DECEMBER 2023 VOL.19 ISSUE 12 COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION VOL. 19 ISSUE 12 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION MATERIAL WORLD Embracing the power of textiles to weave colour and character into design EMB 202 3 .19 IS SU E S I GN DECEMBER 2023VOL. 19 ISSUE 12 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION MMER C IAL INTERI O R DRAKCERAMICS.COM Imagine a space where your inspiration can run free. A world thattells yourown story, every single day. At RAK Ceramics we help create the perfect living space, for you and your loved ones. Imagine your space. IMAGINE YOUR SPACE3 commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 CONTENTS DECEMBER 2023 16 FABRIC OF DESIGN The interior of Yvonne’s French Patisserie is a master class in the power of textiles IN THIS ISSUE 10 GOOD MATERIAL The latest innovations in sustainability, as showcased throughout Dubai Design Week 2023 20 THE 2023 POWER LIST The 50 most infl uential design leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa this year REGULARS 06 DESIGN NEWS The latest updates from the world of commercial interior design 08 NEW RECRUIT Get to know the new studio managing partner at XBD Collective 10 IN THE STUDIO Leali Ezzat of ELE Interior Design takes us inside her workspace 14 COMMENT What does it take to create the luxury aesthetic in retail spaces? 48 WORLD VIEW Inside the new Paris fl agship of Italian design house Bottega Veneta 50 DESIGN ICON How silk wove its way into the tapestry of the Middle Eastern design aesthetic CONTENTS DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 4 It’s thought that by the end of this year, Dubai would have seen the opening of around 9,200 new hotel rooms across the year. There are plans for at least another six shopping malls, and I wouldn’t even know where to start counting the new F&B outlets and offi ce spaces that continue to pop up. Across the wider Middle East and North Africa region, we are seeing the rapid development of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, a design renaissance in Egypt and more bespoke style-savvy Riads opening across Morocco. That’s a busy year for you, the professionals who have worked so tirelessly to transform these big, commercial projects into places of innovation, inspiration and enjoyment This region has a reputation for setting the standard in luxury hospitality design, as well as immersive and experiential F&B and, of course, the opulent retail scene, and as I have said before, that’s all down to you - the people crafting these spaces, and pushing the boundaries time and time again to raise the bar once more. Given how many of these projects you work on, I’m sure it’s easy to underestimate the impact you have, not only on the design industry of this region, but across the globe. Just last week, my dad called me from my tiny hometown in regional Australia to kindly educate me on an interior designer he’d seen on television. He also suggested I look her up - she was based in Dubai and he thought she might be someone ‘good to know’ for work. The designer he was talking about was Pallavi Dean, and he wasn’t wrong. Dean is a powerhouse, and her impact is global. She joins 49 other forces in design to make up the CID Power 50 List for 2023, which you’ll fi nd revealed in full from page 16. As the year comes to an end, whether you are on the list or not, I hope you fi nd the time to step back and appreciate just how much you’ve accomplished, and what an incredible impact your work has. Here, preparations are already underway ahead of the CID Awards 2024: Saudi where we’ll be recognising and celebrating excellence in design across the Kingdom early next year. Nominations are open, and you’ll fi nd a QR code to enter on page 47. Holly Byrne Editor GLOBAL INFLUENCE Published by and © 2023 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Martin Chambers EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Holly Sands EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR Paul Clifford EDITOR Holly Byrne ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTORSally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 Email: sally.whittam@itp.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Richard Mobbs Tel: +971 4 444 3592 Email: richard.mobbs@itp.com COMMERCIAL MANAGER Tripura Patel Tel: +971 4 444 3259 Email: tripura.patel@itp.com COMMERCIAL ADMIN EXECUTIVE Janet Comia Email: janet.comia@itp.com ART HEAD OF DESIGN Rita Ghantous SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles GROUP VIDEO EDITOR Bharat Tahiliani VIDEO EDITOR Hana Morsy VIDEOGRAPHER Hamid Baabde MARKETING EVENTS & MARKETING MANAGER Eleanor Ashton EVENTS & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Kate Galaktionova ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Siti Sumarsono EVENTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Aronn Pureza PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Denny Kollannoor PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Manoj Mahadevan DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader's particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.DESIGN NEWS A round up of the latest news from the world of design was a long time coming. “Amanda’s pieces have been featured in my designs since I fi rst launched Studio Van Oliver. We’ve always had a very similar design aesthetic and so it felt like fate that one day our brands would come together,” she says. “We started designing the collection towards the end of 2022, and it was very much a combined effort. We knew we wanted to highlight the raw and rustic beauty of natural wood, true to the Bound No.82 aesthetic, but give it a contemporary form and bold black colour – the Studio Van Oliver infl uence. The collection is quite literally a meeting of minds.” The furniture is hand-crafted in small workshops from