< PreviousWomen in design commercialinteriordesign.com March 2021 30 Vera Dieckmann Founder and creative director, XO Atelier From my perspective, the number of women working in the design industry, especially in the fi eld of interior design looks balanced. However, if you look a little closer, the number of those women who reach senior levels to become infl uential decision makers and leaders, particularly in specialised fi elds like architecture is still very low. I have been in the industry for over 23 years and have witnessed considerable shifts in how women are perceived and the opportunities that are available to them; but despite our changing mindsets we are still world's away from a true gender balance. When I started out, it was diffi cult to be seen and respected just on the merits of your work without being subjected to some kind of innate gender bias. Even now, I can't understand why there should be a separation between male and female designers. The truth is that good taste and creativity is genderless. Knowledge, insight and originality is down to the individual personality. When I graduated in Germany it was 1997. I had been studying architecture and had earned my degree as an engineer of architecture. It was a big step in those days for a young female architect. Finding a suitable position, It was made clear to me that my new responsibilities would prevent me from dedicating myself fully to my workWomen in design 31 March 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com being taken seriously or offered projects was a massive hurdle. But as I worked in different studios, learning my craft, I became more and more involved in interior design, developing new skills and confi dence in product design, craftsmanship, and a strong network of contacts in the furniture industry. Working alongside inspirational talents such as David Ling in NY or Matteo Thun in Milan I saw how everyone was treated equally, in spite of gender, race or religion. Instead, a positive work ethic and commitment to good design was as it should be – the highest priority. This is a philosophy I carry with me to this day – applying it to my own studio and the way I work with my team. This doesn't mean I didn't have to vault the usual obstacles of discrimination, sexism and bullying. But experiencing this at a tender age only made me more resolute – to shine brighter and be better, and to continuously keep moving and evolving. Having a strong sense of self has kept me authentic; only working with clients with whom I share vision and respect. In 2005, I gave birth to my daughter. It was a truly momentous time in my life. My career trajectory was sweeping upwards and I felt unstoppable. Although I took a short break, just six days, this was held against me in the work environment – it was made clear to me that my new responsibilities would prevent me from dedicating myself fully to my work and I was no longer considered seriously for future roles. I always questioned that - why having a family is held against you as a woman - but not even factored into the equation if a man is being reviewed for a promotion. There are so many examples of this kind of outdated thinking. A female designer who knows exactly what she wants and asks for it, can be considered as diffi cult. Often the same behaviour from a man would give him the reputation as a tough leader. As long as we are still discussing whether there is equality in pay or enough females in positions of power, then there is still a problem. Equity is still the dream – not yet the reality. Today, as the creative director of my own studio, I make a point to focus on the quality of our work. It's important for me to create a professional environment that refl ects my personal values. Emma Burdett Founder of WILD Women Lead, an empowering and networking platform for women in design A number of years ago I worked for a large corporate who asked me if I would set up a women's empowerment platform. having been in Dubai and the construction/interiors sector I had some close connections with women in leadership. What originally started as four women sat around a table with a sheet of paper has since become a staple, vibrant and integral network within the UAE with exciting growth plans to expand in to the GCC. At the time I realized that there was a niche in the market and a wider opportunity to include all women from the sector. After leaving the role I decided to take time out and embarked on an incredible journey of self -discovery, courage and a striking realisation that inspiring women was indeed a passion. Bringing women together, creating a community and making a difference was something I felt compelled to do. I was able to build on my expertise and experience to create WILD. After encountering signifi cant challenges of which, have enabled me to be open, authentic and useful in encouraging other women, I wrote WILD from scratch. My prerequisite was to create a platform for all women to come together, feel a sense of belongingness, hold events where women can network with purpose and hear personal journey stories from a range of women; both infl uencers at the top of their game and younger females just starting out. So WILD was born in July 2018 when I held the fi rst event and saw 150 women