Luxury real estate in Marbella continues to evolve, driven by visionary leaders who combine investment expertise, architectural excellence, and lifestyle-focused design. At the forefront of this transformation is Sam Shaje, Founder and CEO of MEG (Marbella Estate Group), an award-winning luxury real estate consultancy recognized as Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Consultancy in Spain 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Together with its sister company, MDG (Marbella Design Group), co-founded by Sam Shaje, Mona Haraldsson, and Kasia Wilk, the group has developed a unique integrated model that combines luxury real estate, architecture, interior design, project management, and development under one vision.

This approach enables clients to enjoy a seamless turnkey experience—from identifying exceptional investment opportunities to designing and delivering extraordinary residences that embody timeless elegance, functionality, and long-term value.

A defining characteristic of MEG and MDG is their commitment to reintroducing the sophistication of the old money aesthetic, blending classic European craftsmanship, understated luxury, and enduring architectural principles with contemporary design, modern technology, sustainability, and wellness-focused living.

This philosophy was exemplified by Villa La Cuesta, which received recognition as Best Design in Spain, showcasing the group’s ability to create residences that are both architecturally innovative and emotionally meaningful.

As Marbella continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s premier luxury property destinations, MEG and MDG remain at the forefront of the market, delivering landmark projects for an international clientele seeking excellence, exclusivity, and lasting value.

Looking ahead, Sam Shaje, together with Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, aims to expand the influence of both MEG and MDG while maintaining the boutique, highly personalized approach that has become their signature. Their vision is to create timeless properties that transcend trends, enrich lifestyles, and set new benchmarks for luxury real estate and design across Spain and beyond.

Our exclusive interview is led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce and CEO of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Alexander Chetchikov: MEG (Marbella Estate Group) has received major international recognition this year. What does this award mean to you and your team?

Sam Shaje: Receiving the Luxury Lifestyle Award as Best Luxury Boutique Real Estate Consultancy in Spain 2026 is both an honor and a reflection of the dedication, expertise, and passion of our entire team. This recognition validates our commitment to delivering exceptional properties, personalized service, and long-term value for our clients.

It is also a testament to the strength of the collaboration between MEG and our sister company, MDG (Marbella Design Group), where together with my co-founders Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we have created a unique platform that combines luxury real estate, architecture, interior design, and project management under one vision.

This award motivates us to continue raising the standard of luxury living and delivering extraordinary experiences for our international clientele.

AC: Your company combines real estate, architecture, and design under one vision. How does this integrated approach benefit your clients?

SS: Our integrated approach allows clients to benefit from a seamless and highly efficient experience throughout every stage of their real estate journey. Rather than coordinating multiple consultants, architects, designers, and project managers, clients have access to a unified team that manages everything from property acquisition and investment strategy to architectural design, interior design, construction oversight, and project delivery.

A key part of this vision is our sister company, MDG (Marbella Design Group), which was established to provide world-class architecture, interior design, and project management services. Working closely with my co-founders, Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we have created a collaborative platform where creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of luxury living come together under one roof.

This close partnership enables us to ensure consistency in design, quality, and execution while maintaining complete alignment with our clients’ goals. By combining real estate expertise with architectural and design excellence, we are able to deliver a truly turnkey experience. The result is a streamlined process, exceptional attention to detail, and bespoke luxury properties that not only reflect our clients’ lifestyles and aspirations but also provide lasting value as investments.

AC: MDG (Marbella Design Group) has become an important part of your business model. What inspired you to create this dedicated design and project management division?

SS: The inspiration came from recognizing that many of our international clients were looking for more than just a property—they wanted a trusted partner who could transform their vision into reality.

This led to the creation of MDG (Marbella Design Group), our dedicated architecture, interior design, and project management company.

Together with my co-founders, Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we built MDG to offer a fully integrated, turnkey solution. By combining our expertise in real estate, architecture, design, and project execution, we are able to guide clients through every stage of the process with confidence, transparency, and exceptional attention to detail.

Today, this collaboration allows us to create homes that are not only architecturally outstanding but also deeply personal, reflecting the unique lifestyle and aspirations of each client.

AC: Villa La Cuesta received recognition for Best Design in Spain. What made this project so special from both an architectural and emotional perspective?

SS: Villa La Cuesta was a truly collaborative achievement and reflects the philosophy that drives both MEG and MDG. Working closely with my co-founders, Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we focused on creating a residence that seamlessly combines architectural innovation, timeless elegance, and a deep connection to its natural surroundings.

