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CIRCLE Design Studio Advances International Strategy with Trade Initiative
June 23,
2026 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
CIRCLE Design Studio is advancing its international growth strategy through a highly competitive trade development initiative administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). The program is designed to support Virginia companies with global market expansion. CIRCLE is the first architecture and interior design firm from Southwest Virginia to be selected for the initiative, reflecting the strength of its practice and its readiness to operate at a global level.
Through this initiative, CIRCLE is focusing its efforts on Mexico and Saudi Arabia, with an emphasis on the luxury residential and hospitality sectors. These markets were strategically identified based on aligned project typologies and sustained development activity. In Mexico, continued growth in high-end residential development aligns with CIRCLE’s integrated design and delivery model. In Saudi Arabia, large-scale investments tied to Vision 2030, NEOM, Expo 2030 Riyadh, and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup are driving significant demand within the hospitality sector.
CIRCLE recently completed trade missions to Mexico City, Riyadh, and Jeddah, where the team met with developers, architectural consultants, hospitality groups, and procurement specialists to better understand market opportunities and project delivery models. The visits provided valuable insight into how international design firms collaborate within these regions and helped identify potential opportunities in luxury residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
“We believe Saudi Arabia is experiencing one of the most significant periods of growth and development in its modern history,” said John Dorlini, co-founder and principal architect of CIRCLE Design Studio. “The scale, pace, and ambition of the projects underway are unlike anything we have seen elsewhere. During our time in the Kingdom, we were inspired by the vision, investment, and commitment to creating places that will shape future generations. We would be honored to contribute our expertise on interior architecture as a part of this historic transformation.”
The international expansion of CIRCLE Design Studio marks a significant milestone for Theresa and John Dorlini, who co-founded the studio in 2005. As the firm continues to grow, it remains focused on building meaningful partnerships and delivering thoughtful, design-driven solutions that create lasting value for clients and communities around the world.
For more information about CIRCLE Design Studio, visit https://circledesignstudio.com/.