The Design Pod

Artist, advisor and mentor Patricia Millns has spent more than four decades exploring identity, memory and cultural expression across the Arab world, with her work exhibited internationally and included in collections such as the British Museum. In this episode, we reflect on the transformation of the UAE into a global centre for art and design, the role of cultural heritage in contemporary creati...

Emirati urban planner, architect and cofounder of Arkat Urban Planning + Design Consultancy, Dr. Ahmed Al Mulla has spent over 17 years shaping cities through planning, policy, governance and design. In this episode, we explore what makes a city truly liveable, from climate responsive urban planning and the importance of shade to mobility, public spaces and the balance between data and human exper...

Architect and designer Viktor Udzenija works across architecture, interiors, furniture and collectible design, with a practice spanning Dubai and Prague. In this episode, we explore his relationship with materials and making, from the sculptural possibilities of marble to the dialogue between craftsmanship, technology and contemporary art. We also discuss proportion, permanence, the beauty of impe...

Artist, interior designer and founder of Dubai based studio IDST, Hana Akram brings together art, colour, pattern and texture to create interiors with a distinct personality. In this episode, we explore her journey from artist to entrepreneur, the experience of building IDST while navigating motherhood, and how her multicultural background influences her creative language. We also discuss the retu...

Architect, lighting designer and founder of Nader Gammas Lighting Design, Nader works across architectural lighting and collectible design, exploring light as both experience and object. In this episode, we go beyond the fixture to talk about light itself. Why some spaces instinctively make us feel good, why darkness matters, how to light art and architecture, and whether the best lighting design...

Founder of Breath Design, Riccardo works across architecture, interiors, landscape, urban planning and collectible design between Dubai and Milan. In this episode, we question some of architecture's favourite words and explore what sits behind them: the philosophy and the detail, the human experience and the technical precision, the story and how you actually build it. Season 4 of The Design P...

Chef and co owner of Chez Wam in Dubai, Hadrien approaches a restaurant as much more than what happens on the plate. In this episode, we explore cooking as an art form, restaurants as storytelling, and how food, interiors, objects, music, service and community come together to create something we remember. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra.   https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe

The Design Pod is back for Season 4. For our first episode, we sit down with Urjowan Alsharif, a Saudi interior architect whose work reflects a thoughtful dialogue between culture, identity and contemporary design. Urjowan shares her perspective on creating interiors rooted in identity and a sense of place, the influence of Saudi culture on her approach and what it means to design spaces that feel...

Season 4 has entered the chat. New guests, new conversations and plenty to talk about. This season, we’re sitting down with designers, architects and creative minds to talk ideas, careers, challenges, unexpected turns and everything that happens behind the scenes. First episode drops this Sunday. Season 4, with Tanagra.

For the Season 3 finale, we're thrilled to welcome Jon S. Maloy, Co CEO and Chief Creative Officer, and Kevin Alderweireldt, CEO of BUREAU BÉATRICE. Together, they have built one of the world's most exciting experiential design studios, creating immersive environments that blend design, technology, storytelling, and culture for some of the world's leading luxury brands. Join us as we d...

We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan Ashmore, Founding Principal of ANARCHITECT. Known for creating architecture that is both refined and deeply connected to its context, Jonathan shares his journey, the evolution of his practice, and the principles behind projects that have redefined contemporary architecture across the region. Join us as we discuss contextual design, adaptive reuse, craftsmanship,...

We're thrilled to welcome Gurgen Yeritsyan, founder of UrArtU Gallery. From his beginnings in his grandmother's flower shop in Armenia to building one of Dubai's most recognised creative brands, Gurgen shares how flowers became a medium for storytelling, artistic expression, and community. Join us as we discuss creativity, cultural spaces, taking risks, and building meaningful experien...

We're thrilled to welcome Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design. As one of the key figures behind the region's leading contemporary design fair, Mette shares her journey, the evolution of Dubai's creative landscape, and the role platforms like Downtown Design play in supporting designers and building a lasting design culture. Join us as we discuss creative leadership, com...

