L ooking ahead, Bruno is steering a dual path: strengthening BG Group’s regional presence while refocusing on design innovation as Design Director of Studio Bruno Guélaff. Landmark initiatives include a slender “pencil tower” on Sheikh Zayed Road and a new residential concept on Dubai Islands, both pushing boundaries of scale and lifestyle. Innovation drives this next phase, with BG Group investing in digital tools that enhance client engagement, while Studio Bruno Guélaff explores sustainable materials, smart systems, and human-centered details. Together, these efforts redefine contemporary luxury living, where design, technology, and craftsmanship converge to shape meaningful spaces.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

Born in New York to French parents, Bruno Guélaff grew up with a dual heritage that shaped his global perspective on design. Initially studying sociology, he developed the philosophy of “design with empathy,” viewing architecture as an emotional as well as functional discipline. At NYSID, he refined this vision, earning the inaugural B.F.A. Travel Prize and exploring how culture shapes space across 20 cities in 15 countries. In 2008, Bruno relocated to Dubai and founded Studio Bruno Guelaff, a boutique practice that quickly gained recognition for its soulful and award-winning architecture. He later joined forces with Khalid Kaluti to establish BG Group, one of the UAE’s few vertically integrated firms, combining architecture, interiors, landscape, and construction into one unified platform.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Bruno’s long-term vision emphasises growth rooted in sincerity and sustainability. Alongside business partners Khalid Kaluti and Simon Dzeletovic, he is driving BG Group’s expansion across the region, challenging the pace of construction, pushing the limits of design, and harnessing technology to elevate residential platforms and future landmark projects. His ambition is to redefine turnkey, high-end development not only in scale but also in responsibility, by integrating sustainable practices, pioneering material innovation, and seamless digital tools into every project. He views the UAE as a global incubator for design excellence, exporting a model of human-centered architecture that prioritizes connection and authenticity. For him, success lies not in spectacle but in creating spaces with soul — environments that foster belonging, wellbeing, and continuity across generations. This vision balances ambition with empathy, growing BG Group collectively while ensuring Studio Bruno Guélaff continues to shine as a beacon of thoughtful, world-class design.

Leading with Impact

Bruno’s leadership is defined by emotional intelligence and authenticity. Guided by his philosophy of “design with empathy,” he views architecture as an experiential discipline that shapes how people move, connect, and live. As a Partner and Creative Director, he blends empathy with precision, leading multidisciplinary teams to embrace restraint over excess and sincerity over spectacle. Collaborative yet hands-on, Bruno remains engaged from concept sketches to material selection, ensuring each project embodies livability and meaning rather than mere flair. Beyond practice, he mentors emerging architects, advocating integrity and human-centered design in a region often driven by speed and scale. His influence extends across the regional design culture, inspiring peers and clients alike to create architecture with soul and enduring impact.

THAT DEFINE EXCELLENCE Bruno Guélaff’s portfolio features standout projects that sharply embody his design philosophy, blending creativity, context, and innovation into timeless works.. La Maison Horizontale in Sobha Hartland exemplifies his commitment to integrating nature into daily living. Designed with expansive horizontality, clean geometry, and natural light, it blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a sanctuary that feels both open and grounded. The BG LUX Villa in Pearl Jumeirah embodies bold architectural expression, balancing monolithic form with intimacy, creating a residence that is both striking and profoundly inhabitable. Beyond private villas, Bruno’s work with The Chedi Private Residences reflects his ability to translate empathy-driven design into signature residential projects, merging timeless elegance with cultural sensitivity. Each project underscores his philosophy: architecture must move beyond spectacle to deliver spaces that resonate emotionally and stand the test of time. Together, these works define a portfolio that bridges restraint with richness, shaping a new benchmark for sincerity and sophistication in the region’s architectural landscape.