Desert Rock, the LEED Platinum resort carved into Saudi Arabia’s ancient Hejaz Mountains, offers a new model for luxury hospitality that aligns environmental performance with exceptional guest experience. This project demonstrates how building with the land rather than on it can enhance hospitality outcomes while improving long-term operational efficiency. In a Fireside Chat led by Founding Principal of Chad Oppenheim of Oppenheim Architecture and Paolo Ferrari, Founder of Studio Paolo Ferrari, this session examines the design strategies, systems thinking, and decision-making behind creating a high-end destination. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between architecture and interiors in defining the resort’s character and performance, while addressing today’s most pressing challenges of climate, cost, and competition through an environmentally centred approach.