Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we are joined by Eddy Abou Khalil, Regional Director for the Middle East and India at Cosentino. Eddy is a global leader in sustainable and innovative surfaces. With a strong focus on growth and partnerships, Eddy has led Cosentino through major regional projects like Address Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Living Marina Gate. His leadership has earned him a place on Construction Week’s Power 100 list, recognizing the most influential figures in the Middle East’s c...
Jun 25, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Hello and welcome to the show everyone. Today we are joined by Noelle Halabi, Associate Director at Edge Architects, award-winning architecture and design consultancy with offices in Dubai. Noelle brings a wealth of experience in leading innovative projects that shape that region’s architectural landscape. We are beyond excited to have her in the show. So without further ado, let’s get into it! . . Noelle Halabi - LinkedIn Edge Architects - Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook . . This epis...
May 28, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Hello and welcome to the show. Today, I’m joined by Emily Mottolese, Managing Principal and Global Practice Leader at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill—better known as SOM—where she’s been shaping the future of urban design on a global scale. Under her leadership, SOM recently unveiled its design for the Atelis, a landmark project redefining cultural architecture in the Middle East. With decades of experience spanning continents, Emily brings a unique perspective on how cities can evolve to meet th...
May 14, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Hello and welcome to the show. Today we are joined by Rajesh Chirayath, Technical Director for Construction Engineering Services at Jacobs in Dubai. Rajesh is the expert who ensures ambitious architectural designs don’t just stay on paper but become structurally sound realities. With his deep knowledge of engineering and construction, he’s here to share insights on bridging design and execution. So without further ado, let’s get into it! . . Rajesh Chirayath - LinkedIn Jacobs - Website | Inst...
Apr 30, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Hello & welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Sana Choyakh, Regional Sales and Business Development Manager for the Middle East at Lutron. With over 2 decades of expertise, Sana comes with a wealth of knowledge across multiple business verticals. Currently at Lutron, she is focused on boosting Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision & literally, making luxurious spaces shine! We are beyond excited to have her on the show, so without further ado, let's get into it! . . Sana Choyakh - LinkedIn Lu...
Apr 16, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Hello and welcome to the show. Today we are joined by Maria Dautant, Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design in Dubai. Maria currently leads projects that redefine how light interacts with architecture. From large-scale urban developments to intimate interiors, her expertise shapes the way we see and feel the spaces around us. We’re thrilled to have her with us today - So without further ado, let’s get into it! . . Maria Dautant - LinkedIn HLB Lighting Design - Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | V...
Mar 26, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we’re joined by James Sharples, Projects Director at Bauhaus Project Management in Dubai. With extensive experience in delivering high-profile developments, James plays a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on-time & within budget . We’ll dive into the challenges of project management & how designers can fill in the “right” gaps. We are beyond excited to have him on the show - So without further ado, let’s get into it! . . James Sharples - Li...
Mar 14, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we are joined by Vijay Nambiar, Studio Director of Designsmith. Vijay is a highly experienced design professional with a large portfolio of award-winning work! His leadership has driven the studio’s success in delivering cutting-edge, functional and aesthetically refined spaces. Not to mention he can totally drain a jump shot off the baseline! We are beyond excited to have him on the show - So without further ado, let's get into it! . . Vijay Nambiar - ...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Hello and welcome to the show! Today, we’re joined by Amos Antin, co-founder & managing director at The aCross Designs. As a design & build studio, aCross are redefining what it means to create spaces—because they don't just design, they craft experiences. Breathing new life into spaces via renovation is their forte & we can't wait to hear all about it! So without further ado, lets get into it! . Amos Antin - LinkedIN The aCross Designs- Websi...
Feb 01, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Hello and welcome to the show! On today's episode we are joined by Paolo Testolini, Principal & Global Sector Leader at Woods Bagot. With a portfolio spanning across continents, Paolo comes with a wealth of knowledge within the built environment & has led major, large-scale, urban masterplans. We are beyond excited to have him on the show, so without further ado! Let’s get into it! . . Paolo Testolini - LinkedIN Woods +Bagot - Website | Instagram...
