Stefan Schmied is currently the Leader of LIXIL IMEA region. IMEA region entails India & Subcontinent, the Middle East including Turkiye, and the entire African continent. Stefan is responsible for accelerating the growth and enhancing the long-term sales performance of the GROHE brand through cross-regional collaboration and strategic innovation.

Stefan has over 20 years of industry experience, during which he has led key strategic initiatives, expanded channels, built brands, and managed sales operations in the retail, wholesale, and project business for global companies. Stefan previously took over the project business channel at GROHE, transforming it into an independent Business Unit which became a key growth driver for LIXIL EMENA. He led the specification and execution of new-build and renovation projects, e.g., globally leading hotel brands, iconic airports, international healthcare groups and prominent residential developers worldwide.

Before Joining GROHE as part of LIXIL, Stefan was the CEO and President of major construction material groups in Europe and Asia. Previously, he served as President of the Tiles and Sanitary Ware Division at a global manufacturer of premium ceramic products based in the Middle East. Stefan also spent nine years at an international manufacturer of sanitary technology in various international senior management roles.

Stefan holds a degree in Business administration from the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Louise Valentine is the Professor of Design and Head of the Design School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Professor Valentine is Editor-in-Chief of The Design Journal which works to promote design research globally and she is President of the European Academy of Design, a biennial international conference for design and its research. Previously, she was the Director of the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising for Kent State University, Ohio, USA, a position held since 2019, and academic lead for Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship with the University of Dundee, Scotland, (2013-2019).

With 25 years of experience in design strategy and communications, Professor Valentine has immense experience in design for business growth and innovation, working globally with the creative industries to achieve sustained impact. In her current role, she will be responsible for developing design programmes and courses, design research, impact and innovation through collaborative partnership. She is future-facing and brings a wealth of knowledge to the institution. In her role, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of designers and shaping the next era of design education.

She is an author of over 80 publications about design, creativity, and business. Her multifaceted roles as an educator, researcher, editor, and advocate for design excellence have left an indelible mark on the academic and creative communities.

Muhammad Habsah is an award-winning architect and visionary designer, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to sustainable and future-forward design. As Design Director at U+A, he spearheads transformative projects that redefine architectural possibilities, blending cutting-edge technology with an innate understanding of nature, culture, and heritage. His design philosophy is rooted in creating spaces that not only coexist with the natural environment but also pay homage to local traditions, crafting structures that are both innovative and contextually respectful.

With a career punctuated by numerous accolades, Habsah has consistently earned recognition on the global stage, including multiple honors at the World Architecture Festival and AIA awards. In 2022, he was named "Highly Commended Architect" at Design Middle East's prestigious Architecture Leaders Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry.

Beyond his professional triumphs, Habsah is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. He is dedicated to designing inclusive, accessible housing for marginalized communities, including refugees and the homeless. His work transcends aesthetics, embodying a profound sense of social responsibility that seeks to address the needs of communities and foster inclusivity. Through his visionary leadership, Habsah continues to push the boundaries of architecture, creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and serve the greater good.

Morcos is responsible for implementing strategies and plans that align with the organisation’s vision to ensure projects are delivered within budget, on time, and up to the required safety and quality standards. He focusses on introducing and implementing measures to improve control over budget, productivity, time, and quality, while also conducting contract reviews as needed. Marco closely monitors his project teams to ensure compliance with project specifications and best management practices.

In addition, Morcos oversees the creation and implementation of systems and policies across departments to ensure seamless project delivery. His responsibilities include conducting concept reviews, contributing to recruitment interviews, assessing staff performance, managing safety controls, and overseeing quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). He also manages project schedules, ensuring all disciplines align with the project’s master timeline for successful execution.

Sara Guinand stands at the forefront of innovation in construction technology, leveraging her unique blend of architectural expertise and technological acumen. Her journey from a junior modeler to Digital Lead Buildings exemplifies her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning. Sara's architectural background allows her to bridge the gap between traditional design practices and cutting-edge digital solutions, fostering seamless communication between design teams and technology specialists. She is instrumental in integrating sustainability metrics into digital models, driving a holistic approach to construction technology that preserves architectural integrity while enhancing efficiency.