natural teak. Once designs were fi nalised, the pieces were built and sent to dry in a kiln for three months. “After that, the traditional wood-burning technique Yakisugi was used to retain the natural beauty of the wood whilst giving it our signature matt black fi nish,” says Gush. LOCAL COLLABORATION: STUDIO VAN OLIVER AND BOUND NO.82 DUBAI’S NEW MATERIALS SUPPLIER Dubai-based interior design fi rm Studio Van Oliver has joined forces with homewares brand Bound No.82 to launch a new furniture and décor collection, available now in the UAE. The collection was previewed at Dubai Design Week, featuring statement furniture that blends organic materials with contemporary silhouettes in a signature matte black fi nish. “We received some lovely feedback from both clients and designers. It’s a unique aesthetic – solid pieces of natural wood crafted into clean and contemporary shapes, and I think the balance between organic and modern is what people loved,” says Amanda Gush, founder of Bound No. 82. “We also had great feedback on the vintage pots and boards, they were a real conversation starter. People loved their uniqueness and were pleased to see genuine antique pieces available in the UAE.” For interior designer Becki Willis of Studio Van Oliver, the collaboration Real estate developer Yayine Melaku has launched a new luxury building materials company in Dubai with hopes of providing developers and interior designers easy access to a superior standard of products. Located in a 500 sq m showroom and warehouse space in Al Quoz, LIU Luxxe offers everything necessary to complete commercial or residential new builds and minor renovations. The extensive range of building materials includes kitchens, wardrobes and sanitaryware, parquet fl ooring, specialty tiles, doors, and much more. Melaku founded the business after extensive travel around the world looking for essential luxury materials for her projects as a real estate developer in the United States. “In the US, I invested a lot of time fi nding materials that would set my developments apart, and result in better returns. Then, when I expanded my business to Dubai, I struggled to source the same standard of products,” she explains. According to the Government of Dubai Media Offi ce, Dubai witnessed the completion of nine real estate projects worth AED4.06 billion in the fi rst half 2023. Data issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com 67 DESIGN NEWS SAUDI’S RED SEA GLOBAL SETS A NEW RECORD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Saudi Arabia’s multi-project developer Red Sea Global (RSG) has been awarded LEED v4.1 Cities: Plan and Design Platinum accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC), achieving the council’s highest recorded score to date. With an outstanding score of 96 out of 110 points for The Red Sea destination’s phase one, it marks a major milestone in the development of the ambitious regenerative tourism destination. “From the outset, our goal was to create a sustainable tourism destination that would redefi ne industry standards. We are proud to have achieved the highest ever score in this accreditation, setting the bar for ourselves and others to follow,” says John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. The record-breaking certifi cation follows another recent accolade for Red Sea Global, as USBGC named it the ‘Outstanding Developer’ of the Year at the LEED Homes Awards 2023. We are incredibly proud to award the prestigious Platinum LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities: Plan and Design certifi cation to Red Sea Global. This achievement highlights their unwavering commitment to the environment and positions them as leaders in the industry,” says Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the US Green Building Council. “We believe that RSG will continue to set new standards in responsible development and inspire others to pursue sustainable practices. Congratulations to Red Sea Global on this record-breaking LEED certifi cation for The Red Sea destination”. Red Sea Global’s pursuit of LEED for Cities and Communities accreditation fi rst began in 2019 when the USGBC met with the company’s Head of Design. “When USGBC brought this scheme to us, we recognized its potential as a perfect fi t for our aspirations at RSG. It allows cities to plan, design, develop, measure and improve performance, focusing on outcomes from ongoing sustainability efforts,” explains Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment & Sustainability Offi cer at RSG. commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 TECTUS® the completely concealed hinge system TECTUS® • high load capacities up to 300 kg • maintenance-free slide bearing technology • three-dimensional adjustability • opening angle 180° • wide variety of finishes SIMONSWERK GmbH (DMCC Branch) Unit No 2005, JBC-1 Building Cluster G, JLT, Dubai +971 4 394 0186 www.simonswerk.ae Made in Germany8 NEW RECRUIT DECEMBER 2023 commercialinteriordesign.com Introducing the new managing partner at XBD Collective MEET MARC TORRES T o start, tell us about yourself, your new role and how it all came to be? My decision to accept the role as managing partner at XBD Collective was driven by three core elements: the company’s visionary culture, our team’s wealth of experience, and the unique approach to design through cross-disciplinary collaboration and pollination between architecture and interiors. XBD’s culture, team, and innovative design philosophy align perfectly with my vision, making this role an exciting opportunity to contribute to forward- thinking design solutions. How and why did you get into the design industry to begin with? Growing up in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where exceptional architecture and cultural events, like the Barcelona Olympic Games, were ever-present, I developed a deep fascination