Dewan Expands Southeast Asia Presence with Acquisition of Majority Stake in Hospitality Design Firm Design Lab

Strategic partnership expands international reach and strengthens hospitality design expertise

Dewan Architects + Engineers has acquired a majority stake in Design Lab, a Singapore-based hospitality design firm, marking a significant step in Dewan’s international growth strategy and strengthening its capabilities in hospitality and resort design. Founded in Singapore and Vietnam in 2016, Design Lab has developed a portfolio spanning the Far East, Middle East, Europe and South America, with particular experience in sea, mountain and desert resort destinations. The partnership brings this specialist expertise together with Dewan’s multidisciplinary capabilities and experience delivering complex projects at scale. The acquisition also creates opportunities for closer collaboration across Southeast Asia. Design Lab will benefit from Dewan’s established client network and multidisciplinary project experience, while Dewan will draw on Design Lab’s regional presence and market knowledge to support its continued expansion in the region.

“Expanding globally isn't just about reaching new markets; it's about forging meaningful partnerships and embracing diverse perspectives. Our acquisition of Design Lab exemplifies this ethos, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and client-centric excellence on a global scale.”

Mohammed Adib

Chief Design Officer · Dewan Architects + Engineers

The partnership included plans to establish a Design Lab presence within Dewan in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, while bringing the firms’ Vietnam operations together in Ho Chi Minh City to enable closer cooperation and greater integration of resources.

Announced as Dewan marked its 40th anniversary, the acquisition formed part of a broader strategy to expand the firm’s geographical reach and multidisciplinary capabilities. At the time, the UAE and Saudi Arabia remained core markets, alongside an increasing focus on Southeast Asia and an established presence in Vietnam. The partnership represented an important step in Dewan’s international development, combining complementary design expertise, regional knowledge and multidisciplinary capabilities while establishing a stronger platform for collaboration across hospitality projects in Southeast Asia and beyond.

“In our view, partnership signifies a shared conviction in our mutual strength, recognizing that together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. In joining forces, we've discovered an unparalleled ally to accompany us on this journey. This partnership is poised to yield remarkable projects and experiences, that will help us grow as a company and as a group. Since founding our company we've yet to encounter a company with whom we are more aligned in terms of vision, goals, and values.”

Alvaro Peredes

Principal · Design Lab