id50 2025 – The Visionaries

THE VISIONARIES

Agata Kurzela

Photography by Sebastian Boettcher

Designer Agata Kurzela is currently focusing on a stunning cultural space and several interventions in a heritage building, set to be unveiled throughout the year. “The opportunity to explore the relationship between tradition and contemporary practice is educational and rewarding at the same time,” she says. Kurzela is currently working on the delivery of Kempinski Residences in Dubai, UAE along with other hospitality projects and smaller-scale residential and product design projects. Over the past year, she was recognised internationally by various publications for her work on the Abu Dhabi Government Office. Her firm has also participated at the Nomad Circle in Capri and the UAE Designer Exhibition during Dubai Design Week, where she showcased her Game of Life concept. On Kurzela’s wish list is a project that combines cultural relevance with sculptural experimentation in building form. “This could involve exploring unconventional materials – whether high-tech or low-tech – or experimenting with impermanent modular structures, including inflatables. The focus would be on creating spaces focused on pure experience, such as a contemplative environment for meditation or worship,” she shares. Kurzela also expresses a desire to design a space in a dramatic natural habitat. Her approach centres on exploration and oscillates between minimal and maximal; layered yet also stripped to the bone. It is research-driven and intuitive. She states that discovering fresh perspectives and transforming them into tangible designs is a constant source of empowerment.

Jonathan Ashmore, Founding Principal and Militza Ashmore, Executive Director, ANARCHITECT

From left: Militza and Jonathan Ashmore

Based in Dubai and London, ANARCHITECT “manifests modern architecture across diverse scales of design with superlative detail and contextual materiality.” The studio’s architectural narrative is spread across the disciplines of architecture, interiors and design to create highly resolved buildings, spaces and objects that are beautifully balanced in form, function and refined execution. The firm has several projects across the world in final stages of construction, including: a private duplex interior in the Lana Residences, Dorchester Collection in Dubai; a new-build private home for a multi-generational family on a leafy hillside overlooking Uganda’s capital, Kampala; the restoration, renovation and regeneration of a 1926 urban villa into a contemporary-sensitive family residence in the heart of the bohemian quarter in Belgrade, Serbia; a 45-key hillside beach and wellness resort on the eastern coast of the UAE; and two brand new contemporary high-end villas sitting side-by-side in Dubai Hills. Many will be familiar with the practice’s work, especially for their identity Design Award-winning ‘Blue Copper Loft’, in addition to the eight exclusive Desert Villas at Bab Al Shams Resort and The Serai Wing, Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Sharjah.

The practice’s cohesive architectural narrative emotionally connects its work to a physical place, a context and a moment in time. “We view design as a powerful pathway between ideas and the physical world, where creativity meets responsibility. Every project is an opportunity to solve complex problems while making thoughtful predictions about the future – creating solutions today that will have a lasting positive impact,” shares the practice.

Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design

Bishop Design has been working across continents, with a significant number of concepts coming to life. “Collaborating with Major Food Group has been transformative for Bishop Design,” shares Paul Bishop, the firm’s Founder. “Expanding their portfolio and bringing exceptional venues like Carbone Vino in Miami and the upcoming Carbone Dubai to life has been a defining milestone. With exciting future projects already in the pipeline, we are eager to see where this partnership takes us.” Locally the firm is collaborating with Sunset Hospitality on bringing an F&B-meets-entertainment venue to the region and a much-anticipated five-star Intercontinental hotel in Rabat, Morocco. Bishop Design is also working with renowned restaurant brands such as Sumosan and Akira Back, who are launching in Cyprus and Morocco respectively. Bishop Design is upgrading its Miami office to support their expansion and growing presence in the U.S., which includes a luxury resort in South Beach. “From day one, we knew this would be a game-changer, a project that would redefine the luxury resort concept and embody everything South Beach should be – luxurious, elegant and steeped in refined hedonism,” he shares. With a style that is “unapologetic, bold and distinctive,” the studio’s design philosophy is about breaking the mould and crafting spaces that leave a lasting impression. “What drives us is the desire to create something truly exceptional. Watching our designs come to life, seeing people engage with the spaces we’ve crafted, and knowing we’ve contributed to something meaningful – that’s what fuels our passion,” says Bishop.