Jan 15, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Christoph Hauser, Managing Director at EuroArt. Christoph comes with a deep knowledge and passion for all things doors and ironmongery! We talk about all the pain points that designers face & how Euro-Art solves them! So without further ado, lets get into it . . Christoph Hauser - LinkedIN Euro Art - Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Youtube . . This episode was made possible by the amazing team at Sky...
Dec 13, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Selini Bishop, Founder at Chapters Marketing! We talk about marketing across digital media for designers, studios & stand-alone brands! Selini comes with hands on experience within the GCC region & has been responsible for the growth & digital footprint of key industry players! So without further ado, lets get into it . Selini Bishop - LinkedIN Chapters Marketing - Website | Instagram | TikTok | Linke...
Nov 27, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Siddharth Peters and Ben D'souza, Co-founders of Love That Design! On todays episode, we discuss the origins of Love That Design. We talk about their journeys, key learnings & everything in between. Finally, we also discuss .Studio & how it is a game changer for the industry! . Siddharth Peters - LinkedIN Ben D'Souza - LinkedIN Love That Design - Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebo...
Nov 13, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Hello & welcome to the show! This week we are joined by the rockstar duo at Rumah Interiors. We are super excited to have on, Sonal Kotecha, Founder & Design Director at Rumah interiors! Along with Alaa Mohamed, the head of design at Rumah Interiors. Together they have delivered multiple projects, across multiple typologies but specialize in residential interior design. Truly an honor to have them on the show, so without further ado, let's get into it! . Sonal Kotecha - Lin...
Oct 10, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Haitham Mousa, Studio Design Director at KEO. Haitham comes with vast design exposure across multiple continents. Interestingly, this is across professional practice and academia! So without further ado! Let’s get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . Haitham Mousa - LinkedIN KEO - Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | X . . This episode was made possible by the amazing team at Skystruct. Learn abou...
Sep 18, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Hello & welcome to the show! This week we are joined by Shiam Shibl, Interior Designer at DLR Group Middle East! Shiam has been involved with many of the most cutting edge projects across the MENA region & she comes with a unique approach to the world of ID! So without further ado! Let's get into it . . Follow our awesome guest! . Shiam Shibl - LinkedIN DLR Group Middle East - Website | Instagram | LinkedIN . . This episode was made possible by the amazing team at ...
Sep 05, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Hello and welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Nikhil Mathew, Professor of Interior Design & working in Dubai. In addition to being an educator, Nikhil specializes in interior architecture & has actively delivered a vast portfolio of projects. Much to pick up from todays episode, so without further ado, lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . Nikhil Mathew - LinkedIN . This episode was made possible by the amazing team at Skystruct. Learn ab...
Aug 21, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Hello & welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Simona Giacalone - Architecture & Design Manager for MillerKnoll! Simona comes with a wealth of knowledge around all things workspace & design. She has tremendous insight into how we as designers can elevate our work with many interesting data points & learnings. So without further ado, lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Simona Giacalone - LinkedIN MillerKnoll - ...
Aug 07, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined Josephine Visser, Managing Director at Elementa Interior Design. Josephine comes with a wide array of experience across multiple design verticals & design management! We are beyond excited to have her on the pod today! So without further ado! Lets get into it. . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Josephine Visser - LinkedIN Elementa Interior Design - LinkedIN | Website This episode was made ...
Jul 24, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined Sanmita Patel, founder of the Young Architects Forum in Dubai. Sanmita comes with a wealth of project experience across multiple continents & bridges the gap between the design education & professional practice. So without further ado! Lets get into it. . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Sanmita Patel - LinkedIN YAFD - LinkedIN | Instagram Life 3.0 - Buy here This episode was made possib...
