At DesignOne, we believe architecture is a catalyst for transformation — shaping experiences, nurturing connections, and elevating how people live. From our origins in Colombo to our expanding presence in Riyadh, Singapore, Venice, and Dubai, our journey has been driven by imagination, innovation, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Every project begins as a story — a dialogue between form, function, and emotion — shaped by culture, context, and purpose. We create environments that are not only seen, but deeply felt; spaces that inspire, resonate, and endure.
Our Journey
Founder's Message
As we look ahead, our vision remains bold: to redefine the role of architecture in shaping lives and communities across the world. Whether designing intimate homes, landmark towers, or forward-looking urban visions, our work is guided by curiosity and refined through craftsmanship. We aspire to craft timeless, human-centered environments that leave a meaningful imprint on the cities and people they serve — one project, one story, one design at a time.
Dan Ameresekere
Founder & Executive Chairman, DesignOne
The Story Behind the Vision
Where Curiosity Met Creation
Genesis of Innovation
Dhananjana Ameresekere—affectionately known as Dan—began his creative journey amidst the vibrant landscapes of Colombo, Sri Lanka. From crafting toy cars to experimenting with robotics, his childhood was marked by curiosity and invention. Parallel to this, a love for art and painting nurtured his visual imagination, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to creativity. Though architecture was not his initial calling, a suggestion from his mother Lilamani at age fifteen became a defining moment. It offered the perfect fusion of art and science—a balance that continues to guide DesignOne’s philosophy of innovation, experimentation, and human-centred design.
A Canvas of Knowledge and Discovery
Formative Years at Yale
Accepted into Yale University for his Bachelor of Arts, Dan pursued a dual passion for Architecture and Economics, a combination encouraged by his father Nihal to ground creativity with pragmatism. Yale’s liberal arts environment expanded his intellectual reach—from robotics to theology, sculpture to Mandarin—broadening his understanding of the world. His thesis, “Using Fractals and Symmetry Theory to Design Sacred Space,” under the mentorship of Kent Bloomer and Nicholas Wolterstorff, reflected his lifelong fascination with the intersection of space, spirituality, and meaning.
Forging a Language of Ideas
Mentored Under Libeskind at Penn
Dan earned his Master of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, becoming one of the youngest in his class at twenty-one. His thesis, “The Church of the Unashamed,” guided by the renowned Daniel Libeskind, shaped his distinct design ethos—one that explores the origins of ideas and narrative rather than precedent. Honoured with six awards, including the Paul Philippe Cret Medal, his time at Penn forged an aesthetic that marries conceptual depth with emotive clarity.
Where Vision Found Its Form
Global Foundations – Philadelphia to Singapore
In Philadelphia, as Staff Architect at MGA Partners, Dan worked alongside Principal Architect Dan Kelley on projects that celebrated civic engagement and architectural integrity, such as the Bryn Mawr College Masterplan and the Philadelphia Center City Strategic Plan. In 2004, his career expanded to Singapore with Architects61, where he led the design of landmark projects including the award-winning Cape Royale in Sentosa Cove—establishing his reputation for visionary yet contextually grounded design.
Crafting a New Design Language
Return to Colombo – The Birth of DesignOne
Returning to Sri Lanka in 2011, Dan was appointed Chief Consultant Architect for the Kingsbury Hotel refurbishment—a project that earned a Presidential Award. Later that year, he founded DesignOne Limited, setting out to create a boutique studio rooted in narrative, innovation, and craftsmanship. Under his leadership, the firm has redefined contemporary architecture in the region through bespoke, story-driven design that connects people, place, and purpose.
A World Connected Through Design
Global Expansion — A Visionary Journey
Through a series of strategic collaborations, DesignOne has evolved into a truly global design practice. From the cultural vibrancy of Dubai to the visionary landscapes of Saudi Arabia and the timeless artistry of Venice, each partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, authenticity, and excellence.
Today, with global presence in Riyadh, Singapore, Venice, Dubai, and Colombo, the firm’s portfolio spans bespoke residences, luxury resorts, mixed-use towers, and visionary cityscapes. Guided by the belief that architecture is both art and legacy, DesignOne continues to craft environments that inspire, uplift, and endure — pioneering a global language of design excellence.
THE PEOPLE WHO BRING IMAGINATION TO LIFE
Every great vision takes a collective of brilliant minds to bring it to life.