Michael Melnick, Managing Director of BW Interiors

Michael Melnick leads a team known for redefining luxury and innovation in Dubai’s interiors scene. With 2025 already shaping up to be an exciting year, the firm is engaged in some of the city’s most prestigious projects.

One highlight is Scott’s Dubai, the iconic London restaurant that is making its UAE debut in DIFC. “Scott’s Dubai will bring the timeless charm and elegance of its London counterpart to a prime location in Dubai’s culinary scene,” says Melnick. The company is also involved in the refurbishment of Nusr-Et Steakhouse, where they are enhancing the brand’s globally recognised opulence. Beyond hospitality, the firm is working on bespoke high-end residential projects in coveted areas like Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, as well as premium office spaces at Expo City and ICD Brookfield Place. Recent successes include the vibrant fit-out of the popular Sexy Fish in DIFC, the sleek design of 1920 at ICD Brookfield Place, and luxury hospitality spaces like Bar des Prés and Il Gattopardo. The firm’s work at J1 Beach, delivering standout venues such as Ninive Beach and Chouchou, and at FIVE Luxe JBR with projects like Paradiso and Ronin, exemplifies its expertise in creating unique, high-end spaces.

“What empowers our team is a shared passion for excellence, creativity and collaboration,” Melnick shares. The team’s drive is fuelled by trust from clients and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship while adapting to the industry’s evolving demands.

Carl Gerges, Carl Gerges Architects

Photography by Karim Ghorayeb

Carl Gerges Architects is making waves across hospitality, nightlife, fashion and residential design, with a portfolio that spans Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Gerges’ collaboration with Bottega Veneta’s then Creative Director Matthieu Blazy in Dubai, titled ‘Waves’, created an otherworldly experience. Gerges also worked work on the AlUla Music Studio in Saudi Arabia. Among their latest projects, the team is particularly excited about a gym and wellness space they are working on. The firm is also shaping new urban living experiences and unveiling fresh ideas for hospitality in Lebanon and the UAE, reflecting a diverse and visionary approach.

Despite Beirut and Lebanon’s challenging circumstances, Gerges and his team remain focused, translating their belief in the power of design into tangible spaces that bring people together. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see our projects come to life; places where people can gather, share moments and celebrate life,” the architect and musician shares.

On Gerges’ wish-list is designing a wellness retreat nestled in nature; one where wilderness takes centre stage and where all the building materials are native to the land. “The fewer restrictions, the more I would go back to basics – creating something that is centred around experiences and rituals related to our wellbeing. I think we could all benefit from that,” he shares.

Gerges roots his design philosophy in experiences. “I always want to create spaces around rituals that provide a sense of wellbeing by engaging the senses,” he says. Guided by simplicity and refinement, his work celebrates quality and timelessness, ensuring that spaces interact harmoniously with their surroundings as they age. Empowered by working as one, the firm draws strength from Lebanon’s resilient artisans and designers. “Our power comes from collaboration, both within our team and with the incredible craftsmen and communities we work with,” he shares.

Shaun Killa, Founder of Killa Design

As a pioneer in architecture who blends sustainability, innovation and artistic vision, Shaun Killa is known for his deep respect for cultural and environmental contexts. Killa’s designs honour heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture, and the firm’s projects are often inspired by fluid geometry and organic forms, creating spaces that seamlessly connect with nature and inspire future generations.

Killa Design’s portfolio is exciting as it is striking. The Museum of the Future, with its torus-shaped form adorned with Arabic calligraphy, stands as one of the firm’s latest highlights, along with the Address Beach Resort, whose twin towers are connected by the world’s tallest occupied skybridge. The off-grid Shebara Resort in Saudi Arabia looks like an otherworldly experience, powered by renewable energy and setting a global standard for sustainable luxury.

Currently, Killa Design is working on several ground-breaking projects, including One Central in Dubai, an avant-garde hyper-luxury development featuring branded towers and luxury hotels. In Saudi Arabia, the firm is crafting Leyja, a tranquil tourism destination framed by dramatic mountains, while further afield, Killa Design is creating Zamani Islands, a 100% renewable energy-powered eco-luxury development in the Maldives, and a signature tower in Baku, Azerbaijan. Their upcoming projects also span museums, educational centres and masterplans across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Killa aspires to design hyper-sustainable projects that challenge convention and leave a meaningful impact. “A dream project would be a hyper-luxury eco-safari lodge. We’d also love to design waterfront masterplans that harmonise leisure, yachting, marinas and biophilia. Another exciting project would be designing a superyacht,” he shares.Killa’s commitment to sustainability and bold design is fuelled by the diversity and creativity of his team. “Competing on a global stage and winning against some of the world’s leading firms is both humbling and empowering,” he shares. For Killa, the future is about designing extraordinary spaces that resonate emotionally, touch lives and inspire wonder.

