Joseph Canisius Dias
Architect & Project Manager – Design
With over 35 years of experience spanning India, the Middle East, Southern Europe, and beyond, Joseph Canisius Dias is a highly skilled architect and design manager. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, ability to navigate complex design challenges, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams, Joseph has delivered some of the most iconic and complex projects in hospitality, commercial, residential, and cultural sectors across a vast geographic area.
A graduate of Bombay University with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons.), Joseph began his career in Dubai, where he honed his expertise in a dynamic, fast-growing market. Over the decades, he worked with prominent firms like BSBG, JRHP, NORR, ARCADIS, and his own consultancy, Diasquare DMCC, contributing to some of the most distinguished architectural projects globally.
Selected Landmark Projects & Roles
?? Portugal & Spain
- Blue Palace Hotel, Lisbon (2023–2024)
Project Manager-Design for the transformation of a 1796 building into a luxury 5-star hotel (Quantum Capital) - Convento do Carmo, Évora (2023–ongoing)
Project Manager-Design for a 4-star boutique hotel in a historical convent (Quantum Capital) - JnCQ_Comporta, Comporta (2022–2023)
Resort masterplanning for a coastal luxury project (Amorim Luxury)
Saudi Arabia
- Diriyah Gate 1, Riyadh (2021–2022)
Design Manager for a 110,000 sqm cultural township (DGDA)
UAE
- Address Sky Views, Dubai (2020–2021)
Resident Engineer and Project Manager for twin towers with observatory (EMAAR) - Hotel Indigo, Business Bay (2016–2020)
Resident Engineer for a 280-key design-focused hotel - First Gulf Bank, Abu Dhabi (2015–2016)
Resident Engineer for a 36,000 sqm corporate office space - Sofitel JBR, Dubai (2006–2010)
Senior Architect overseeing the conversion of a 4-star hotel to 5-star - East Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai (2003–2006)
Project Manager for 425-key hotel (MAF) - Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai (2001–2003)
Design Architect for a 45-storey tower with mixed-use spaces (Al Jaber Investments) - Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai (1999–2001)
Senior Architect for the renovation and expansion of a key shopping mall - Emirates Towers, Dubai (1996–1999)
Project Architect for a landmark twin tower complex (Ruler’s Office) - National Bank of Dubai HQ, Dubai (1995–1996)
Senior Architect for a high-rise headquarters (NORR)
Iran
- Tat Mall, Tehran (2011–2012)
Project Manager-Design for one of the largest malls in the world
India
- Aamby Valley City, Pune (2010–2011)
Project Manager for a multi-zonal urban resort development (Sahara India)
Earlier Years with John R. Harris & Partners (1990–1994)
- Wafi Mall, Dubai (1991)
Design Architect for a landmark retail project featuring global architectural inspirations (MKM Developers) - BBME HQ, Dubai (1992–1994)
Design Architect for a banking headquarters (BBME Bank) - The Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai (1992–1994)
Design Architect for a specialized medical facility (Ruler’s Office) - Refurbishment of Sh. Hamdan’s Building, Dubai (1993)
Design Architect for the restoration of a key administrative building (Sheikh Hamdan Office) - Salman Offshore Project, Dubai (1993)
Design Architect for offshore accommodation facilities (McDermott)
Core Competencies
- Comprehensive design and project management from inception to completion
- Expertise in heritage and adaptive reuse projects
- Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration and leadership
- Contract management, stakeholder liaison, and risk mitigation
- Technical problem-solving on-site and design troubleshooting
- Interior design oversight and detailed execution management
- Strategic planning for complex hospitality and commercial spaces
Education & Professional Memberships
- B.Arch (Hons.), Bombay University, India – 1989
- Council of Architecture, India – Member since 1989
- Society of Engineers, UAE – Member (1990–2022)
Joseph's Approach
Rooted in a dedication to creating lasting, innovative structures, Joseph believes that architecture is not only about creating beautiful, functional spaces but also about creating experiences that connect people to their environments. His leadership style fosters collaboration, a deep respect for context, and a passion for realizing the architect's true potential within every project he touches.