Director - Zaha Hadid Architects

Paola joined Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in 1999 and became a director in 2019. During her tenure at ZHA, Paola has gained extensive global experience in design, project management and office operations. Her work spans different scales and complexities, from early projects such as the Salerno Maritime Terminal to leadership roles in the design and planning of new cities such as the Hangzhou Seamless City. Before joining ZHA, Paola gained experience first as a freelance architect and interior designer and then collaborating with various studios in Barcelona, Rome and London. Paola is a registered architect in both Italy and the UK.

Overview of competences

Paola has participated in numerous high-profile international design projects and competitions, demonstrating her expertise in all types of architecture, with a focus on hospitality. Other strengths include urban development, infrastructure and interior design. She has led multi-disciplinary teams in tackling complex design briefs within tight deadlines, consistently delivering innovative and impactful solutions. Paola is currently leading the large-scale 'Discovery City' master plan in Johor, Malaysia, which includes the architectural design of a vast exhibition space. Her leadership skills include project supervision, team management and strategic resource allocation, ensuring flawless project execution from concept to completion.

Paola's experience extends to all architectural typologies, from hospitality to the civil sector, from retail to infrastructure. She recently led the interior design team responsible for the fit-out and regeneration of the ROMEO luxury boutique hotel in Rome. Paola's knowledge of the industry was instrumental in realising the ambitious vision of the project, which preserved the historic character of the 17th century building while transforming its interior into a luxurious, contemporary space. She is also spearheading the development of Hangzhou Seamless City, a large-scale waterfront project under construction that involves the regeneration of key infrastructure and the design of residential, commercial, retail and entertainment spaces.

Working in the infrastructure sector, Paola served as project manager for the Salerno Maritime Terminal in Italy, a quay that seamlessly connects land and sea, and as project manager for the Naples-Afragola high-speed train station, a vital transport hub and gateway to Naples.

Her portfolio also includes designing interior spaces for Stuart Weitzman, with shops completed in Hong Kong, Milan, Rome and Beijing, and directing a major private development in New Taipei City, with six residential towers and a shopping centre.

Thanks to her innovative approach and leadership, Paola continues to realise projects that balance aesthetic ambition with functional excellence.