Kristina Zanic, Founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants

With an ethos rooted in inspiration through travel, Zanic and her team approach each venture as a journey of discovery. “We’re kicking off the year with projects in new locations like Albania and Tanzania, which is always thrilling for the team,” shares Zanic. These new landscapes offer opportunities to learn and create designs infused with local character and authenticity.

The firm’s current portfolio reflects its versatility and creative ambition. The team is working on a high-profile project in Azerbaijan, skilfully balancing vast public areas with a sense of human scale. Closer to home, the upcoming Emirati café Gerbou celebrates local culture and sustainability. Later this year, there are much-anticipated openings of the Intercontinental The Red Sea Resort and the renovated St. Regis Kuwait. Additionally, the firm is diving into branded residences projects that showcase its ability to blend hospitality and home design seamlessly.

2024 was a landmark year for the firm. The completion of the St. Regis Red Sea, the transformation of the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, and the revamp of IHG’s Dubai office stand out as highlights. The launch of a London office and the establishment of an in-house studio for luxury residential projects demonstrate the firm’s growing global presence. Looking ahead, Zanic dreams of working on projects with unique architecture or extraordinary locations, like the safari lodges in Tanzania her team is currently designing. “Exciting, unique projects and open-minded clients who encourage us to dream and push boundaries empower us,” she says.

Thomas Castagnet and Rim Guirari, Co-founders of Mustard & Linen

Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, Mustard & Linen has more than doubled the size of its team in the past year and has opened a new studio in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The studio has played a significant role in shaping the architectural scenery of the island’s Cultural District and its latest projects include two residential developments – The Source and Mamsha Palm – and a nursery for the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. “Our signature style fuses sculptural gestures, bold proportions and layered textures, resulting in spaces that are timeless, dynamic and purposefully designed. By combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, we craft environments that feel custom-tailored and leave a lasting impact,” share the duo. The studio collaborates closely with clients and architects to turn their vision into reality, necessitating a deep intuition for their needs. On being asked what empowers them and their team, Guirari and Castagnet share, “Our team is empowered by a shared commitment to creativity, collaboration and a deep understanding of design. Trust and respect are at the core of everything we do, allowing us the freedom to experiment and grow together. As an international, close-knit team, we celebrate individuality while working collectively to bring fresh ideas to life.”

Pooja Shah-Mulani, Andrew Harms and Rachel Kidd, LW Design Group

From left: Rachel Kidd, Pooja Shah-Mulani, and Andrew Harms

After the monumental celebration of LW’s 25-year milestone, the firm enters the new year with renewed vigour, staying true to its promise of growing stronger. Its quarter-century milestone marks not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future, ensuring that the LW legacy continues to thrive through visionary leadership and a dedicated next generation.

As new Partners take their places, their roles have been clearly defined to fortify the firm’s foundation: LW’s powerhouse of globally recognised design excellence. The firm’s philosophy of being “stronger, not bigger” is taking centre stage as it focuses on enhancing expertise, operations and leadership to uphold and elevate its unparalleled standards in the design world. The firm is currently diversifying their hospitality with the opening of its first luxury lodge project in Kenya, a collection of dynamic F&B spaces within the new Mandarin Oriental in Dubai, an upscale restaurant in downtown Toronto, and several large-scale hospitality developments in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with leading operators.

Leadership for the Next Generation

To further secure its legacy, LW has strategically appointed Pooja Shah-Mulani and Andrew Harms as Managing Partners. Their leadership represents the perfect blend of leading creative innovation with commercial and operational proficiency.

Shah-Mulani will lead as Managing Partner with a focus on creative strategy, expanding LW’s reach into exciting new markets. Her role embodies the LW DNA, championing innovation and collaboration with clients to craft a bold vision for the brand while ensuring every project reflects the firm’s hallmark of excellence.

