Architecture Competition Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin 1st prize winners – Rabie Al-Ashi and Omar Othman

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our “Tiny Kiwi Meditation Cabin” competition – Rabie Al-Ashi and Omar Othman from Saudi Arabia!

1st prize winners from Saudi Arabia

We are two ambitious architects who share the passion and enthusiasm for architecture and strive to create an inspiring timeless architectural experience.



Omar Othman is currently a full-time practicing architectural designer at HAK, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. Omar holds a bachelor's degree in Architectural Design from Petra University of Jordan. He has worked with multiple architectural offices in his region, in addition to working as a freelance architect, taking on different architectural and interior design projects.

Rabie Alashi is currently a full-time practicing architectural designer at HAK, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. Rabie holds a bachelor's degree in Architectural Design from Petra University of Jordan. During his journey of studying architecture, Rabie managed to learn about architecture through theoretical and practical practices, which together helped to shape his perception of architecture and its relation to its surroundings.




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?

Working with different countries in our region has exposed us to a variety of residential, hospitality, small-scale architecture, and commercial projects. In addition, working with HAK’s team has exposed us to a greater range of projects, from cultural and conceptual to urban planning development.

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

Architecture is the physical expression of space, carefully embodying context, culture, and history to create memorable spaces. We also believe that architecture is the art of transforming a space into a place.

As architects in our society, we believe that architecture is the act of social conscience, and as architects, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a safe, secure, habitable, and affordable yet appealing environment.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are an opportunity to challenge yourself, think outside of the box, and let your imagination soar. Through participating in such competitions, we explore and learn about different new countries and their unique cultures, as well as broaden our network as architects by connecting with new architects from different parts of the world. In addition to learning about new architectural languages and seeing how other architects think about the same project, this adds to our experience as architects.

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

Participating in competitions is a worthwhile experience regardless of the outcome – competitions offer the chance of self-development, as well as exercising your creativity. Also, it is a chance to add projects to your portfolio, as competitions give you the freedom to show off your talents and skills that you have not been able to show within your practice.