Farid El Rayes spent years as an engineer, working with T-squares, drawing precise lines, and analyzing black-and-white blueprints. It was a world of structure, accuracy, and constraint.
His art, in many ways, was the opposite. In his paintings, straight lines are rare and black tones almost nonexistent. He embraced color, fluidity, and freedom—breaking away from the rigidity of engineering.
Yet the two disciplines did intersect. In works featuring geometric patterns or optical illusions, Farid’s engineering background subtly emerges. These pieces reflect a natural blend of structure and creativity, showing how even in his most expressive moments, the logic of engineering found a quiet place in his art.
Find below collection of selected engineering projects in Lebanon and the Arab world.
Hadath Chruch
Beirut, Lebanon
Ministry of Pilgrimage and Awkaf
Riyad, Saudi Arabia, KSA
EMCO’s legacy dates back to the early 1930s when its founder, Mr. Nagib El Rayes, led major construction projects across Lebanon and Palestine. Between 1930 and 1937, he completed a range of road and building works. Later, he established a major contracting operation in Africa, which he managed until his return to Lebanon in 1961—the year EMCO was officially founded.
From the outset, EMCO built a reputation for technical excellence and innovation. Its leadership team combined broad experience with deep specialization in key construction fields. In 1961, EMCO was among the first in the region to introduce prestressed, reinforced, and precast concrete, completing several landmark projects that were considered cutting-edge at the time. These techniques proved highly effective for complex and specialized structures.
Over the decades, EMCO has delivered a wide range of projects, including government and administrative buildings, housing developments, universities, hospitals, hotels, industrial sites, airports, roads, bridges, and private residences. To support its growth and ensure high-quality execution, EMCO established dedicated divisions for electrical, mechanical, and other specialized works.
As the company expanded into Saudi Arabia—one of the largest construction markets in the Arab world—it co-founded EMCO Binladen Bros for Buildings and Contracting. In Saudi Arabia, EMCO earned recognition for delivering high-profile government projects with full satisfaction from local authorities.
In addition to its construction operations, EMCO has been involved in the establishment and management of several real estate development companies across Lebanon and Western Europe. With a proven track record, strong technical teams, and a commitment to timely delivery, EMCO continues to be recognized as a trusted partner for complex and large-scale projects across the region.
