< PreviousJANUARY 2024 commercialinteriordesign.com 10 DESIGNER’S GUIDE Esra Lemmens of Esra Lemmens Agency is a renowned design strategist. Here, she shares her insight into how designers can shape up their communications strategy for 2024 STEPS TO PR & COMMUNICATIONS FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS Step 1 Know your narrative Imagine your design practice as a protagonist in a grand narrative, each project a chapter in its unfolding saga. What defi nes your business? What values and mission shape your narrative? It’s more than just bricks and mortar; it’s the essence of your creative identity. Defi ne it clearly, and let this narrative echo through every space you shape. Step 2 Start sharing online Commence your design narrative on social media, using each post to paint a picture of your design vision. To make your content visually compelling, invest in good photography and let your work speak for itself. Your website should set the tone for your design philosophy and invite visitors to delve into your creative ethos. Craft a captivating narrative across social media, your portfolio, and your website, creating a compelling design story that resonates beyond the screen. Step 3 Optimise press opportunities Extend your story beyond the digital realm. Press releases should be used to share the tales of your triumphs and milestones with journalists who can amplify your narrative to wider audiences. Be the sought-after voice offering insights and commentary, forging relationships that extend beyond blueprints. Step 4 Jump into industry events Take centre stage at industry events. Don’t be afraid to showcase your projects and engage with a captivated audience. Seek out platforms to broadens your reach but also strengthens your creative voice Step 7 Build your community Beyond the digital media landscape, emphasise your commitment to community building. Extend your impact beyond blueprints and screens by actively engaging with our design community fi rst and foremost, but also in your fi eld of operation; such as hospitality or retail. Participation in local events becomes a powerful tool, showcasing your dedication to making an impact. Step 8 Listen to the numbers Your online presence needn’t be set in stone; it’s a living, breathing story that you can monitor and adapt as it grows and evolves. Look to analytics as a compass, guiding you through the vast landscape of digital engagement. Public relations is an art of patience and meticulous cultivation. Genuine relationships, the backbone of successful PR, require time to mature and deepen. The enduring strength of public relations resides in the quality of the network painstakingly developed and nurtured over time. It’s a journey marked by building trust, fostering connections, and establishing a resilient foundation that withstands the test of time. As you strategise for the upcoming year, don’t underestimate the signifi cance of generating visibility for your work. Your work is worth being seen. Remember the dual pillars of consistency and authenticity. share the wisdom of your craft and expertise. Interactive opportunities will grow your professional network and your client reach. Step 5 Do it well or hire someone who can Newsletters are a common tool in communication strategies but don’t fall into the trap of sending generic and frequent updates, leading to disinterest and unsubscribes. Achieving impact through newsletters demands consistent, valuable content that resonates with the target audience. If not done well, newsletters risk becoming mere clutter in crowded inboxes. It’s crucial to recognise that if you can’t invest the necessary time and effort to tailor content and maintain consistency, it might be wiser to abstain from them altogether, preserving your brand’s integrity and audience engagement. If budget allows, consider outsourcing to a professional. Step 6 Explore opportunities for collaboration Engage in meaningful collaborations as a pivotal element in shaping your narrative. Identify key partners within the design and architecture sphere to create partnerships that elevate your story. By collaborating with others, you integrate their perspectives into your narrative, enriching the overall experience for both your audience and theirs. This strategic alliance not only “Genuine relationships, the backbone of successful PR, require time to mature and deepen” 811 commercialinteriordesign.com JANUARY 2024 DESIGNER’S GUIDEMark your calendars, we’ve curated the best design events taking place across the globe in 2024 THE YEAR AHEAD Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair13 commercialinteriordesign.com JANUARY 2024 DESIGN CALENDAR JANUARY Maison&Objet, January 18-22, Paris, France Kicking off the year in style, Maison&Objet in Paris is one of the most iconic events on the calendar, and largely responsible for setting the trends for the year that follows. It draws buyers and designers from all corners, providing a springboard for emerging talent, while simultaneously showcasing the latest work from design icons and industry leaders. Ambiente, January 26-30, Frankfurt, Germany Held annually in Frankfurt, Ambiente is a global powerhouse in the world of consumer goods and interior design. This event transcends traditional boundaries by bringing together a diverse array of products and design concepts, particularly suited to hospitality designers. From tableware to furnishings, Ambiente offers a holistic perspective on design trends and innovations. FEBRUARY Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, February 6-10, Stockholm, Sweden