< Previous50 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Special Report: Architecture BEAUTY IN LAYERS How thoughtful design creates spaces that endure beyond trends By Leila Sobek, Founder and Principal, BMA Studio We live in an age of instant grati cation, and this need for immediate satisfaction has infiltrated the architecture and design world. Social media feeds over ow with spaces designed for the screenshot – dramatic lighting, bold gestures, and colors that pop on a phone screen. “Pinteresty” has become a widely accepted descriptor. We are witnessing a rising trend in our industry that leans toward chasing viral moments for social media. This phenomenon is particularly acute in the Middle East, where rapid urban development and global connectivity have created a perfect setting for trend-driven design. But are we risking something fundamental... The capacity for design to create lasting meaning? THE INSTAGRAM EFFECT In recent years, design discourse has leaned heavily toward visual impact. There’s a growing emphasis on the hero shot, sometimes at the expense of how spaces are experienced over time. This focus on immediate visual impact can result in environments that photograph beautifully but don’t always sustain deep human connection. This is particularly relevant in a region where architecture has long been a medium for community, family life, and adaptation to challenging climates. Contemporary architecture often falls into the trap of the singular statement – the striking facade, the dramatic atrium, the showstopping material moment. These approaches treat buildings as objects to be consumed rather than environments to be inhabited. They ask: “How can we make this space remarkable?” instead of “How can we make this space meaningful?” This mentality has profound implications, particularly in our region where architectural decisions carry cultural and social signi cance. When we design for the camera rather than the community, we create spaces that quickly lose their novelty. The Instagram-worthy cafe may feel less inviting after a few visits. The bold residential interior may become overwhelming over time. The dramatic of ce space may struggle to support the daily rhythms of work life. RESISTANCE TO THE TREND CYCLE How do we, as architects, resist the gravitational pull of trending aesthetics? The answer lies in developing a systematic approach to creating work that transcends the moment. Start with the site’s biography, then its potential. Understand the history, culture, and natural context of a location before you design. Explore its industries, social patterns, and environmental conditions. This grounded approach creates a foundation for design that is authentic and resilient. Develop a material vocabulary rooted in regional logic. The most enduring architecture uses materials suited to their climate and culture. Materials like coral stone or red clay, chosen for their performance and local relevance, have the inherent ability to age gracefully with time and place. Consider the Nareel Island Villa, which exemplifies this contextual approach. Rather than imposing a foreign architectural language, it harmonises contemporary design with local heritage through wooden screens and shading devices that respond directly to the harsh regional climate. The spatial planning centres around a courtyard that performs as a separation between formal and family areas—a strategy that’s both functional and beautiful. Design for multiple time scales simultaneously. Great architecture embraces what I call “Beauty in Layers.” The shifting daily rhythms, seasonal changes, evolving family dynamics, and long-term ties between buildings and communities are all shaped by our region’s unique climate and culture. THE DEEP RESEARCH METHOD Trend-resistant design requires what anthropologists call “thick description”, a deep understanding of why spaces function the way they do, who they serve, and how they connect to broader cultural patterns. This 51 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Special Report: Architecture involves observing how people interact with spaces at different times of day, gathering generational insights from longtime residents, and studying not just successful buildings but also those that have struggled to adapt over time. By mapping behaviours, learning from lived experience, and analysing how design decisions age within a community, architects can create spaces with enduring relevance that transcend trends. SIX-LAYERS FOR TIMELESS DESIGN Enduring architecture emerges from the thoughtful integration of multiple design layers, each reinforcing the others. This isn’t about complexity for its own sake. It’s about creating depth and long-term engagement. 1. Vision Establish a clear narrative that connects client aspirations with site character. This story should be speci c enough to guide decisions but exible enough to evolve. Vision is about connection between people, place, and time. It’s the guiding principle that shapes all the layers that follow. 2. Context Design with your environment, not against it. This means understanding not just the immediate physical context but the complex cultural, economic, and temporal context of your community. How does your building contribute to the neighbourhood’s long- term resilience while respecting traditional values and contemporary needs? How does it respond to local climate patterns that may shift over time? 3. Function Program spaces for how people actually live and work, not how we think they should. This requires understanding the messiness of real life. The most successful spaces accommodate planned activities and spontaneous ones, while responding to the unique rhythms of life. Whether it’s a home, a public space or a workplace, it must feel intuitive, accessible and alive with possibility. 4. Creativity Innovation should emerge from constraints, not despite them. The most powerful creative moves often come from nding unexpected solutions to practical problems. This approach produces originality that feels inevitable rather than arbitrary. 