In this episode, Alex Quin sits down with Mikael Hamaoui, founder of Riviera Horizons and one of the visionaries behind Pagani Residences—a groundbreaking collaboration with the Pagani family that merges ultra-luxury living with cutting-edge design. Known globally for crafting some of the most exclusive hypercars on the planet, Pagani Automobili is synonymous with performance, craftsmanship, and Italian artistry. Mikael shares how this legacy of precision and innovation is now being translated into elite real estate. He opens up about the concept and creative process behind the project, the collaboration with the Pagani brand, and how his background in luxury event design shapes unforgettable living experiences. The conversation also explores the business challenges and triumphs of building at the top tier of the luxury market.
Episode Outline
00:00:03 — Alex Quin welcomes listeners to the show
00:01:40 — Mikael’s background and the origins of Riviera Horizons
00:04:50 — Early influences and the leap from design to events
00:08:10 — Conceptualizing Pagani Residences with the Pagani family
00:11:25 — What makes Pagani Residences a new standard in luxury
00:14:00 — Lessons learned from working in high-pressure luxury markets
00:17:30 — How Riviera Horizons blends creativity with operational execution
00:21:00 — The long-term vision for Pagani Residences and future projects
00:24:20 — Advice for creatives and founders entering luxury markets
00:27:00 — Final thoughts from Mikael and closing by Alex Quin
Wisdom Nuggets
Design with Emotion: Mikael emphasizes that true luxury isn’t about flash—it’s about how a space makes you feel. Emotional design creates lasting impact.
Collaborate with Legacy: Working with the Pagani family brought decades of design excellence into a new space. Aligning with iconic brands elevates your own.
Translate Creativity Across Fields: From events to real estate, Mikael applies the same principles of storytelling and precision. Creative skills can scale across industries.
Build a Brand on Trust: Pagani Residences reflects years of trust between Mikael and his collaborators. Relationships, not just vision, drive long-term projects.
Lead with Vision, Adapt with Skill: Balancing big-picture goals with real-world constraints is key. Mikael shows that strong leadership means being visionary and flexible.
Power Quotes
“You can’t fake luxury—it has to be felt in every detail.” — Mikael Hamaoui
“We wanted Pagani Residences to feel like a sculpture you live in.” — Mikael Hamaoui
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Alex Quin is a full-stack marketing expert and global keynote speaker. Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of UADV Marketing - a member of the Forbes Agency Council.