IN CONVERSATION WITH SHAUN KILLA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Shaun Killa, a trailblazer in architecture, partnered with the globally renowned hospitality group Jumeirah to bring to life the breathtaking Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab resort, which will open in early 2025. With breathtaking design and transformative approach to hospitality, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will redefine the concept of ultra-luxury, combining Shaun's innovative design with Dubai's vibrant maritime heritage.
Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s superyacht design and its connection to Dubai’s maritime heritage?
Our design philosophy begins with immersing ourselves in the cultural and urban context of each project, striving to honour local heritage while inspiring future generations. When we began designing Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, one of our key objectives was to ensure it complemented the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, completing and enhancing the trilogy of hotels that includes Jumeirah Beach Hotel. We conceptualised a design narrative that begins at Madinat Jumeirah, reflects a journey through time in architectural expression, and culminates at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
This narrative illustrates Dubai's architectural evolution, from the traditional designs of Jumeirah Al Qasr and Jumeirah Mina A ‘Salam, transitioning through the classic aesthetics of Jumeirah Al Naseem, to the modern era embodied by Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Inspired by the refined elegance of super luxury yachts, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab builds on this legacy, with its fluid, curving forms, evoking the sensation of being on water and transcending the dhows that once sailed Dubai’s waters. More than architecture, it celebrates Dubai’s transformation from a humble trading hub to a global luxury destination, blending its rich maritime heritage with a bold vision for the future.
What made working on Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab a unique experience, and what is your personal favourite design feature?
Designing Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab was an intricate journey of innovation and precision. Every detail was meticulously crafted to create an unparalleled guest experience. My favourite feature is the striking architectural arch that frames the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. It serves as a visual anchor and enhances the guest arrival experience, offering an immediate connection to the resort’s iconic surroundings.
How would you describe your collaboration with Jumeirah and what set this project apart?
I have been working with the Jumeirah team for 24 years, beginning with the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and have since continued to design and enhance multiple resorts with Jumeirah. Over the years, this collaboration has evolved into a true partnership, underpinned by shared values and a commitment to excellence. What sets Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab apart is its role as both a complement to iconic landmarks and a bold vision for the future of hospitality. Designing a development that completes the architectural trilogy along this shoreline was incredibly meaningful, it was about creating not just a hotel but a dialogue between the past, present, and future of design.
The design of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab blurs indoor and outdoor boundaries. How was this integration achieved
Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces was pivotal to the design. We incorporated expansive floor-to-ceiling glass facades, continuous balconies that extend interior spaces outward, and lush landscaped gardens that transition seamlessly into the marina. These features not only offer uninterrupted views but also connect guests to the natural beauty of the Arabian Gulf.
How did you balance the resort’s futuristic aesthetic with its functional requirements?
The design combines cutting-edge technology and fluid forms to evoke a futuristic aesthetic, while ensuring functionality through thoughtful space planning and sustainable practices. From double-curved facades to strategically placed amenities, every element was designed to provide comfort, luxury, and an unforgettable experience.
How does the resort maintain a connection with its natural surroundings, including the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s skyline?
The resort’s design embraces its prime location on the Arabian Gulf, with expansive terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame unobstructed views of the sea and Dubai’s skyline. The architecture flows harmoniously with the natural surroundings, reflecting the waves and coastal curves through its fluid lines. To preserve iconic vistas, such as the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, we strategically separated structures to create open sightlines, ensuring the resort not only coexists with its environment but enhances it.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in conceptualizing and executing the design?
One of the greatest challenges was engineering the grand steel arch, which spans 36 meters and supports 11 floors, while ensuring it maintained a visual lightness. Another challenge was designing the cantilevered quay wall villas, which hover over the rock revetment — an engineering feat that required precision and innovation. These challenges pushed us to redefine possibilities in both structure and design, resulting in solutions that are as bold as they are seamless.
What sustainability initiatives were incorporated into Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab?
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the design of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Continuous balconies provide natural shading, reducing cooling loads by up to 40 %. Low-energy recovery systems and LED lighting minimise energy consumption, while greywater recycling supports irrigation. Additionally, landscaped roofs reduce the heat island effect and enhance the resort’s connection to its natural surroundings. These measures reflect our commitment to creating architecture that is environmentally conscious without compromising luxury.
How does Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab redefine luxury hospitality?
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab reimagines luxury by crafting experiences that feel both iconic and deeply personal. Its superyacht-inspired design, coupled with meticulously curated interiors and world-class amenities, offers a new level of sophistication. The resort isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a journey — from the grand arrival at the arch to the panoramic vistas and intimate dining spaces. By seamlessly integrating with its surroundings and offering unmatched elegance, it sets a new standard for ultra-luxury hospitality in Dubai.
How does this project reflect your architectural philosophy?
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is a testament to Killa Design’s philosophy of creating architecture that is timeless, innovative, and contextually inspired. It draws deeply from its surroundings, reflecting the fluidity of the Arabian Gulf while embracing the precision of advanced engineering. The design is as much about the guest experience as it is about the environment, crafting a dialogue between the built and natural worlds. This harmony is what defines our work — creating spaces that inspire, connect, and endure, offering not just architecture but experiences that resonate far beyond the physical form.
What emerging trends in architecture excite you most and why?
The convergence of sustainability and technology excites me most. The growing emphasis on biophilic design, renewable energy integration, and AI-driven tools is transforming how we create meaningful spaces. These trends promise not only more efficient and resilient buildings but also environments that enrich our connection to nature and each other. It’s an inspiring time to be in design, as the boundaries of what’s possible continue to expand, allowing us to dream bigger and build smarter.
