< PreviousI constantly seek inspiration from images because they often give me the map to my vision for my fi nal designs but also from experiences, travel and entertainment. I like to fl ip through magazines to catch interesting details and see what my eye is naturally drawn to. As an international designer, I have offered my services to various clients of all different cultures within different sectors. I enjoy weaving in elements from different cultures into my designs and reinterpreting them with today’s materials in a timeless, elegant way. At this point in my life and with two offi ces in Dubai and London, we have grown XBD Collective into a well-established, international brand that is more about selected projects. I have also realised the level of impact that my profession has on people and how my design choices may affect people in multifaceted ways. People seem to be less about materialistic items, more about functionality and the practicalities of a space, as well as how it can make someone feel. In the words of Steve Jobs: “Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.” I am most proud of my engagement with motivating the younger creatives in the industry. They are the future of design and I feel that it is always important and empowering to give back, whether it be hosting a seminar at a university or joining a panel discussion as an open forum for students to join. The resilience of this generation is something that continues to astonish me and takes me back to when I was in their position starting out. This inspires me to share my story and continue to coach them. The concept of home is relative to each; however, it is essentially an extension of yourself. For me, my home is my sense of design and my identity that refl ects within it. It is also where most of my memories and experiences have been formed. I have a home in Oslo, London and Dubai and each holds a unique place in my heart. I particularly love the variety and different ways of living that each place provides. I love to travel to Bali. With the island’s raw materials, natural beauty and tranquillity, I fi nd that this destination on our planet is the perfect place for healing and self-care. The appreciation I have for this place, and the philosophies that I have learnt, are that no matter what you do, do it with love and enjoyment. Surround yourself with diversity, interesting people, days of adventure and acts of kindness. Design is an important part of my life because it is an abstract way of infl uential communication that helps me to stay engaged and connected with the world. Certain design aspects and elements, if utilised thoughtfully, can subtly impact how a space can make a client feel. Being able to create a dream space for a client, whether it be a private residential project, a hotel or a restaurant, is a source of inspiration and brings joy to my life. WW Design DNA DNA MY DESIGN 4 1 2 3 The founder of Dubai-based XBD Collective, Ellen Søhoel , on her love for Bali, nurturing young talent and the concept of home... ELLEN’S TOP DESIGN PICKS: 1. Missoni The brand’s iconic zig-zag pattern can always make the perfect statement, whether it be within fashion or home accessories. I have incorporated Missoni into the furnishing of many of the XBD Collective projects, indoor and outdoor, as well as in my own home and personal styling. 2. The ‘Hanging Hoop Chair’ Designed by Lee Broom, this chair is a piece that is so simple yet adds such a quirky element to a space. I have the same chair hanging in my Dubai and London home. I can’t do without it! 3. Sculpture The sculpture ‘Unravel’, made in 2016, stands 2.4-metres tall and makes a captivating impact in any setting. The artist, Regardt van der Meulen, creates contemporary sculptures utilising steel and his inspiration for this artwork comes from his interest with human life and the erosion of our surroundings. 4. Cobra Art Company Based in the Netherlands, I have always been a big fan of their plexiglass artwork, however ‘Blissful Silence’ by artist Oscar Munar is a piece that I particularly love. HBI_050_130_Design DNA_Ellen Sohoel_11656505.indd 13027/09/2021 04:04:12 PMWash Basin and WC: RAK-VALET Furniture: RAK-JOY UNO Wall and Floor: TOKYO CONCRETECustomer Service: 800-74292 (SHAYA)Next >