Hamish James is an accomplished Contract Manager with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, including seven years in the UAE. He holds an MSc in Construction Project Management.

In his current role, Hamish oversees multiple projects, ensuring high-quality finishes and effective communication with Clients and Stakeholders. His leadership skills motivate teams to exceed client expectations by delivering Projects on time and within budget while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Hamish's notable projects with Khansaheb include the refurbishment of Jumeirah Emirates Towers (Offices), the Bulgari Marina Lofts, and the Construction of the Hyde Hotel (Business Bay). His previous experience in the UAE includes serving as Project Director for the Bee’ah Head Office Development (Sharjah) and Festival Plaza Mall (Jebel Ali). Amongst other projects, he is currently overseeing ongoing refurbishment works in Atlantis The Royal.

Firas Alsahin, the visionary Co-Founder and Design Director of 4SPACE, consistently challenges the boundaries of architectural and interior design across the Middle East.

As the guiding force behind 4SPACE's design divisions, Firas' international experience drives the team to explore new and diverse shapes and forms. This results in spaces that combine feasibility, efficiency, and originality. His hands-on leadership style ensures that every stage of the design process, from 3D modeling to site supervision, is executed with precision and attention to detail.

As an accredited design professional with the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), Firas's design philosophy blends futuristic, minimalist, functional, and sustainable elements. His vision extends beyond the present. His ambitious plans for 4SPACE and the broader design landscape reflect a forward-thinking approach that anticipates the next evolution in design and innovation. He envisions a future where businesses are prepared for the META space design era, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, architectural NFTs, and virtual real estate.

Geetha Nayak is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Design Infinity, one of the UAE's leading interior design and fit-out company. With over 25 years of expertise in interior design and project management, Geetha brings a wealth of experience to the industry.

With a team of over 950 professionals, Design Infinity specializes in large-scale fit-out and design projects throughout the UAE, known for its strong track record of timely, high-quality project completion. The company owns and operates a 60,000-square-foot joinery factory and has dedicated divisions for wood, glass, and metal works, enabling comprehensive in-house production capabilities.

Afsal Mohamed founded Light & Lives in 2019, driven by a deep fascination for transforming spaces into living works of art with the use of lighting. Stepping away from traditional lighting conventions, Afsal set out to redefine design norms, embracing the bold and unexpected. His guiding principle has always been "to care", to care about the design story being spun in the space and work in tandem with it. Backed by a talented team of creative lighting designers, engineers , industrial designers and support staff, Afsal's dedication to pushing the boundaries has earned Light & Lives prestigious awards and notable projects. Recent milestones include the launch of Counterculture, a concept store offering furniture and bespoke lighting solutions. With a showroom designed to showcase his unique design ideologies, Counterculture features unconventional lighting and furniture displays backed by global brands. Additionally, the establishment of Morph Collective has brought together the group’s various product and service verticals under one roof, providing a holistic approach for every project. Afsal’s passion for design and commitment to perfection are evident in all aspects of his work. Inspired by diverse cultures and design philosophies from his travels, he continually evolves his approach, challenging the way lighting and everything related is perceived in the field.

Khadjie Hamad, an architect with Aedas since 2016, has built a notable career in just over seven years, specializing in concept design for ambitious projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Sharjah and a Master's in Sustainable Design in Built Environment from the British University in Dubai. Khadije’s passion for the conceptual stage of design stems from its potential for creativity and innovation. She believes this early phase lays the cornerstone for any project that seeks to provide a unique and meaningful experience for its users. Her designs often blend inspiration from the past, present, and future, creating spaces that are visually striking and culturally resonant.

As a strong advocate for gender equality, Khadije is determined to increase female representation within the architecture industry, where women are often underappreciated, especially in large international firms. Her goal is to inspire young women in architecture to pursue their ambitions, challenging societal norms that may otherwise limit them. In 2021, her efforts and achievements were recognized when she was awarded Young Talent of the Year at the Design Middle East Awards, underscoring her commitment to both architectural excellence and the empowerment of women in the field.

