Powerlist Influential 30 Architects 2024: Bruno Guélaff, Design Director + Partner | Studio Bruno Guélaff + BG Group, Ranks 10th
Bruno Guelaff is a multi-disciplinary award-winning architect who is at the design helm of the BG Group in Dubai, UAE. Born in New York City as a Frenchman; early educational years at Lycée Français de New York followed by a US bachelor’s in sociology, Bruno still searched for his passion. After 4 years of studies at NYSID, his niche was revealed. The first recipient of the B.F. A. Travel Prize, this gave Bruno the opportunity to tour the globe stopping in 15 countries and over 22 cities, an experience that has greatly influenced his design flair. A head designer for some years at a prominent New York firm, his journey then led him back to Dubai in 2008, where he continued to develop his craft at ‘studio bruno guelaff’ within the ‘BG Group’.
Bruno has been the design director of the award-winning boutique firm ‘studio bruno guelaff’ for the past 16 years. He has played a heavy role in all aspects of every project from architecture, to master planning, to interior design, to landscape, furniture design and branding. Being a doyen of multi-disciplines, Bruno ensures all design elements culminate into a complete fluid personalised project.
With his sociology backbone, Bruno’s design philosophy has always been: “The spaces we have the honor of crafting influences the way people will live in those spaces. End of the day it is all about emotions; emotions when we design and emotions when individuals interact within physical spaces. We dictate through design how individuals interact with others and influences their day to day lives.”
Over the years, Bruno felt there was something missing in the equation of the typical project process from conception to realisation. Within the construction process, there was a lack of fluidity of work ownership which goes into play when a multitude of consultants are involved. The concept of master of all trades needed to be extended to the execution of a project and not only the conceptualization.
BG Group was created organically when Bruno Guélaff and Khalid Kaluti’s professional paths crossed in Dubai some years ago. Both Bruno and Khalid quickly realized after being each other’s clients that combining their award-winning specialities could lead to something unique.
The mission was to create a transparent and honest Design + Build construction company that could offer not only the highest quality construction services for residential projects including pools and landscaping but also award-winning design services providing its clients an unparalleled experience as well as end product.
BG Group offers a true full turnkey service encompassing every aspect of a residential project from architecture, interior design, home automation, MEP, pools, landscaping, lighting, as well as the Luxury Italian kitchen brand Pedini. The award-winning team consists of designers, architects, engineers, site team leaders and craftsmen. For this very reason, the team at BG offers fluid communication and services allowing a project to be streamlined from the start date all the while controlling all aspects of quality and attention to detail.
Bruno speaks with passion about the process of design: “It is my privilege to be able to design a true home for each of our patrons, understand their cultural backgrounds, understand the way they interact with their family members, the way they interact with food, the way they interact with media and then translate that onto paper into a fluid personalized architectural layout representing the way they experience the world around them.”
With a multitude of luxury Design + Build projects in full construction spread all around the Dubai area from Dubai Hills to Pearl Jumeirah the next big step in the BG adventure was branded boutique developments.
‘The52’ is a prominent architectural project from the team at Al Seeb Real Estate Development + BG Group. Positioned along the esteemed Sheikh Zayed Road with a captivating view of the Palm Jumeirah, it sets a ‘New Standard’ for refined living. With its promise of unmatched views and an open-plan lifestyle, ‘The 52’ epitomises luxury within Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline.
Crafted by BG Group’s award-winning Studio Bruno Guelaff, ‘The52’ boasts a striking all-white exterior echoing the bright interiors within, distinguishing itself amidst the bustling cityscape. Rooted in the concept of open-plan living and generously proportioned spaces akin to villas, complemented by expansive terraces, it reimagines contemporary urban living in Dubai. Its immersive resort-style amenities and serene design elements invite residents to indulge in a refined atmosphere of sophistication.
This project aims to establish a ‘New Standard’ of luxury living within Dubai’s continuously evolving real estate scene, by elevating the experience of upscale villa living to the sky. With unparalleled views and cutting-edge modern finishes, it seeks to redefine the epitome of high-end living in the city.
Bruno looks ahead with eagerness and excitement to the future exclusive development projects that BG is spearheading as he and his partners continue their quest to break barriers and set new standards for Design + Build.