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id50 2025- Arquitectonica

Insights by Philip Gillard, Managing Director

Can you let us know about the latest exciting projects that you are working on? 

Arquitectonica is thrilled to announce our involvement in Mr. C Residences Downtown Dubai. This stunning landmark will be the second property for the Mr. C brand in the UAE, a collaboration we’re delighted to continue alongside ALTA Real Estate and Cipriani.

On the other side of town, we’re making great strides on a luxury branded residential tower on Palm Jumeirah. We love designing for this sector and it’s one Arquitectonica has made a name for itself in across the globe. We deeply value and understand the unique experience that branded residences offer to both developers and owners, blending the finest aspects of a luxury resort with the comfort and intimacy of home, all within a single, spectacular destination.

In Saudi Arabia, we are shaping skylines and cities through a series of ambitious architecture and master-planning projects.

Please mention some of your proudest achievements as a firm (Top 3)

The growth of our Dubai team. It’s a testament to our thriving presence and collaborative spirit.

In our first 12 months on the ground, we proudly took home three prestigious property and construction awards, showcasing the design excellence we deliver.

These, along with our other achievements, mark a significant first year since opening the doors of our local office. Which is a milestone worth celebrating. While we’ve been active in the region for many years, establishing our Dubai office solidifies our commitment to the market and to our clients. Accomplishing so much in such a short time reinforces our capabilities and we’re excited to continue building on this incredible momentum.

Can you talk about a type of project that you would like to take on in 2025 that would interest you and your team to pursue (dream project that you would like to manifest)?

Great projects come from great collaboration. Our dream projects involve holistic partnerships where designers, operators, architects, and creatives all bring their expertise to the table. When everyone’s contributions are truly valued, we create something exceptional together.

As cliché as it might sound, we consider the projects we are already working on to be manifest-worthy! I’m very excited, both as I reflect and look ahead toward the future.

Mr. C Residences Photography by Alex Jeffries

How would you describe your ‘house style’ and design philosophy?

Our Founding Principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia remains very much at the helm of our global network of offices, driving our collective design philosophy and vision for the future.

Arquitectonica is, quite simply, human-first. We care about how our buildings and cities benefit the people that live and work within them. We focus on ecologically sensitive, yet commercially viable design. As architects, we have a profound impact on our clients ROI and economic success.

When we talk about ‘house style,’ Arquitectonica is well-known for leading Miami’s modernism movement following its inception in 1977. We continue building on this legacy, with a liberated use of shape and form, creating iconic landmarks across the world.

As this is the power issue, what empowers you and your team?

The design culture at Arquitectonica is driven by the energy of our global experience and the collective process. I’m a huge believer in the importance of culture. Our people are our success.

View more global firms with local presence.

Read the full id50 list here.

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