What made this project particularly unique was our commitment to reintroducing the sophistication of the old money aesthetic—a style defined by timeless craftsmanship, understated luxury, and enduring quality—while integrating it with contemporary architecture, modern functionality, and current design influences. Rather than following short-lived trends, we wanted to create a home with lasting character, where classic European elegance meets modern luxury living.

Architecturally, Villa La Cuesta was designed to maximize natural light, panoramic views, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. From an emotional perspective, every detail was carefully considered to create a sense of warmth, comfort, and belonging. The combination of refined materials, curated interiors, and timeless design principles results in a home that feels both prestigious and welcoming.

For us, the project represents more than exceptional architecture—it embodies a lifestyle philosophy that celebrates heritage, elegance, and authenticity while embracing the expectations of modern luxury living. This balance is what made Villa La Cuesta so special and ultimately earned it recognition as one of Spain’s best-designed residences.

AC: Marbella has become one of Europe’s leading luxury property destinations. What trends are you currently seeing in the high-end real estate market?

SS: We continue to see strong demand from international buyers who value lifestyle, security, privacy, and long-term investment potential. Today’s luxury clients are increasingly sophisticated and are looking for more than just prime locations—they want properties with character, quality, and a unique identity.

One of the strongest trends we are seeing is a shift away from purely minimalist design toward more timeless and personalized interiors. Through MDG, we are seeing growing interest in homes that combine the elegance of traditional European architecture and the old money aesthetic with modern technology, wellness features, sustainability, and contemporary comfort.

Marbella remains one of Europe’s most attractive luxury destinations because it offers a unique combination of climate, lifestyle, infrastructure, and investment opportunities that continue to attract entrepreneurs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals from around the world.

AC: Your background includes architecture, hospitality, and real estate investment. How do these disciplines influence the way you develop projects today?

SS: Each discipline contributes a unique perspective to how we approach development. Architecture helps us focus on design excellence and functionality, hospitality influences the client experience and lifestyle elements, while real estate investment ensures that every project delivers long-term value.

At MDG, working alongside Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk allows us to bring these disciplines together in a highly collaborative environment. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to create properties that are not only visually stunning but also practical, market-driven, and deeply aligned with the way our clients want to live.

Ultimately, we develop homes through the lens of both lifestyle and investment, ensuring that beauty, functionality, and value are equally prioritized.

AC: Sustainability and enduring design are becoming increasingly important in luxury living. How do you balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility?

SS: We believe that true luxury is about creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and built to stand the test of time. Through the combined expertise of MEG and MDG, we carefully consider every aspect of a project, from architectural design and material selection to energy efficiency and long-term performance.

Together with Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we strive to integrate sustainable solutions in a way that enhances rather than compromises the overall design. We strongly believe that timeless design is inherently sustainable. Homes inspired by enduring architectural principles and quality craftsmanship remain relevant for generations, reducing the need for constant renovation and redesign.

Our goal is to create residences that offer exceptional living experiences while remaining environmentally responsible and future-focused.

AC: And finally, what is your long-term vision for MEG and MDG?

SS: Our long-term vision is to continue setting new standards in luxury real estate, architecture, and bespoke development across Spain and internationally. Through MEG and MDG, we aim to offer an unmatched level of service, creativity, and expertise for clients seeking exceptional properties and investment opportunities.

Working alongside my co-founders, Mona Haraldsson and Kasia Wilk, we are committed to expanding our portfolio of landmark projects while maintaining the boutique, highly personalized approach that defines our brands.

We also want to continue refining our signature design philosophy—bringing together timeless elegance, old-world sophistication, and modern luxury living. We believe the future of luxury lies not in trends, but in creating homes with enduring character, exceptional craftsmanship, and meaningful emotional value.

Our ambition is to be recognized not only for the properties we create but also for the trust we build, the innovation we bring to every project, and the lasting value we deliver to our clients and partners around the world.

“Luxury is not about following trends; it is about creating something timeless. Through MEG and MDG, our mission is to deliver exceptional properties that inspire, endure, and create lasting value for generations to come.” – Sam Shaje – Founder & CEO, MEG (Marbella Estate Group) Co-Founder, MDG (Marbella Design Group).

Thank you, Sam, for sharing your insights and vision with us. We look forward to seeing Marbella Estate Group continue shaping the future of luxury real estate and architectural distinction in Spain.

To discover more about Marbella Estate Group and explore their latest luxury projects, visit: https://marbellaestategroup.com/