Amman, Jordan – 3 May 2025
Newcastle University Business School has this year awarded its 2025 Responsible Impact Scholarship, granted annually to a single global candidate, to Saif Smeirat, an architect and operations leader based in Amman, Jordan
The scholarship recognises individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership in responsible innovation and community impact. Candidates are selected through a competitive international process, assessed on the basis of their societal contributions, long-term vision, and ability to create systems-level change in their professional domains.
Saif currently serves as Project Architect and Head of Operations at Smeirat Architects, a Jordanian design firm established over 30 years ago. Since assuming leadership responsibilities, he has led the firm’s digital transformation,introducing Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence, and systemised workflows to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve design quality.
Beyond the architectural domain, Saif has also co-founded AECedx, an educational platform designed to make architectural knowledge more accessible across the MENA region. His initiatives have reached thousands of students and practitioners through both digital education and in-person training, particularly in underserved areas.
In his scholarship statement, Saif remarked:
“I do not wait for systems to work in my favour. I build them, test them, and refine them until they serve their purpose. That is the essence of meaningful progress.”
Reflecting on the award, he added:
“Newcastle scholarship is not simply financial support; it is an investment in a broader vision. A vision to develop practical, system-level solutions that can be implemented across ministries, academic institutions, and professional practice.”
The Responsible Impact Scholarship will support Saif’s continuing development as a regional leader in sustainable architecture, digital innovation, and policy-oriented design systems. His upcoming research and entrepreneurial work will focus on applying artificial intelligence in client-focused design, institutional knowledge systems, and city-level transformation initiatives.
Newcastle University Business School’s MBA programme is recognised globally for its focus on ethical leadership, responsible enterprise, and real-world impact. Saif Smeirat’s selection for this highly competitive award affirms both his individual merit and the School’s commitment to cultivating leaders capable of making meaningful contributions on a global scale.
Arabic Version of this article “المعماري الأردني سيف سميرات يحظى بمنحة نيوكاسل العالمية كقائد مسؤول – من بين مرشحين من حول العالم”
