In this episode of the Sustainability Lounge by EmiratesGBC, hosted by Abdullatif Albitawi, CEO of the council, EmiratesGBC invited a very special guest to tell us about how green buildings are resilient to extreme weather events and accessible to occupants. Mr. Sanjeev Coelho, Founding and Board Member of EmiratesGBC, brings more than 34 years of a wealth of expertise in architecture, design management, sustainability, interior design, landscape architecture, and project leadership. As a Senior Associate at HOK, he has helped shape some of the Middle East’s most significant developments through a thoughtful balance of design excellence, technical precision, and practical execution.

Since joining HOK in Dubai in 2001, Sanjeev has played a leading role in delivering complex, large-scale projects, including Dubai Marina Phase 1, ADNOC Headquarters, Msheireb Downtown Doha – Phase 4, and the Delta by Marriott hotel in Jeddah.

A key message of the episode is that a building is not truly sustainable if it is only durable; it must also be resilient. The episode emphasizes that resilient buildings are designed to withstand and quickly recover from extreme weather events such as heatwaves, dust storms, flooding, and rising sea levels, minimizing disruption, protecting occupants, and reducing long-term costs.

With more than 34 years of experience, Sanjeev Coelho brings a wealth of expertise in architecture, design management, sustainability, interior design, landscape architecture, and project leadership. As a Senior Associate at HOK, he has helped shape some of the Middle East’s most significant developments through a thoughtful balance of design excellence, technical precision, and practical execution.

Since joining HOK in Dubai in 2001, Sanjeev has played a leading role in delivering complex, large-scale projects, including Dubai Marina Phase 1, ADNOC Headquarters, Msheireb Downtown Doha – Phase 4, and the Delta by Marriott hotel in Jeddah.

A trusted client advisor, known for his collaborative leadership and solutions-driven mindset, Sanjeev brings together multidisciplinary teams to transform ambitious design visions into successful built environments. Sanjeev has in-depth regional experience in coordinating with government authorities, contractors, and specialist consultants. His ability to integrate sustainability, innovation, functionality, and commercial awareness ensures that every project responds meaningfully to its context while delivering enduring value for clients and users alike.