The Debuts at the id50 2026

Abdulla Kunhi (AK), Founder and Managing Director, AKDESIGNO

Having grown up in Dubai, AK’s fascination with architecture began early. At 13 years old, he was introduced to architect NM Salim who was designing their family home in Kasargod, Kerala. AK got involved in the design ideas which then influenced his decision to become an architect. The experience offered him an early understanding of how design shapes the way people live. His family paved the way by supporting him in pursuing his passion.

Determined to carry out his dream, AK studied Architecture at the American University of Sharjah. Following graduation, he took the bold step of founding AKDESIGNO, alongside two of his friends from university. Together they learned every aspect of entrepreneurship on the go from administration, business development to project delivery.

Over the past 20 years, AKDESIGNO completed projects across more than 14 countries and over 700 projects in different scales. The portfolio spans residential, hospitality, restaurants, healthcare facilities, commercial developments, corporate offices and large-scale mixed-use projects.

AK’s influence extends beyond his own business through his role as Chairman of the Interior Design and Decorations Business Group under Dubai Chambers. Under his leadership, AKDESIGNO welcomes interns and provides them with practical industry experience. Driven by the belief that knowledge is meant to be shared and that investing in people is fundamental to building a stronger practice, AK is committed to empowering his team. He credits AKDESIGNO’s close-knit work environment as the strength of the company. AK considers his leadership style as leading through encouragement. Those who work alongside him often speak of his willingness to help others succeed. As AKDESIGNO celebrates its 20th year, the company continues to expand its footprint. Current projects include several property developments with some of Dubai’s leading developers, in emerging communities such as Arjan, Dubai South and Dubai Islands. Additionally, AKDESIGNO is working on various large-scale commercial spaces by helping brands redefine their image, and supporting its long-standing client relationships.

AK’s vision remains to have a firm that runs independently on a global scale, and that continues to deliver beautiful spaces to clients.

Mai Elhossiny and Tamer Alnazer, Co-founders, Spaces Architects

Spaces Architects are an architecture and interior design studio established in 2018 and operating across Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Europe. Together, Elhossiny and Alnazer have built the practice around a shared vision of creating spaces with a strong sense of identity, where architecture, interiors, materials, and human experience come together to tell meaningful stories. Over the years, the studio has delivered more than 300 projects across residential, hospitality, workplace, commercial, and mixed-use sectors, ranging from private residences and boutique hospitality concepts to corporate headquarters and large-scale developments.

“My tipping point was realising that architecture gave me a way to combine everything I was naturally drawn to creativity, problem solving, and understanding how people live. What started as a love for beautiful spaces quickly became an obsession with the impact those spaces have on people’s daily lives,” shares Elhossiny. “Early in my career, I found myself paying attention not just to buildings, but to how people interacted with them. I was fascinated by how materials, light, proportions, and spatial planning could influence emotions, behaviours, and even memories. I realised that great design is never just about aesthetics, it is about creating environments that people genuinely connect with. That understanding transformed architecture from a profession into a purpose. It ultimately led me to co-found Spaces Architects, where we approach every project as an opportunity to create spaces with a strong sense of identity.

Maryam Karji and Raha Milani, Co-Founders, archiSENSE

While studying at American University of Sharjah (AUS), Karji and Milani developed a shared passion for architecture, interior architecture, and the transformative impact of design on everyday life. Following graduation, both gained professional experience working on residential and architectural projects across the UAE, refining their expertise across design, technical development, and project delivery.

In 2018, the duo founded archiSENSE with the ambition of creating timeless homes defined by architectural clarity, refined detailing, and a holistic approach to living. Today, the studio continues to shape distinctive residential environments that balance functionality, beauty, and longevity. Emerging from a shared belief that architecture, interiors, and landscape should not be approached as separate disciplines, but as interconnected parts of a unified design vision. Karji and Milani recognised an opportunity to create a practice capable of delivering highly cohesive and deeply personalised environments where every element contributes to a singular narrative.

Today, archiSENSE studio is an award-winning architecture, interior architecture, and landscape design practice. The studio is recognized for its holistic approach to residential design, creating timeless and highly personalised environments through the seamless integration of architecture, interiors, and landscape. Among the studio’s current works are a contemporary majlis house in Umm Al Sheif, a large private family residence, and a collection of bespoke villas and renovation projects across Dubai.