Managing Partner, Harms, meanwhile, will steer the firm’s commercial and operational strategy, focusing on optimising delivery and enhancing performance across all levels. With an emphasis on pushing LW’s operational systems to meet market trends even more completely, Harms’s leadership will be pivotal in refining LW’s reputed attention to detail, including the continual growth of its in-house BIM department for delivering seamless, fully coordinated design packages. Together, Shah-Mulani and Harms will now manage LW’s global Interior Design practice, overseeing operations across Dubai, Denmark and Hong Kong. Their combined leadership ensures a unified vision, fostering collaboration across studios and upholding the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence. By continuing to strengthen this integrating bond of creative innovation and operational proficiency, they aim to set new benchmarks in delivering world-class design.

Expanding Design Excellence

Rachel Kidd, as Partner and Senior Design Director, will play a global design-focused role, further strengthening LW’s stronghold on FF&E standards worldwide. Her vision will ensure that LW’s design DNA continues to evolve, creating timeless, innovative spaces while upholding the firm’s renowned aesthetic. In addition, LW’s longstanding senior design team exemplifies the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and expertise, ensuring that its DNA is passed down through mentorship and collaboration.

Gina Munro, Design Director, has over 15 years of experience at LW, having worked in both the Dubai and Hong Kong studios. Now based in Cape Town, Munro rejoined the team two years ago, bringing her unparalleled passion and years of expertise to lead and inspire the firm’s growing team.

Jesper Axel Petersen, Associate, hails from Denmark and is a key figure in LW’s F&B design offering. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and creative space planning to transform places into unique destinations, Jesper’s talents reflects LW’s commitment to embedding its design philosophy into every project.

Debra Parkington, Associate and Studio Lead in the Hong Kong office, joined LW with extensive experience and leadership skills. Her strong aesthetic vision and strategic approach will be instrumental in expanding LW’s presence and impact across the APAC region.

The Road Ahead: Building on Strength

As LW steps into this new chapter, the firm is poised to uphold its legacy while redefining its future. With its leadership firmly in place and the next generation empowered, LW continues to focus on pushing boundaries, elevating standards and inspiring innovation in every project it undertakes.

Niko Kapa

Niko Kapa is an architect dedicated to blending the cultural, social and ecological values of the Arab world through innovative, socially responsible design. His practice integrates local heritage with modern aesthetics, creating designs that are visually striking and deeply connected to their environment. Kapa’s work emphasises sustainability, adapting to local climates and materials.

One of his latest projects is a tower in Doha, which features a shaded public area at the building’s base, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding urban landscape. A patterned metalwork shell moderates light and noise, offering respite from the external environment. “This project aims to understand the principles of operation under specific climatic conditions and material choices, and to apply them suitably in the building’s design,” Kapa explains. In Dubai, he is working on an office complex that celebrates the structure itself, with a ‘mashrabiya’ exoskeleton serving both as the building’s main support and a functional shading system.

Kapa’s firm has received significant recognition for its socially responsible approach, including being finalists for the Arab World Institute Design Prize and winning the AlUla Design Award. “By using local materials and techniques, we believe in the designer’s social responsibility to contribute to an environmentally sustainable world,” Kapa says. The firm also received the Iris Ceramica Award at Dubai Design Week for a project promoting cultural exchange through sustainable design. Looking ahead, Kapa expresses a desire to work on art installations that merge design and art, as well as research-driven projects. “We aspire to be part of a group of innovators committed to advancing the industry through the discovery and recognition of tangible and intangible heritage,” he shares, reflecting his vision for an inclusive and innovative design landscape.

Omar Nakkash, Founder and Design Director at Nakkash Design Studio

Nakkash Design Studio continues to leave its mark on the regional and international design landscape through a diverse range of projects that embody its philosophy of individuality and depth. Among the studio’s current ventures is the redesign and refurbishment of a villa in The Meadows, which promises a balance of sophistication and comfort. Adding to this is a curated F&B space in Dubai’s One Central district, and the transformation of a historical building in Lisbon, where the studio is merging contemporary design with the city’s rich historical context.

