Yehia Madkour
Born and raised in the dense, historical city of Cairo, Egypt, Yehia’s fascination with architecture and its impact on people’s lives propelled him toward a lifelong career in design. Now, after more than 20 years studying, designing, and delivering projects out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Yehia—who’s also a Canadian citizen—brings that experience back to his roots as our Middle East Director.
Yehia blends his love for the region with a passion for digital innovation, bringing advanced design solutions to clients who aspire to make a positive impact on their cities and communities. Having co-led our global research practice for three years and having served for seven years as Director of Innovation in our Vancouver studio, Yehia believes designers must find new approaches to city-building in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Motivated by tech humanism, Yehia champions the exploration of AI in the design process; robotic solutions for construction; and smart sensor technology to enhance the livability of our cities.
In addition to leading the design of significant projects—including the world’s largest public transportation system, the Riyadh Bus Rapid Transit and Metro, which opened in 2024—Yehia works to connect clients across the Middle East with Perkins&Will’s vast network of talent worldwide, and to ensure the successful delivery of projects in the region.
