< Previous10 commercialinteriordesign.comNew RecruitJuly 2025 How do you integrate the balance between local and global in uence into your design process? For me, staying informed goes beyond Pinterest or trend reports. I observe patterns in fashion, food, travel, and behaviour and see how they can inform spatial experiences. I love exploring new restaurants and hospitality spaces and bringing those cues into workplace and retail design. The goal is always to translate cultural nuances into spaces that feel layered and intentional, not literal or forced. How will you mentor junior designers? Mentorship, for me, starts with creating a safe, approachable space where juniors feel comfortable asking any question, knowing there’s no such thing as a wrong one. I’d love to initiate more collaborative workshops and informal design reviews, and take juniors through the full journey from concept to build, including site visits, so they understand how their drawings become reality. The goal is to nurture con dent, conceptually strong designers who feel heard and supported. What’s your approach to ensuring client vision aligns with ROAR’s design ethos? Often, clients come with a clear picture of what they want, but that idea may not always serve the project’s full potential. That’s where our role becomes critical, not just to listen, but to respectfully challenge and elevate the vision. I start by fully understanding the brief and then guide the client with empathy and clarity, helping them see the bigger picture through storytelling, visual tools and strong design rationale. It’s about ensuring they feel involved, yet trust the process. Have you ever had to manage con icting priorities, how did you manage it? Con icting priorities are part of any fast- paced studio, especially when balancing evolving feedback, tight timelines and creative ambition. The key is to remain exible but clear- headed, identifying what can be fast- tracked, what needs rethinking and where compromises can’t be made. In such situations, success often comes from breaking down tasks, aligning the team on key priorities and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders. It’s about thinking smart and nding solutions that protect the design integrity while ensuring ef ciency, rather than sacri cing one for the other. How have you incorporated storytelling into past projects? Every space I design begins with a story, whether it’s rooted in behavior, context or emotion. I look for the invisible thread that ties function to feeling and use that to shape zoning, materiality and light. Storytelling isn’t just a presentation tool, it’s a design driver that informs the entire process. When done right, it turns a project from just a “beautiful space” into something people emotionally connect with and remember. What is the future of design in the Middle East and how will ROAR help shape it? The region is evolving, moving away from excessive formality and towards meaningful, experience-led design. There’s a growing appetite for authenticity, sustainability, and emotional intelligence in spaces. ROAR is uniquely positioned to lead this shift, blending cultural relevance with fearless creativity. Whether it’s redefining workplaces to support neurodiversity or creating hospitality experiences that feel intimate and intuitive, ROAR has the agility and heart to shape what’s next. Nikita Chellani, Roar STEPPING INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE isn’t just about overseeing projects, it’s about elevating people, ideas and the studio culture itself. As Nikita Chellani transitions from lead designer to Associate at Roar, she brings a sharp eye for concept-driven work, a deep commitment to mentorship, and a fearless approach to client engagement. With projects spanning Morocco to the UAE, her leadership style is grounded in clarity, empathy and adaptability. Chellani represents the next generation of design leaders, those who build bold spaces but also nurture the thinkers behind them. Here. we get to know her a little better. How do you see your role evolving now? This transition is about stepping into a role that not only leads but also uplifts, by setting clear standards for design quality, communication, and studio culture. It’s about supporting the team in delivering bold, meaningful work while ensuring alignment across concept, execution, and timelines. As an associate, the goal is to help shape a studio environment that’s creatively ambitious, operationally strong and collaborative. Can you describe a project where you successfully led a team or took ownership? One project that stands out is a boutique hotel in Rabat, Morocco, which has been ongoing for several years, from concept through to build, with completion expected this year. The process has involved navigating evolving briefs, shifting budgets and multiple consultant changes. There were regular site visits and moments that required exibility and persistence to maintain the integrity of the design. The experience reinforced the value of long-term thinking, clear communication, and staying adaptable. NEW RECRUIT:11 commercialinteriordesign.comNew RecruitJuly 202512 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025Partner Content LIGHTING THE IMPOSSIBLE Triangle Power Solutions transforms Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab IN THE WORLD OF LUXURY HOSPITALITY, where ambience must echo the architectural vision and every detail is expected to perform as beautifully as it looks, lighting plays a quietly commanding role. For Dubai’s new agship ultra-luxury resort, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, that role required technical wizardry, aesthetic nesse and a near-impossible level of precision. At the heart of that challenge was Triangle Power