The practice was founded by Samir Khairallah in 1960.
It was one of the early architectural practices in Lebanon which soon established a reputation for delivering distinctive designs where aesthetics, identity and function come together into a singular entity.
Following an expansion of its operation to London, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in 1975, SKP reconsolidated its presence in Lebanon in 1992 to play a pivotal role in the reconstruction of post-war Beirut as the city strove to reassert its identity as a regional hub for business, culture, education, healthcare and tourism.
Today, SKP is re-launching its presence in London and ready to reaffirm itself as an innovative design leader in tune with a fast-changing world.
In 1960 Samir Khairallah, a young graduate of the University of California at Berkley, founded the architectural practice that would evolve into SKP. As an educator and a practitioner, his innovative approach synthesized the spirit of organic architecture and the rationale behind European Modernism. With a focus on place and culture, his architecture paved the way towards a Regional Modernism.
The evidence of this philosophy is apparent throughout his early works from Nicely Hall, his first project at the American University of Beirut, to more prominent civic commissions such as the US Embassy Residence, which received the 1968 Burlington Award for the best US Embassy Residence.
As the practice gained recognition through an increasingly diverse and distinct portfolio, it began expanding its operation across Europe and the Middle East, moving its head office to London at the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. This in fact attracted recognition and international exposure to the practice.
The Guest State Palaces in Qatar built in 1976 were nominated for the prestigious Agha Khan Award for Architecture and 147A Cromwell Road, the headquarters of Almabani in London, was the recipient of the 1982-1983 Environmental Award Scheme.
Following the Lebanese Civil War, while local and international stakeholders were laying the foundations of a political and economic model of reconstruction to raise Beirut from the ruins, the practice reconsolidated its presence in its homeland and delved its efforts towards the rebuilding the country. As projects became more complex and larger in scale, the office evolved from an architectural based studio into a multidisciplinary practice known today as SKP (Samir Khairallah & Partners).
Over the years, the diverse list of clients has ranged from the Governments of the United States of America, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to prestigious institutions of high learning amongst them the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, the University of Balamand and the University of Damascus, as well as public and private institutions such as the Council for the Development and Reconstruction in Lebanon (CDR), the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District (Solidere), Byblos Bank, Bankmed, Kempinski Hotels and Majed al Futtaim Properties.
SKP has played a pivotal role in the modernization of Lebanon’s healthcare services through appointments by Saint George University Medical Centre, the Lebanese American University Medical Hospital (LAUMH) and the American University of Beirut Private Clinics.
The postwar initiative witnessed a series of enriching collaborations with architects of international repute including Rafael Moneo, Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects.
As the world enters an increasingly challenging decade, we strive to evolve and adapt to better serve the specific needs of our communities. We move enthusiastically towards new horizons, hoping to continue sharing with others our passion, our commitment and our dedication. We invite you to join us on this journey as we plant the seeds for a better tomorrow.
Algorithm Pharmaceutical Plant
First industrial building to win the LEED Gold Certification in Lebanon.
In 1960 Samir Khairallah, a young graduate of the University of California at Berkley, founded the architectural practice that would evolve into SKP. As an educator and a practitioner, his innovative approach synthesized the spirit of organic architecture and the rationale behind European Modernism. With a focus on place and culture, his architecture paved the way towards a Regional Modernism.
The evidence of this philosophy is apparent throughout his early works from Nicely Hall, his first project at the American University of Beirut, to more prominent civic commissions such as the US Embassy Residence, which received the 1968 Burlington Award for the best US Embassy Residence.
As the practice gained recognition through an increasingly diverse and distinct portfolio, it began expanding its operation across Europe and the Middle East, moving its head office to London at the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. This in fact attracted recognition and international exposure to the practice.
The Guest State Palaces in Qatar built in 1976 were nominated for the prestigious Agha Khan Award for Architecture and 147A Cromwell Road, the headquarters of Almabani in London, was the recipient of the 1982-1983 Environmental Award Scheme.
Following the Lebanese Civil War, while local and international stakeholders were laying the foundations of a political and economic model of reconstruction to raise Beirut from the ruins, the practice reconsolidated its presence in its homeland and delved its efforts towards the rebuilding the country.
As projects became more complex and larger in scale, the office evolved from an architectural based studio into a multidisciplinary practice known today as SKP (Samir Khairallah & Partners).
The postwar initiative witnessed a series of enriching collaborations with architects of international repute including Rafael Moneo, Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects.
Over the years, the diverse list of clients has ranged from the Governments of the United States of America, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to prestigious institutions of high learning amongst them the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, the University of Balamand and the University of Damascus, as well as public and private institutions such as the Council for the Development and Reconstruction in Lebanon (CDR), the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District (Solidere), Byblos Bank, Bankmed, Kempinski Hotels and Majed al Futtaim Properties.
The postwar initiative witnessed a series of enriching collaborations with architects of international repute including Rafael Moneo, Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects.
SKP has played a pivotal role in the modernization of Lebanon’s healthcare services through appointments by Saint George University Medical Centre, the Lebanese American University Medical Hospital (LAUMH) and the American University of Beirut Private Clinics.
As the world enters an increasingly challenging decade, we strive to evolve and adapt to better serve the specific needs of our communities. We move enthusiastically towards new horizons, hoping to continue sharing with others our passion, our commitment and our dedication. We invite you to join us on this journey as we plant the seeds for a better tomorrow.
Algorithm Pharmaceutical Plant
First industrial building to win the LEED Gold Certification in Lebanon.