Nordic elegance takes centre stage at the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair, an event that marries functionality with aesthetics. Showcasing the best of Scandinavian design, the celebrates the region’s renowned commitment to sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship. It also fair acts as a melting pot for designers, architects, and manufacturers, encouraging collaboration and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in modern interior design. CID Awards 2024: Saudi, February 13, Riyadh, KSA The CID Awards return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a second year to Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair EuroCucina, Salone del MobileGobolights Suspension Carpos, Maison&Objet JANUARY 2024 commercialinteriordesign.com 14 DESIGN CALENDAR celebrate the burgeoning design scene of the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia embraces a new era of innovation and development, the CID Awards serve as a showcase of the Kingdom’s progress. IHGF Delhi Fair, February 6-10, New Delhi, India The IHGF Delhi Fair is a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. You can expect a diverse array of handmade and artisanal products, as this fair is a mecca for those seeking unique and culturally infused design elements. From traditional textiles to contemporary handcrafted furniture, IHGF Delhi Fair serves as a platform for artisans and designers to collaborate, fostering an exchange of ideas that transcends borders. Cevisama, February 26 – March 1, Valencia, Spain This year marks the 40th anniversary of Cevisama, the leading trade event for ceramics and natural stone, kitchen and bathroom equipment. It’s a chance to meet the manufacturers and discover the latest in design, sustainability, innovation, technology, and industrialised construction in surface solutions. MARCH Matter and Shape, March 1-4, Paris, France Held in the heart of Paris, Matter and Shape explores the intersection of materiality and design. The event and its exhibitors delve into the technical and tactile aspects of design. From cutting-edge materials to innovative manufacturing processes, Matter and Shape offers a glimpse into the future of design, emphasizing the role of materials in shaping our physical environments. London Design Week, March 11-15, London, UK Creatives across the globe have a soft- spot for London Design Week. Spread across various locations within the city, the event showcases the diverse and dynamic design ecosystem that London embodies. From emerging talents to established names, London Design Week provides a platform for all of the above to showcase their creative visions, contributing to the city’s status as a global design capital. Design March, April 24 - 28 Reykjavik, Iceland Venturing north to Reykjavik, Design March transforms the Icelandic capital into a hub of creativity and innovation. This event explores the unique design perspective emerging from the Nordic island, combining traditional artisan methods with a contemporary twist. Design March is an immersive experience, inviting participants to engage with the local design community and gain insights into the cultural infl uences that are shaping Icelandic design. APRIL Salone del Mobile, April 16-21st, Milan, Italy Undoubtedly one of the headline events on the world’s design calendar, Salone del Mobile in Milan is the epicentre of interior inspiration and innovation. The event is part of the wider Milan Design week and showcases the latest in furniture and interior design solutions from around the globe. The 2024 edition of Salone del Mobile includes the biennial kitchen furniture exhibition EuroCucina at the same location. MAY Clerkenwell Design Week, May 21-23, London, UK Transforming the historic streets of London into a vibrant hub of creativity, Clerkenwell Design Week is a demonstration of the best in contemporary design. Here, participants are encouraged to engage with installations, workshops, and talks. As one of the leading design festivals in the United Kingdom, Clerkenwell Design Week provides a unique opportunity to explore emerging talents and witness the evolution of design thinking. JUNE NeoCon, June 10-12, Chicago, USA A testament to the innovation and evolution of the commercial design sector, Chicago’s NeoCon is focused on workplace design. The event brings together architects, designers, and manufacturers to explore the latest trends in offi ce spaces. From cutting-15 commercialinteriordesign.com JANUARY 2024 DESIGN CALENDAR edge technology integration to the emergence of sustainable design solutions, NeoCon helps to shape how we perceive and interact with our work environments every year, and is a signifi cant infl uence on how the spaces continues to evolve. 3daysofdesign, June 12-14, Copenhagen, Denmark A city synonymous with design, Copenhagen hosts 3daysofdesign each June to immerse participants in the beloved Danish design ethos. From iconic furniture pieces to avant-garde installations, this event is a journey through the past, present, and future of Danish design. 