Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Afeef Choorapulakkal

Afeef Choorapulakkal

Doha,Qatar

Summary

Permitting adExperienced Permitting Specialist and Architect with over 13 years of strong focus on regulatory compliance, supported by expertise in architectural design and multidisciplinary project coordination in the GCC. Currently leading permitting operations in Qatar’s largest sustainable city, Lusail, with a strong focus on ensuring rigorous compliance with local and national building codes, reporting directly to the Director of Development, Planning, and Permitting. Proven track record in reviewing complex architectural submissions, auditing documentation, streamlining permitting procedures, and aligning inter-agency coordination. Strong leadership in policy development, KPI monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Actively engaged with the Smart City team to identify critical data points, interdependencies, and functional requirements essential for transforming the Smart City vision into reality. Spearheading the AI transformation of the permitting process and GIS integration for executive dashboards. A PhD researcher in AI-augmented building regulations for sustainability compliance, with peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations. Committed to innovation and continuous improvement in permitting systems to support large-scale, visionary developments and poised to drive impactful results in the role of Manager-Permitting and Inspection.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Senior Architect (Devlpt, Planning & Permitting)

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company
Lusail, Qatar
12.2018 - Current
  • Coordinates permitting processes for developers; maintains updated procedures and flowcharts.
  • Helped reduce architectural design review cycle by 75% by updating review checklists and streamlining processes.
  • Reviews design packages for compliance with codes and permitting procedures.
  • Reduced need for in-person consultant visits by implementing a faster communication mechanism.
  • Developed framework agreements with permitting entities within Lusail's jurisdiction for enhancing review and approval turnaround time.
  • Collaborates with internal departments and master planning team; prepared regulations for new development outside the original masterplan.
  • Coordinates with regulatory authorities and internal departments like Infrastructure, City Operations, Investment, Finance, Risk Management, Asset Management and Community Management.
  • Developed mechanism to closely monitor permitting activities to ensure compliance with KPI and reported to Director.
  • Led process improvement workshops and coordinated department-level policy and procedures development.
  • Liaised effectively with Internal auditors to ensure smooth auditing processes.
  • Mentored new joiners and interns to educate them about key functions of department, importance of compliance and process of compliance checks.
  • Reported on compliance performance to senior management.
  • Reviewed as-built construction drawings and conducted site visits to validate compliance with approved designs.
  • Supported Construction Monitoring team in routine site inspection for recording development status and identifying violations.

Senior Architect & Project Coordinator

Qatar Design Consortium
Doha, Qatar
02.2013 - 10.2018
  • Consulted on large-scale urban development projects, leveraged expertise in city planning.
  • Handled multiple projects under tight schedules.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams for streamlined project execution.
  • Oversaw tendering process to select suitable contractors.
  • Conducted site inspections to ensure adherence to plans.
  • Mentored junior architects, fostered teamwork and collaboration.
  • Collaborated with clients for effective design solutions.
  • Ensured compliance with building regulations and safety codes, maintained professional standards.
  • Liaised with planning officials for smooth permit acquisition.
  • Prepared design documentation for tender and construction purposes.

Architect

Sukudass Architects
Cochin, India
09.2011 - 04.2012
  • Presented design proposals to clients for approval and modification requests.
  • Ensured compliance with local building regulations in planning and design.
  • Conducted thorough site surveys, informing the design process effectively.
  • Oversaw on-site construction, ensuring adherence to design plans.
  • Coordinated with consultants and contractors to streamline project timelines.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture

Qatar University
Doha, Qatar
08.2022 -

Master of Architecture - Urban Design

University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom
09.2012 - 08.2013

Bachelor of Architecture - Architecture

National Institute of Technology, Calicut
Kozhikode, India
08.2006 - 05.2011

Skills

  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Permit Review & Issuance
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Process Streamlining
  • Policy & Procedure Development
  • Government Liaison
  • Team Leadership & Training
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Risk Identification & Mitigation
  • Audit & Reporting
  • Code Interpretation (Municipal & Building Codes)
  • Environmental & Safety Compliance

Languages

English
Fluent
Arabic
Upper intermediate
Hindi
Advanced
Malayalam
Native

Affiliations

  • Volunteering
  • Reading
  • Jogging

Accomplishments

  • Consistently achieved the highest annual performance rating in the five consecutive years.
  • Risk Champion of the Department
  • Internal Audits Coordinator of the Department
  • Entrusted with preparing the Policies and Procedures for the Department
  • Assigned focal point for Smart City Initiative coordination.
  • Tasked to update the existing Architectural Design Guidelines based on the changing requirements.
  • Tasked with leading the modernization of the permitting landscape through technology integration.

Certification

  • GSAS-Certified Green Professional (Design and Build), from 2017
  • GSAS-Certified Green Professional (Construction Monitoring), from 2019
  • Registered Architect - Ministry of Municipality, Qatar (from 2016)
  • Registered Architect - Council of Architecture, India (From 2011)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Doctor of Philosophy - Architecture

Qatar University
08.2022 -

Senior Architect (Devlpt, Planning & Permitting)

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company
12.2018 - Current

Senior Architect & Project Coordinator

Qatar Design Consortium
02.2013 - 10.2018

Master of Architecture - Urban Design

University of Glasgow
09.2012 - 08.2013

Architect

Sukudass Architects
09.2011 - 04.2012

Bachelor of Architecture - Architecture

National Institute of Technology, Calicut
08.2006 - 05.2011

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Afeef Choorapulakkal