The aForm Show

Hello and welcome to the show everyone. Today, we’re delighted to be joined by Khaled AlShamaa and Hamdi Adam, founders of XYZ Designers in Dubai. Their recent work on Quattro Del Mar and Edge 1 at Raha Canal both earned Gold at the 2024 Global Future Design Awards. It's showcasing their innovative, community-focused approach. Their studio combines ecological sensitivity, timeless elegance, an...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we are joined by Laila Al‑Yousuf and Matthew Sexton, founders of SAY Studio in Dubai. Under their leadership, SAY Studio has partnered with global names like LinkedIn, Apple, Google, and Siemens Energy, delivering LEED‑Gold workplace environments and expanding into hospitality and F&B with projects like Grand Mercure. Their studio has designed over 3 milli...

Hello and welcome to the show. On today’s episode, we have Mark Klever. He is the Founder and Design Director at MKD Architecture in Dubai. Mark is celebrated for blending contemporary aesthetics with practical design. As an “architect's architect”, he has championed the craft of not just design, but design delivery and execution. With numerous award-winning projects across multiple continents...

Hello and welcome to the show everyone. Today, we’re joined by Sahil Shaik‑Muzawar, an urban planner and geographer based in Dubai. Holding an MSc from the University of Birmingham, Sahil has been working towards shaping the contextually-sensitive urban fabric across the region. He is a young urbanist from the Academy of Urbanism based in the UAE. He is also a part of RTPI’s Middle East Young Plan...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we are joined by Eddy Abou Khalil, Regional Director for the Middle East and India at Cosentino. Eddy is a global leader in sustainable and innovative surfaces. With a strong focus on growth and partnerships, Eddy has led Cosentino through major regional projects like Address Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Living Marina Gate. His leadership has earned him a place on...

Hello and welcome to the show everyone. Today we are joined by Noelle Halabi, Associate Director at Edge Architects, award-winning architecture and design consultancy with offices in Dubai. Noelle brings a wealth of experience in leading innovative projects that shape that region’s architectural landscape. We are beyond excited to have her in the show. So without further ado, let’s get into it! ....

Hello and welcome to the show. Today, I’m joined by Emily Mottolese, Managing Principal and Global Practice Leader at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill—better known as SOM—where she’s been shaping the future of urban design on a global scale. Under her leadership, SOM recently unveiled its design for the Atelis, a landmark project redefining cultural architecture in the Middle East. With decades of e...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today we are joined by Rajesh Chirayath, Technical Director for Construction Engineering Services at Jacobs in Dubai. Rajesh is the expert who ensures ambitious architectural designs don’t just stay on paper but become structurally sound realities. With his deep knowledge of engineering and construction, he’s here to share insights on bridging design and execution. S...

Hello & welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Sana Choyakh, Regional Sales and Business Development Manager for the Middle East at Lutron. With over 2 decades of expertise, Sana comes with a wealth of knowledge across multiple business verticals. Currently at Lutron, she is focused on boosting Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision & literally, making luxurious spaces shine! We are beyond excite...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today we are joined by Maria Dautant, Senior Associate at HLB Lighting Design in Dubai. Maria currently leads projects that redefine how light interacts with architecture. From large-scale urban developments to intimate interiors, her expertise shapes the way we see and feel the spaces around us. We’re thrilled to have her with us today - So without further ado, let’...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we’re joined by James Sharples, Projects Director at Bauhaus Project Management in Dubai. With extensive experience in delivering high-profile developments, James plays a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on-time & within budget . We’ll dive into the challenges of project management & how designers can fill in the “right” gaps. We are beyond...

Hello and welcome to the show. Today, we are joined by Vijay Nambiar, Studio Director of Designsmith. Vijay is a highly experienced design professional with a large portfolio of award-winning work! His leadership has driven the studio’s success in delivering cutting-edge, functional and aesthetically refined spaces. Not to mention he can totally drain a jump shot off the baseline! We are beyond ex...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today, we’re joined by Amos Antin, co-founder & managing director at The aCross Designs. As a design & build studio, aCross are redefining what it means to create spaces—because they don't just design, they craft experiences. Breathing new life into spaces via renovation is their forte & we can't wait to hear all about it! So without further ado, lets get...