Solutions, one of the Middle East and Africa’s leading providers of integrated lighting and automation systems. With over 80 high-pro le projects under their belt, the rm has built a reputation for translating visionary concepts into technically sound, fully executable realities. At Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Triangle was tasked with executing the entire decorative lighting scope for the public zones and F&B areas a package that encompassed more than 700 custom-designed xtures, over 100 xture types, and more than 150 individual nish combinations. VISION MEETS EXECUTION The lighting vision for the project was shaped by two internationally acclaimed interior design studios: LTW Designworks and AvroKO. Delivering this vision demanded technical expertise, aesthetic re nement, and an exceptional degree of precision. “We collaborated closely with Alec Fit Out throughout every stage,” the rm says, “from coordinating installation sequencing and access logistics to overseeing nal commissioning, all to ensure a awless result.” For LTW, the focus in the public areas and Talise Spa was on warmth, luxury and tranquillity. High-end chandeliers, crystal sconces and bespoke lamps were speci ed to re ect the resort’s yacht-inspired curves and re ned material palette. Triangle’s job was to develop, prototype, fabricate and install these pieces with perfect delity to the design intent, while ensuring functionality, durability and full integration with the resort’s automation systems. AvroKO, known for pushing boundaries in 13 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025Partner Content Partner Content experiential dining, introduced an audacious concept in the F&B zones: motorised chandeliers that emerge from the ceiling at night, transforming the mood of each venue. To pull this off, Triangle engineered a proprietary system that housed the chandeliers within concealed ceiling pockets, allowed them to descend on command, and coordinated their lighting scenes with the rest of the space. CUSTOM INNOVATION IN EVERY DETAIL Off-the-shelf solutions simply didn’t exist. Triangle pioneered entirely new techniques to meet the needs of the design teams. Motorized Chandelier Systems were designed and tested to coordinate with architectural concealment and lighting control protocols, ensuring safe, smooth deployment and atmosphere-altering transitions from day to night. 3D Printing and Liquid Metal Coating were used for xtures with complex geometries and non-standard nishes. The result: sculptural lighting pieces that were as durable and serviceable as they were spectacular, which were highly regarded. Each fixture had to be adapted for weight, heat dissipation, control compatibility and long-term maintenance. Triangle also oversaw 30-plus physical prototypes, each re ned through multiple approval cycles in close coordination with interior designers, MEP teams and the client. LIGHTING AS EMOTIONAL ARCHITECTURE Beyond technical execution, Triangle Power Solutions brought a design-sensitive philosophy to the project, recognising that light is not just visual, but emotional. Their contribution helped shape every guest’s experience: the calm of the spa, the drama of a descending chandelier at dinner, the quiet elegance of a reception lounge. “Lighting should whisper when needed, shout when required, but it should never be an afterthought,” said a representative from Triangle Power Solutions. “Our work at Marsa Al Arab proves that engineering and artistry can coexist and even elevate each other.” MORE THAN LIGHT For Triangle Power Solutions, the project wasn’t just about lighting it was about building atmosphere, emotion and identity through design. From spa sanctuaries to supper clubs, every glow, shimmer and sculpted xture adds depth to the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab experience. In an industry where tough timelines often dominate and quality can often be compromised, Triangle Power Solutions continues to be the quiet force delivering excellence, project after project, detail after detail, light after light.1415 commercialinteriordesign.comIn The Studio High above Kuwait City, on the 12th oor of a sleek tower, AlHumaidhi Architects has carved out a workspace that mirrors their architectural ethos: clean lines, natural light and quiet discipline. Led by principal AbdulAziz AlHumaidhi, the studio operates with a distinct rhythm. The rm’s space re ects a working culture that values beauty, responsibility and collective intelligence. It’s not loud or ashy. It’s considered. Much like their buildings. What does a typical day look like in the Al Humaidi of ce? A typical day in the of ce is a series of ongoing discussions and collaborations among team members, addressing questions, resolving issues and coordinating projects. We frequently have meetings with clients and visits from contractors. The team often move between desks, reviewing each other’s work, solving problems and sharing ideas. We believe in continuous collaboration, both internally and with other professionals and clients. While conversation is a constant, some team members prefer to work with headphones on, fully engrossed in their tasks with stickers saying ‘do not disturb’ or ‘send me a message on WhatsApp’. We respect everyone’s working preferences, whether they thrive in a collaborative atmosphere or need uninterrupted focus. Our philosophy emphasises independence in achieving shared goals. Mornings typically start with emails and planning. By midday, around 2pm, we gather for a lunch at our communal table. Post-lunch, the team resumes work, and site supervisors often visit to discuss ongoing projects and address any questions. The atmosphere is laid-back, with music playing softly in the background. Operating hours are