3daysofdesign transforms the city into an open gallery, inviting design enthusiasts to explore the rich design heritage of Denmark while engaging with the latest innovations from both established brands and emerging. INDEX Dubai, June 4-6, Dubai, UAE While the exact date is yet to be confi rmed, INDEX Dubai is a cornerstone in the Middle East’s design landscape. The event is one of the region’s leading interior design exhibitions and attracts industry professionals, designers, and enthusiasts eager to explore the latest trends and innovations. It serves as a catalyst for cross-cultural design dialogue, refl ecting the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai as a hub for creativity. SEPTEMBER CID Awards 2024: MENA, TBC, Dubai, UAE The CID Awards 2024: MENA is our fl agship awards event and continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable design achievements in the Middle East and North Africa. Recognising excellence in commercial interior design, the awards celebrate the diverse talents and projects that contribute to the region’s evolving design identity. As the Middle East and North Africa redefi nes its cultural narratives, the CID Awards act as a pivotal platform to demonstrate how design continues to be a driving force in shaping the region’s future. Maison&Objet, September 15-9, Paris, France Maison&Objet returns to Paris in September, bringing together the global design community for another fi ve-day celebration of creativity and innovation. As one of the preeminent design events, Maison&Objet showcases the latest trends in interior design, decor, and lifestyle. With a curated selection of exhibitors and thought-provoking conferences, Maison&Objet continues to be a source of inspiration, infl uencing design trends that reverberate throughout the year INDEX Saudi Arabia, September 17-19, Riyadh, KSA INDEX Saudi Arabia is held in the vibrant city of Riyadh and showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a design and innovation powerhouse. It’s a nexus for industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers to showcase their products and ideas and has a focus on fostering design collaborations. INDEX Saudi Arabia contributes to the Kingdom’s dynamic transformation and emergence as a key player in the global design arena. OCTOBER Index Design Qatar, October 15-17, Doha, Qatar Taking center stage in Doha, Index Design Qatar offers a glimpse into the region’s rapidly evolving design scene. As Qatar positions itself as yet another hub for design and innovation, this event serves as a catalyst for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of new possibilities, from sustainable design solutions to cutting-edge technologies. Dutch Design Week, October 21-29, Eindhoven, the Netherlands Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven is a pilgrimage for design enthusiasts, showcasing the innovative spirit that defi nes the Netherlands’ design landscape. With a focus on experimentation, sustainability, and social impact, this event challenges traditional design norms. Dutch Design Week brings together designers, artists, and thinkers to explore the role of design in shaping a more sustainable future. NOVEMBER Dubai Design Week, November 5-10, Dubai, UAE Dubai Design Week has positioned itself as a must-visit global event. Drawing in the world’s biggest designers, it’s success demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to the creative industry. It’s headline event, Downtown Design, is the Middle East’s leading fair for original and high-quality design and enters its second decade this year, cementing Dubai’s place as a creative capital. Stockholm Furniture & Light FairJANUARY 2024 commercialinteriordesign.com 16 Q&A A Q&A with Julia Uherek, Vice President Consumer Goods Fairs, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH AMBIENTE 2024: ALL EYES ON THE UAE A mbiente is one of the leading trade fairs for consumer goods worldwide, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs and designers across retail and hospitality sectors. We chat with Vice President Julia Uherek about why designers from the UAE make up such a signifi cant audience segment. The UAE is Ambiente’s biggest Middle East source market – why do you think that is? Ambiente is the world’s largest hospitality and retail product sourcing event - the trade fair holds multiple solutions for visitors from the UAE, especially for hospitality designers, against the backdrop of the fast, yet solidly growing market of upscale and luxury residential projects in the region. The resonance among visitors from the UAE refl ects the sustained demand for products, design and fi t out for hotels, restaurants, resorts, shops and work spaces in the Middle East. Ambiente features the product segments of Dining, Living, Giving and – the latest addition – Working. The addition is owed to the fact that we are living in a world of increasingly hybrid lifestyles and hybrid spaces, where the spheres of living and working are merging. Offi ces become co-working spaces, homes become home offi ces, and hotels a second home – new requirements lead to new concepts and vice versa. Visitors fi nd here a plethora of forward-thinking design solutions and products that set new standards. How can our local hospitality designers benefi t from attending? For inspired, brand-strengthening design experiences, Ambiente is the place where visitors will meet specialists who will be presenting their answers to the diverse demands of the market, from customising and the individualisation of serial products to high quality goods in large order volumes. Ambiente features exhibitors in any relevant product segment, from tableware, glass and kitchen supplies to living accessories and interior design who meet the highest standards for luxury, comfort and innovation, for example in hospitality interior design. Visitors will have the choice of any quality they want; the high-end range in particular is abundantly represented here. And they will fi nd expert business partners here for projects at any scale. To facilitate the matchmaking, Ambiente