Recent accomplishments highlight the studio’s versatility and creative edge. One recent notable achievement is the executive floors of the iconic Dubai Chambers building, where Nakkash Design Studio crafted spaces that marry functionality with a timeless aesthetic. A Japanese-inspired apartment in One Za’abeel, blending minimalism with warmth, underscores the studio’s ability to create serene, thoughtful environments. Expanding regionally, the firm marked its Saudi debut with a Levantine-inspired restaurant celebrating heritage through a harmonious mix of culture and design.

At the core of the studio’s approach is a determination to champion individuality. “Our design philosophy is rooted in developing concepts with depth and individuality, resisting the allure of standardisation. Every project is crafted with a unique narrative while always placing the human experience at the heart of our spaces,” Omar Nakkash shares.

Empowerment for Nakkash and his team comes from the trust their clients place in their process. “It’s incredibly motivating to see their confidence in our ability to bring their visions to life,” he explains.

Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative Director at ROAR

Photography by Imran George

This year looks to be another exciting one at ROAR, where identity’s January cover star and Founder Pallavi Dean and her team are working on a workplace in Chicago, U.S., a leisure hotel in Rabat, Morocco and a luxury residential development in Bali, Indonesia. Locally, the firm is working on residential towers, workplaces for blue-chip companies and three mosques. Recently, ROAR set up a Saudi Arabia office and completed the award-winning Ajman Ruler’s Court. On Dean’s wish-list is a wellness-focused, mixed-use development. Dean also shares an interest in designing a community with schools, homes, offices and hotels that have wellbeing at the core. “Everything we do is empathy-based – from our process to the final design,” the designer says of the studio’s design philosophy. “We don’t have a signature style and that is reflected in the diversity of our portfolio, where we have projects that are minimalist, maximalist and everything in between. Our process and approach to design is what sets us apart. We also believe in prioritising functionality and budget over chasing the aesthetics.” Dean also shares that kindness and gratitude empower her team as their approach towards each other, their work and their clients.

Joakim de Rham, CEO and Co-founder at Swiss Bureau Interior Design (SBID)

SBID is currently working on a diverse range of projects across various sectors, including offices projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a 5,575-square metre ultra-luxurious residential project in Dubai’s Emirates Hills, a university innovation centre, a couple of high-end clinics and a new hospitality build project in Dubai Creek Harbour, as well as a coffee shop. With more than 22 years in the business, the firm has received over 20 awards for its work. “Our design philosophy is simply crafting timeless creations that authentically reflect the identity of our clients and, most importantly, ensuring they remain relevant and stylish for years to come,” shares de Rham.

“We carefully select finishes and FF&E that are less influenced by current trends, rather emphasising longevity and sophistication. At the heart of our approach lies the principle of ‘less is more’, embracing simplicity and elegance to achieve enduring and lasting beauty.” De Rham takes pride in the team he has built: “Together, we truly inspire and challenge one another, always pushing boundaries and finding joy in the process. It’s this culture of trust, support and a shared vision that allows us to consistently deliver projects that are not just exceptional but meaningful.” de Rham shares a very poignant thought on what empowers him and his team. “What empowers us, quite simply, is the ability to collaboratively transform spaces into something extraordinary – environments that inspire, elevate and shape the way people work, live and connect with one another. This is where design becomes more than aesthetics; it becomes life itself,” he says.

Laila Al-Yousuf, Design Director and Partner at SAY Studio

SAY Studio has carved a niche in creating meaningful, impactful spaces that elevate the way people live and work. Specialising in workplace design, the studio has collaborated with global giants like LinkedIn, Apple and Google, shaping innovative environments that redefine productivity and collaboration. This year, the studio will unveil projects with DMCC, Crédit Agricole and others, alongside expanding their hospitality portfolio with ventures like the recently completed Grand Mercure.

Among SAY Studio’s proudest achievements in the past year is their work on Siemens Energy, a sprawling LEED Gold-certified campus spanning five buildings. “It challenged and inspired us in equal measure,” Design Director and Partner Laila Al-Yousuf says, highlighting the team’s ability to blend complexity, scale and sustainability. Beyond the projects themselves, she treasures the lasting impact their designs have on clients and the relationships built along the way.

Looking ahead, Al-Yousuf expresses a desire to design projects with a deeper emotional connection. “After suffering a late-term miscarriage, I was approached to design a high-risk pregnancy clinic. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” she shares. She dreams of pursuing similar projects for children’s, women’s or animal organisations, and even expresses an interest in set design – intrigued by creating spaces that delve into a character’s psyche.

