Yannic Leveque, a Senior Director of Architecture at Red Sea Global, plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and development of Amaala, a luxury tourism project poised to set new standards in Saudi Arabia. With over 25 years of experience in architecture and construction, she has a remarkable history of delivering intricate and high-profile projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, particularly in the hospitality, real estate, and commercial sectors.
Her expertise lies in creating forward-thinking, sustainable designs that elevate the user experience and the surrounding environment. A graduate of the Institut Supérieur d'Architecture Victor Horta in Belgium, she holds a Master of Architecture degree. She is multilingual - speaking Spanish, French, English, and expanding her Arabic skills.
Her current role at Red Sea Global places her at the forefront of the Amaala project, which promises to reshape luxury tourism. Her extensive portfolio includes notable achievements such as leading the architectural designs of the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, the Uptown Tower, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, and the Building Vacláv Havel for the European Parliament.
With a true passion for architecture, she thrives on collaboration and enjoys working alongside talented, diverse teams, consistently delivering projects that are both impactful and visionary.
Helena Costa: What inspired you to specialize in luxury hospitality architecture?
Yannic Leveque: First, I grew up in a hospitality environment as my parents had a hotel in Ibiza when I was a child, later I lived and worked 6 years in the Balearic Island Majorca which is the headquarters of some of the leading tourism company. The origin of the industry on the island date back more than a century that brought me to visit several high-end hotels of the islands
I believe that has been mainly the detonator of my interest for the luxury hospitality architecture.
What inspired me to specialize my career is that field are:
The Passion for Design: The opportunity to create visually stunning and innovative designs in the realm of hospitality architecture is a major motivator.
My Interest in Hospitality Industry as I had the chance to travel very young around the globe and experienced myself several hotels. I enjoy creating, construct spaces that cater to the comfort and enjoyment of guests. Luxury hospitality architecture allows for the creation of high-end, unique spaces that offer unforgettable experiences.
Essential Attention to Detail: Designing luxury spaces often requires a high level of attention to detail. I’m an architect who are detail-oriented and enjoy working on intricate designs.
The Client Relationships: Working in luxury hospitality architecture often involves collaborating closely with clients who have specific visions and high expectations. It’s continuously a challenge as it need imagination to maintain luxury and cost at the same time.
The Desire to Create Memorable Experiences: Luxury hospitality architecture provides me the opportunity to design spaces that evoke a sense of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity. Creating environments that leave a lasting impression on visitors is a motivating factor on my daily work.
HC: Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities as the Senior Director of Architecture at Red Sea Global?
YL: As Senior Director of Architecture at Red Sea Global, I defined my role as a conductor:
I must provide a strategic leadership to the architecture team, consultants and signature architects that working with us on our projects, setting goals, and ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives.
Overseeing the design process for various projects at the same time, ensuring that they meet quality standards, budget constraints, and timelines.
Driving innovation in architectural design, staying abreast of industry trends, and introducing new technologies and methodologies to enhance project outcomes.
I must manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with project managers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure a successful project delivery with the less delay as possible.
I have to work closely with all our internal stakeholders to understand the RSG needs, preferences, and feedback, and incorporating these insights into the design process.
I need also to ensure that all architectural designs adhere to the Saudi’s building codes, regulations, and zoning requirements. During all the cycle of the project the architects of Red Sea Global need to ensure we are meeting the highest standards of excellence and reflect the Red Sea Global target
Finally, I Oversee the budgeting process for my projects, monitoring costs, and identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.
At the same time of all the above and it is what I prefer. I mentor and develop my team providing guidance, share my knowledge for their growth.
HC: What key principles guide your architectural designs in the context of luxury hospitality?
YL: When designing architectural spaces for luxury hospitality, several key principles are commonly considered to create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Here are some principles that typically guide architectural designs in the context of luxury hospitality:
Incorporating these key principles into our architectural designs for luxury hospitality spaces, designers can create environments that not only meet the functional needs of guests but also elevate the overall experience to one of luxury and comfort.
HC: Mario Botta once said, "Memory and history should be architects’ main sources of inspiration." How does this statement resonate with your approach to design?
YL: Mario Botta's statement that "memory and history should be architects' main sources of inspiration" resonates with a holistic and thoughtful approach to architectural design that values context, continuity, and cultural significance.
The approach to design in Saudi can certainly appreciate the importance of drawing inspiration from the past and understanding the historical context when creating the new hospitality destinations.
Integrating memory and history as sources of inspiration in architectural design can lead to thoughtful, contextually sensitive, and culturally significant spaces that resonate with people on a deeper level. It can help create architecture that not only serves its functional purpose but also enriches the human experience by connecting people to their surroundings and heritage.
HC: Could you describe a particularly challenging project you've worked on at Red Sea Global and how you overcame those challenges?
YL: I’m working on one of the most challenging projects designed by the Architect John Heah drew on Islamic architecture for the design of a resort for spa clinic brand Clinique La Prairie, which will form part of the Amaala "wellness destination" on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia.
The 36,115-square-metre resort, which will have 13 villas and 74 rooms and suites, is envisioned as a cluster of white buildings with multiple distinctive trapezoidal roofs.
The design for Clinique La Prairie's buildings was created by combining more traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary craftsmanship.
