Massa understands that when it comes to hospitality, it takes a talented and passionate team with a wide range of experiences to bring hospitality design projects to life, no matter how big or small.

“We’re always looking to make a positive difference in our clients’ environments, so quality matters more to us than quantity,” said Karim Khemakhem, founder of Massa. “We aim to be highly efficient and at top of our industry; all while providing our clients with the best talent available in the Middle East and the U.S.”

Leading the design efforts out of Washington D.C., is John Carhart, principal for Massa in the USA. He is a University of Arizona graduate, and a registered architect in the both the District of Columbia and Maryland. Carharts’ affinity for classic, historic and modern properties has taken him down a road that includes over 30 years of experience in hospitality and commercial architecture undertakings. His ability to determine the design elements that transform a hotel from good to star-rated have earned Carhart numerous awards and accolades during his many years in the industry.

Carharts’ particular talent for complicated space planning was made evident when he oversaw the total restoration of the Stratler Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, to be made anew as the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel. It required the expansion of the existing Beaux Arts structure twofold, with the added complication of a brand new tower. Carhart commanded the seamless restoration of the original ceiling, column capitals, marble walls and floors, as well as the planning of the guest rooms for the new part of the building. It was a complicated project, yet Carhart was able to modernize the hotel while still respecting its traditional elements with a touch of delicacy and preservation.

Carhart has gone on to lead many other hospitality endeavors, including the complete renovation of the coveted Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia and the Alluvian in Greenwood, Mississippi – named Hotel of the Year by Lodging Hospitality in 2004 and also published in Architectural Digest.

“When spearheading a project, I assume the role of identifying a client’s’ needs, and setting up a creative environment for Massa team members to brainstorm,” said Carhart, “I help generate solutions and oversee the approval process, while also managing documentation pertaining to production of elevations, design details and construction components.”

Working closely with Carhart is Mustapha Chbinou, Massa’s regional director, who shares his time between Washington D.C. and Dubai. Tunisian born, Chbinou is a Canadian architect and designer bringing unparalleled value to the Massa team with various global projects under his belt. His ability to speak multiple languages has served as an asset, as he set out to complete award-winning design projects all over the world, including in the UAE, France, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the US.

Chbinou’s interest in architecture developed into a passion when he attended Ecole Des Beaux Arts de Bordeaux in France, and then at University of Montreal where he earned a bachelor of science in urban planning. Chbinou went on to work for the renowned hospitality design firm, ForrestPerkins, where he gained a wealth of experience in leading the design department for hospitality, spa and wellness facilities. His international record, paired with a commitment to design integrity and technical precision, helps Chbinou understand the complexities behind coordinating design and development across continents, cultures and languages in the modern world.

“In the past, I’ve worked on all phases of design from conception to realization, including developing design concepts, preparing construction documents, monitoring progress, and procuring the best materials for a particular design,” said Chbinou, “I also frequently work on-site to supervise construction.”

Marek Šebestyén, Massa’s design principal, is another team member, who plays an integral role in the collaborative design team. His talents lie in delivering visionary work that is perfectly tailored around a clients’ time and budget needs. Šebestyén feels driven by a strong desire to create sustainable, yet contemporary solutions that produce spaces where guests can feel at home, and that clients can benefit from in the long-term.

“We believe every client deserves great design, regardless of budget,” said Šebestyén, “our strength lies in our ability to bridge divides – whether it be continents, cultures or design concepts.”

Working with Massa’s team for your hospitality needs, means you get all of the benefits and expertise of working with an award-winning global design firm, without the disconnect of long distances and time variances. Having Massa’s design leadership based in Washington D.C. ensures clients are getting the best of American creativity and direction, all while experiencing the same close relationship that you get with a local firm.

“At Massa, we understand the mindset and motivations of modern travelers,” said Khemakhem, “our local team offers our hospitality clients the most personalized and distinctive solutions, resulting in architecture that reflects the unique identity of each and every property we dedicate ourselves to.”

Want to learn more about the Massa team, or interested in working with Massa to create star-rated designs for your property? Contact Massa today!