About us

Established in 2016, DesignLab Architects & Designers was the brainchild of three partners who were passionate about hospitality, design and travelling – with a common goal to conceptualize and deliver projects with a strong sensitivity to place, culture and people. Backed by years of hospitality design experience the leadership established a dynamic and creative Studio environment that allows them to enjoy every aspect of the project from the first site visits discovering the site to the finished product.

As a studio, we do not have a predetermined design style, rather we approach each project as unique where the site, local culture, and vision from the client and operator all inform a holistic design approach. Turning a design into reality is a team effort where we work closely with other design and technical consultants, the operator and the client.

Our constant exploration and enjoyment of the world, its diverse cultures, and landscapes have allowed us to work on a wide range of exciting projects in incredible location. Our passion for travel, hospitality and design have inspired DesignLab’s story.

Leadership

Alvaro Paredes Palacios

PARTNER

Alvaro Paredes brings with him almost 15 years of design expertise in the hospitality world. His passion for travelling and discovering the World brought him to Asia from his native Spain where he had the chance to work for notable design hospitality firm before co-founding DesignLab. Alvaro’s passion for travel, hospitality and design have inspired DesignLab’s story.

Alvaro sets the overall strategic direction for the studio, overseeing each project from conception through to completion.

His portfolio includes prestigious brands including Aman Resorts, Cheval Blanc, GHM, Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt, in locations as varied as Middle East, Caribbean , Asia and Europe.

Selected experience

Mandarin Oriental Bali, Indonesia
Aman Resort, Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Gran Melia Cam Ranh, Vietnam
Amari Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Park Hyatt Lijiang, China
Funnel Bay Luxury Resort, Queensland, Australia
Grand Hyatt Lijiang, China
Crowne Plaza Resort, Vietnam

Luxury City Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Hyatt Centric Queenstown, New Zealand
Bay Hood 9 Villas, Beijing, China
Ragawisata Master Plan, Bali, Indonesia
Mandarin Oriental Bai Nom, Vietnam
Etosha Luxury Resort, Namibia
Amanoi Rock Studio, Vietnam

Virginie De Paeuw

PARTNER

Virginie de Paeuw brings with her almost 20 years of design expertise. Form her native Belgium, her passion for new cultures and new design schools made her live in different countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Spain. Before co-founding DesignLab, she has worked for notable design houses such as Kengo Kuma Associates and Denniston International.

Virginie’s flexible style, combined with an interest to approach all aspects of the design process, instil in her the ability to create architecture and interiors with sensitivity and attention to the detail and scale.

Her portfolio includes prestigious brands including Aman Resorts, Cheval Blanc, GHM, Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt in locations as varied as Mexico, Gabon, Tokyo, France, UAE, Bali and Portugal.

Selected experience

Amanoi Vinh Hy, Vietnam
Cheval Blanc Chamela Bay, Mexico
Luxury Resort Ajman, UAE
Aman Resort Gabon, Gabon
Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Egypt
Steigenberger Resort, Hurghada, Egypt
Gran Melia Cam Ranh, Vietnam
Angsana Ho Tram, Vietnam

MGallery Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Funnel Bay Luxury Resort, Queensland, Australia
Opera house, Grenada, Spain
Opera house, Albi, France
Le Havre university, Le Havre, France
Veles e Vents, Valencia, Spain
Dusit Tu Hoa Palace Hotel, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Paul Francey

PARTNER

Paul Francey is one of hospitality design’s most experienced and free-spirited figures. With over 20 years of hospitality expertise on his shoulders. He has a wide collection of luxury hospitality projects across the 5 continents. Before co-founding DesignLab, he lived in different countries across the Globe such as Spain, Malaysia Fiji or Macau.
With more than two decades’ experience, he has a wealth of knowledge in master planning, design, and detailing which he taps into when preparing concept presentations and design documentation before segueing into site visits and construction administration.

His portfolio includes prestigious brands including Aman Resorts, Cheval Blanc, GHM, Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt, One&Only across different counties and continents.

Selected experience

Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, India
Park Hyatt Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nakura Spa Resort, Fiji
Shangri-La Phuket, Thailand
Intercontinental Mar Menor, Spain
Grand Hyatt Lijiang, China
Atlantis Dubai Phase 2 competition
MGallery Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Fairmont Bali, Indonesia
Amatrra Wellness Resort, Gurgaon, India
Gran Melia Cam Ranh, Vietnam
Hyatt Centric Queenstown, New Zealand
Funnel Bay Luxury Resort, Queensland, Australia
Mandarin Oriental Bai Nom, Vietnam
Mandarin Oriental, Bali
Indigo Resort Hoi An, Vietnam
Hyatt Regency Sapa, Vietnam