A Landmark Appointment for RSP
His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, entrusted RSP with one of its most prestigious commissions. The firm will design a 27-hectare private beachfront estate in Desaru, Johor. This US $200 million project is led by Michael Magill, Global Design Lead and Managing Director of RSP’s Dubai studio. Drawing on extensive experience from collaborations with globally recognized brands including Armani, Nobu, Karl Lagerfeld, and St. Regis, RSP brings deep expertise in luxury architecture, precision detailing, and intuitive design to deliver a residence that balances sophistication, comfort, and privacy.
Spanning the royal family’s coastal property, the expansive estate will feature a main residence, guest houses, a kids’ club, sports facilities, and secure underground spaces including a shooting range and armoury capable of accommodating up to 100 security personnel. The team tailored every element to the Regent’s lifestyle, balancing elegance with privacy and operational functionality. The project aims to reflect the family’s heritage while providing a modern, sophisticated environment for daily living.
The royal family villa overlooking the Desaru coastline.
Shared Heritage and Partnership
“This residence is more than a home,” says Ismail, 41, the eldest son of Malaysian King Ibrahim Iskandar. “It’s a reflection of family, heritage and partnership. The collaboration with RSP is built not just on design excellence, but on the close family relationship I’ve shared with Kiat and his father.” The project reflects a clear deeper bond between the client and RSP’s leadership.
RSP Chairman Kiat Lim (left) and Ismail Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor.
RSP Chairman, Kiat Lim echoes this statement. “This collaboration carries special meaning. It is shaped by a deep-rooted mutual respect between our families, and to design something so personal for such a storied lineage is a profound privilege.”
RSP is honoured to take on this commission. We look forward to bringing the Regent of Johor’s vision to life with the highest standards of design and craftsmanship.
