Some ideas begin as simple sketches in notebooks. Folly Joshua Tree come from a deep curiosity about space, design, and how we experience them. For Malek Alqadi, founder of Folly Collection and the designer behind it, building a hotel wasn't a childhood dream. It was the natural result of a vision he started working on during his thesis—a study of how decorative structures could be given new life and purpose.
While working as an architect in Los Angeles, Malek began thinking again about his thesis. What if he could turn his ideas into something real? This time, the concept became a tiny, off-grid cabin designed to offer a unique shared experience. This prototype turned into Folly Joshua Tree, a place where the lines between home, hotel, and art installation blend together.
Starting with one project was a big risk, driven by Malek's passion for architecture rather than a clear plan. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to get there,” he says. “It was more about focusing on the next right move.” With a full-time job in Los Angeles, building Folly Joshua Tree meant long nights and weekends, navigating off-grid construction.
As Folly Joshua Tree came to life, Malek began to think bigger. What started as a small retreat in the desert soon became the inspiration for a larger plan: to create a network of unique places that would change the guest experience.
Malek’s decision to build in Joshua Tree wasn’t just about finding affordable land. It was about reconnecting with his roots. He grew up in Jordan, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Petra and the vast desert. When he visited Joshua Tree for the first time, he felt a deep connection to the desert's rare trees, boulders, and peaceful environment. It was the perfect place to bring his dream to life.
Building Folly Joshua Tree was not only about designing a space—it was about solving problems at every step. Malek and his childhood best friend, who is now his business partner, built the prototype themselves. “We just went for it,” Malek says. “We had help from our parents and paid them back once we were up and running. We did a lot of the construction ourselves.”
The challenges of building an off-grid were many. How could they create an energy-efficient building in the desert? How could they ensure comfort for guests in such an unpredictable environment? Every challenge was a lesson, and every solution brought them closer to perfecting the concept.
For Malek, Folly is more than just a brand—it's an ongoing conversation between architecture, design, and the people who stay there. “Folly is an experience, but Folly is also me. It’s my work, my vision, and a feedback loop where guests help me improve my craft.”
Unlike traditional residential projects, where the design process ends once the building is complete, Folly is always evolving. The feedback from guests helps Malek refine his ideas with each new location.
What's next for Folly? Growth is part of the plan. “The goal is to expand Folly, to create more locations, and to continue crafting these unique guest experiences,” Malek says. But no matter how far it grows, the mission will stay the same: to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also thought-provoking, inspiring connections, and offering guests an experience that goes beyond their expectations.
What started as a school project has now become a symbol of curiosity, determination, and the courage to take risks.
