NEO Architecture

NEO Architecture was founded in 2020 by Jacky Tang and Yazeed Obeid who met in Dubai in 2017 while working at X-Architects. The design duo co-designed and led multiple projects together including the winning competition proposal for Creation Story Museum in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Prior to their work in Dubai, Jacky practiced at Sou Fujimoto Architects in Japan while Yazeed practiced at Sahel Al Hiyari Architects in Jordan. Together, they shared an affinity for building in unique and sensitive locations in far-flung corners of the world and designing for each place's specific geographic, climatic, and cultural nuances. Despite their cultural and background differences, NEO Architecture brought together their diverse architectural thinking and practical design experience between the Far East and the Middle East. The practice name ‘NEO’ borrows from the Greek word ‘neos’ meaning new, young, fresh, or recent. The name represents the philosophy, thinking and ambition behind setting up the practice. Both Jacky and Yazeed regard NEO Architecture as a platform to utilize their past experiences and explore new potentials and futures at the intersection of their vision, passion, skill, and knowledge. At the core of the studio´s practice is an analysis of the context surrounding projects, which scale from cultural venues and museums to architectural installations and objects. A goal of the work is to both contribute to its surroundings while remaining flexible to absorb shifting needs. We elevate collaborations between other architects, artists, economists, local governments, and more to enrich each project's impact and reach. Wherever we work, we strive to create the most site responsive and site-specific architecture possible, and our designs always seek to harness a profound and emotional connection to the natural landscape. We do not see buildings as isolated objects, rather we think of them as forming and feeling part of a much broader landscape.