Kristina Zanic

Zanic is an internationally acclaimed interior designer and entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience shaping exceptional interiors in over 20 countries. She founded Kristina Zanic Consultants in 2012 and has since grown the studio into a leading multinational design practice. Throughout her career, Zanic has been recognised for her creative vision, leadership, and contribution to the design industry, earning numerous accolades and a place among the region’s most influential designers. She has also served as a speaker at leading industry events and as a judge for international design competitions. 

Under Zanic’s leadership, Kristina Zanic Consultants has grown into a leading global interior design studio with creative hubs in Dubai, London, Riyadh, Bangkok, and Clark. Since 2012, the firm has delivered projects across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, earning a reputation for thoughtful design and a strong international perspective. Today, KZC is known for creating exceptional hospitality, residential, commercial, and branded environments worldwide. The studio’s most recent projects include Intercontinental The Red Sea on Shura island, Saudi Arabia, whose “Natural Maze” concept transforms circulation into fluid, organic spaces that encourage exploration and connection to the landscape. Another project is SO/ Ras Al Khaimah. Originally designed as a wellness retreat, the property was reimagined as a fashion-led, ultra-all-inclusive destination. Inspired by the “concept store” narrative, the design blends local art, fashion-forward thinking, and storytelling to guide guests through curated environments that merge hospitality, art, fashion, and culture.

“A defining moment in my career was realising that great design is not simply about how a space looks, but about how it is experienced and remembered,” shares Zanic. “Early hospitality projects played a key role in shaping that perspective. Working on projects where every detail contributed to the guest journey showed me how thoughtfully designed environments can shape human connection and interaction. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue this path and the motivation to continually push creative boundaries. As my career progressed, working on large-scale destination developments and collaborating with internationally recognised hospitality brands deepened my understanding of luxury, guest experience, and the importance of creating a strong sense of place. These opportunities reinforced my belief that the most successful projects are rooted in authenticity and storytelling. Exposure to diverse regions and cultures has further strengthened my appreciation for contextual design and the role local identity plays in shaping memorable destinations.

Today, I see design as a balance between creativity, functionality, cultural understanding, and commercial purpose. The opportunity to bring those elements together in a way that resonates with people and reflects the character of a place remains one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession.”