Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge competition 1st Prize winners - Anthony Barakat and Rita Alsemaani

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our "Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge" competition – Anthony Barakat and Rita Alsemaani from Lebanon!

Rita Alsemaani and Anthony Barakat

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Atelié Albert Barakat is a model-making company founded in 1995 by the late interior architect Albert Barakat in Lebanon. Over the years, the atelier has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality architectural models for projects of varying scales, serving architects, developers, and designers across the region. Today, Atelié Albert Barakat operates with a dedicated team of five employees, led by two head architects — Anthony Barakat and Rita Semaani — who bring their combined expertise in architecture, design, and technical detailing to every project. While model making remains the core service, the atelier is expanding its offerings to include architectural presentation and design services, helping clients communicate their design visions through both physical models and visual presentations.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Atelié Albert Barakat has worked on a wide range of architectural models across Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, and USA, covering residential, commercial, and large-scale projects. Notable works include the UOB Campus and Fields of Gold in Lebanon, Al Bayt Stadium and Marina 22 in Qatar, and Tahlia Offices in Saudi Arabia. Our models, showcased on our website, range from detailed building models to large masterplans, helping clients visualize their projects with precision and creativity.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

To us, architecture is the art of shaping spaces that influence how we live, work, and connect with our surroundings. In Lebanon, architecture plays an even deeper role, it reflects our rich history, diverse culture, and resilience. Architects here have the responsibility to design spaces that respect our heritage while addressing the needs of modern life. In a society facing constant change, architects in Lebanon help shape a more functional, inclusive, and inspiring built environment for future generations.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions because they offer a rare opportunity to break away from the constraints of daily projects and routines, encouraging us to think more creatively and approach design with fresh eyes. As architects, it’s essential to embrace change, to question familiar processes, experiment with new ideas, and challenge ourselves to solve problems in innovative ways. Competitions provide this creative freedom, allowing us to tackle unique design briefs that push us to grow both individually and as a team. They also expose us to new architectural challenges, different cultural and environmental contexts, and evolving design trends from around the world. Beyond the design process itself, competitions are a valuable way to connect with other architects, designers, and creative minds, expanding our professional network and introducing our work to a broader audience. Ultimately, they help us stay inspired, adaptable, and engaged with the ever-changing nature of architecture.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

My advice to anyone unsure about participating in architecture competitions is to see them as a valuable opportunity for growth, not just a contest to win. Competitions push you to think creatively, step out of your comfort zone, and approach design problems in ways that traditional projects might not allow. They teach you to work with tight deadlines, think critically, and present your ideas clearly, all skills that are essential in practice. Even if you don’t win, you gain valuable experience, build your portfolio, and often discover new interests or strengths along the way. Most importantly, competitions connect you to a wider community of architects and designers, exposing you to new ideas, approaches, and collaborations that can help shape your career. Every competition is a learning experience, and the process itself is often more rewarding than the result.