Jeffrey Meawad’s Riyadh Villa: A Home of Quiet Confidence

Imagine a home that, without a single elaborate detail, captivates you with its quiet, confident presence. It doesn’t perform for an audience; it simply exists in a state of effortless grace. This is the heart of Jeffrey Meawad’s work. A visionary architect and founder of JM Design & Architecture, his latest residential project in Riyadh is a masterclass in this philosophy of understated elegance. In this article, he explains how he creates homes with a deep sense of vitality and purpose, weaving iconic mid-century designs into his modern architectural vision. He tells us how he defines luxury not through opulence, but through the seamless integration of art, memory, and thoughtful craftsmanship. By Arya Nair

Jeffrey Meawad’s firm, JM Design & Architecture, operates on a core principle: to create spaces that are “alive and responsive.” This isn’t about building a static monument; it’s about crafting a home that works for life as much as it works for beauty. For the Riyadh villa, this meant composing a home that is welcoming and purposeful, where every space has a story to tell without ever feeling forced or staged.

The design process began with a deep consideration for the inhabitants’ daily movements and routines, from the way natural light shifts across a room at different times of the day to the subtle interaction of different materials underfoot. The ultimate goal was to build a sanctuary, a home that feels not just beautiful to look at but also intuitively comfortable and perfectly functional for a life well-lived.

The villa’s ground floor perfectly embodies this vision. Jeffrey describes it as a space of “presence without demanding it.” Rather than cluttering the area with countless elements, the design focuses on a few deliberate focal points.

A meticulously crafted, curved wooden wall cladding not only defines the space but also serves as a warm, textural backdrop, highlighting a stunning collection of artworks.

Complementing this architectural feature is the unique, snake-like form of the “de Sede” sofa, whose sinuous curves add a sense of fluid movement and softness, inviting relaxation. Above the dining table, Moooi chandeliers make a bold yet balanced statement, their sculptural forms drawing the eye upwards without ever overwhelming the serene environment. It’s this careful composition, the interplay of fixed elements and moveable furniture, that gives the space its air of understated confidence.

The project showcases a blend of contemporary architecture with iconic furniture pieces from designers like Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret.

We asked him: “What is your strategy for integrating period features into modern architecture so they feel both relevant and foundational to the overall style?”

He replied that in many projects, they intentionally incorporate timeless midcentury pieces from iconic designers. Their enduring forms and impeccable craftsmanship bring a layer of elegance that transcends trends and creates a profound dialogue between past and present. When paired with the clean lines of contemporary architecture, these pieces ground the space with a sense of history and gravitas that a purely modern interior might lack. They act as anchors, making the home feel both refined and enduring, while achieving a balanced mix of modernity and classic appeal.

Art was in the DNA

For Jeffrey, the most successful projects are born from collaboration and a deep respect for the client’s personal world. He approaches each design by learning the stories behind the client’s mementos and art, then weaving these elements into the very fabric of the architecture. This isn’t about imposing a style, but about listening and observing.

A specific painting might inspire the colour palette of an entire room, or a cherished heirloom sculpture could dictate the flow of a hallway. In this villa, the homeowner’s art collection is not merely displayed; it is part of the home’s DNA, seamlessly integrated so that each piece feels like it naturally belongs, making the space feel deeply personal and authentic.

This sense of harmony is also evident in the handling of dramatic design elements. In the dining area, a bold slab of Patagonia marble serves as a stunning centerpiece. Instead of letting its vibrant veins and unique colors overwhelm the space, Jeffrey created a calm and subtle setting around it.

The key was to understand its inherent character and allow it to be the hero. By using neutral tones on the walls and simple, elegant forms in the surrounding furniture, the marble is allowed to take center stage, becoming a powerful statement piece that enhances the serene atmosphere rather than clashing with it. It’s a masterful exercise in balance, demonstrating that even the most striking element can coexist peacefully within a tranquil design.

Jeffrey’s definition of luxury is simple. When asked about it, he explained that it is not about extravagance, but about care, thoughtfulness, and the little details that make a space feel effortless.

It’s an understated kind of luxury, one that comes through in textures, materials, and the refinement of details, such as the perfect alignment of a cabinet, the satisfying weight of a door handle, or the soft light that illuminates a corner. It’s also in the luxury of space itself: open, uncluttered rooms that feel generous without being overwhelming, allowing the residents to breathe and move with a sense of freedom.

In this villa, that balance is what defines the experience; the way proportions are considered, how each element has room to breathe, and how comfort and beauty come together in a natural, composed way. It’s a luxury you feel rather than see.