id50 2025- International Design Associates (IDA)

What are the latest exciting projects that you are working on that will come to life in the near future? 

1. Durraka Island – Autograph Collection, Red Sea, KSA
2. Kempinski Marina Residences, Dubai, UAE
3. Hyatt Place Hotel– Diriyah, KSA
4. Kempinski Hotel Resorts – Marrakesh & Tangier, Morocco
5. Moxy Hotel – Diriyah, KSA
6. Kempinski AlQeshan Hotel – Riyadh, KSA
7. Tivoli & Avani Hotels – Bahrain
8. Hyatt Regency Hotel – Lahore, Pakistan
9. Marriott Executive Apartments & Four Points by Sheraton – Riyadh, KSA

Raffles AlAreen Palace Bahrain

Please mention some of your latest projects/ achievements as a firm (Top 3)

1. Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain

Designed and delivered the iconic Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain, which opened its doors in December 2023 and has already established itself as one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the Middle East. Celebrated for its exceptional architecture and unparalleled guest experience, the property was voted among the top luxury hotels in the world by renowned travel publications. The palace has been nominated for several global hospitality awards, recognised for its world-class wellness offerings, exquisite dining, and unique blend of traditional Bahraini culture with modern opulence. Since its opening, it has become a magnet for both high-profile international travellers and discerning luxury enthusiasts, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region.

2. Jumeirah Al Sahel Resort, Bahrain

A masterpiece of interior design and bespoke luxury, Jumeirah Al Sahel Resort, Bahrain offers guests a City-to-Sea journey unlike any other in the region. The interiors are crafted to reflect Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage, seamlessly fused with modern elegance to deliver a warm, immersive, and sophisticated guest experience.

The resort’s interior design philosophy celebrates local artistry and craftsmanship, with custom-designed furnishings, intricate detailing, and natural materials that evoke both refined luxury and a deep connection to the surrounding environment. Guests will be welcomed into beautifully curated spaces, from elegant sea-facing suites to intimate dining venues and opulent wellness facilities, each designed to evoke a sense of calm and wonder.

Already recognised for its exceptional interior design, Jumeirah Al Sahel Resort has been nominated for several prestigious design awards, including those celebrating hospitality design and sustainable luxury. The resort is poised to set a new benchmark in interior design excellence across the region, offering a multi-sensory experience that will continue to attract discerning travellers and design enthusiasts from around the world.

With its thoughtfully crafted interiors and luxurious yet inviting ambiance, Jumeirah Al Sahel Resort will undoubtedly become one of Bahrain’s premier destinations, redefining luxury hospitality through design innovation and cultural storytelling.

3. Accor- Mantis Collection, Hawar Island Hotel & Resort, Bahrain

Bahrain’s first eco-resort and island destination, the Accor-Mantis Collection, Hawar Island Hotel & Resort is set to open its doors on 29th January 2025. Positioned as a game-changer in sustainable luxury travel, the resort offers an unparalleled escape into nature, combining cutting-edge eco-tourism practices with authentic island experiences.

Nestled within the UNESCO-recognised Hawar Islands Reserve, this one-of-a-kind resort will feature luxury villas, pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, and bespoke cultural experiences, providing guests with a unique blend of adventure, conservation, and relaxation. As part of the prestigious Mantis Collection by Accor, known for its focus on sustainability, the resort is set to become a must-visit destination for travellers seeking responsible luxury.

Anticipated to redefine Bahrain’s tourism landscape, the Hawar Island Hotel & Resort is already creating a buzz across the hospitality sector and is expected to become a flagship eco-tourism project in the region.

4. Achieved remarkable growth, with a 40% increase and Established our position as one of the Top 5 hospitality design companies in the GCC.
5. Incorporated 3 additional services: landscape, lighting design, and wayfinding
6. Signed 60+ projects in different countries including Red Sea Global, Diriyah Gate, Marriott International including 60 Project in last 2 years.
7. Expanded our team to 100+ across our global studios in Bahrain, Pakistan, and Thailand
8. Opened 5+ stunning projects in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 2024.
9. Started working on 30+ live projects in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, India, Pakistan, and Africa. Currently working with some of the biggest names in the industry from Marriott International, IHG and Kempinski.
10. Celebrated 25+ prestigious awards
11. Our team’s exceptional talent and dedication have been consistently recognized through prestigious industry awards, celebrating our people as leaders in their fields. We are proud to have received accolades across key categories, including Project Manager of the Year, Interior Designer of the Year, and Technical Designer of the Year, highlighting our commitment to excellence, innovation, and precision in delivering world-class hospitality projects. These awards reflect the expertise, creativity, and passion of our people, who continue to set new benchmarks in luxury design and project execution across the region.

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

At International Design Associates (IDA), our design philosophy is deeply rooted in storytelling, context, and human connection. We believe that every project should tell a story — a narrative that speaks to the culture, environment, and aspirations of its users. Our approach goes beyond aesthetics; it is about crafting meaningful experiences that resonate on both emotional and functional levels.

Our house style can be described as timeless modernity with a human-centric touch. We favor elegant simplicity, balancing bold statements with subtle details to create spaces that are both striking and enduring. While each project is unique, there is a common thread that runs through our work: an emphasis on proportion, materiality, and craftsmanship. We strive to create designs that are tactile, warm, and approachable, using locally inspired elements to establish a sense of belonging and authenticity.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our projects are the result of a shared vision between our team, our clients, and the communities we design for. We believe that good design empowers — it has the ability to transform how people live, work, and interact with their surroundings. This ethos informs our creative process, ensuring that our designs are responsible, sustainable, and impactful.

Ultimately, our goal is to create spaces that endure, where form meets function, and beauty meets purpose. Whether it’s a luxury hospitality project, a cutting-edge commercial space, or a bespoke residential design, we aim to deliver refined, contextually driven designs that leave a lasting legacy.

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

At International Design Associates (IDA), what empowers us most is our people, purpose, and passion for design. Our strength lies in the diversity of our team — a collective of creative minds from various backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to every project. This diversity fosters a culture of collaboration, where ideas are exchanged freely, and creativity is nurtured.

What truly fuels our work is a shared commitment to creating spaces that make a difference. We are empowered by the belief that design has the power to inspire, connect, and transform communities. Whether we’re shaping luxury hospitality destinations, innovative workspaces, or bespoke residential homes, we are driven by the knowledge that our designs have a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Empowerment also comes from our clients and partnerships — the trust they place in us and the challenges they present push us to innovate, adapt, and exceed expectations. We thrive on solving complex design challenges and turning visionary ideas into reality.

Lastly, we are empowered by the evolution of design itself. As the world around us changes, we are inspired to explore new technologies, sustainable practices, and future-forward solutions. This continuous pursuit of growth and innovation empowers us to remain relevant, resilient, and at the forefront of the design industry.

In essence, empowerment at IDA comes from a fusion of passion, people, and purpose, allowing us to create impactful designs that stand the test of time.

At IDA, building and maintaining strong client relationships is at the core of our success. We pride ourselves on understanding our clients’ vision and delivering exceptional designs that meet their brief, budget, and program requirements. Our ability to balance creative innovation with practical solutions ensures that we bring ideas to life without compromising quality or timelines. Supported by an experienced and highly skilled delivery team, we excel at managing projects from concept to completion, ensuring that what we design is faithfully realised. This client-centric approach has earned us long-term partnerships and a reputation for reliability, excellence, and trust in the hospitality and luxury sectors.

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