Underpinning SAY Studio’s ethos is a commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. “Design impacts how people feel and behave,” Al-Yousuf explains. This belief, coupled with a team-focused culture that fosters growth and exploration, empowers SAY Studio to push boundaries and use design as a force for good, creating spaces that truly transform lives.

Abboud Malak, Founder of Studio M

As the founder of Studio M, Abboud Malak has cultivated a reputation for creating spaces that blend elegance, integrity and timeless appeal. His portfolio spans a wide range of projects, each defined by a dedication to user-centric design and well-being.

Currently, Studio M is engaged in a series of exciting ventures. These include a cutting-edge hotel concept in DIFC, a luxurious villa in Nad Al Sheba in collaboration with DXB Lab, and a residential community with Loci Architects for a prominent UAE developer. The firm is also designing a sales centre for a five-star hotel and residences in Dubai, expanding the range of The Espresso Lab coffee shops across the UAE, and creating a sophisticated Presidential Workspace for high-end government offices. Additionally, Studio M is crafting a sleek and contemporary penthouse retreat in Dubai Marina for a young couple. Among the firm’s proudest achievements are the introduction of boutique coffee shop culture to the UAE through the first The Espresso Lab in 2016, the transformation of Palm Villas into minimalist, light-filled beach residences, and the execution of high-profile projects that consistently push creative boundaries while championing good design in the region.

On Malak’s wish list is to design a body and mind retreat on a remote island for Aman Resorts. “We believe interior architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the way we live, with a profound impact on our well-being. A project like this would align perfectly with our vision of creating tranquil spaces that inspire rejuvenation and harmony,” he explains. Studio M’s design philosophy reflects a commitment to creating pure, innovative and enduring spaces. On being asked what empowers him and his team, Malak shares, “We are empowered by our ability to create spaces that prioritise well-being and timeless appeal.”

Studio Meshary Al Nassar

From left: Meshary AlNassar and Mishari AlAwadhi

Founded in 2018 in Kuwait by Meshary AlNassar, Studio Meshary AlNassar opened its Dubai office in 2023. Since then, the studio has grown significantly, undertaking multiple collaborations with international brands as well as representing the region through its work. The studio has also recently completed designing the interiors for a mixed-use commercial and residential tower in the financial district of Kuwait City. The team is also designing several high-end residential projects in the GCC and working on the design of its first coffee shop; it has also completed several F&B concepts. For their next challenge, the team members shared that they would like to take on a boutique hotel or hospitality project. The studio’s design philosophy lies in “Creating personalised spaces that feel intimate, contextual and have a story to tell, yet maintain a sophisticated and timeless look.” The team is empowered by honesty in design and collaboration with clients and peers.

Paul Nulty, Founder of Nulty

With its Dubai-studio completing its 10th year, Nulty is geared to strengthen its presence across eight studios, following its acquisition of Klaasen Lighting Design at the end of 2024. Some of Nulty’s larger projects in Saudi Arabia include Qiddiya, The Red Sea Project, along with developments in Jeddah and Al Ula, among others. “What I love is the sheer variety of our work. We’re involved with global headquarters, setting the standards for what great workspace design looks like, and hotels all around the world, redefining luxury. Asia is a great market for retail right now and the momentum of the Middle East gives us the scope to work on city-wide masterplans. We’re also designing the lighting for a truly innovative car showroom. It’s an exciting time to be part of the team,” shares Paul Nulty. With Isambard Kingdom Brunel one of his greatest inspirations, Nulty says that illuminating a bridge would be on his project wish-list. “Bridges are where the science of engineering and the beauty of architecture meet – to enhance that with light is arguably one of the ultimate tests for a designer,” he shares.

With a design philosophy of using light to breathe life into a space and emotionally connect people with that environment, Nulty says the studio’s approach is constantly shifting. “The sectors that we specialise in are more fluid, due to the rise of experiential design and broader issues like wellness, inclusivity and sustainability. Projects are more complex as a result, so there’s a lot of problem-solving and new fields of research to master.”