offers trade visitors a host of tools to help fi nd suitable project partners via the online exhibitor search engine and the “Contract Business” labels at the stands. Moreover, via our digital platform, visitors and exhibitors alike benefi t from the AI-supported matchmaking tool as it enables them to network and exchange business ideas throughout the year. Hence, for destination and hospitality developers, Ambiente is with no doubt the quintessential go-to place as it is the trading hub for the international contract business. And beyond that, it is a place of inspiration, after all. What is driving that growth? Ambiente is the leading and most 17 commercialinteriordesign.com JANUARY 2024 Q&A “We are living in a world of increasingly hybrid lifestyles and hybrid spaces, where the spheres of living and working are merging” provide solutions and to experts and creative minds that have a novel approach. A shining example is Elena Salmistraro who we are proud to designate the fi rst-ever Ambiente Designer in 2024. With The Lounge, she curates a special presentation of exhibitors’ products that creates a thematic interface between interior design, HoReCa and contract business - a première that you should defi nitely not miss. The combination of home and offi ce, lifestyle and workstyle will continue to defi ne our living and working environments in the future. With the Future of Work area as part of the Ambiente Working segment, we open up completely new, unprecedented perspectives. Here, the modern world of work is combined with the products and services of the Ambiente Living sections: Interior Design and Contract Business. international consumer goods trade fair in the world: Every UAE entrepreneur who aims to do business outside the UAE/ME region will fi nd the right business partners here. Ambiente sets the agenda, refl ects the latest developments and gives an outlook on new ones: The one-stop-shop for the consumer goods industry including Christmasworld and Creativeworld provides everything that matters for future business success of companies from the UAE. Exhibitors from the UAE like RAK Porcelain, BelVida or Marcolo will benefi t from access to exports on a global scale. Here, the professional audience encompasses decision makers from all types of commerce throughout the distribution chain, commercial buyers, service providers and specialist visitors. With target group- specifi c digital platforms, Ambiente is a year-round business enabler. Talk us through the emerging trends we can expect to see in 2024? Ambiente refl ects the decisive international trends in the consumer goods sector. Whether Dining, Living, Giving or Working – it shows what will be on the table in the future, what will belong in living and working spaces and what will be given as gifts. HBut this is not only about styles. The trade show is more than a platform where you fi nd consumer goods novelties on display: It refl ects lifestyle movements. Against this backdrop, let me sum up some more general trends that are mirrored both in the exhibitor line-up as well as in our fringe programme. We see a strong focus on sustainability in terms of production methods, alternative materials and manufacturing – keywords are 3D printing, the implementation of AI in production processes and a circular materials. Customers attach more and more importance to sustainably sourced and produced goods as well as to high quality and durability. In this context, craftmanship is in high demand again: People value the beauty and quality in the craft that takes patience, expertise and ingenuity. Instead of the mere quantity of output, people appreciate the value in the quality of input again. They want products that are meaningful. We give visibility to all this in our Ethical Style programme. This special interest stages environmentally friendly, ethically produced and sustainable goods and their producers to the trade fair public. Another tendency we see are high spendings in the hospitality sector: People enjoy eating out again, rather than keeping the money and staying at home. People spend quality time in other spaces than their home. This mobile lifestyle entails new customer needs, and functional spaces like hotel lobbies or restaurants need to cater to these demands. Lifestyles are getting increasingly hybrid, the spheres of working and living are merging, and architecture and design have to provide answers to this. Ambiente gives a platform to exhibitors who 18JANUARY 2024 commercialinteriordesign.com SPECIAL REPORT The trends, developments and industry shifts set to shape 2024 according to the region’s leading designers FUTURE FOCUS T he design industry across the Middle East and North Africa is thriving, developing at a rapid pace and making its mark on the global scene. We’ve spoken to some of the top designers to see what we can expect to see more of this year. AI AND TECH Everyone is talking about AI, whether they love it or hate it. “While some tech-trends in the design industry come and go, this one is hard to ignore,” says Mehmet Aktash, managing director at Bishop Design. “It is a valuable tool, allowing us to express and explore unique conceptual ideologies that help feed our imagination, which can play a key role in the design process,” he adds. He isn’t alone in his view, as designer Firas Alsahin of 4SPACE design has been a fi erce advocate of the technology, urging designers to embrace it sooner rather than later. For Kristina Zanic of Kristina Zanic Consultants, it is an intriguing development: “Whilst still in its infancy, we’re keen to see how it can be