Designing for the Soul: An Exclusive Interview with Mahmoud Galal, Founder of GM Architects
How did your journey in architecture and design begin?
It began right after I graduated in architecture from Paris. I immediately started my own practice there with a dear friend
French architect back in 1987–1988. We specialized in luxury retail
projects and worked on
two major hotels in Paris. In 1988, I decided to move back to Lebanon while my partner went to explore other continents
I had to start again from zero, this time focusing on hospitality design, a field that truly resonated with me.
. What inspired you to establish GM Architects?
I wanted to return to Lebanon with a clear ambition: to establish GM Architects and build a strong portfolio in hospitality. The goal was to create a Beirut-based outfit that could operate regionally and produce exceptional work across the Middle East. It was a promising period, and the strategy was simple: design
locally, expand regionally, and deliver world-class design from Beirut.
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
It has always been about well-being. We want people to feel good and at peace
in every environment we design. It’s not about showing off, it’s about the emotional experience. After years of travel and observation, I’ve realized that our surroundings profoundly affect our daily lives. Light, color, and nature all play a role. My philosophy is to create spaces that bring happiness and balance places that simply make people feel good.
. What types of projects excite you the most today?
I’ve always been drawn to seafront projects. I have a deep personal connection with the sea from my childhood, and after spending years in Paris, that bond became even stronger. Designing coastal developments gives me the chance to help visitors connect deeply with the environment to feel the serenity and power of nature.
How do you approach designing for different cultures and locations?
It’s essential to immerse yourself in the local culture. Traditional architecture was always built by people who knew exactly what they needed; it’s authentic and functional. We try to understand that spirit and reflect it in a contemporary way. The perfect building, in my opinion, is one that disappears — you see it, but it feels as though it has always been there.
What do you believe makes a successful hospitality project?
A hotel is like a ship, a multilayered system of energy and movement. Guests only experience the visible 30%, but the other 70% operates seamlessly in the background. If that invisible side doesn’t work, the guest experience collapses. For example, in a recent hotel project in Greece, we designed an underground service system that connects all rooms without guests ever seeing the staff. That invisible choreography is what makes hospitality successful.
How important is storytelling in your design work?
I’ve been practicing for over 35 years, and while storytelling has become a buzzword today, for us it has always been genuine. Every project must have a true narrative not something fabricated for marketing. Storytelling must be authentic, faithful to its own world, and grounded in reality.. How do you ensure your designs remain timeless rather than trend-driven?
I’m aware of design trends, but I don’t let them influence me. My inspiration comes from the location, the people, and the culture not from magazines or social media. My work is guided by conviction: understanding what should be done, and doing it with purpose and integrity.
What role does teamwork and collaboration play in your creative process?
Teamwork is key. You need the right people around you who share your values and can contribute ideas. At GM Architects, collaboration is part of our DNA. We exchange opinions, respect each other’s vision, and move together toward the right direction. No great project is ever created alone.
How do you see the future of hospitality and resort design evolving in the region?
The future of hospitality will continue to emphasize authenticity, emotional experience, and sustainability. Storytelling will remain essential, but it must be real. Having the proper team and staying faithful to the project’s essence will define the next era of hospitality design in our region.
What advice would you give to young Lebanese architects entering the field?
Be a good listener. Observe and understand your environment before you design. Architecture is not about imposing ideas, it’s about responding to context with sensitivity and awareness.
Le Gray Beirut remains one of your most iconic works. What does this project mean to you personally?
Le Gray Beirut means a lot to me. We started over 10 years ago, working closely on the first extension, and later collaborated with its founder, Gordon Campbell Gray. He was deeply involved in the design, and working hand-in-hand with him was like being in a school of hospitality design. It was a great partnership. I learned a lot from his approach and his understanding of guest experience. When we were asked by the Abchee family to renovate the hotel, I wanted to keep the Le Gray concept alive, unique, fresh, and never boring.
Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave through your architecture?
I hope my work continues to inspire joy and authenticity. Architecture, for me, is about creating spaces that people connect with emotionally, places that feel right, natural, and alive.
