Lina Ghotmeh
A visionary architect
Lina Ghotmeh, of Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, is renowned for her award-winning, sustainable, and ecologically sensitive architectural designs.
Archaeology of the future
Through her internationally acclaimed practice, Lina Ghotmeh explores themes of rebirth, natural materials and traditional craftsmanship, seamlessly blending history with sustainability to shape a visionary and inclusive approach to architecture.
At the heart of her philosophy is what she calls the “archaeology of the future” – a design ethos that fosters a deep connection between architecture, history, nature and materials. Each project reflects this approach, creating built environments that are both contextually rooted and forward-thinking.
A unique perspective
Born in Lebanon, on her journey to becoming an architect, Ghotmeh was deeply influenced by her early studies. Initially aspiring to be an archaeologist, she pursued architecture at the American University of Beirut, graduating with distinction in 2003. She later obtained a Master’s degree from the École Spéciale d'Architecture in Paris, where she also served as an Associate Professor from 2008 to 2015.
With her background, Ghotmeh brings a unique, cross-cultural perspective to contemporary architectural challenges. Her practice spans a diverse range of projects—from small-scale objects to landmark cultural institutions – continuously pushing the boundaries of architecture.
Among her firm’s notable works are: the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum in London, the Stone Garden tower in Beirut, winner of the Dezeen Award for ‘Project of the Year’ (2021), which was exhibited at the Venice Biennale; MAXXI in Rome; and the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York. Other significant projects include the 22nd Serpentine Pavilion (2023) in London; Ateliers Hermès – France’s first low-carbon, energy-positive building; and the Estonian National Museum, recipient of the Grand Prix Afex 2016. Ghotmeh’s practice is also behind the upcoming renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum, the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum in Saudi Arabia, the Qatar National Pavilion in the Giardini in Venice and has recently completed the Bahrain Pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Ghotmeh’s work has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 Architecture and Design Award from the Great Arab Minds Initiative – regarded as the “Arab Nobel Prize” – bestowed by the United Arab Emirates; the 2020 Schelling Architecture Award honouring innovation in the field; and the French Architecture Académie’s Prix Dejean (2016).
Lina Ghotmeh became a Rolex Testimonee in 2025.