JYH International Architects with Eva Szumilas has been recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Villa Renovation for Velaa Private Island in the Maldives. This prestigious honor celebrates their outstanding transformation of one of the world’s most exclusive private resort villas.

“Projects like this showcase the future of luxury design, where global collaboration, creativity, and precision come together to create something extraordinary,” said Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. “JYH International Architects and Eva Szumilas have proven that true luxury lies in the details and execution.”

The award-winning renovation, scheduled for completion in November 2025, reimagines the villa experience on Velaa Private Island. Bespoke furniture, rare marbles, and exotic timbers were sourced from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with each element carefully inspected and transported to the Maldives under strict quality control. Despite logistical challenges of shipping to a remote island, the team ensured every detail enhanced the villa’s refined atmosphere of comfort and sophistication.

JYH International Architects Co-Founder Joy Alexandre Harb shared, “This project represents the pinnacle of what we strive for, design that respects place while elevating experience. The villa is more than a residence; it’s a living artwork that speaks to individuality and taste.”

Designer Eva Szumilas, renowned for her multidisciplinary work spanning luxury furniture, artisanal product design, and architecture, added, “Every piece was envisioned specifically for this space. We wanted the furniture to not only complement the architecture but also enrich the way guests interact with their surroundings.”

Based in Beirut since 2010, Eva leads her creative studio with a vision that unites poetry and functionality. She has earned a reputation for exceptional quality across private residences, corporate offices, hospitality, and cultural spaces in Lebanon, the MENA region, and Europe. Drawing on her European and Middle Eastern heritage, she creates sculptural pieces celebrated for their refined craftsmanship and cultural depth. Her designs have been exhibited at PAD Paris and PAD London and featured in AD France, AD Germany, AD Middle East, AD Poland, and Taschen. In 2022, her acclaimed “Gong Cabinet” received the prestigious A’ Design Award.

This Maldivian masterpiece at Velaa Private Island underscores the combined expertise of JYH International Architects and Eva Szumilas in delivering highly customized, world-class environments for some of the most exclusive destinations worldwide.

Discover more about their work at www.jyh-ia.com and www.evaszumilas.com.