Global Leadership
DesignOne is led by a team of visionary experts whose mastery, global experience, and far-reaching networks shape every project. Their combined influence spans continents, cultures, and disciplines, transforming ideas into inspiring, enduring spaces that set new benchmarks in design, innovation, and excellence.
“We harness creativity, mastery, and vision to shape the future of design.”
Saad Alkahtani embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vitality of modern Saudi Arabia. Shaped by his success in developing and operating the Warwick Hotel portfolio across the Middle East, he brings a rich understanding of hospitality, refinement, and guest experience to DesignOne’s evolving regional vision. His ventures in healthcare clinics, spas, and cafés reflect a holistic view of wellbeing and community, aligning with the Kingdom’s dynamic transformation. With an energetic presence and a powerful network within the local business landscape, Saad serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, strengthening DesignOne’s engagement in Saudi Arabia and ensuring each project resonates with authenticity, ambition, and forward-looking purpose.
Gianluigi Filippi embodies the timeless elegance of Italian culture and design. Rooted in Venice, a city celebrated as the cradle of art, architecture, and craftsmanship, he brings a deep cultural sensibility to DesignOne’s global vision. His work bridges heritage and modernity, infusing projects with an appreciation for history while embracing forward-looking innovation. As a custodian of Venice’s design legacy and a visionary collaborator, Gianluigi strengthens DesignOne’s presence in Europe, ensuring that every creation resonates with artistry, refinement, and cultural depth.
Prof. Chitra Weddikkara brings over 40 years of expertise in architecture, quantity surveying, project management, and construction law. A Past President of both the Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Institute of Architects Sri Lanka, Fellow of multiple international institutions, and Emeritus Professor at the University of Moratuwa, she combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insight. Her guidance ensures every project is delivered with precision, efficiency, and world-class standards, resulting in developments that are sustainable, technically robust, and expertly managed.
Gianluca Bin is an international business developer, entrepreneur, and sales strategist with over 35 years of experience. Having built sales organizations and strategies across online and offline platforms, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Over the past decade, Gianluca has immersed himself in technology, particularly fintech, digital banking, blockchain solutions, cybersecurity, and payment systems. Currently based in the UAE, he is spearheading The Way of Water (WOW) Resorts, a groundbreaking eco-luxury project in French Polynesia, integrating blockchain-based ownership and local conservation. He also founded Rakstar Solutions, driving international business development, and partners with Design One Studio on innovative hospitality concepts, including the WOW Resorts and a brand new hospitality project on the Port City development in Sri Lanka.
As DesignOne’s head of engineering and sustainability, Keerthi brings decades of expertise to transforming visionary concepts into high-performance, environmentally responsible projects. A Chartered Engineer, LEED® Accredited Professional, BREEAM® Licensed Assessor, and GBCSL Accredited Professional, he guides every stage of design and delivery, ensuring luxury residences, urban developments, and masterplans achieve world-class standards. His leadership shapes projects that are not only architecturally striking but also sustainable, resilient, and in harmony with their environment.
Celebrating Excellence
DesignOne has gained global recognition for its innovative and sustainable architecture, earning numerous international awards and competitive commissions that showcase its commitment to excellence and transformative design.
Architecture MasterPrize 2025, Honourable Mention, JXG Office HQ
World Architecture Festival Shortlist 2024, Avinya Academy
Architecture MasterPrize 2024, Honourable Mention, WS02 Inc.
Architecture MasterPrize 2024, Honourable Mention, Ameresekere House
Competition Winner 2024, Janashakthi Insurance Offices
Competition Winner 2024, JXG Offices
Architecture MasterPrize 2023, Honourable Mention, Avinya Academy
Competition Winner 2023, WS02 Inc.
Competition Winner 2023, Avinya Academy
Best Luxury Architect Studio 2022, Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Best Luxury Architect Studio 2021, Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Competition Winner 2018, Hemas Hotels
Presidential Award for Design Excellence 2013, The Kingsbury Hotel
Design Ethos
Every Line Has a Story.
Architecture is not drawn — it is discovered. Each stroke carries emotion, memory, and meaning, weaving human experience into timeless form.
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Where Design Breathes with the Earth.
We draw inspiration from the rhythms of nature — its stillness, flow, and resilience — to create spaces that live in harmony with their environment.
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Reimagining the Possible.
Through vision, technology, and craft, we challenge convention to create architecture that transcends time — bold, intelligent, and profoundly human.