The Design Pod

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...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 7, we sit down with Oscar Badibanga and Gilda Gilantash Badibanga, the founders of Badibanga — a brand where fashion transcends style to become a form of expression. Rooted in cultural depth and shaped by their global journey from Congo to Belgium to the UAE, their work celebrates individuality and the beauty of imperfection. In this episode, we ex...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 6, we sit down with Himank Goswami, an accomplished hospitality design leader and Senior Director of Design and Capital Planning for the SWA-MEA region. Speaking in a personal capacity, Himank shares his perspective on design’s evolving role in the hospitality world — where creativity meets strategy, and spaces go beyond aesthetics to deliver emoti...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 5, we sit down with Ali Mohammadioun , architect, creative director, and founder of E Plus A Atelier . Born in Iran and raised in an artistic household, Ali’s work embodies a sensibility that honors materiality, heritage, and atmosphere. His projects — from intimate residences to cultural landmarks — tell stories through layers of art, texture, and...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 4, we sit down with Omar Nakkash, founder and design director of the award-winning NAKKASH Design Studio – a multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice based in Dubai. From his roots in Sharjah to Parsons in New York and design studios in Milan, Omar’s journey has been shaped by creativity, cultural identity, and a passion for human-center...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 3, we sit down with Sultan Al Darmaki, founder of 1833/١٨٣٣ – a private members’ club redefining the way creative and business communities connect. As an Emirati entrepreneur and visionary, Sultan has dedicated his career to elevating networks through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. In this episode, we dive into the story of 1833/١٨٣...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 2, we sit down with Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties – Ras Al Khaimah’s leading real estate developer. With more than 30 years of international experience, Sameh shares how real estate is not just about buildings, but about creating sustainable destinations where communities and environments thrive. In this episode, we dive into the story of Mi...

The wait is over!! The Design Pod is back! Welcome to Season 2. In Episode 1, we sit down with Esra Lemmens, founder of Esra Lemmens Agency. Known for her intuitive approach Esra shares how design is more than form. For her, it’s the choreography of ideas: how they enter the world, and what they come to mean within it. In this season premiere, we explore Esra’s unique design philosophy, how intuit...

In Episode 13 , the season finale of The Design Pod , we welcome Kameh , a mysterious creative mind who remains completely anonymous—covered in black with a disguised voice. In this exclusive conversation, Kameh takes us inside his world, where art, design, and secrecy intersect. He shares his unique approach to creativity and why anonymity plays a crucial role in his work. This is not just anothe...

In this episode 12, Meshary Al Nassar Creative Director & Founder and Mishari Awadhi Managing Director & Associate Architect of Studio Meshary Al Nassar share their journey of designing spaces that transcend functionality to become deeply meaningful and timeless. They discuss how their unique approach merges architecture, interior design, and product innovation to create environments that...

In this Episode 11 of The Design Pod , we’re joined by Giorgio Secchi, CEO of Tecno Spa. Giorgio shares Tecno’s unique approach to creating solutions that redefine the way we work and interact with our environments. For Giorgio, success lies in more than just sleek aesthetics—it’s about blending design and technology to meet real-world needs while staying true to Tecno’s rich legacy of innovation....

In Episode 10 of The Design Pod , we welcome Stefania Digregorio and Mirko Sala Tenna, the creative duo behind Etereo Design . Stefania and Mirko discuss their holistic approach to luxury design, focusing on creating spaces that not only captivate visually but also enhance the lifestyle of their clients. From architecture to collectible design, their work embodies a blend of Italian craftsmanship...

In Episode 9 of The Design Pod , we’re joined by Rue Kothari , the visionary behind DESIGNEAST—a platform dedicated to supporting and promoting artists and designers from the Global South. Rue shares her passion for creating opportunities for emerging talent, celebrating cultural diversity, and bridging global design narratives. Learn about her journey, her creative philosophy, and her commitment...

In this episode 8 of The Design Pod, we’re joined by Giulio Cappellini, a trailblazer in contemporary design and Creative Director of Cappellini.   Giulio shares his journey of innovation, his approach to discovering and mentoring emerging talent, and his insights into the ever-evolving world of design. Learn about his creative process, his influence on modern interiors, and his thoughts on shapin...

In this episode 7 of The Design Pod, we’re joined by David Lessard, Partner and Design Director at H+A. David discusses the practice’s unique approach to creating spaces that balance beauty, functionality, and resonance.   For David and his team, success isn’t just about stunning visuals; it’s about meeting multiple goals—from staying on budget to ensuring the design truly resonates with clients a...