with the connection between people, spaces, and the cultural tapestry that shapes our surroundings. This early exposure ignited my passion for the design industry, as I became captivated by the transformative power of human-centric design and the interplay between diverse cultural backgrounds. Talk us through your career journey to date? My career journey has spanned diverse geographical and cultural landscapes, with professional experiences in Spain, the UK, the UAE, and Australia. Working on projects across more than a dozen countries, I’ve always placed a strong emphasis on understanding and adapting design to different climates and cultures. My return to the UAE was motivated by the immense potential to make a lasting impact on the region, given its unique opportunities and dynamic design environment. Looking back, who have been the most signifi cant mentors in your career? Early in my career, I had the privilege of learning from key mentors who signifi cantly infl uenced my professional growth. Notably, individuals like Geoff Ford at CallisonRTKL, Steven Velegrinis (formerly at Perkins+Will, now at Gensler), Greg Howlett at COX, and Mark Black at Architectus played pivotal roles in shaping my architectural and design journey. Their guidance and collaborative approach have left a lasting impact on my career. What excites you most about the future of XBD Collective? I’m thrilled about the new role and joining XBD because of the dynamic team environment where everyone is passionate about designing innovative projects across residential and commercial sectors. The joy of working collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team, receiving clients’ appreciation for our dedication, and involving them in the design journey is what excites me the most. What do you think defi nes a good leader, and why are these traits so important? A good leader embodies integrity, empathy, and honest communication. These traits are not only crucial for effective leadership but are also highly valued by clients. What does the trajectory of design and architecture in our region look like to you? I’m excited because of the growing emphasis on purpose-driven and environmentally conscious design. The focus on integrating local cultures, climate considerations, and community visions into developments is of paramount importance for the region’s progress. Tell us about any upcoming projects you’re excited to be working on, or any recently completed? I’m unable to share specifi c details about some upcoming projects due to confi dentiality. However, we are proud to have received shortlisted nominations and awards this season in recognition of our design excellence in projects like St. Regis Residences Financial Centre Road, Modern Working at Opus, Solar House, Riviera, and Metropolitan Towers, just to name a few. These nominations underscore our commitment to delivering exceptional design in collaboration with our valued clients and consultants. “I’m excited about the future of design and architecture in our region.”9 commercialinteriordesign.com DECEMBER 2023 PARTNER CONTENT In 2024, Maison&Objet marks 30 years of French-inspired excellence in the home décor, design and lifestyle industry. Marking this occasion, the show will take visitors on a journey to a re-enchanted future, where technology and nature exist in harmony. FUTURE PARADISE C hallenging the antithesis in its title, Tech Eden is the theme of the anniversary year of Maison&Objet. The theme will be explored throughout 2024 at the world-leading design fair, as well as in the city’s showrooms, and on M.O.M marketplace. It will be embodied in the three areas of expression dear to Maison&Objet: interior architecture, retail, and hospitality. Tech Eden conveys a dream-like optimism through shape and color, focusing this time on a futuristic biophilia, a new world of well-being. Through immersive experiences, the theme invites professionals to rethink spatial design and layout, augmented by technological innovation, and employing innovative aesthetic and environmental approaches. At the January edition of Maison&Objet Paris, you can explore the theme in three key areas. Retail More than a simple presentation, the “What’s New? In Retail?” space has evolved into a genuine think-tank for the now omni-channel distribution sector, offering a selection of new products, a programme of workshops and conferences, a café, and a wealth of merchandising ideas. François Delclaux will thus present a space for sourcing, inspiration and exchange, in collaboration with the global design agency BETC. Home In a post-confi nement context, the home, behaviours and practices are being transformed by remote working, open-source technology, and e-commerce. The strong emerging trend in interiors continues: the private residence is regarded as a refuge, a soothing cocoon with a friendly, modular design; the living room becomes an offi ce, while the bathroom is a living room dedicated to well-being. At the show, Elisabeth Leriche’s “What’s New? In Decor” trend space will focus on a fresh approach to interior decoration inspired by the theme of the session and translated into patterns, textiles, installations and immersive décor. Hospitality At the heart of the “Hospitality Lab”, Peclers Paris will offer three biophilic, immersive and future-focused escape pods in its Trends Forum. Each of these will embody one of the facets of a hospitality sector that is constantly evolving and offering new approaches to the benefi cial getaway experience: the cafe blends into a well-being space, luxury spas pop up in hotel rooms and offer multi-sensory experiences, and waiting locations such as airports or train stations mutate into sports halls thanks to the latest immersive technologies. Maison&Objet will be held from January 18 to 22 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Visit maison-objet.comNext >