exible, allowing team members to work at times that suit them, as long as it aligns with the overall work ow. What kind of music do you listen to at work? We work with The Sound Social, a local company in Kuwait that curates playlists for businesses. They provide us with a selection tailored to our of ce’s vibe, aligned with my preferences. Although many team members use headphones, the background music is something I curate closely with The Sound Social. The goal is to maintain an elevated, unobtrusive soundtrack that enhances the workspace atmosphere without being ALHUMAIDHI ARCHITECTS IN THE STUDIO WITH... How the Kuwaiti rm uses its space for collaboration and innovation16 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025In The Studio “Our workspace embodies clarity, simplicity, elegance & quality” imposing. The music evolves continuously, but the criteria remain consistent: it must be high-quality, pleasant, and universally appealing. What is currently on your desk and why? I try to keep my desk organised and periodically clear it of clutter. Currently, it holds a Bluetooth speaker for of ce music, a small gift from my mother and an antique pencil sharpener my father used in school. I also have yellow and white trace paper rolls, a book titled Dig it! Building Bound to the Ground, gifted by a friend, and two essential items that never leave my desk: my notebook for meeting notes and a stone colour reference book listing different types of marble and stone. My daily to-do list is kept on a yellow notepad, and there are always a few papers with weekly assignments that I discard once completed. How does your workspace design re ect AlHumaidhi Architects’ creative vision? Our workspace embodies the clarity, simplicity, elegance and quality that de ne our designs. It features natural materials, a limited colour palette and a sophisticated aesthetic. We’ve integrated design details commonly used in our projects, allowing clients to visualise them in real life. From lighting to millwork and skirting details, these elements give visitors a tangible understanding of our approach. 1616166166616617 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025In The Studio 1717171717718 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025In The Studio The of ce is ooded with natural light from oor-to-ceiling windows. Located on the 12th oor, the of ce enjoys offering panoramic views of Kuwait City, the coastline and landmarks like the Kuwait Towers. This connection to the urban landscape reminds us of our role in shaping it responsibly. What speci c elements in your workspace are designed to inspire creativity and innovation among your team? The workspace layout fosters creativity and collaboration. Desks are arranged to their preferences, whether it’s facing a window, a wall, or a more interactive zone. The open-plan design eliminates hierarchical barriers. HR, admin, designers, and I all share the same space, promoting communication and idea exchange. We are always no more than a metre or two away from asking each other a question or exchanging ideas. This setup aligns with our core values of collaboration and continuous improvement. How does the layout support collaboration, and what areas are dedicated to focused, individual work? The open-plan layout supports collaboration, with a central island of desks arranged at angles for both connectivity and individual focus. Surrounding these are traditional workstations facing walls for more introspective work. Flexibility is key; team members can switch seats periodically to experience different work environments. Whether it’s a window view, a quieter corner, or a position that monitors of ce activity, the choice is theirs. Can you describe any sustainable or eco-friendly practices incorporated into the workspace design? Sustainability is subtly integrated into our design. We use regional stone from Lebanon to minimise the carbon footprint and eco-harvested wood for furniture. The paint is non-toxic and eco-friendly, aligning with our commitment to healthier materials. Lighting is minimal yet effective, with soft, diffused lights complementing natural daylight. Each desk has an individual lamp to reduce overall energy usage. Our air conditioning is strategically designed to cool areas based on heat exposure, optimising energy ef ciency.19 commercialinteriordesign.comJuly 2025In The Studio How has the design of your workspace evolved to adapt to hybrid work models or exible schedules? The physical workspace hasn’t changed signi cantly, but our IT infrastructure has evolved to support hybrid work. Remote access to servers and ef cient online tools ensure seamless connectivity for team members working offsite. This adaptation enables exibility without compromising productivity. What role does technology play in enhancing productivity in your workspace? Technology is integral to our work ow. We use cutting-edge software, transitioning from AutoCAD to Revit, and continuously train our team to stay updated. AI is increasingly leveraged across various functions, from administrative tasks to conceptualisation and rendering, streamlining processes and allowing us to focus on creativity and client needs. Are there any standout features, such as artwork or design installations, that hold special signi cance to your team? A standout feature is a painting by a local Kuwaiti artist displayed at our entrance. Its abstract texture and interplay with natural and arti cial light mirror our design philosophy. The artwork invites multiple interpretations, much like our projects, which reveal their intricacies upon closer inspection. Its subtle yet profound presence resonates with the thoughtful approach we bring to our work. “AI is increasingly leveraged, from admin to conceptualisation”Next >