come together. I wanted every female in the room to leave feeling inspired, motivated, confi dent and ready to take on the world. WILD accomplishes just that. With events full to the brim and women on the edge of their seats I am proud of the impact WILD is making. Since Covid I have been determined to not let the restrictions stop us, and have been holding a series of virtual events. We need to connect and inspire more than ever right now. Through the events and now private 1.1 coaching I am helping women become the most powerful version of themselves so they can create a WILDLY successful and meaningful life. Women in particular often are held back by fears and challenges, especially feelings of Imposter Syndrome and limiting beliefs. The WILD transformational coaching helps women get crystal clear on their goals, build confi dence and learn to step up in an authentic way becoming the leader they dream of being. In October 2019 WILD opened its doors to everyone to embrace true diversity. The event saw a beautiful tapestry of participants and speakers of all different race, ethnicity, culture and gender. We all need to play our part to include both men and women alike. Men need to become role models and engineers of change. I love to hear from anyone who is truly committed to change and makingh a difference and I can be found on LinkedIN or Instagram.First look commercialinteriordesign.com March 2021 32 The vision of Dubai beauty entrepreneur and a woman-led design agency IZIL - THE D INTERIORS BY BRAND CREATIVE Im ag es : M ic h ae l K ru ge r P h o to gr ap h yFirst look 33 March 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com UBAI MALLFirst look commercialinteriordesign.com March 2021 34 The Moroccan Amazigh culture is the inspiration behind the leading natural skincare brand Izil, founded by Mouna Abassy. Focusing on her heritage and a country that is as diverse geographically as it is ethnically, the brand has quickly become a sector leader in the GCC region. With a very loyal female following locally and regionally, Izil has grown from a small kiosk in The Dubai Mall all to sell its natural beauty products both online and within its chic new fl agship boutique on a fi rst fl oor of the shopping complex. The crux of the interior concept and retail planning by Brand Creative was formulated on the studies and deconstruction of the Amazigh alphabet. An initial design brief was to create a very authentic Moroccan experience that celebrates Berber culture, with an earthy and natural aesthetic, as opposed to the Riyad concept of heavy adornment that is often associated with the country. To achieve this, a volume of space was crafted to feel cavernous to replicate the intimate, earthy dwellings that this tribe inhabits whilst the tadelakt plaster [a waterproof plaster surface typically used in Moroccan architecture] on the walls and fl oors brought an earthy, textural yet light quality to the overall experience. Customers are invited to trial products at an organic-shaped central basin and the design includes a customisation area that showcases oils, herbs and other raw ingredients used to personalise bespoke products for clients. To complement the retail offering, treatment rooms for hair masks and facials based on the quintessential Moroccan beauty rituals of the brand are located in a private back area where lighting and atmosphere are both moody and intimate. Traditional fabrics and mosaic tiles in neutral tones add a textural quality and hint of pattern to reference back to the layered nature of the Moroccan aesthetic. Faux windows and custom lighting techniques were used to emulate rays of sunlight, casting a natural glow throughout the space. With a fully curved ceiling, lighting and MEP works were carefully studied to seamlessly integrate into the design that was built by Sadeco. In creating fi tting tribute to the cultural traditions of the Amazigh, the project design phase took four months and the build also approximately four months. The space is textural but light xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bespoke products are mixed hereFirst look 35 March 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Suppliers at a glance Floors, ceilings and walls COLORTEK Lighting LIGHT & LIVES Custom joinery CORIAN Salon equipment TAKEDA BELMONT xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Natural fabrics Interesting use of textiles A light featureSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com March 2021 36 SPECIAL REPORT Drop Coffee by RoarSpecial Report 37 March 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com MATERIAL WORLD Commercial surface trends for 2021: versatility, sustainability, locality and safety PAGE 38 When the brief gets weird, who do you call? Meet the exotic materials expert... PAGE 40 A design-driven hotel laid down a challenge for this carpets company PAGE 42 French creative collabs with a UAE brand to create a ceramics surprise PAGE 44 Focus on façades for an in-depth Q&A with an expert from the surfaces sector PAGE 46 Clever uses of materials adds a raw twist to a minimalist F&B project SURFACES Im ag es : T h e O cu lis P ro je ctSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com March 2021 38 Your go-to for the unusual, he's on the trail