Monica Arango, Founder and Creative Director, C’est ici Design

C’est ici Design⁠ is an award-winning international design studio celebrated for its refined approach to interior architecture, bespoke design, and spatial storytelling. Since establishing the practice in 2017, Arango has transformed C’est ici Design from a boutique studio into an internationally recognised creative practice, delivering residential, hospitality, retail, workplace, and lifestyle projects across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and longevity, Arango believes that true luxury lies in creating spaces that transcend trends and establish meaningful connections between people, place, and design. Her work is distinguished by a sophisticated balance of architecture, interiors, materiality, and storytelling, resulting in environments that are both timeless and deeply personal.

Under her leadership, C’est ici Design has become known for its highly curated and multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with leading developers, luxury brands, hospitality operators, and private clients to deliver projects of exceptional quality and character. From landmark residences and hospitality destinations to flagship retail concepts and corporate environments, the studio has earned a reputation for creating distinctive spaces that seamlessly unite creativity, functionality, and commercial value.

A defining pillar of Arango’s work is her commitment to bespoke design and craftsmanship. Beyond interiors, she has expanded the studio’s creative practice through custom furniture, lighting, joinery, decorative objects, and one-of-a-kind pieces developed exclusively for each project. This dedication to originality has naturally evolved into capsule collections and collaborations with internationally renowned brands and makers, reinforcing her belief that design should be experienced holistically – from the spaces we inhabit to the objects we live with.

Leila Sobek, Founder, BMA Studio

Founded in Dubai in 2015 by architect, engineer and entrepreneur Sobek, BMA Studio is an award-winning multidisciplinary architecture and interior design consultancy. The practice works across residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, combining architectural vision, technical expertise and a deep understanding of place, culture and lifestyle.

Over the past decade, BMA Studio has delivered more than 40 architectural projects and 30 interior design projects across the Middle East, Europe and beyond. The studio has earned recognition for its award-winning residential architecture, bespoke luxury interiors and carefully crafted design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality and sustainability.

Among its notable projects is the award-winning Nareel Beach House in Abu Dhabi, alongside a portfolio of award-winning private villas across Dubai and the UAE that showcase the studio’s expertise in bespoke residential design, technical excellence and attention to detail. The practice has also designed an upcoming luxury branded furniture showroom on Jumeirah Beach Road, creating a sophisticated retail environment that defines the brand’s identity through a distinctive and forward-looking architectural language. Defined by a futuristic spatial concept and carefully curated customer journey, the project aims to deliver an immersive experience that seamlessly blends design, craftsmanship and innovation. In addition, BMA Studio has successfully delivered multiple residential buildings across Dubai, combining architectural vision, construction expertise and commercial viability.

The studio has contributed to some of Dubai’s most prestigious developments. As lead consultant for Oasis Mansions and Lavita by Emaar, BMA Studio has overseen the design and coordination of luxury residential communities, ensuring the highest standards of quality and execution. The studio has also served as the interior technical consultant for the delivery of COMO Residences and Solara Fairmont Downtown Dubai, working in collaboration with London-based Carlisle Design Studio to translate design concepts into fully realised, high-quality living environments.

Most recently, BMA Studio has been engaged in the design of a new luxury villa community within the new phase of Jumeirah Golf Estates, further reinforcing its reputation for creating refined, context-driven developments that balance architectural character, functionality and contemporary lifestyles.

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Sobek is the creative force behind BMA Studio. A graduate of the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London, she has built a reputation for combining design excellence with technical precision and a hands-on approach to project delivery. Sobek remains closely involved in every stage of the design process, from concept development and client engagement to construction supervision and final handover. She views architecture as the seamless integration of creativity, engineering and human experience, believing that successful projects are defined not only by their visual impact but also by their functionality, longevity and connection to place.

Under her leadership, BMA Studio has grown into an internationally recognised consultancy known for delivering refined, context-driven architecture and interiors. Her philosophy positions the architect as a master orchestrator, guiding complex multidisciplinary processes while balancing aesthetics, technical performance and the aspirations of each client.

