Meet the Founders

Nikola Nikolic and Joaquim Cano are the co-founders of KALQ Studio, a Dubai based Landscape design practice dedicated to creating public spaces that celebrate heritage and culture.

What makes a brilliant landscape architect?

Nikola: A brilliant landscape architect must be versatile and comfortable wearing many hats and getting their “hands dirty”. This includes everything from presenting ideas to clients and stakeholders to developing designs and sketches, site visits and overseeing construction.

Another essential trait for a landscape architect is the ability to approach each project with a fresh perspective rather than relying on a cookie-cutter approach. Every project is different and requires a unique set of skills and tools to succeed. And finally, a brilliant landscape architect is committed to constant learning and development. Staying up to date with the latest techniques and technologies in the field and seeking new ideas and approaches. It also means learning from every project and every client and finding creative solutions to bring everyone’s vision into reality.

What did your background in landscape construction benefit you when starting out as an LA?

Joaquim: We had a chance to work on significant cultural and heritage projects in the region that allowed us to gain a deep understanding, as well as the importance of context and site-specific design. We appreciate the value of creating landscapes that are in harmony with their surroundings and that celebrate a place’s unique history and culture.

Some of these projects were international competitions that allowed us to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of what was possible in landscape architecture. Our background taught us the importance of understanding the past to build for the future. By recognizing a site’s historical and cultural context and incorporating that knowledge into the design process, we were able to create beautiful, functional but also meaningful, and authentic landscapes. This approach has been essential in our work as landscape architects and has helped us create more inspiring and sustainable spaces.

What do you love most about the UAE landscape industry?

Nikola: People in the UAE strongly appreciate welldesigned places and are always looking for something new and fresh. That pushes us as designers to constantly find new ways to improve our work and design skills. This passion for great design makes working in the UAE landscape industry extremely exciting and rewarding. At the same time, there is a need for public open space in the UAE, and we can see that being changed in recent years with some new, very successful projects being completed. This presents an opportunity for landscape architects to play a vital role in shaping the future of the UAE’s urban environments. The UAE has always been a step ahead regarding cutting-edge design and development, and we are excited to see what the future holds for the landscape industry in the region. We are proud to be part of its journey.

Beyond the differences in climate and typographies, what do you consider the main differences between working in different countries within the GCC?

Joaquim: The GCC region consistently maintains a forward-thinking perspective. Many initiatives and proposals from private and public entities position this region as an ideal location to identify opportunities for personal and corporate growth. In recent years, we have observed a shift in the market, with clients demonstrating greater receptiveness to unconventional, innovative proposals previously untested in the region. Our team’s diverse backgrounds allow us to introduce proposals that have been successfully implemented internationally, adapting them to meet the region’s demands.