Technically, it is one of my main challenging projects as the project is conceived as a cast-in-place concrete structure, which was embraced as a part of the project’s aesthetic. The concrete would be visible, not as a feature element but as a backdrop serving to highlight the beyond-the-traditional structural design topics of strength and stiffness. In short, the goal is the consistency of appearance.
The architectural design is very complex with very high slender columns of 20 m to be casted, tridimensional arches, suspended slabs from the Roof, complex MEP ducting with a high level of coordination between al the disciplines and Interior design. The solution to ensure the full coordination as when we poor the concrete all the final installations have to be in their final location as the interior finishes, at design stage the building is designed in BIM including all the interior design finishes during to anticipate coordination on Site and speed the time of the construction on Site.
HC: What are the unique considerations you must account for when designing for high-end hospitality environments?
YL: Designing for high-end hospitality environments requires careful attention to detail and a focus on creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere. By considering comfort and functionality, personalization and customization, luxury and elegance, sustainability, every aspect of the design should be carefully considered, from the layout of the space to the selection of finishes and furnishing and finally an exceptional Service. It’s necessary to tailor the design to meet the needs and expectations of high-end clientele, designers can create hospitality environments that provide a truly exceptional and memorable experience for guests.
HC: How do you balance innovation and sustainability in your projects, particularly in the context of luxury hospitality?
YL: Balancing innovation and sustainability in Red Sea global projects, especially in the context of luxury hospitality, is crucial to creating environmentally responsible and cutting-edge developments that meet the needs of both guests and the environment.
Here are some of our strategies for achieving this balance:
Green Building Design: Leed Certification, we are targeting the Highest certification.
Use innovative and eco-friendly materials in the construction and design of the project. Consider materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled or upcycled materials, sustainable wood products, and low-VOC finishes.
Implement energy-efficient technologies and systems throughout the project to minimize energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
Implement water-saving technologies and practices to reduce water consumption in the project.
Design the project to seamlessly integrate with the natural environment of the Red Sea region. Preserve and protect local ecosystems, incorporate native landscaping, and minimize disruption to natural habitats.
Develop a comprehensive waste management plan to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste generated during construction and operation of the project.
Engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the project benefits the local economy and community. Consider hiring locally, supporting local businesses, and implementing community development programs.
Red Sea global projects in luxury hospitality create environmentally responsible and forward-thinking developments that offer a unique and luxurious experience while preserving the natural beauty and resources of the region.
HC: What trends or innovations do you see shaping the future of luxury hospitality architecture?
YL: Several trends and innovations are already shaping the future of luxury hospitality architecture.
I can outline some trends and innovations that are prominent and are likely to continue influencing luxury hospitality architecture:
Sustainable design practices have been gaining traction in the hospitality industry. Concepts like green building materials, energy-efficient designs, water conservation, and renewable energy integration are becoming more prevalent in luxury hotel architecture.
Wellness and health are increasingly becoming important aspects of luxury hospitality. Hotels are incorporating features like spas, fitness centers, healthy dining options, and biophilic design elements to promote holistic well-being among guests.
Luxury hotels are moving towards designs that reflect the local culture, heritage, and surroundings of the destination. Incorporating local materials, art, architecture styles, and design elements can create a more authentic and immersive guest experience.
Luxury hotels are focusing on providing personalized and customized experiences for guests. Architectural designs that allow for tailored experiences, private accommodations, and bespoke services are becoming more prevalent in the luxury hospitality sector.
Collaborations between hotels and artists, designers, and architects are creating unique and visually striking architectural spaces in luxury hospitality. Art installations, bespoke furniture, and custom-designed interiors can elevate the overall guest experience.
It’s important to know that today more than three-quarters of people want to make their holiday travel sustainable, according to booking.com's 2023 sustainable travel report and as per the report it found that 76% of respondents hope to embrace sustainable travel plans over the next years.
These trends and innovations are likely to continue shaping the future of luxury hospitality architecture, as hotels strive to create memorable and immersive experiences for their guests.
HC: What drives your passion for architecture, and how do you hope to leave a lasting impact on the field?
YL: I’m really driven by a passion for design since my chilhood, creativity, new cultures worldwide, science and problem-solving. Embracing this passion fuel my motivation to create innovative and impactful architectural designs that can inspire others in the field. As woman, I wish a lasting impact by serving as mentor and educator, sharing my knowledge and expertise with aspiring architects, particularly women and minorities. By providing guidance, support, and mentorship, I can help shape the next generation of architects and contribute to a more diverse and talented industry.
By embracing my passion for architecture, advocating for diversity and inclusion, promoting sustainability and social impact, pursuing innovative design approaches, providing mentorship and education, and taking on leadership roles, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the field and inspire future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural excellence.
HC: As you look towards the future, what legacy do you wish to build through your work at Red Sea Global?
YL: In the next 3-5 years, The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.
Our mission to develop new destinations as beacons of responsible tourism, highlighting the best in sustainable and regenerative development, gains unprecedented urgency as our planet continues to face challenges in relation to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
Our resorts will be representative of positive change:
Then overall, the legacy that I could aim to build through my work at Red Sea Global would likely be centered around promoting sustainability, enhancing customer experiences, driving innovation, fostering diversity and inclusion, and supporting social responsibility. By contributing positively to these areas, the I could leave a lasting impact on the organization and the Saudi’s communities it serves.
