HBA Residential has strengthened its international leadership structure with three senior regional appointments covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, reinforcing its position in the expanding global market for ultra-luxury homes and branded residences.
The specialist residential arm of Hirsch Bedner Associates has appointed William Bles as Partner and Principal for EMEA, Mak Hon Yue as Principal for Asia, and Carlos Agelet de Saracibar as Principal for the Americas.
The regional model is designed to bring senior decision-making closer to clients and projects while maintaining a consistent design philosophy across continents. It also reflects growing demand for high-value residential environments connected to luxury hotels, resorts, wellness destinations and mixed-use developments.
Headquartered in Singapore, HBA Residential works through established operations in London, Miami and Dubai. The studio combines architecture, interior design, furniture development and procurement within one coordinated system, allowing teams to maintain the original creative direction throughout the delivery process.
Regional Principals Support International Expansion
William Bles will lead the studio’s operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa while continuing to oversee its London base. A Chartered Architect and member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, he brings more than 15 years of experience across luxury hospitality, private residences and landmark developments.
His portfolio includes private homes, major residential schemes and heritage transformation projects. His responsibilities cover projects from initial concepts through technical delivery and completion, with an emphasis on preserving design continuity.
Bles said his priorities include increasing HBA Residential’s presence in important European markets while building on the company’s momentum in the Middle East. He also plans to expand specialist teams in Europe as demand for ultra-prime residential design becomes increasingly sophisticated.
Mak Hon Yue will provide leadership across Asia, where dense urban development, branded residences and high-value property projects continue to create opportunities for international design studios.
Carlos Agelet de Saracibar will oversee the Americas, supporting the company’s work across established luxury centres and emerging residential markets.
The three Principals will operate within a shared global framework while responding to regional architecture, culture, development conditions and client expectations.
Integrated Design Model Supports Complex Developments
Founded in 2014, HBA Residential has built its reputation through highly personalised commissions for private clients, families and international property developers.
Rather than applying a standard design formula, the studio approaches each residence as an individual project shaped by its location, architecture and owner. This method supports the creation of homes that reflect specific lifestyles while retaining a clear sense of craftsmanship and visual discipline.
Its integrated operating structure differentiates the practice from design models where architecture, interiors and procurement are handled by separate organisations. HBA Residential coordinates these disciplines as part of a single creative process.
This approach can reduce fragmentation, improve communication and help ensure that materials, furniture and interior details remain aligned with the original concept. It is particularly relevant for branded residences and resort-linked homes, where the design must balance private living requirements with established hospitality standards.
Ken Smith, Partner and Global Principal of HBA Residential, said the studio follows what it calls a “house way of thinking”, defined by a measured, elegant and exacting design sensibility.
He said the regional Principals would protect design integrity across international markets while strengthening the trusted client relationships supporting the studio’s expansion.
Landmark Projects Connect Hospitality and Residential Luxury
HBA Residential’s portfolio extends across major international destinations and illustrates the growing relationship between residential property, travel and hospitality.
In Miami, The Delmore Residences represents contemporary waterfront living designed for a luxury market shaped by lifestyle, privacy and coastal access.
In London, The OWO Residences by Raffles and The Whiteley demonstrate how heritage buildings can be repositioned as premium residential destinations. Such projects combine historic architecture with modern services and amenities, contributing to the wider regeneration of established urban districts.
The company is also involved in major Middle Eastern developments, including Amali Island Villas and SHA Wellness Resort, Residences and Villas in the United Arab Emirates. These projects reflect rising demand for homes associated with resort living, wellness and private island environments.
In Asia, the firm’s engagement with Hyundai Engineering and Construction’s Apgujeong District 3 project in Seoul highlights its role in high-density urban luxury. The scheme requires precise planning and residential design capable of meeting the expectations of affluent city-based buyers.
Branded Residences Reshape Destination Development
The leadership expansion arrives as branded residences become an increasingly important part of global hospitality and tourism development.
Luxury hotel operators, wellness brands and developers are using residential components to create year-round communities around resorts and city properties. These projects can support destination investment, generate longer-term owner engagement and expand the economic contribution of hospitality developments beyond traditional hotel stays.
For travellers and buyers, branded homes offer access to services commonly associated with premium hotels, including concierge support, wellness facilities, dining, security and property management.
HBA Residential’s hospitality background provides a strong foundation for this sector, allowing the studio to combine private residential comfort with service-led environments.
With regional leadership now established across EMEA, Asia and the Americas, HBA Residential is positioning itself to manage increasingly complex commissions while remaining responsive to local markets. Its expanded structure is expected to support further growth in luxury homes, branded residences and resort-linked developments across the world’s leading travel and investment destinations.
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