Leali Ezzat, founder and design director, ELE Interior

ELE Interior was founded in 2018 by interior architect Ezzat operating in private homes, hospitality and retail. Originally from Valencia in Spain, Ezzat studied technical interior design at Interior Design Barriera Arte, graduating in 2012. “Growing up in Spain I was always observing spaces and how people lived within them. Even as a child, I was constantly rearranging rooms and experimenting with combinations of colours and textures,” she shares. “I think the real tipping point came when I realised that interior design wasn’t just a hobby, it was a passion. When I was studying, I became obsessed with beautiful houses, with light and understanding how every detail contributes to the experience of a home. I understood that design isn’t only about decoration, it’s also about creating functional, livable spaces that are designed around people’s lives. That realisation pushed me to focus on my studies and commit fully to this career. And what motivates me now is seeing the result, when a client is living in their home, completely happy with what we have designed and their space is organised and beautiful, exactly as they imagined it.”

Ezzat’s career highlights include an intensive four-month internship with Gandia Blasco S.A. Before starting ELE Interior, Ezzat worked as a designer in Orsal for a year, followed by five years working with Porcelanosa Grupo Kitchens, where she specialised in bathrooms and wardrobes, where she honed her skills and learned from the best in the industry.

Ezzat and her team work holistically with their clients and starts each project by building an empathetic connection that accompanies her throughout the design process Ezzat merges humanistic, technological and social approaches to her design thinking and enjoys finding surprising connections between the unexplored and familiar. Her extraordinary understanding of European and Middle Eastern cultures allows her to bridge two unique design aesthetics and present distinctive interiors that are now synonymous with the design studio. Since the conception of ELE Interior, she’s worked with clients who have trusted her with their prestige properties spanning the Emirates Hills, Khawaneej, Jumeirah Bay Island Villa and Al Barari.

Kelly Hand, Co-Founder, West One

After qualifying as an architect, Hand spent a decade refining her craft within some of the U.K.’s most prestigious residential developments and design environments. Working across prime Central London and Surrey, she developed a deep understanding of what defines exceptional luxury residential projects – not simply beautiful design, but meticulous execution, attention to detail, and an instinctive understanding of the expectations of high-net-worth clients.

During this period, Hand worked alongside some of the industry’s most respected names, including Candy & Candy and Finchatton. These formative experiences shaped her approach to design and project delivery, teaching her that true luxury is often found in the details that go unnoticed – the precision of a junction, the quality of a finish, and the seamless coordination required to bring complex visions to life.

As many of her London-based clients expanded their property portfolios internationally, an increasing number sought the same level of service and quality for their residences in the Middle East. Recognising a gap in the market for a company that could bridge exceptional design with equally exceptional delivery, Kelly founded West One in Dubai alongside her husband and business partner, Phil Hand.

From its inception, West One was built on a simple principle: outstanding architecture and interior design deserve execution of the same calibre. Rather than operating within the traditional boundaries of design or construction alone, Hand envisioned West One as the benchmark for luxury residential design and build, renowned for quality, craftsmanship, innovation and an uncompromising client experience.

Today, West One has established itself as a boutique design and build company specialising in some of Dubai’s most ambitious private residences. Combining architecture, interior design, engineering coordination and construction delivery under one roof, the company offers clients a streamlined, accountable approach, ensuring design intent is protected throughout every stage of a project. Currently, West One is pursuing luxury residential villa projects across Dubai, including Jumeirah Golf Estates, Palm Jumeirah, Al Barari, Polo Homes and Emirates Hills, ranging from major renovations to new-build homes between 2,000 sqm and 5,000 sqm.

Hand’s passion has always extended beyond aesthetics. With a strong focus on buildability, technical excellence and craftsmanship, she believes the most successful projects are those where design ambition and construction expertise work in harmony.  This philosophy led to the establishment of West One Joinery, enabling a more detailed, hands-on approach and greater control over the quality and execution of every project. Hand’s distinctive approach to design has earned her recognition, including the ‘Best in Design Innovation’ Award, reflecting her commitment to exceptional design, supported by intelligent planning, knowledge, technical precision and impeccable craftmanship.

“Luxury is not simply about how a space looks,” she shares. “It is about how thoughtfully it is conceived, how intuitively it functions, how carefully it is delivered, and the confidence a client feels throughout the entire journey. I have always been as passionate about the ‘how’ as I am the ‘why’. That belief has guided me throughout my career and continues to define everything we do at West One today.”

Vijay Nambiar, Founder and Creative Director, The Soch Collective

With nearly two decades of experience, including more than 13 years in the Middle East, Nambiar has built a reputation for delivering impactful projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India. Before establishing The Soch Collective, he held leadership roles at prominent regional design firms. Nambiar founded The Soch Collective with a simple belief: meaningful spaces begin with meaningful thought.