Jul 10, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Marco Maximus! Lead interior designer at Keane! As one of the rising stars in the ecosystem, Marco has been involved in many of the regions leading projects! We are super excited to have him on so without further ado! Lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Marco Maximus - LinkedIN | Instagram KEANE - Website | LinkedIN | Instagram This episode was made possible by the am...
Jun 26, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Today we are joined by Ryan Sailsman, director of architecture at Jones Architecture & Design, also known as JAD. Ryan has acquired a wealth of knowledge across multiple markets & building typologies. Most importantly, he brings a holistic design approach to the project lifecycle! In this episode we discuss how failures can fuel your fire! We talk about the power of networking & persistence! Getting comfortable with seeking discomfort! We also touch upon market trends & insights ...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Today, a special guest joins us on the show! Hanine Salman Abi-Ali is an XR designer with DEWAN architects & engineers! She prides herself on bridging design from the physical to digital realms! Hanine is a leading voice on all things VR/AR/MR within the architecture space! There is much to learn in this episode, so without further ado, lets get into it! . . . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Hanine Salman Abi-Ali - LinkedIN Dewan Architects + Engineers - Website | ...
May 29, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Marko Runjic - Managing Director of Point Concept Studio! Marko has been pivotal in the design and delivery of truly unique retail offerings across the region! His attention to detail is unparalleled & today, we aim to uncover his insights & experiences along his design journey. So without further ado, let’s get into it. . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Marko Runjic - LinkedIN Point Concept Studio - Website | ...
May 15, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Welcome to the show, today we are joined by Miriam Llano, founder and managing director of Amphora. Miriam has spent close to decade honing her skills within the PR/Marketing space of the Middle East A&D industry. With a fast-growing list of clients at Amphora, Miriam prides herself in working with both international brands & designers. Amphora offers a truly unique approach to brand communication for the design community & we cant wait to hear all about it! So without further ado, l...
May 01, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Welcome to show everyone! This week we are joined by Yahya Jan, President and Design Director at Norr Group. Needless to say, Yahya has contributed to the skyline of Dubai across multiple decades. He has quite literally seen the city of Dubai & the region evolve. Undoubtedly, this has gained him invaluable insight into the industry. We look forward to unpacking a lot today, so without further ado, lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! Yahya Jan - LinkedIN | Instagram Norr...
Apr 17, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Hello & welcome back to the show! Today we are joined by Pratap Mendonca & Geetha Nayak from Design Infinity. With humble beginnings in 2012, Design Infinity has experienced rapid growth in recent years! The delivery of challenging projects, on time & within budjet - have earned them a reputation that is unparalleled in the market! Today, we are here to find out how this came to be, so without further ado. Lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! Pratap Mendonca - ...
Mar 29, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Welcome to show everyone! This week we are joined by Alina Valcarce, Founder and design director of Valcarce Architects. Alina has lived & worked across multiple continents. This has undoubtedly helped in a forming a unique architectural perspective rooted in context & culture. So without further ado, lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! Alina Valcarce - LinkedIN Valcarce Architects - Website | LinkedIN | Instagram | Facebook . This episode wa...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 23
Welcome to the show everyone! This week we are joined by Michelle Lim, Senior Business Development Architect from RSP. Historically, there has always been a gap between the talented architect & the art of generating business. However, like any skill, Business development & sales can be worked on. Michelle joins us today to share her expertise & insights on this very topic & we cannot wait to dive in! So without further ado, lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! Michelle...
Nov 15, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Morne Pienaar, Associate Director, Architecture with the Cities + Places team at Jacobs, Dubai. With a truly diverse portfolio of work, Morne brings a wealth of experience across of the realm of Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture & place making! We are beyond excited to have him on the show! So without further ado! Lets get into it!! . . Follow our awesome guest! Morne Pienaar - LinkedIN . . This episode w...
Oct 25, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 20