Hello and welcome to the show!  On today's episode we are joined by Paolo Testolini, Principal & Global Sector Leader at Woods Bagot. With a portfolio spanning across continents, Paolo comes with a wealth of knowledge within the built environment & has led major, large-scale, urban masterplans. We are beyond excited to have him on the show, so without further ado! Let’s get into it! ....

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Christoph Hauser, Managing Director at EuroArt. Christoph comes with a deep knowledge and passion for all things doors and ironmongery! We talk about all the pain points that designers face & how Euro-Art solves them! So without further ado, lets get into it . . Christoph Hauser  -⁠  LinkedIn Euro Art - ⁠ Website ⁠ | ⁠ Instagram⁠ | ⁠ LinkedIN |...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Selini Bishop, Founder at Chapters Marketing! We talk about marketing across digital media for designers, studios & stand-alone brands! Selini comes with hands on experience within the GCC region & has been responsible for the growth & digital footprint of key industry players! So without further ado, lets get into it . Selini Bishop  -...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we joined by Siddharth Peters and Ben D'souza, Co-founders of Love That Design! On todays episode, we discuss the origins of Love That Design. We talk about their journeys, key learnings & everything in between. Finally, we also discuss .Studio & how it is a game changer for the industry! . Siddharth Peters  -⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Ben D...

Hello & welcome to the show! This week we are joined by the rockstar duo at Rumah Interiors. We are super excited to have on, Sonal Kotecha, Founder & Design Director at Rumah interiors! Along with Alaa Mohamed, the head of design at Rumah Interiors. Together they have delivered multiple projects, across multiple typologies but specialize in residential interior design. Truly an honor to h...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Haitham Mousa, Studio Design Director at KEO. Haitham comes with vast design exposure across multiple continents. Interestingly, this is across professional practice and academia! So without further ado! Let’s get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . Haitham Mousa  -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ KEO - ⁠ Website ⁠ | ⁠ Instagram⁠ | ⁠ Li...

Hello & welcome to the show! This week we are joined by Shiam Shibl, Interior Designer at DLR Group Middle East! Shiam has been involved with many of the most cutting edge projects across the MENA region & she comes with a unique approach to the world of ID! So without further ado! Let's get into it . . Follow our awesome guest! . Shiam Shibl  -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ DLR Gro...

Hello and welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Nikhil Mathew, Professor of Interior Design & working in Dubai. In addition to being an educator, Nikhil specializes in interior architecture & has actively delivered a vast portfolio of projects. Much to pick up from todays episode, so without further ado, lets get into it!  . . Follow our awesome guest! . Nikhil Mathew  -⁠ ⁠⁠...

Hello & welcome to the show everyone! Today we are joined by Simona Giacalone - Architecture & Design Manager for MillerKnoll! Simona comes with a wealth of knowledge around all things workspace & design. She has tremendous insight into how we as designers can elevate our work with many interesting data points & learnings. So without further ado, lets get into it!  . . Follow our a...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined Josephine Visser, Managing Director at Elementa Interior Design. Josephine comes with a wide array of experience across multiple design verticals & design management! We are beyond excited to have her on the pod today! So without further ado! Lets get into it. . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Josephine Visser  -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Ele...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined Sanmita Patel, founder of the Young Architects Forum in Dubai. Sanmita comes with a wealth of project experience across multiple continents & bridges the gap between the design education & professional practice. So without further ado! Lets get into it. . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Sanmita Patel  -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ YAFD -   ⁠⁠...

Hello and welcome to the show! Today we are joined by Marco Maximus! Lead interior designer at Keane! As one of the rising stars in the ecosystem, Marco has been involved in many of the regions leading projects! We are super excited to have him on so without further ado! Lets get into it! . . Follow our awesome guest! . . Marco Maximus  -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠| Instagram KEANE -  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website...