effectively adopted to improve how we work. It may be that 2024 will usher in a new era in design.” Advancing technology won’t just change how designers work, but will also become part of the designs. “The transformative impact of technology in ‘tech-enhanced commercial spaces’ will take centre stage in 2024,’ says James White, co-founder of March and White Design. “Anticipate smart spaces with interactive displays, cutting-edge lighting, and seamless tech integration. It will be a shift in how we experience and interact with commercial spaces.” SAUDI ARABIA As the Kingdom continues to race towards its 2030 goals and beyond, it provides exciting opportunities for designers – and it’s now slowing down in 2024. “Saudi Arabia will continue to be big, says Mihir Sanganee, co-founder and design director at Designsmith. “Another likely shift will be the emergence of multi-studio collaborations to handle the scale of work that is coming up,” he says. “I also sense big hotel chains will come offer more boutique and personalised experiences.” MAXIMALISM Aesthetically speaking, it’s about to get loud. “In 2024, minimalism and beige will take a big break,” says Monica Arango, founder C’est Ici Design. “With bold and beautiful colours, fabrics, and fi nishes, this year will be far from tame. It will be the year of vibrant and audacious colour choices,” she says. James White of March and White Design agrees, predicating that the maximalist luxe trend will begin to appear within luxury resorts and high-end hospitality spaces this year. “The emerging trend is a striking interplay of bold, maximalist elements set against sleek, contemporary backgrounds. I envision the pairing of lush fabrics, intricate patterns, and statement pieces.” 19 commercialinteriordesign.com JANUARY 2024 PARTNER CONTENT Discover the secrets to the success of KOJ Interiors with group development director Warren Gemlik AHEAD OF THE CURVE K OJ Interiors, a division of Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group, is one of Dubai’s leading fi t-out turnkey solutions providers, working across the commercial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Here, we speak to Warren Gemlik, group development director, to fi nd out how the fi rm stays on top of the industry, and what’s to come in 2024. As a leading turnkey solutions fi rm, how do you stay on top of trends? As the GCC region’s leading fi t-out turnkey solutions, our team at KOJ Interiors practices continuous market research, engaging with our blue- chip clients for feedback and whilst building a strong relationship and fostering a culture of innovation within our organisation. We believe that regular assessment and adapting to the emerging trends in the design and fi t-out industry ensure relevance and competitiveness amongst other fi rms in the region. Talk us through the trends that have emerged this year? In recent trends, sustainability remains a key focus in hospitality design, with an emphasis on eco- friendly materials and energy- effi cient solutions. Biophilic design, integrating nature into spaces, has gained popularity for its positive impact on well-being. Technology integration for seamless guest experiences and adaptable, multifunctional spaces are also notable trends. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on inclusivity, with designs that cater to diverse needs and preferences. What were the key highlights from 2023 for you? It was a great year for KOJ Interiors. We have delivered outstanding projects across the GCC region such the Pearl Lounge at the newly opened Abu Dhabi Airport in the UAE. In addition, we have delivered exception works for Dubai Outsource City, Engie, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Injazat, Miya, Wellfi t and Doctor M rollout to name a few. We have also moved to our new offi ce that gives us a physical presence to demonstrate our design and fi t-out capabilities to our blue- chip clients across the region. Our new offi ce space is refl ective of the vibrancy of a healthy and growing family of KOJ Interiors. Another big win for our team is our fi rst-ever CID Award for our SALT project in KSA during the CID Awards: Saudi. We have been part of Design Middle East Powerlist for two consecutive years apart from numerous nominations such as ‘Fit- out Firm of the Year,’ ‘Construction Executive of the Year’ for Warren Gemlik and ‘Commercial Project of the Year’ to name a few. What you think next year has in store for the industry and the region? This year is defi nitely an exciting year for the fi t-out industry. We believe it will revolve around sustainability, technology integration and fl exible design solutions. As we move into the next 12 months, these trends could position fi t-out fi rms for success in the dynamic landscape of the Middle East’s design industry. What will we see from KOJ in 2024? The nest 12 months are looking great for our team at KOJ Interiors. With our rapid growth in the market, expect huge and exciting design and fi t-out projects in commercial, hospitality and retail sectors inspired by innovation and ensuring our clients’ space are more than just a space, but innovative centres for growth.We are also thrilled to announce the expansion of our KSA team, a strategic move aimed at meeting the growing demand from our KSA clients. We believe this move empower us to offer more comprehensive solutions and functionality. We look forward to building inspiring environments for our KSA clients and further solidifying our brand position as a leader in the fi t-out industry. Luxury bar Blind Tiger, fi t-out by KOJ Interiors Next >