id50 2025 – Rania Hamed

What are the latest exciting projects that you are working on that will come to life in the near future? 

1. The Bvlgari Residence: 

– Located on Bvlgari island this residential project is a testament for the studio’s ability to produce an intertwined disciplines where both our architectural and interior design complement each other creating cohesive, functional and aesthetically beautiful spaces with residents enjoying the incredible views of the gulf from every corner of the house.

– The solid design concept for both the architecture and the interior ensures in this project absolute harmony between the interior and exterior making the transition seamless and visually consistent.

2. Intuition:

– Located in California, USA, this coffee shop is thoughtfully divided into three key areas: the lounge, dining space and activation space with each space is designed to offer a unique experience.

– As the name implies, the interior of Intuition is crafted to engage the senses, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and mysterious. Natural materials are chosen for their texture, warmth and effect on the overall design and clients’ experience contributing to the overall ambiance.

Pool House

Please mention some of your latest projects/ achievements as a firm (Top 3)

1. Upside:

– A truely co-living building in Dubai where residents live, work and entertain in a sharing space. The building’s design details have made it a huge success from the minute it was launched in early 2024. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to have everything you need in an apartment but in quite a small space. The rest of the building where all the sharing spaces are located were equally thoughtfully designed to allow the residents to enjoy the real essence of community sharing.

– This building was not like anything else the studio has ever designed. We had to pay so much attention in every aspect of the design to space utilization, the demographic variations of residents from different cultures and backgrounds, introduce a young yet timeless design elements and aesthetics, the common areas’ design where it can cater to small group of residents or a large group; just to name a few.

2. Origami Jumeirah: 

– Origami Jumeirah was where this brand has come to life. After the huge success of the design of Origami Dubai mall with its new brand and identity, it was clear that the Jumeirah branch needed a completely new design that lives up to the reputation of this successful home-grown brand. Clients who had visited the Dubai Mall and Marsa Al Bateen branch in Abu Dhabi had high expectations in the design which we definitely wanted to exceed. As the branch is located at the fishing harbour we made sure that the clients enjoy the feeling of indoors – outdoors environment while maintaining the atmosphere of the japenese hidden dining spots which offers a unique, intimate and often exclusive dining experiences. Once more we had to ensure our design reflects the Japanese values of omotenashi (hospitality) and shibumi (simple elegance).

3. Soub: 

– Soub is a specialty coffee shop located in Dubai’s Al Khawaneej neighbourhood, renowned for its distinctive brutalist design that draws inspiration from 1970s Gulf architecture.

– The interior features raw materials and a monochromatic palette, reflecting the brutalist philosophy. A striking 11-meter wall clad in galvanised stainless steel runs the length of the café, complemented by rough plaster walls and dark reclaimed wood floors. This minimalist approach is enhanced by mid-century modern furniture, creating a nostalgic yet sophisticated atmosphere.

– Soub pays homage to the UAE’s architectural heritage by incorporating images of iconic 1970s Sharjah buildings—the Bank Street Buildings and the Old Post Office—printed on curtains that frame the space. This integration of historical elements grounds the café’s design in the nation’s rich architectural history.

– The design creates a sense of mystique and modern glamour, akin to a private social club with an Emirati modern flair. The interplay between natural and artificial light casts dynamic shadows, enhancing the textures and materials used throughout the space.

– Soub stands as a testament to the enduring influence of brutalist design, seamlessly blending historical references with contemporary aesthetics to offer a unique and intimate coffee experience in Dubai.

Soub

Can you talk about a type of project that you would like to take on in 2025 that would interest you and your team to pursue (dream project that you would like to manifest)?

VSHD would definitely love to pursue the dream of designing a museum with all its appealing and challenging endeavor due to the unique blend of creative, cultural and functional considerations. As museums are repositories of history, art and culture, we would be thrilled to contribute to the preservation and celebration of human creativity and knowledge which are 2 aspects our studio is quite fond of. Our studio is known for pushing the boundaries, designing a museum is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture while encouraging innovative forms, materials, layouts and experience. It will also be a testament for our ability to balance form and function as it would have to be visually stunning yet strictly functional.

How would you describe your ‘house style’ and design philosophy?

Our studio and its design has a very distinctive house style and design philosophy that focuses on the presence of form in bold brutal proportions. Spaces are crafted with an architectural mindset where pure form plays a crucial role in defining the space. However, form alone is not sufficient; it is the synergy between form and scale that establishes this presence.

Our design process is  also characterised by meticulous research to ensure that our designs are authentic and align with the cultural and historical context of each project.

I am drawn to materials that age gracefully and develop a patina over time, such as concrete, timber, and stone—authentic materials that tell a story as they interact with their environment, adding depth and character to the space.

As this is the power issue, what empowers you and your team?

Myself and my team are empowered by our combined creative vision, strategic planning, skilled execution, and our client-focused practices.

Our success is truly driven by a team of skilled professionals with expertise in design, architecture, project management, and material and furniture sourcing and design. Our diverse team with their rich and varied backgrounds foster creativity and allow the firm to handle a wide range of projects.

As most of the successful design firms, we have a strong and well-defined design philosophy that sets us apart and establishes our identity. We rely heavily on research prior to embarking on any design. Whether it’s minimalism, luxury, sustainability, or innovation, a focused vision attracts clients who resonate with the firm’s style and provide absolute confidence to the team members in their work.

A robust portfolio showcasing a variety of completed successful projects demonstrates the firm’s capabilities and builds credibility and empowers each team member. Being proud of where you work and what projects you work on is an unmatched factor of job satisfaction and the desire to produce more and more successful projects that can each be an award winning one.

View the visionaries.

View the complete id50 2025 list.