Cover About Us

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
Alvaro
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
Virginie
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
Paul