5. Structure Understand your building’s engineering intimately. The most enduring architecture makes structural logic visible and beautiful. When structure and space work in harmony, the result feels both rational and poetic. A recent commercial project along Jumeirah Beach Road demonstrates this principle in practice. Rather than hiding the structural system, the design uses advanced steel engineering to create expansive, column-free oor plates that maximise spatial uidity and adaptability. The structural solution doesn’t just solve a technical problem but also enables the architecture’s core vision of openness and exibility. This integration of engineering and design thinking creates spaces that can evolve with changing retail needs while maintaining their architectural integrity. 6. Material Choose materials for their aging characteristics in local conditions, not just their initial appearance. This means understanding how materials respond to environmental factors such as UV exposure, temperature uctuations, humidity, and weather patterns. The patina of weathering, the way surfaces respond to touch, the acoustic properties that develop over time are the qualities determine whether a space feels better or worse with age. A CALL TO ACTION The design community has a choice to make. We can continue chasing the next viral moment, creating spaces that burn bright and fade fast. Or we can recommit to the patient work of building meaning, layer by layer, story by story, space by space. This isn’t about rejecting beauty or excitement in architecture. It’s about expanding our de nition of what makes a space truly compelling. The most powerful architecture doesn’t just catch the eye, it captures the imagination, supports human ourishing, and creates lasting value for communities. In an age of instant everything, perhaps the most radical act is to design for the long term. To create spaces that reward slow discovery. To build beauty that deepens rather than fades with time. The future of architecture isn’t in the dramatic gesture or the perfect photograph. It’s in the layered, patient work of creating spaces that serve life in all its complexity. It’s time we designed accordingly.52 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Special Report: Architecture A SOFTER SKYLINE How Nautis on Dubai Islands is shaping a new kind of Dubai By Misbaah Mansuri In a place where ambition scrapes the sky and buildings speak in the language of records, Nautis Residences chooses another voice entirely – quieter, more deliberate and in nitely more human. Anchored on Dubai Islands, the newest project by STAMN rises not in de ance, but in re ection – a mid-rise, ocean-embraced development that trades scale for soul. With balconies that mimic the swell of the sea, and interiors steeped in calm textures and careful light, Nautis marks a new chapter in Dubai’s design narrative, one shaped not by height, but by depth. Here, the city’s relentless rhythm is softened by reading gardens, shaded walkways, and pools that mirror the sky – a blueprint for those who crave connection, not just convenience. CEO Zheng Jian tells Commercial Interior Design how the project is actually a blueprint for a gentler Dubai, where architecture nurtures connection, calm, and continuity. Dubai loves a superlative but this project goes against that grain with mid-rise buildings and community-focused spaces. Was that a deliberate rebellion? Yes, it was a thoughtful and strategic choice for Nautis Residences. While Dubai’s skyline re ects ambition and innovation, we believe the next phase of urban growth is about creating spaces that are more human-scaled and experience-driven. Our focus is not on competing for height or attention, but on building a livable, walkable, and sustainable community. Mid-rise buildings allow us to foster deeper social interaction, better climate responsiveness, and a stronger sense of place. It’s not a rejection of scale, but a rede nition of what meaningful urban development looks like. Talk us through your inspiration behind the interior design. The interior design re ects our commitment to enhancing everyday life for professionals and families. Inspired by natural textures, calm tones, and clean spatial logic, we aimed to create environments that feel grounded, nurturing, and adaptable. Our design encourages balance between productivity and rest, supporting both remote work and quality family time. We carefully considered lighting, materiality, and ow to ensure that each unit feels personal, functional, and emotionally resonant. The ‘wave’ balconies are clearly inspired by the sea, how do you ensure this isn’t just another case of ‘style over substance’? That’s a fair question. For us, the wave form is not simply a stylistic reference. It performs multiple functions: it enhances shading, creates privacy between units, and introduces a sense of movement and softness to the façade. The geometry is tied to both the coastal context and the lived experience of the residents. Every design gesture must serve a purpose beyond appearance. In this case, the balconies bring meaning, comfort, and environmental responsiveness, ensuring the design remains rooted in substance. STAMN is throwing serious money into Dubai’s real estate. Is this about long-term placemaking, or just smart business? We believe the two go hand in hand. Real, lasting value comes from creating places where people want to stay, grow, and belong. Our dual-core approach of “Operations + Services” re ects a commitment to building not just structures, but living ecosystems. 