In the heart of Dubai, where innovation meets tradition, Shaun Killa stands as a beacon of architectural excellence. As the Design Director and founder of Killa Design, he has redefined the skyline of the Middle East with his visionary projects that blend sustainability, technology, and cultural context. With a career spanning over 29 years, Killa has become one of the region’s most influential architects, known for creating iconic structures that are not just buildings but experiences that inspire and captivate.
Shaun Killa’s journey into architecture began in South Africa, where he earned his Bachelor of Architectural Studies (B.A.S.) and Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from the University of Cape Town. His early exposure to mathematics and art, combined with his stepfather’s influence as an architect, laid the foundation for his creative and analytical approach to design. “I was always mathematically and artistically orientated,” Killa has shared, reflecting on how these influences shaped his career. This blend of disciplines would later become central to his design philosophy, allowing him to create structures that are both technically precise and visually striking.
Career Beginnings
In 1998, Killa moved to Dubai, joining the renowned firm Atkins. There, he worked on iconic projects like the Burj Al Arab, a sail-shaped luxury hotel that became a symbol of Dubai’s ambition. “For an architect coming from Cape Town, the scale of the buildings was so much bigger,” he recalls, noting the transformative impact of working in a city known for its bold architectural vision. During his 16 years at Atkins, Killa contributed to major developments, including the Dubai Opera and the Almas Tower, which was the tallest building in Dubai at the time. These early experiences honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the region’s architectural potential.
Founding Killa Design
In 2015, driven by a desire to push the boundaries of architecture, Killa established his firm, Killa Design, in Dubai. “I wanted to create buildings that are not just structures but experiences,” he says. The firm quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs that integrate advanced engineering with sustainable practices. Today, Killa Design is one of the leading architectural firms in the Middle East, specializing in mixed-use, high-rise, hospitality, office, residential, retail, theatre, museum, urban design, and master planning projects. The firm’s commitment to going beyond client briefs has fostered strong relationships and transformed project visions into livable, inspiring spaces.
Design Philosophy
At the core of Killa’s design philosophy is a commitment to sustainability and livability. “There is a strong emphasis on creating a better place to live, with greater diversity,” he notes. His projects are designed to be environmentally sustainable, contextually inspired, and technologically advanced. Killa challenges architectural norms to create expressive and timeless forms, often using cutting-edge tools to achieve his vision. “All the parameters structurally were put into a program, and eventually it learned to create this shape,” he explains about his approach to designing complex forms like the Museum of the Future. This focus on low-carbon, innovative buildings ensures that his designs resonate with their surroundings while addressing environmental concerns.
Notable Projects by Killa Design
Museum of the Future
Completed in 2022, this torus-shaped icon in Dubai symbolizes infinite possibilities. Designed using advanced computational tools, it showcases Killa’s creative use of technology.
Office of the Future
The world’s first occupied 3D-printed building (2016), it set a new benchmark in construction innovation and earned the Architecture Master Prize.
The Address Beach Resort
Opened in 2021 near Jumeirah Beach, this award-winning luxury resort blends coastal aesthetics with vibrant, livable design.
Bahrain World Trade Center
Completed in 2008, it was one of the first towers to integrate wind turbines, generating up to 15% of its energy—earning the CTBUH Best Tall Building in the Middle East Award.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Opening in 2025, this superyacht-inspired resort is the final piece in Jumeirah’s coastal trilogy, designed to redefine ultra-luxury living in Dubai.
Other Key Projects
- Shebara Resort (Red Sea, Saudi Arabia): A zero-energy, mirrored luxury resort.
- Discovery Dunes (UAE): A coastal luxury community by Discovery Land Company.
- Zamani Islands (Maldives): Sustainable, design-forward resort development.
Impact and Recognition
Shaun Killa’s contributions to architecture have earned him and his firm numerous accolades. Killa Design has received awards such as the Architecture Master Prize for the Office of the Future and the Hospitality of the Year for The Address Beach Resort. In 2024, the firm was ranked 90th in the World Architecture Top 100 by Building Design, reflecting its global influence. Killa himself has been honored with the ENR News Maker Award, the Global Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction for the Lighthouse Tower, and the CTBUH Best Tall Building in the Middle East Award for the Bahrain World Trade Center.
Beyond awards, Killa’s impact is evident in how his designs have transformed the Middle East’s architectural landscape. His focus on sustainability addresses pressing environmental concerns, while his innovative designs enhance the region’s cultural and economic vitality. However, sustainable architecture can be costly, and some critics argue that the high costs may limit its accessibility for smaller projects. Despite this, Killa’s work continues to inspire architects to prioritize sustainability and innovation.
Killa’s influence extends to education and thought leadership. As a RIBA Affiliated member, he serves on advisory committees for the University of Sharjah’s School of Architecture, the Dubai School of Architecture, and the British University in Dubai’s Masters in Environmental Design Program. He is also a regular speaker at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) conferences, sharing his insights on sustainable design and urban development.
Future Visions
Looking ahead, Killa continues to push the boundaries of architecture with projects like the Zamani Islands in the Maldives and the Shebara Resort in Saudi Arabia. These developments reflect his commitment to creating sustainable, innovative spaces that enhance the quality of life. “The building has now been passed to them,” Killa says of his projects, emphasizing his desire to create spaces that people can truly enjoy and connect with.
Shaun Killa is more than just an architect; he is a visionary who has shaped the architectural landscape of the Middle East. Through Killa Design, he has demonstrated that architecture can be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sustainable. His projects, from the Museum of the Future to the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, are testaments to his ability to blend technology, sustainability, and cultural context. As he continues to design the future, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations of architects to come.
