The Design Pod

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...

In Episode of The Design Pod , we sit down with Omar Al Gurg, the visionary behind MODU, to explore how his innovative approach is redefining the way we live with design. Omar delves into the philosophy of creating adaptable, modular furniture and decor that seamlessly integrates into our homes and lives. He shares how the MODU Method emphasizes sustainability and versatility, transforming living...

In this episode of  The Design Pod , we’re joined by Mo Jawaheri, Founder and Owner of @SuperStudioOfficial, a practice reshaping Dubai’s creative landscape. Super Studio features a curated collection of over 40 super brands from Europe and North America, blending established and emerging names to create an eclectic mix that works in any environment. Driven by a philosophy that design should inspi...

This week, we’re delighted to have the acclaimed AD100 designer, Rabah Saeid, founder of Styled Habitat, on the Design Pod podcast! In this episode, we explore Rabah’s philosophy of creating timeless and sensual aesthetics, her approach to integrating cultural context into design, and how she transforms spaces into intimate expressions of individuality. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with a t...

In this episode of  The Design Pod , we are joined by Neydine Bak and Dewald Struwig, the visionary duo behind VERHAAL, a design studio renowned for its contemporary yet timeless approach to architecture and interiors. Known for their ability to craft meaningful spaces, VERHAAL merges narrative-driven design with bold, functional concepts that resonate on both an emotional and aesthetic level. Ney...

In this episode of  The Design Pod , we sit down with Abdalla Almulla, the visionary founder of MULA, a design studio known for blending cutting-edge innovation with timeless style. Abdalla’s work is a fusion of tradition and modernity, creating interiors that are not only visually stunning but deeply connected to the culture and heritage of the UAE. Abdalla shares his insights on his creative jou...

Charlie Wu is the epitome of a creative visionary. Over the years, she has collaborated with legendary architects and designers like Peter Marino, Stephan Jaklitch, and Jacques Garcia, curating luxury retail experiences for global brands such as LVMH, Valentino, John Galliano, and Marc Jacobs. As the founder of Écru Elements, Charlie specializes in crafting transformative spaces, guided by her phi...

Welcome to the Design Pod, where we, your hosts, Valeria and Chad, explore the realm of interior design with passion and expertise. As interior designers dedicated to celebrating beauty in every form, we're excited to offer you an exclusive glimpse into the world of top industry talents.  This season, we will be engaging with visionaries and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and...