On the panel, we had with us:

Sejal Patel, Design Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants

Kerem Cengiz, Managing Director – MENA at LWK + PARTNERS

Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Rqitects

Peter Caruso, Architect at Augusta

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Partitions, screens and a palette of warm colours created a welcoming and refined atmosphere that introduced visitors to the world of the Porada House – a vision of Italian savoir expressed through high-end furniture and modern interior spaces. The OBEGI Home booth itself hosted a multi-brand showcase featuring over 20 leading international brands and artists.

Besides panel discussions at its showroom, OBEGI Home also hosted an event celebrating Porada’s mastery of wood craftsmanship, tracing its evolution since 1968. The week also included dedicated events for the next generation of designers from American University in Dubai (AUD) and Heriot-Watt University, underscoring a commitment to nurturing future talent.

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Along with Vivek Singhania, General Manager – Abu Dhabi at GLAZE Granite and Marble, the panellists included: Monica Arango, the Founder of C’est Ici Design; Rosaline Tashdjian, Business Development Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants; and Aleksandra Nastic, Associate Principal, Regional Leader – Interior Design at Woods Bagot, with the editor of identity, Aneesha Rai, moderating.

The discussion centred around each panellist’s approach to selecting surfaces. Among the points discussed was the surface selection that is woven into the storytelling and identity of each project, evolving organically from the client’s brief and the desired project DNA. The importance of understanding branding, location and climate was also highlighted, with the panelists noting that surface choices are integral to both the narrative and the overall strategy of large-scale projects. Singhania echoed these sentiments, explaining that material recommendations must balance the designer’s vision with practical considerations like climate suitability, especially in the Middle East, where extreme conditions can rule out certain stones for exterior use.

A recurring theme was the need to educate clients, particularly in residential projects, about the realities of material performance. While marble remains a client favourite for its beauty, designers often guide clients toward more durable alternatives for high-use areas like kitchens, recommending options such as granite or engineered stones that can better withstand wear and climate. The panel discussion also centered around the emergence of healing stones as a surface of choice for wellness in residences.

The panel demonstrated that the surfaces we choose can be more than just finishes; they can be used to tell a story, solve a problem or even showcase culture. Successful projects arise from a thoughtful balance of narrative, function and context, with designers, suppliers and clients collaborating to create spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

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The conversation delved into the evolving relationship between modularity and hyperpersonalisation in design, exploring how architects and designers navigate flexibility and bespoke solutions in contemporary spaces.

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The Panellists:

• Maria Porro – President of Salone del Mobile.Milano and Marketing & Communications Director at Porro
• Iman Abuljadayel – Founder, In-Detail Design Center
• Jonathan Ashmore – Founding Principal, ANARCHITECT
• Noora Al Awar – Creative Director, Studio d04
• Sawsan Haber – Founder, Dipiugi Interiors

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The approach to the design of the home is multi-layered. It’s a project that reflects not just refined taste, but also the layered sensibilities of its owner. Ahmed’s life story is one of movement and duality. A twin, his bond with his brother has shaped much of his personal and professional world. Both Ahmed and his brother run Finasi, a luxury fit-out company that was founded by their mother in 1969. When asked what his favourite part about his work is, he says, “The true reward is walking into a home we’ve created and seeing the people inside happy. Building homes is personal. You become part of the family for a moment. That stays with you.”

Ahmed Sultan, Partner at Finasi in the ‘pop art’ room

Born and raised in Milan, Italy, just steps from what is now the Armani Hotel building, Ahmed grew up immersed in fashion, architecture and design. It’s no surprise, then, that his home reflects a fine balance of cultural curiosity and considered luxury. Renowned brands like Molteni&C, Armani/Casa, Zanotta, B&B Italia, Liu Jo Living and Designer’s Guild live alongside curated pieces from Joe Armitage and Gufram, each adding its voice to the overall harmony.

For his home, Ahmed partnered with Daniel Badr, Head of Design at Finasi, to bring his vision to life. “I like volumes, I like air, I like to breathe,” shares Ahmed. “I wanted the apartment to feel open, where light moves and the eye can rest.” Floor-to-ceiling windows amplify this vision, connecting the interiors to Dubai’s skyline while bringing in abundant natural light throughout the day.

The design is structured around this feeling of flow. The living, dining and kitchen areas form a unified, social heart of the home. Custom features like the striking TV wall unit in the living space are crafted from a blend of earthy materials including marble, warm metal, Marmorino finish and open veined wood burl. The unit is finished with delicate, indirect lighting that celebrates the beauty of restraint. Double oversized sofas offer space for lounging, conversation and quiet reflection. The kitchen is a standout Finasi design, locally crafted in the UAE and enriched with deep emerald marble countertops. “This is where friends and family gather. It’s where life happens,” says Ahmed. 

