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40 years and still growing

Overview

Transforming neighbourhoods and lives across the world

We are passionate about what we do and surround ourselves with people who want to make a difference, one block at a time.

Founder and CEO, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller

Since 1988, Harwood International has been a family-owned global real estate pioneer across the world. We’re perhaps best known for transforming a Dallas neighbourhood into the acclaimed Harwood District, featuring premier class AA office, luxury residential, and retail space set within a park-like campus with gardens and art-filled lobbies.

We are also active across the world, developing premier buildings in markets all over the world. Our approach and leadership are based on world-class experience, name-brand architecture, exacting finishes, and focus on energy efficiency and green space. We have been internationally awarded, including recognition by ENR for the Best Office Project in the World for the Rolex Building.

Our Offices

Our global reach

Harwood International retains its international influence and inspiration with offices in London, Dallas, and Geneva.

London
Dallas
Geneva
Overview

Our independent verticals work stronger, together

Harwood International is a family-owned, integrated company with two key verticals: Real Estate and Hospitality.

The two verticals operate independently within their spheres, but work best together and in sync seamlessly.

Harwood is uniquely positioned in having expertise across both and they are key to Harwood’s continued success.

Harwood International’s Real Estate vertical encompasses Capital Markets, Investment Management, Development, and Asset Management. These four expertises work together to create some of the most impactful developments.

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Harwood International’s philosophy of creating innovative experiences comes to life through the Harwood Hospitality Group. This highly skilled team creates enhanced, welcoming environments within the growing collection of restaurants in the Harwood District. Driven to elevate the day of a tenant or a visitor just passing through the Harwood District, this accommodating group ensures an unparalleled experience and unforgettable memories.

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Building a Legacy

Family-Owned and Operated

Since it was founded, Harwood International is a family-owned and operated firm. The company started with Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, and today, Alexis Barbier-Mueller and Oliver Barbier-Mueller are Co-Presidents taking Harwood International into the next millennium.

Our Timeline

40 years in the making

Early Years
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The Beginning

Beginning in the 1970’s, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller began acquiring parcels of land in the Dallas area. He focused his efforts in a key corridor between McKinnon and Harry Hines, the two main passages in and out of the City.

What was then a desolate stretch of land, soon became the Harwood District destination as it is today because of the grand vision of Harwood International.

1984
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Opening of First Uptown Office Tower

The District of Harwood began in 1984 with the opening of the Rolex building, the first office development in Uptown Dallas.

Gabriel sent photos of the Texas sunset every day for a month to the Rolex team. This was the start of a multi-decade relationship between Harwood International and the legendary Rolex brand.

1988
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Harwood International Founded

Ever since it was founded in 1988, Harwood International has been at the forefront of innovation in inner-urban development and redesign. Always with its fingers on the pulse, the vertically integrated full-service firm sets the bar high with its scope of work –conceptualizing and developing a new way of thinking and providing a lifestyle for state-of-the-art experiences. These have been the blueprints for success that the family-owned and operated firm has continued to follow.

1990 – 2000
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International Center & International Growth

By 1999, the firm had completed construction of what was then known as the International Center. The development consisted of the Rolex Building, now Harwood No. 1, Harwood No. 2, and Harwood No. 3. The three towers are connected by the 1.5 acre Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens.

The manicured gardens sit atop the Harwood No. 2 parking garage. At this time in commercial real estate, utilizing any land for beautification was unheard of in Dallas.

The development was ahead of its time in 1999, and its beauty and long-lasting materials continue to be a destination for the titans of industry.

It was also during this time that Harwood International spread its wings in the European market and more storied developments in Beverly Hills, Zurich, and beyond. Most notably, Harwood International acquired Cleveland House and completed a renovation. The iconic building sits in St James’ Square, just down the street from Buckingham Palace.

2000 – 2015
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Alexis and Oliver
Join the Firm

During the first 10 years of the new millenia, the now presidents of Harwood International, Alexis Barbier-Mueller and
Oliver-Barbier Mueller, joined the firm. It was around the beginning of their tenure that Harwood International had built up
an expansive portfolio of properties. Introducing the novel concept of a “walk to life” mentality, HI spent the next several
years developing new luxury concepts, widening its international reach, and dipping into the world of the arts. During this chapter, HDF and Harwood Construction Management Services (HCMS) were founded – both under the HI umbrella. The company began to broaden its vertical village – focusing on the natural progression of its newsworthy concepts. It was also during this time that Harwood International began its success in multi-family with St. James Park in Sunnyvale, Texas and Azure condominium tower in Dallas. In commercial real estate, Harwood International developed Saint Ann Court, also known as Harwood No. 6. Within the development, Harwood International opened two more restaurants and The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum.

