Michael Magill has been the driving force behind a long series of award-winning projects in the area since he founded the RSP office in Dubai more than 10 years ago. RSP is a renowned architectural business with 66+ years of expertise based in Singapore. Magill serves as the studio’s managing director and is responsible for RSP’s expansion and reputation in the MENA region. Recently, he has begun to secure projects in farther-off nations like Cambodia and Indonesia.

Along with his responsibilities as the managing director of the Dubai studio, Magill is involved in design projects on a daily basis. Throughout each stage, he mentors a team of highly skilled architects, constantly challenging and refining their design approach while ensuring that everyone’s input is heard.

His polished design approach has been showcased over the years with many beautifully crafted concepts ranging from hospitality, residential developments, master planning, and educational projects. Each in terms of design knowledge and execution. Magill’s mesmerising and creative approach is carefully designed and facilitated by him, catering to a wide range of users and clients – from the affordable, eclectic, and general public to the ultra-exclusive, sophisticated, and luxurious, highlighting his versatility. This approach inspired many of his co-workers, architects, and designers, as well as many clients, who appreciated his creative visions that remained true to the project brief.

Magill explains: “The future of architecture in the region with be driven by creative design and technology. Creative design always comes first when envisioning sustainable lifestyle driven projects. In this region where clients are constantly pursuing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what can be built, we are fortunate to have the available technology which enhances the delivery process of future projects.

The world has always been gradually moving to a cyberspace focused one, however, COVID has drastically reduced its transition period, making the online world much more prevalent in today’s society. Thus, companies nowadays need to have an online presence in order to be able to compete in the market as the demand to find work internationally has become easily accessible to clients world- wide,” Magill adds.

RSP is currently completing residential projects such as Majid Al Futtaim’s high-end Tilal Al Ghaf villas, luxury beachfront apartments in the Palm, and mansions in Kampot, Cambodia.

Magill has consistently demonstrated his well-rounded leadership skills, successfully managing and leading RSP over the years, particularly the challenging last two years in which he has managed to grow the team to a size greater than the pre-pandemic size. Consistent success has resulted in the expansion of our office space in Dubai. He has also This year, RSP celebrated the opening of Dubai’s newest favourite hangout spot, Aura Skydeck, the world’s tallest 360-degree infinity pool, at Nakheel’s Palm Tower, one of Magilll’s largest projects to date. Michael is currently designing a 5-star hotel tower in Dubai, an exclusive 72,00sqm ultra-luxury resort in Abu Dhabi, and a Wellness Centre in Fujairah, which will explore an entirely different hospitality offering. Visitors will be able to experience personalised programmes to restore balance, increased vitality, and an overall healthier mental and physical state through treatment clinics, various spas, fitness zones, and a small academy at the Wellness Centre.

He also led the team who won design competition last year for a prominent 5-start hotel in KSA which led to RSP being awarded Design Architects for pre-contract stages.

This year, RSP was awarded two mixed- use projects in Indonesia, the newest location of yet another RSP studio. Both projects, which are located in Manado and Sentul, are retail and hospitality developments. The design for the two projects is currently underway, with Magill personally leading the design team With the architecture industry entering the metaverse, Magilll’s team was keen to jump into the opportunity to design a structure in the virtual realm. RSP’s first project went live on Decentraland recently a floating NFT gallery nexus with an infinity helix platform cycling through the viewing platforms. The building features a unique kinetic skin facade,implemented a full hybrid work setup with a very flexible schedule that allows employees to work from home when they want.

His family-oriented approach to working with coworkers has enabled him to build a well-trusting workforce that continuously helps one another, earning him the respect and admiration of many RSP employees.