The bedrooms were designed in a way that affords more privacy. Three bedrooms were transformed into larger en-suite retreats, each with its own distinct personality. The master suite features a see-through bathroom and a walk-in dressing area – a balance of natural light, privacy and daily indulgence. A cinema room offers a cosy escape from the routine, while a spacious laundry and storage zone and a space dedicated entirely to the home’s smart home tech ensure practical living is never compromised.

A vintage Eames chair handed down from Ahmed’s grandmother sits next to a Armani/Casa LOGO lamp

Art plays a vital role in the home’s soul. Growing up, Ahmed developed a love for art thanks to his mother. “She always told me: never buy art as an investment – buy what you love,” he says. The apartment is a gallery of modern and Middle Eastern works, curated not by trend but by instinct. “I’m drawn to colour, abstraction – pieces that evoke feeling. Art has always been part of who I am,” he shares. Many of the pieces in the home were procured by Ahmed due to his close relationship with Ayyam Gallery. He particularly loves a piece by Mouteea Murad called ‘Abou Ali Mood’, due to its abstraction, sits in the living room. His home also features pieces from Syrian artist Tammam Azam, photography by Palestinian photographer Rula Halawani, and multiple pieces by Thaier Helal. 

The master bathroom area features exquisite green marble and a freestanding bathtub

There’s even a pop-art room that features Keith Haring’s work in different forms. “He was my mother’s favourite artist. I grew up with his work. I still collect Keith Haring-based work. They can be books, trays or sneakers.” 

While Ahmed’s aesthetic roots lie in minimalism, the birth of his son has softened the lines. “This home still feels minimal, but it’s warmer now. More personal. It has character.”

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Photography by Alex Jeffries and Mark Mathew

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Joining us on the show are Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum, founder of Tashkeel Studio and Gerbou, and Kristina Zanic, the founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants, the interior design consultants on this stunning project. Don’t miss the incredible story behind the ghaf tree log at the entrance, the lamps made of fish waste, the incredible collaboration and curation process, and the story behind the ‘Dubai pattern’.

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In our debut episode of ‘In Design With’, we are in conversation with Dariush Zandi, an architect and founder of the cultural and artistic oasis, The Courtyard in Al Quoz. We take you down memory lane of Dariush’s incredible 40 years in Dubai. Working closely with Dubai Municipality, his work has included the restoration of historical buildings and their conversion into museums – such as the Naif Fort and Dubai Museum. Dariush is the former Chairman of The UAE Architectural Heritage Society English Chapter also created urban masterplans for Dubai and worked on projects for landmarks such as Sheikh Saeed House, Safa Park, and Mushrif Park, making him a vital part of the city’s architecture & design fabric.

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During Dubai Design Week, identity collaborated with Ideal Standard to host an engaging panel discussion at the Ideal Standard Design and Specification Center in City Walk, Dubai. The panellists included Roberto Palomba, Chief Design Officer at Ideal Standard and Founder of Palomba Serafini Associati; Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director of ROAR; and Justin Wells, Founder of Wells International, who shared their insights on how the design industry can navigate and rise to various challenges that the future presents.

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The panel touched upon the reality of sustainability. Palomba reflected on the responsibility his generation bears for environmental degradation. “My generation pushed boundaries that led to the destruction of nature, from plastic waste to air pollution,” he shared candidly. Palomba underscored that sustainability is no longer a trend or a choice – it is a necessity and should be part of the law. “If we want to breathe in the future, we must act now,” he added. Palomba also highlighted the key principles guiding his sustainability-driven approach, highlighting considerations such as durability, disassembly and recyclability.

Dean emphasised that true sustainability must start at the grassroots level, from material sourcing to manufacturing processes. “It’s not about installing a sensor tap and calling it a day. It’s about considering every step of the product’s lifecycle, from the raw materials used to minimising wastage in production,” she noted. Wells emphasised the importance of aligning innovation with environmental responsibility and with reviewing every part of the design process, from the sourcing of material to logistics. He noted that designers must consider not only the functionality of their creations but also the broader impact on communities and ecosystems. Wells also highlighted that while technology and innovation provide exciting opportunities for evolution in design, they must be approached with caution. The industry’s future depends on creating spaces and products that not only meet user expectations but also contribute positively to the environment.

The panellists also discussed the importance of cultural context and the importance of craftsmanship in contemporary life, and shared their thoughts about how technology and affects their practices and businesses.

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