2015 – 2020
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Founding of Harwood Hospitality Group

HI’s goal of providing a place for people to go to work and somewhere for them to go after began to manifest in the founding of Harwood Hospitality Group and three more restaurants opened between 2015-2020.

It was also during this period that Harwood firmly grounded in luxury developments with the completion of Class AA office tower Harwood No. 10 and luxury condominium tower Bleu Ciel.

2020 – Present
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Poised for Growth

In the last three years, Harwood International has pressed the gas pedal on the Harwood Hospitality Group with the opening of 9 restaurants and its flagship hotel, Hôtel Swexan.

In 2023, Harwood International also completed its third project with architect Kengo Kuma & Associates, the Class AA office tower Harwood No. 14.

Harwood International is poised to continue growth on both its Real Estate and Hospitality verticals.

Awards

Proud of today. Excited by tomorrow.

We are understandably proud of the environments we create and are honoured when others find them equally inspiring. The awards below showcase our commitment to quality in every detail, at every level, on every project. They are also a platform for us to push on, achieve more and reach even higher.

Top awards
HOSPITALITY
2024

It List 2024, 100 Best New Hotels of the Year by Travel + Leisure
Hôtel Swexan

OFFICE
2024

Best Office Development by Dallas Business Journal
Harwood No. 14

OFFICE
2019

Best Office Project in the World by ENR
The Rolex Building

OFFICE
2020

Best New Office Project by D CEO
The Rolex Building

HOSPITALITY
2023

Retail Deal of the Year by D CEO
Hôtel Swexan

ARCHITECTURE
2017

Best Architecture and Design by PaperCity
Cleveland House

LEADERSHIP
2020

Pioneer Award from D CEO
Gabriel Barbier-Mueller

2024
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Office Development, Harwood No. 14
2023
  • D CEO, Power Brokers, Kelly Whaley and Hannah Mesh
2020
  • D CEO, Pioneer Award, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller
2020
  • AVA Digital Awards, AVA Digital Awards, Harwood District Campaign
2019
  • ENR, Best Office Project in The World, The Rolex Building
2018
  • Dallas Business Journal, Most Admired CEO Award Honoree, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller
2018
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Urban Office Project, The Rolex Building
2016
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Urban Multifamily Deal, Bleu Ciel
2015
  • D Magazine, Best Office Project, Harwood No.7/Frost Tower
2015
  • D Magazine, Best Real Estate Developer, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller
2014
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Real Estate Deal, Harwood No.7/Frost Tower
2013
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Real Estate Deal, Harwood No.7/Frost Tower
2011
  • D Magazine, Coolest Offices, BCG Offices at Harwood No. 6/Saint Ann Court
2011
  • Dallas Business Journal, Neighborhood Impact Deal of the Year, Best Real Estate Deal, Harwood No. 6/Saint Ann Court
2007
  • Dallas Toby Award, Office Building of the Year, The Rolex Building
2007
  • Regional Toby Award, Office Building of the Year, The Rolex Building
2007
  • Greater Dallas Chamber’s International Business Achievemnt Awards, Individual Achievement Award, Harwood International
2000
  • Building Owners and Managers Association: Toby Award, Harwood No. 2
1998
  • Charter Applicant for the State of Texas, Harwood No. 2
1998
  • The Urban Land Institute Office Development Handbook, Harwood No. 2
2023
  • Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Certificate of Commendation, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller
2023
  • D CEO, Power Brokers, Kelly Whaley and Hannah Mesh
2018
  • Dallas Historical Society, Award of Excellence for Art Leadership, The Samurai Collection
2000
  • EPA, Partner of the Year, Energy Star Buildings Commercial Real Estate
2024
  • Travel + Leisure, It List 2024, 100 Best New Hotels of the Year, Hôtel Swexan
2024
  • Esquire, Best New Hotels in North America and Europe, Hôtel Swexan
2024
  • Condé Nast Traveler, Best Hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth, Hôtel Swexan
2024
  • D CEO and Dallas Innovates, Innovation in Food and Beverage, Harwood Hospitality Group
2023
  • Best of Award Excellence from Wine Spectator, Dolce Riviera
2023
  • Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Awards, Mercat Bistro
2023
  • D Magazine, Best Hospitality Project of the Year, Hôtel Swexan
2022
  • D CEO, Retail Deal of the Year, Elephant East
2019
  • Eater Dallas, Dallas’ Best New Cocktail Bars, Te Deseo
2019
  • Eater Dallas, Dallas’ Best New Restaurants. Te Deseo
2019
  • Eater Dallas, Dallas’ Best Brunch Restaurants, Saint Ann Restaurant & BAr
2019
  • Eater Dallas, Dallas’ Best Sports Bars to Watch Football, Happiest Hour
2019
  • Eater Dallas, Dallas’ Best Coffee Shops, Magnolias: Sous Le Pont
2018
  • Wine Spectator, Award of Excellence, Mercat Bistro and Dolce Riviera
2017
  • Wine Spectator, Award of Excellence, Dolce Riviera
2016
  • D Magazine, Best of Big D, Happiest Hour
2016
  • Dallas Eater, Best Cocktail in Texas, The Grove
2004
  • NACE, Best Culinary Presentation, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens
2004
  • NACE, Best Facility of the Year, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens
2024
  • Dallas Business Journal, Best Office Development, Harwood No. 14
2020
  • D CEO, Best New Office Project, The Rolex Building
2019
  • ENR, Best Office Project in The World, The Rolex Building
2018
  • ENR, Specialty Construction Award of Merit, The Rolex Building
2017
  • D Magazine, Multifamily Development of the Year High-Rise, Bleu Ciel
2017
  • Paper City, Best Architecture and Design, Cleveland House
2016
  • D Magazine, Best in Architecture and Design, The Rolex Building
2011
  • Dallas Historical Society, Preservation Achievement Award, St. Ann and The Samurai Collection
2010
  • Best Renovation Award, St. Ann School Renovation
2008
  • Texas Construction Magazine, Excellence Award Multifamily in Design, Azure
2006
  • Associated General Contractors, Outstanding Construction Award, Azure Construction + Design Team
2004
  • Summit Award, Best Interior Construction Project, Harwood International
2003
  • ASLA, ASLA Merit Award, Harwood International
2001
  • Four Energy Star Building Awards, Harwood No. 2
2001
  • Most Energy Efficient Building, Harwood No. 2
2000
  • Texas Chapter of the American Society of Architects, Citation of Honor, Harwood No. 2
1999
  • The Architectual Commission of the City of Beverly Hills, Award for Architectural Design For Notable Contribution to the Enrichment of the City
1999
  • Los Angeles Business Council, LA Urban Beautification Architectural Award, Harwood International
1999
  • Most Energy Efficient Building in the US, Harwood No. 2
1999
  • Texas Forest Service, Community Forestry Award of Excellence, Marie Gabrielle Gardens
1999
  • Associated Builders & Contractors Inc, Summit Award Excellence in Construction, Harwood No. 3
1999
  • The Contructor Awards, Excellence in Project Management, Harwood No. 1 (Former Rolex Building)
1998
  • Energy Star Building Label, Harwood No. 2
1998
  • Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Environmental improvement Grant Award, Maintenance of Marie Gabrielle Gardens
1997
  • Associated Landscape Contractors of America, Environmental Improvement Sweepstakes Award, Maintenance of Marie Gabrielle Gardens
1996
  • Associated Builders & Contractors, Summit Award Excellence in Construction, Harwood No. 2
1993
  • Dallas Urban Design Award, Maintenance of Marie Gabrielle Gardens
1992
  • Presented by the Dallas Parks Foundation, Trammell Crow Urban Forestry Award, Maintenance of Marie Gabrielle Gardens
Our team