We're thrilled to welcome Johann Matthyssen, a landscape architect whose work spans hospitality, residential, and cultural projects. Johann shares why landscape is far more than an aesthetic element, exploring how nature, context, and thoughtful planning create places that leave a lasting impression. Join us as we discuss sustainability, hospitality, outdoor experiences, and why landscape shou...

We're thrilled to welcome Diane Thorsen, Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East. A global leader in hospitality design, Diane shares her journey, her human centered approach to creating meaningful spaces, and the experiences that have shaped an award winning career spanning more than 30 years. Join us as we discuss hospitality, leadership, mentorship, local identity, and why grea...

We're thrilled to welcome Mariana Wehbe, founder of We Design Beirut. Known for championing creativity and cultural preservation, Mariana shares her journey from the world of communications to leading one of Beirut's most ambitious design initiatives. Join us as we discuss resilience, creative leadership, preserving craft, and the power of design to bring people together and inspire hope f...

We're thrilled to welcome Joey Ghazal, founder of The MAINE, Canary Club, and Fighter Brands. Known for creating some of the region's most celebrated hospitality concepts, Joey shares his journey from launching independent ventures to building brands defined by authenticity, character, and lasting appeal. Join us as we discuss taste, instinct, creating memorable experiences, and why simpli...

We're thrilled to welcome Werner Bronkhorst as our first guest of Season 3. From building a global audience through authentic storytelling to developing a distinctive artistic practice inspired by curiosity, wonder, and human connection, Werner shares the experiences that continue to shape his work today. Join us as we discuss creativity, reinvention, and the importance of seeing the world through...

A new season of conversations with designers, architects, and creative minds exploring the ideas, processes, challenges, and stories behind meaningful work. The first episode premieres this Sunday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to be the first to listen. We look forward to having you with us for another season.

Welcome to the season finale of The Design Pod. In Episode 13, we sit down with Tristan du Plessis , one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary hospitality and interior architecture. Known for his bold, atmospheric storytelling and signature aesthetic — moody, tactile, and effortlessly cool — Tristan’s work has shaped some of the world’s most celebrated venues across Dubai, Miami, Shanghai, an...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 12, we’re joined by Noora Al Awar (Creative Director), Fatima Al Zaabi (Managing Director), and Afnan Amin (Operations Director) — the founders of Studio D04 , one of the UAE’s most exciting contemporary design studios. D04 stands as a quiet yet powerful voice in the regional design landscape. Founded by three visionary architects, the studio’s wor...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 11, we sit down with Jin Peh , an author, consultant, and leading expert in Chinese metaphysics and Feng Shui . Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in Singapore, Jin’s unconventional journey has taken him from medical training in Australia to broadcast journalism — and ultimately, to becoming one of the most respected voices in Feng Shui worldwide. Hav...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 10, we sit down with Nadine Kanso , the visionary artist, designer, and founder of Bil Arabi — a brand that has become a symbol of contemporary Arab identity. Through her jewellery, photography, and creative collaborations with global names like Gucci and Louis Vuitton , Nadine tells stories rooted in heritage, emotion, and authenticity. From her e...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 9, we sit down with Mark Eacott, Global Vice President of Design at Ennismore — the group behind some of the world’s most beloved lifestyle brands, including The Hoxton, SLS, Mondrian, 25hours, and the relaunch of Delano. With a career spanning over two decades, Mark’s journey has taken him from Soho House to Philippe Starck’s YOO, and across citie...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 8, we sit down with Rizwan Kassim, CEO Rikas and Paris Society International , the creative force behind some of the Middle East’s most exceptional dining destinations. From La Cantine du Faubourg to Mimi Kakushi, Ninive, and Lana Lusa , RIKAS has become synonymous with immersive, design-led hospitality. Since 2014, the group has opened 17 restaura...