3rd Dimension Architects

In the early 1990s, two young architects, May and Mohamed Chebaro, stood at a crossroads in their lives. Fresh out of the American University of Beirut, they were filled with hope and determination, eager to contribute to rebuilding their home country, Lebanon, which had just emerged from the shadows of civil war. They dreamed of creating spaces that would not only reflect beauty and functionality but also bring people comfort and joy. By the end of 1992, while balancing teaching roles at their alma mater, they took a leap of faith and founded 3rd DIMENSION Architects. Their first project was modest—a residential building in the suburbs of Beirut—but it was significant, marking the beginning of their journey. As Lebanon began its slow recovery, their firm became a small but determined part of the nation’s reconstruction efforts. Early on, May and Mohamed recognized the potential of technology. They were among the first to adopt computer-aided design (CAD) software, giving their small team a powerful tool to craft precise and innovative designs. Over time, they continued to invest in technology, eventually integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of architecture. But the journey was far from easy. The Lebanese economy faced setbacks, and like many others, the firm was impacted. Undeterred, May and Mohamed adapted by diversifying their offerings—adding real estate appraisal and consultancy services. These efforts helped keep the firm afloat during difficult times, ensuring they could continue their work. A breakthrough came in when 3rd DIMENSION Architects designed and supervised the construction of a grand private residence in Chemlane, a beautiful village east of Beirut. This project became a milestone, cementing their reputation as a firm capable of creating remarkable spaces.