WHO & WHY

Whether in the public or private sector, every project presents unique opportunities and challenges. Success depends on more than design excellence—it requires understanding context, aligning vision with objectives, managing complexity, and making informed strategic decisions. At SARD, we partner with our clients to navigate this journey, helping transform ideas into meaningful, resilient, and lasting outcomes.

Who we are


SARD Architects & Planners is an interdisciplinary architecture, urbanism, and strategic advisory practice founded by Raed Arnaout in 2012. SARD (سرد) is an Arabic word meaning narrative. The name reflects a belief that architecture and urbanism are not merely about creating buildings and spaces, but about shaping meaningful places that celebrate life, memory, culture, and human experience. Operating through a flexible expert-led model, SARD functions as a collaborative think tank and integrated advisory platform that brings together specialized expertise tailored to the nature, scale, and complexity of each project. The practice works with governments, public institutions, developers, private organizations, consulting firms, and clients across the Middle East and beyond, providing services in architecture, urbanism, strategic advisory, project management, program leadership, and city branding. 
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Why we exist


The planning, development, and delivery of architecture and urbanism projects have grown increasingly complex. Beyond functional requirements and technical considerations, projects today must respond to their tangible and intangible contexts, including diverse stakeholder interests, cultural identity, environmental conditions, economic objectives, regulatory frameworks, unique context, and place characteristics.
Whether in the public or private sector, successful projects require more than design expertise. They require the ability to understand context, align vision with objectives, manage complexity, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Drawing on the extensive experience of its founder, Raed Arnaout, who has worked with the public and private sectors in the MENA region, SARD was established to help clients navigate these challenges and achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.
We believe our role extends beyond project delivery. It includes supporting the professionals, institutions, and decision-makers entrusted with shaping the built environment and improving people’s lives.​