of the hard to fi nd... Fameed Khalique is the eponymous UK fi rm that supplies the cream of the commercial interior design world with exquisite materials. Here, creative director Khalique explores the treasure trove of trends in surface design for 2021, from woven leathers and 3D wooden tiles to embroideries, resins and more. Woven leathers We have an extensive range of woven leathers from buffalo, suede and faux leathers, as well as the more intricate leathers, woven with other materials such as metal and linen. Clients are seeking out more texture and detailing in their surfaces whilst still lusting after noble, natural materials such as leather. Aside from being extremely durable and therefore perfect for upholstery and wall applications in high traffi c areas, leather also works beautifully for smaller decorative accessories. IMO Design innovation over the last 10 years has meant that we are now able to offer IMO surfaces that go beyond just being a performance solution in marine interiors. I wanted to showcase a small fraction of the vast range of styles, textures and colours that can all safely be used in marine applications including walls, fl oors, wet rooms, bathrooms and more. From performance fabrics to mother-of-pearl inlays, precious stones and our award- winning Alumalux tiles, made from 100 percent recycled aluminium, there are options to suit all styles and situations. Naturals We've been seeing a renewed interest in craftsmanship and the handmade. Clients are searching for quality, investment pieces with a provenance. There's also a yearning for that earthly connection as well as a real demand for sustainability, so we wanted to showcase our collections of sustainable materials such as hand carved wood, raffi a, bamboo, natural textiles and leather which offer great design and texture, as well as being long-lasting and durable. From 3D engineered wooden tiles, hand embroidered raffi a and hand loomed silks and linens, there are numerous We talk trends with surfaces expert Fameed Khalique A wood veneer Woven leather in an array of colours MR MATERIALS Special Report 39 March 2021 commercialinteriordesign.com Shades of purple FAMEED KHALIQUE Since launching in 2008, Fameed Khalique has established himself as one of the world's leading providers of unique materials for the interior design industry. His showroom in London now contains the world's largest selection of luxury surface material samples under one roof. He says: "For me the secret is being able to show people something that puts a smile on their face. I pride myself on being able to do that. I love to see people's eyes light up when they look through the showroom. "I think it's vital to keep the child in you alive – to keep experiencing that sense of wonder, the discovery of something you didn’t know existed, something that makes you think: 'How on earth did they do that?'" Meet the expert applications available for upholstery, walls and fl ooring. Precious stones The luxury clients that once sought precious gemstones and fi ne jewellery are now searching for the same in their interiors. From precious stones such as jade, agate and tiger's eye, these surfaces can add a real touch of opulence in a space when used on walls or furniture. The translucent quality of many stones such as quartz or amethyst and indeed acrylic allows designers to play with light, creating refl ection and movement when the surfaces are lit, increasing the sense of space and adding depth to an interior. These versatile surfaces deliver a sense of permanence and grandeur to an interior. Wood veneer wallcoverings Our collection of wood veneer wallcoverings features hand inlaid wood in a selection of geometric patterns and colours, many with an Art Deco feel. We developed it as an alternative to straw marquetry, allowing for a product that is more cost-effective, as well as easier and faster to install, whilst maintaining that luxurious and familiar aesthetic. Our wood veneer wallcoverings are available in a number of colours from rich indulgent red and classic black to deep blues and soft lilac and blush. Purple & teal We have seen both purple and teal used heavily in interior design projects over the last few years, but I really wanted to show how sophisticated a pairing the two colours can be. From liquid metal panels to cracked gesso, we aim to provide interior designers with the tools that allow them to combine different textures of these jewel tones to achieve a sumptuous, yet seamless scheme. I look forward to seeing this striking colour palette in commercial interiors this year. Metallics Metallics have always been popular for their innate verticality; they have the ability to make an interior appear lavish and opulent, or cool and industrial. We are seeing a distinct move away from using metallic accents like pendants or mirrors alone, towards metallic surfaces and textiles being used across larger surface areas such as walls, doors and cabinets to tabletops as well as soft furnishings. We offer fi nishes incorporating many different textures and techniques including liquid metal panels, polished resin surfaces, woven copper mesh either in its natural state or encased in resin, all of which add layers of drama and texture to an interior. Translucent crystal surfacesNext >