As a firm with over eight decades of experience designing in some of the world’s most sensitive environments and unique locations, OBMI has taken a strategic approach to celebrate and preserve each site’s natural surroundings, rich heritage, and local traditions in each project. Seamlessly fusing sustainable building practices, transformative experiential design and innovative solutions, we create authentic destinations that become landmarks for hospitality and cultural showcases that stand the test of time and bring enduring value to communities.

We believe that architecture plays a fundamental role in re-establishing the symbiotic relationship between individuals, communities, and the natural environment. Driven by this belief, OBMI designers immerse ourselves in cultural and historical roots to analyze geographical context and navigate challenges—synthesizing experience and passion into extraordinary destinations that transform and inspire. Below, we explore three examples of holistic design solutions that prioritize community, environmental stewardship, and the highest standards of wellness.

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier:
Reinventing a Glamorous 1920s Villa as a Sustainable Urban Retreat

The adaptive re-use and preservation of historic buildings can be an incredibly attractive component of any hospitality project. In boutique hotel design, a distinctively constructed historic building can be highly viable for any number of reasons. Besides its potential relevance to cultural, social, political, economic, archaeological, or architectural histories, the location and regional economics can also be critically important in maximizing value.

The ruins of the historic Tazi Palace, once created for the King’s Advisor in the 1920s, were located on the top of a lush and heavily vegetated hillside on the outskirts of Tangier, Morocco. OBMI repurposed the existing palace and vegetation to reimagine the site as a luxury 5-star destination that would serve as an architectural marvel for guests and locals alike, to experience the exotic mystery and authentic culture of Morocco.  The intricate detective work required on the front-end to learn about the property’s shadowy past combined with its unique architectural elements allows for a renovation that creates a new life story for the structure and the neighboring community. With the proper research and design approach, historic properties can easily be transformed into getaway destinations that hotel guests from around the world can enjoy for generations to come.

 

Verdes by Haven Residences:
Dubai’s First Wellness-Inspired Community

Thoughtfully designed to promote wellbeing and a tranquil living experience, Verdes by Haven leverages biophilic and a commitment to holistic living through the perfect balance of nature, community, and luxury amenities. The stunning exterior facades and carefully finished residences radiate elegance and warmth, providing an oasis from the bustle and hustle of urban life. The architecture features curved forms, natural materials, and views of the lush landscapes and bodies of water flowing through the community. At the same time, the layout of the units ensures an abundance of daylight, reduces noise pollution, and encourages residents to walk throughout with ease.

The community’s design has been recognized with a 3-star rating from Fitwel, the world’s leading healthy building certification. This achievement underscores our commitment to enhancing the resident living experience by addressing a broad range of health aspects. Furthermore, the development has received LEED Gold pre-certification for the masterplan, demonstrating our dedication to incorporating sustainability measures into our design to reduce energy, water, and waste consumption.

 

Rosewood Little Dix Bay:
An Eco-Friendly Resort Ahead of Its Time

At Rosewood Little Dix Bay, OBMI helped realize dreams of an on-site sustainable farm into the resort’s reimagined master plan that would bring the freshest ingredients and unique experiences for guests such as learning how to cook local cuisine or simply the chance to enjoy the healing powers of nature while touring the gardens. For our client, the on-site farm also presented an opportunity to remote agricultural and farming practices with a lower impact for their supply chain.

OBMI’s motivation for creating unique design stories comes from a keen sense of responsibility to support our clients in creating destinations that positively contribute to the present and future. These values permeate our work globally so guests and locals can continue to experience incredibly memorable moments in perpetuity. Emphasizing a human-centric approach, architects can craft environments that meet the evolving needs and aspirations of communities.

 

To learn more about navigating the Design & Tech Revolution in the Hospitality Sector contact [email protected].