Architects Powerlist 2025 #3 Shaun Killa, Design Director & Founder, Killa Design

For over 30 years, Shaun Killa has been at the forefront of innovative and sustainable design, redefining skylines with architecture that is both expressive and timeless. His visionary approach has led him to design numerous highly recognisable buildings from the Dubai Opera House, which helped establish the city’s cultural district, to Bahrain World Trade Centre, the world’s first building to integrate wind turbines, becoming the catalyst for sustainability in the Middle East. Shaun continues to push the boundaries of design.

Since founding Killa Design in 2015, Shaun has led the firm in delivering some of the world’s most forward-thinking projects. The Museum of the Future stands as a global icon of innovation, while the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, set to open on the 14th of March 2025, offers an unparalleled hospitality experience. The Address Beach Resort with the world’s highest occupied sky bridge and infinity pool and Shebara Resort is KSA, a hyper luxury eco-resort operating entirely off-grid with zero emissions, water, and waste. These projects exemplify Shaun’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and sustainability.

While Killa Design’s roots are in Dubai, its impact is global, with projects spanning the Maldives, Angola, the United States, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and more. From cutting-edge museums to masterplans and hyper-luxury hospitality, the firm continues to drive meaningful change in the way architecture interacts with its environment.

Recognised for his influence, Shaun Killa was ranked number one as the ‘Most Powerful Middle East Architect’ in 2017, 2021, and 2022. Killa Design has also been awarded ‘Architectural Firm of the Year’ by ConstructionWeek for four consecutive years and won ‘Best Young Firm’ at the Architizer A+Awards in 2023. The firm has cemented its place among the world’s leading architectural practices, featuring in Building Design’s coveted WA100 list for 2024 and 2025.

Shaun remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of architects. Leading a team of over 120 professionals from more than 30 nationalities, he continues to champion innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, ensuring that Killa Design’s work not only defines skylines but helps shape a more sustainable future.Moreover, the firm’s culture of inclusivity promotes gender equality, with an emphasis on supporting female leadership. By fostering mentorship opportunities and celebrating female accomplishments, Killa Design actively cultivates an environment where talent flourishes.

The firm remains committed to this ethos, ensuring that inclusivity and collaboration continue to drive its success.As Killa Design enters its 10th year, it has already left a significant mark on the architectural landscape of the Middle East and globally. The firm remains at the forefront of sustainability and innovation, shaping the future of architecture through ambitious and transformative projects.

One of Killa Design’s most notable recent achievements is Shebara Resort, a hyper-luxury eco-resort located 25km offshore in Saudi Arabia. Operating entirely off-grid, Shebara achieves zero emissions, water, and waste while being powered by over 100,000sqm of Additionally, the firm has several museums, educational centres, and masterplans under development across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with luxury hospitality projects in Angola and the United States.

“The way we design is constantly evolving, but at its core, architecture is about people, place, and purpose. While technology has enhanced how we visualise and refine ideas, it remains a tool, not a substitute for the fundamentals of design. Understanding a site’s constraints, prioritising sustainability, shaping the user solar panels. Inspired by a string of pearls, its overwater villas blend seamlessly with the sea and sky, creating an almost invisible yet otherworldly experience. The resort showcases Saudi Arabia’s rich marine biodiversity while setting a new global benchmark for luxury eco-tourism.

Another milestone project is Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, scheduled to open in early 2025. The final chapter in an iconic trilogy alongside the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this resort seamlessly merges traditional and futuristic design. Its fluid, yacht-inspired form offers an unparalleled hospitality experience, complete with breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and a vibrant superyacht marina.

The Museum of the Future remains a defining project for Killa Design. Its torusshaped structure, adorned with flowing Arabic calligraphy, represents a fusion of heritage and innovation. More than just a building, it is a global icon and a centre for exploring humanity’s future, embodying architecture’s ability to inspire, challenge, and innovate on an unprecedented scale.

Another landmark project, the Address Beach Resort, adds to Dubai’s skyline with its twin towers connected by the world’s tallest occupied skybridge. Home to the highest infinity pool in the world, the resort exemplifies urban luxury and architectural audacity.Killa Design is at the forefront of creating zero-energy and water-resort hotels. The firm also actively engages in staff wellness initiatives, including group triathlons and sailing programmes, fostering a collaborative and healthconscious work environment.

Among Killa Design’s most anticipated projects is One Central, a hyper-luxury development in Dubai commissioned by DWTC and developed with Nick Candy. Featuring three branded towers, two of which house luxury hotels, the project boasts an avant-garde design language that seamlessly integrates with Dubai’s urban fabric while elevating its skyline.In northwest Saudi Arabia, Leyja is being developed as a breathtaking tourism21experience, and balancing budgets will always be at the heart of what we do.

Looking ahead, the future of architecture isn’t just about adopting new tools, it’s about using them to drive real innovation. Our focus remains on zero-energy, zero-waste projects, pioneering new construction methodologies, reducing material waste, and improving efficiency, all while maintaining the highest standards of design excellence. True progress comes from integrating these advancements thoughtfully, ensuring every project has a lasting impact, both environmentally and experientially,” says Shaun.

To support its growing portfolio, Killa Design has opened a new studio in Cape Town. Plans are also underway to establish a studio in London within the year.

destination. Nestled within a dramatic wadi, flanked by mountains towering up to 300m, Leyja serves as a sanctuary for wellbeing and longevity. Its mirrored volumes blend harmoniously with the landscape, creating an immersive retreat rooted in tranquillity and renewal.

Zamani Islands in the Maldives is another flagship project. Spanning eight islands within an expansive lagoon, this eco-luxury development includes three high-end resorts and the Maldives’ first superyacht marina. Notably, it will be the first fully renewable-energy-powered resort in the region, setting a precedent for sustainable hospitality worldwide.

Killa Design is also working on a signature tower in Baku, Azerbaijan. Set to become the city’s tallest building, the tower will feature a super-luxury branded hotel, a casino, and residences experience, and balancing budgets will always be at the heart of what we do. Looking ahead, the future of architecture isn’t just about adopting new tools, it’s about using them to drive real innovation. Our focus remains on zero-energy, zero-waste projects, pioneering new construction methodologies, reducing material waste, and improving efficiency, all while maintaining the highest standards of design excellence. True progress comes from integrating these advancements thoughtfully, ensuring every project has a lasting impact, both environmentally and experientially,” says Shaun.

To support its growing portfolio, Killa Design has opened a new studio in Cape Town. Plans are also underway to establish a studio in London within the year.