Derived from the Hindi word for “thought,” Soch was created to bring together thinkers, makers and doers who believe that the most impactful ideas rarely come from one mind alone. “At The Soch Collective, we combine design thinking, storytelling and business insight to create architecture, interiors and experiential spaces that are culturally relevant, emotionally resonant and grounded in human experience,” shares Nambiar. “For me, great design is not about making the loudest statement; it is about thought, intention and the quiet moments that transform a space into a lasting memory.”

Under Nambiar’s leadership, the studio has developed a diverse portfolio spanning luxury residential, workplace, wellness, hospitality and retail sectors. Latest projects include Menovivre, the region’s first dedicated menopause wellness clinic; the flagship store for APE Grupo and headquarters for organisations including United Bank Limited, Perridon Holdings, Vulcan International and the Jindal Group. The studio’s current work includes a selection of bespoke private residences across Dubai, including homes in Keturah Reserve, Jumeirah Islands and Al Barsha, alongside premium apartment projects in Manchester, U.K. Its portfolio also features multiple workplace environments including the Dubai headquarters and a flagship retail branch for a leading regional bank, a workplace project for a global technology company and the latest branch of a leading Pilates academy.

“My journey into interior design began long before I chose it as a profession,” shares Nambiar. “Growing up, I was fascinated by how certain spaces made me feel and how the details within them became intertwined with some of my most vivid memories. I found myself wondering why some places lingered long after I had left them, and how design could shape emotions, behaviours and human connections. That curiosity, combined with a deep interest in art and craft during my school years, naturally evolved into a career in interior design.”

XBD Collective, Insights by Mostafa El Gizawi and Luca Vigliero, Directors, XBD Collective

Driving XBD Collective’s continued growth across the Middle East, Mostafa El Gizawi and Luca Vigliero bring a combined wealth of international expertise spanning architecture, interiors, hospitality, and large-scale mixed-use developments. XBD Collective is now expanding to Cairo.

As Director of Projects, El Gizawi draws on more than 14 years of experience delivering residential, hospitality, waterfront, and heritage-led projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Italy, and Kuwait. His design philosophy balances European design sensibilities with a deep understanding of regional culture, resulting in spaces that are timeless, emotionally engaging, and highly contextual. His portfolio includes landmark projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and the revitalisation of historic architecture in Florence. “My love for art has always been a constant source of inspiration, shaping the way I see creativity, design, and the built environment. I have always been fascinated by architecture’s ability to bring together artistic expression and technical problem-solving, transforming ideas into spaces that are not only functional, but meaningful,” he shares.

With more than two decades of international leadership experience, Vigliero has overseen some of the region’s most ambitious developments across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As Executive Director, he guides XBD Collective’s strategic vision, leading multidisciplinary teams across architecture, interiors, hospitality, and master planning while driving the firm’s growing international presence.

“I knew I wanted to become an architect from a very young age,” shares Vigliero. “What excites me most is not a single project, but the diversity of challenges and opportunities within the portfolio. Each sector requires a different design response, yet all share a common objective: creating meaningful experiences that balance design quality, commercial value, and long-term relevance for clients and investors.”

On what made Vigliero decide to become an architect, he says “I was fascinated by the tall skyscrapers of American cities. They represented ambition, innovation, and the power of design to shape the way people live and experience the world. This passion led me to study architecture in Genoa and later in Vienna, while exploring personal research projects focused on computational and parametric design. Even at that stage, I was interested in how creativity and technology could work together to generate new possibilities for architecture. My career truly began in Rotterdam, where I joined one of the most international design studios in the world as an intern. At a young age, I was exposed not only to creative thinking, but also to the discipline, operational rigour, and management structures that support great design. That experience fundamentally shaped the way I approach architecture today. In many ways, it was the spark that led me to where I am now at XBD Collective, working at an executive level across creative direction, operational development, and the long-term international vision of the studio.”

Looking ahead, the studio also expanding their design and management capabilities, bringing new expertise and international perspectives into the studio. To support this ambition, XBD Collective has established an internal ‘Design Leadership Group’ that meets weekly to review projects, challenge ideas, and ensure the highest standards of design quality across the portfolio. “This collaborative approach not only strengthens the development of our teams but also reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients at every stage of the design journey,” shares Vigliero.