Exceptional performance outside starts with a quality culture inside

We believe that the best work/life experience begins and ends with quality. From front-line thought leadership to attention to detail, we invest and innovate in every aspect of development, construction, ownership, management, hospitality, architecture, design, marketing, and investment. And far beyond the ‘how’ we invest in the ‘who’. We believe that quality results can only come from amazing people working within a quality culture. Meet our team below.

Gabriel
Barbier-Mueller

Founder & CEO More info

Alexis
Barbier-Mueller

President More info

Oliver
Barbier-Mueller

President More info

David
Roehm

Executive Vice President More info

John
T. Lee

General Counsel More info

Christopher
Selsby

Executive Vice President and Director of Europe More info

Justin
Chapman

Head of Asset Management More info

Justin
Burleson

Chief Financial Officer More info
ESG

Our planet is our priority

With a resolute focus on sustainability, we are a leader in incorporating ESG through meticulous environmental stewardship, meaningful community engagement, and a robust corporate governance framework. We actively contribute to a more equitable and resilient future while maintaining our position at the forefront of ethical and progressive business practices.

Environment

We have planted over 1,200 trees, while devoting over 8.5 acres to landscaped areas, green roofs and public green spaces throughout our 19-city block Harwood District. We also develop our buildings in accordance with the Dallas Green Construction Code, a focus on sustainable practices and utilize green building protocols to promote a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Social Impact

One of our core missions is to partner with local institutions to improve our surrounding communities through fundraising, sponsorship and daily hands-on involvement.

Governance

We have an unwavering dedication to ethical and transparent business conduct. By fostering a board and executive leadership structure that promotes accountability, diversity, and responsible decision-making, the company ensures alignment of its strategic goals and stakeholder interests, securing our reputation for responsible corporate governance.

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