53 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 2025Special Report: Architecture The project is focused on serving Dubai’s core demographic: educated professionals with families. By offering spaces that support their aspirations, we are cultivating a long- term community platform. That is both smart business and genuine placemaking. Reading gardens, barbecue zones, calm pools… Are we seeing the beginning of a softer, slower Dubai? Dubai is evolving and so are its residents’ priorities. People are looking for more than speed and scale; they are seeking connection, wellness, and balance. Through thoughtful design, we can help shift daily life toward a more intentional pace. Spaces like reading gardens and barbecue zones are not decorative extras, but purposeful environments that invite re ection, interaction, and rest. These elements re ect a softer, more human- centered vision for the city’s future54 commercialinteriordesign.comAugust 202555 commercialinteriordesign.comDesign at Work August 2025 DESIGN AT WORK What the interiors of regional workspaces reveal about their occupants56 commercialinteriordesign.comDesign at Work August 202557 commercialinteriordesign.comDesign at Work August 2025 Forget soulless cubicles and fl uorescent lighting. Across the UAE, a new era of design-forward workspaces is transforming how creatives, strategists, and directors show up to work. From industrial-chic studios in Al Quoz to high- tech sanctuaries in Media City, these 15 offi ces don’t just house great ideas, they inspire them. Step inside the spaces setting workspace trends accross the world. AMAQ Bohemian green Address: 7036 Khalid Ibn Al Walid St, Ghirnatah, Riyadh 13241, Saudi Arabia Amaq’s Dubai offi ce stands out with its blend of biophilic design and collaborative zones. Floorplates are arranged around a central atrium fi lled with native greenery. Flexible worktables, acoustic pods and informal seating support both team meetings and focused work. AMAQ is composed of highly qualifi ed and a dedicated team of experienced engineers, professionals, construction managers and superintendents. Solar shading, motion-sensitive lighting and recycled fi nishes reinforce Amaq’s commitment to sustainability. This offi ce refl ects the brand’s vision of intelligent living through thoughtful spatial design. ALEC HQ Health & wellness Address: 3601 Marina Plaza, Dubai ALEC HQ is a masterclass in balancing elegance with operational efficiency. Occupying multiple fl oors in Marina Plaza, the workspace refl ects the company’s spirit of precision and performance. Open- plan layouts encourage collaboration while private meeting pods offer focused spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows fl ood the interior with daylight and frame city views. Sustainable features include zoned HVAC and smart meters integrated into the building management system. Amenities such as a gym, refreshment zone and outdoor terrace balance high-paced workfl ows with wellbeing. Here, engineering excellence meets human-centred design in a workspace built to execute big ideas. A&T Industrial chic API World Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai A&T’s offi ce pulses with modern industrial chic and a vibrant team culture. Exposed ceilings and polished concrete fl oors set a raw backdrop for colourful meeting rooms and collaborative nooks. Ergonomic furniture and sit-stand desks support employee comfort. A dedicated innovation hub encourages prototyping, brainstorming and cross- functional workshops. The offi ce supports digital-fi rst operations with high-speed connectivity and integrated AV systems. An integrated pantry and lounge double as informal meeting spaces. Nestled in a prime business tower, A&T’s headquarters is designed to fuel creativity while delivering professional execution.58 commercialinteriordesign.comDesign at Work August 2025 DLR GROUP Tech-ed out Address: Dubai Science Park, DSP Towers - South, Level 16 Al Barsha South 2 DLR’s Media City offi ce is a study in sleek minimalism and tech-enabled design. The interior features clean lines, neutral tones and modular furniture for agile working. Sound-insulated meeting booths and open collaboration areas cater to hybrid teams. A digital command centre screens project data in real time. A wellness room and café corner offer staff space to recharge. Occupying 950 sq m, the layout supports 80 employees. Energy-effi cient HVAC, LED lighting and water-saving fi xtures underline DLR’s environmental responsibility. This setup mirrors the fi rm’s ethos: effi cient systems, uncluttered design and smart working. DESIGNSMITH Sanctuary of design Address: 69 318th Rd, Al Quoz Design District, Dubai Designsmith’s premise in Al Quoz is both a showroom and studio. Huge in scale, the space features curated vignettes to showcase furniture, fi nishes and staging. Designers collaborate at shared worktables surrounded by mood boards and sample libraries. Glass- walled meeting rooms allow open sightlines yet maintain acoustic privacy. Daylight is maximised through clerestory windows, balanced by adjustable light installations for after-hours presentations. The studio hosts monthly design salons and vendor showcases. Reclaimed wood walls, polished concrete fl oors and integrated greenery reinforce the brand’s craftsmanship ethos. Designsmith balances creativity and commerce in a tactile, immersive workspace. HAVELOCK ONE INTERIORS Lab culture Address: Offi ce #202-203, Al Barsha Boutique Building - Al Barsha - Al Barsha 1 - Dubai Havelock One Interiors’ Dubai HQ refl ects their expertise in turnkey interior contracting. The space doubles as a functional offi ce and live materials lab. Inside the interior, the design incorporates meeting rooms with dynamic wall displays, custom-built joinery elements, and sample storage that speaks to their precision-led process. Open work areas are interspersed with focus pods and collaborative tables. Located in Dubai Investment Park, the HQ includes access to the company’s nearby factory, reinforcing their vertically integrated model. With operational transparency and modular workspace planning, Havelock One’s offi ce is built to inspire and deliver. INC GROUP Creative combat Address: Business Park 1 - Offi ce 404 - Dubai Hills - Dubai INC Group’s Dubai offi ce blends strategy, culture, and hospitality. The design invites clients into an environment that mirrors the group’s multi-disciplinary ethos. Think plush interiors, fl exible layouts and embedded digital touchpoints. Located in Business Park, the space thoughtfully includes private offi ces, client lounges and a strategy war room. Acoustic solutions and curated lighting create a calm atmosphere, ideal for high-level decision-making. Every fi nish is intentional, from FSC-certifi ed timbers to ergonomic task chairs. The INC workspace embodies precision with personality, offering both professionalism and warmth in equal measure. K4 Gentle works Address: Control Tower - Motor City - Floor 37 - Dubai K4’s offi ce at The Onyx radiates modernity 59 commercialinteriordesign.comDesign at Work August 2025Next >