Hotel (426 Rooms) and Al-Tayseer Hotel (278 Rooms) | Part-Time Advisor | Owner and safety consultant for both hotel properties. |
| Al Wejdan Hotel | Project Consultant | Construction consultancy. |
| Al Hijla Hotel | Consultant | Studies, design, and economic feasibility for a hotel in the Al-Hijla central area. |
| Al Awali Boulevard | Project Designer | Project design consultancy. |
| Marquez Avenue | Project Designer | Project design consultancy. |
| Batha Quraish — Al Hamad Avenue, Bait Bin Saidan Company | Consultant | Design and implementation consultancy. |
| Private Palace — Makkah Al Awali | Project Manager | Full design and implementation of a private residential palace. |
| Ghiras Al-Madina | Architectural Principal | Full design and implementation. |
| Al Azizia Commercial Stores | Design and Implementation | Design and implementation of a commercial retail project. |
| Villa TOB — Design and Construction | Design and Implementation | Full design and implementation of a private residential villa. |
| MBAK Villa — Design and Construction | Design and Implementation | Full design and implementation of a private residential villa. |
| Al Basateen Villa AMA — Dr. Ahmed Arfaj | Design and Implementation | Full design and implementation of a private residential villa. |
| Mohammedia Villas — Ru’a Nassif | Project Manager | Full design and implementation works. |
| Al-Bawadi Residential Building Renovation | Design and Implementation | Design and implementation of a private residential renovation project. |
| Al Murjan Residential Villa Renovation — Rawabi Al Dahas | Project Manager | Supervision of a private residential restoration project. |
| Villa 200 Obhur — Design and Construction | Design and Implementation | Full design and implementation of a private residential villa. |
Research Studies
| Title | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability in the Reuse of Conditioning Water in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | A study focusing on reusing distilled water from air conditioning systems in Saudi Arabia for irrigation, promoting sustainability and reducing water consumption. | Read Study |
| Development of the Tawaf Movement in the Holy Mosque | A paper proposing an improvement in the Tawaf movement in the Holy Mosque to increase efficiency and flow by 2%, facilitating rituals for pilgrims. | Read Study |
| Sustainability in Rock Cutting in Saudi Arabia | Research presenting innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions in rock cutting by adopting alternatives to blasting and outdated mechanical tools. | Read Study |
| Emergency Housing Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons from Slums | A study offering temporary vertical and horizontal housing solutions for internally displaced persons from informal settlements. | — |
| Jeddah Al-Balad Heritage Vision | A study proposing strategies to preserve the architectural heritage of Jeddah Al-Balad while incorporating sustainable and modern development methods. | Read Study |
| Luxury Architecture and Its Impact on Quality and Length of Life | A study analyzing the impact of luxury architecture on physical and mental well-being, and its role in enhancing quality of life and longevity. | Read Study |
| Last Meal — Designing Cities for the Delivery Era | Published on Archinect, this research examines how the rise of delivery platforms, motorbikes, and logistics networks is reshaping urban life, façades, and the everyday choreography of cities — framing delivery not as a side effect, but as a design driver. | Read Study |
| Tourbanity | A concept combining tourism, urbanization, and sustainability — presenting strategies to integrate entertainment with economic and social sustainability. | Read Study |
Media Coverage
Real Estate Media References
A curated selection of real estate-focused media coverage shedding light on housing needs, urban expansion, and investment dynamics in Makkah and Saudi Arabia:
Last updated: 10 February 2026