Rabah Saied, Founder of Styled Habitat

Having recently completed The Rug Company Bungalow in Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE – which pays homage to the cherished mid-century villas on Al Wasl Road that were built in the 1980s – Saied and her team are currently pursuing several projects. These include a new international health and wellness centre envisioned as ‘an Eden of high-tech cosmetics’, F&B projects in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi and a select number of residential renovation projects in Dubai. She also was behind the new Nordic Homeworx showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Saied and her team have additionally completed a new F&B Concept in Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, focused on building a community.

“We have a profound appreciation for the exceptional and the extraordinary, we constantly seek projects that push our creative limits, and we revel in the exquisite allure of genuine originality,” she shares. The studio’s design philosophy can be defined by designing in the tension that plays out between restrained, understated elegance, sensual attraction and the warmth of belonging. “Our creative journey begins with understanding context and history. This often drives our design narrative and guides us on how best we can weave this into a space,” Saied notes, adding that working in alignment with the studio values – which are defined by individuality, passion, discretion and intimacy – as empowering.

Rania Hamed, Founder of VSHD Design

Photography by Siddharth Siva

The designer behind the successful co-living building Upside, the Origami Sushi restaurant in Jumeirah and the brutalist-style Soub, Hamed is currently working on a Bulgari residence in Dubai, UAE and a coffee shop in California, U.S. called Intuition. A dream project for her and her team would be to design a museum. “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 two aspects our studio is quite fond of,” she shares. The studio has a very distinctive house style and design philosophy that focuses on the presence of form in bold brutal proportions. The studio’s design process is also characterised by meticulous research. “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,” Hamed comments. When asked what empowers her and her team, Hamed states, “Myself and my team are empowered by our combined creative vision, strategic planning, skilled execution and our client-focused practices.”

Mohamadreza Ghodousi, Founder of ZAV Architects

ZAV Architects is currently working on several interesting projects, including the Roodi Bazaar in Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran, where the studio is transforming the concept of a shopping mall into a vertical bazaar. ZAV is also continuing to work on the Tangrah Orchard that forms part of a memorial for environmental activist Baba Beski, as well as on a live-work complex for artists in Detroit, USA, drawing inspiration from the adaptable structures of Iranian bazaars, which use fixed elements to create diverse spatial configurations – a project that Ghodousi says is a dream project.

“Our ‘house style’ could perhaps be defined by its absence,” shares the studio founder. “At ZAV, we focus on a process-driven approach to design, emphasising the journey rather than the final object. This allows us to arrive at outcomes that are flexible, open and often surprising – even to ourselves.”

When being asked about what empowers the practice, Ghodousi states, “In our experience, what gives us an edge and amplifies our impact is the ability to find and refine our own lens through a process of observation, exploration and understanding. This lens allows us to see the world differently and approach challenges with a unique perspective.

“Moreover, our power exceeds the sum of its parts, thanks to the structures we’ve developed both within and through our office. Internally, sections like the Think Tank and Crafts Lab have evolved into entities in their own right. These frameworks, combined with the process-driven approach of our designs, generate processes that become agents of change in their own capacity.”

Firas Alsahin, Founder of 4SPACE

With a bold, innovative and story-driven style, 4SPACE is known for creating spaces inspired by the future, cultural stories or unique parts of the world. “It’s about blending aesthetics and functionality in a way that feels fresh and memorable. We always seek to design with a forward-thinking mindset that embraces immersive and smart solutions,” shares Firas Alsahin, Founder of 4SPACE.

Currently, the firm is designing three distinct F&B outlets at the Taj Hotel in Dubai, in addition to a pan-Asian dining experience at one of Jumeirah Group’s iconic hotels, blending a rich narrative with immersive design. The studio is also working on a mystical beach club that redefines the boundaries of luxury and escapism, a corporate office project for Huawei and an immersive theme park powered by AI, where cutting-edge technology and creativity merge to offer visitors a transformative experience.

Known for being extremely tech-forward, the firm offers a holistic approach where it oversees projects from concept to completion. A dream project for the firm would be to create an eco-futuristic city hub. “Think of a space where sustainability, AI, and human-centric design converge – a place that’s as functional as it is inspiring,” shares Alsahin. He claims his team’s empowerment stems from its collaborative spirit and the relationships they’ve built – within the team and with clients and the wider design community. “Seeing how our designs transform spaces and lives keeps us inspired,” he concludes.

View the full id50 list.