Material Matters

identity hosted a panel in collaboration with GLAZE Granite and Marble on 15 May 2025 at the brand’s Sheikh Zayed Road showroom, where we brought together leading voices from the design and materials industries to explore how surfaces influence narrative, form and function across residential and commercial settings. The GLAZE Granite and Marble showroom provided the perfect setting for the event amongst its extensive material library, with various samples dotted throughout the showroom.

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.

Watch the full panel here