Abdulaziz AlHumaidhi, Principal, AlHumaidhi Architects

AlHumaidhi Architects is a Kuwait-based, full-service architectural design firm rooted in culture, empathy, and meaning. Founded in 1992, the firm is celebrated for its thoughtful, problem-solving approach to design, ensuring that architecture resonates with its users both functionally and emotionally.

With over 21 years of experience, AlHumaidhi has introduced a fresh perspective to modern design while honoring tradition. With dual degrees in Architecture and Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), he is renowned for creating bespoke residential designs that seamlessly blend modernity with Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage and environmental context. The firm’s distinguished portfolio includes luxury residential and commercial projects that merge aesthetic diversity with timeless functionality. The firm is currently exploring the idea of the garden and the courtyard as a central theme across several projects, each approaching it from a different relationship to the house.

“My path to architecture wasn’t obvious at first,” shares AlHumaidhi. “I was drawn to the arts, yet uncertain whether a purely creative pursuit could be a sustainable one, while more conventional paths never resonated with me the same way – I found myself looking for something that married artistic sensibility with a more logic-based, all-encompassing approach to problem-solving. Architecture revealed itself as the discipline where that instinct could meet rigour and purpose, and it was through my education that I came to see architecture as a discipline lived within the language of art itself. Through architecture, ideas, culture, and human needs can be translated into places that evoke emotion, express identity, and deepen our connection to our surroundings. Its unique ability to combine artistic expression with a tangible impact on people’s lives is what continues to inspire me today. It was this balance between creativity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to shape meaningful experiences that made me realise architecture was the right path for me.”

Masoomeh Hilal, Founder and Creative Director, Masoomeh Hilal Design

Hilal’s design journey is shaped by places, cultures, and the stories she holds. Having called Dubai home for over 20 years, both her personal and professional life are rooted in a city that thrives on diversity, ambition, and creative evolution. Living and working in such a dynamic, multicultural environment has given her a global perspective that continues to inform her work, along with a deep appreciation for authenticity and the belief that meaningful design should carry a sense of time, place, and soul. Recent projects include a villa in Muhaisnah and an apartment in Taj Residences in Dubai, UAE.

With a background in textile design, Hilal developed a strong appreciation for materiality and craftsmanship; later expanding into interior design to create more cohesive, considered spaces. After years of experience collaborating with respected designers, Masoomeh Hilal Design was founded in 2018. “Design has always been a part of who I am,” she shares. “I’ve always been drawn to art, textiles, interiors, and the way spaces can make people feel. After studying Textile Design and further Interior Design, I started my career in the industry and quickly realised this was what I loved doing. There wasn’t one defining moment, but a natural progression from a lifelong passion that eventually led me to start my own design studio.”

Noura Alsorougi, Founder and Creative Director, Noon Design Studio

Noura Alsorougi is the Founder and Creative Director of Dubai-based interior design practice Noon Design Studio. After designing her own home, Alsorougi fell in love with the profession after designing her own home. ‘I had always found myself mentally reimagining spaces, but creating a home of my own made me realise how much I enjoyed the process,” she shares. “What started as a personal passion soon led to helping friends with their homes, and before long, word-of-mouth referrals began to grow. That was the moment I realised interior design was not just something I loved doing – it was what I wanted to do professionally.” Alsorougi’s instinct was right. Her recently completed projects include a villa in Arabian Ranches, a house for an Emirati family and Palm Hills in Dubai. Her work is distinguished by a nuanced understanding of how space shapes experience, bringing together clarity of design with a strong sense of atmosphere and intent.

Alsorougi approaches design as a process of interpretation, translating how people live, what they value, and how they want to feel into spatial form. Her design language draws subtly from nature, informed by organic compositions, tonal restraint, and an emphasis on texture and material honesty. This results in interiors that feel grounded and composed, with a quiet confidence that resists excess and avoids trend-driven gestures. At the core of her philosophy is the pursuit of spaces that feel authentic and deeply personal. Through a careful and intuitive process, she is able to move beyond the brief, identifying unspoken needs and translating them into environments that are considered, balanced, and enduring. With a strong foundation in spatial planning and technical execution, Alsorougi ensures that each project is resolved with precision. Proportion, circulation, and materiality are treated as essential design tools, resulting in interiors that are cohesive, functional, and intentional. Projects in the pipeline is a villa in Al Khawaneej and an apartment in Downtown Dubai.