Charlie Speechley is the VP of Business Development at Motif Interiors, where he has played a pivotal role in driving growth and expanding the client base for nearly a decade. Charlie’s leadership in the fit-out industry demonstrates his dedication to high standards in both design and sustainability. Overseeing commercial fit-out projects across the UAE, his role at Motif Interiors has helped set new benchmarks for sustainable practices. Under his guidance, the company achieved LEED Platinum certifications for two major projects, establishing a strong example of environmentally responsible construction in the region. By fostering a commitment to sustainable innovation, Charlie has positioned Motif Interiors as a frontrunner, helping to shape a more eco-conscious approach within the fit-out industry.

Adil Amin leads a dynamic team of design professionals at Bluehaus, overseeing projects from inception to completion. With 11 years of dedicated service to Bluehaus and an impressive 20 years of industry experience, Adil brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His responsibilities include strategic planning, design management, and client relationship management.

Since 2015, Adil's leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the design landscape in KSA. He seamlessly integrates Saudi culture and tradition with modern design, resulting in unique and internationally recognised projects.

With over 20 completed projects across various sectors in Riyadh and Jeddah, Adil's deep understanding of local culture has set new standards for interior design in the region. His recent projects have transformed workspaces, enhancing collaboration and communication for Fortune 500 companies and several confidential government organisations.

Prathish Dev, Head of Residential Projects at Aujan Interiors, is a dedicated leader who has committed his career to advancing the interior design and fit-out industry. With extensive hands-on experience, he brings a distinctive blend of innovation, precision, and client-focusSed expertise to each project. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, Mr. Prathish consistently transforms client visions into reality.

His strong leadership and problem-solving abilities ensure seamless project execution and superior results. A driving force at Aujan Interiors, he remains deeply invested in creating spaces that exceed client expectations and reinforce the company’s reputation for quality.

Sharon O Keeffe is the CEO & Founder of The Design HouseThe Design House is a luxury bespoke furniture manufacturer with its flagship showroom in the vibrant city of Dubai. With a passion for timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. Founded The Design House in 2019 by Sharon after living in Dubai for 10 years.

Having built a successful interior design business and a portfolio of extraordinarily designed spaces while working as cabin crew she pivoted to designing and manufacturing furniture in Dubai in response to client requests for timeless and bespoke pieces.

As demand grew for custom pieces designed and built by Sharon, The Design House in 2022 took a line in a local manufacturing facility to fulfil the backlog of orders and create an entirely bespoke collection inspired by TDH clients called The Origins Collection. It was launched to the local & regional market meeting with huge success. Shortly after, The Design House moved into a purpose-built showroom and design atelier spanning 5700 sq. ft. in Al Quoz in Q4 of 2022.

Kristina Bråteng is an award-winning architect and designer, CEO, and Founder of B8 Architecture. With roots in both Mediterranean and Scandinavian heritage, she is passionate about crafting unique, functional homes worldwide. Her career began in Marbella, Spain, where she designed exclusive villas for high-profile clients, quickly earning international recognition. Since founding B8 in Dubai, Kristina has grown her company from 7 to 67 employees in just four years, with projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Bahamas, Miami, and beyond. Renowned for her vision and commitment, she continues to lead B8 as it opened a second office in Dubai in 2023, revolutionising luxury residential design on a global scale.

Bachar Gebran is the Founder and Managing Director of WalkThru Contracting, a UAE-based top-tier building contracting firm offering turnkey construction and fit-out solutions for luxury projects in the residential, hospitality and commercial sectors. With over 18 years of experience in the construction and luxury interior fit-out in space, Bachar is a well-established entrepreneur and visionary in the industry.

Raised amid the architectural innovations spearheaded by his architect father, Bachar’s early exposure to construction site visits, architectural drawings, and development discussions cultivated his passion for the field.

Under his leadership, WalkThru Contracting has built an extensive portfolio of high- end projects, recognized for their quality, sustainability, and innovative construction strategies. Among those that stand out are the Solar House, an ultra- luxury mansion in Dubai featuring a dynamic solar BIPV facade, recycled water system, double-story swimming pool, and suspended glass bridge. Another landmark project is AL-MUNTADA Knowledge Space by Saint-Gobain, a net zero carbon building nestled in the sustainability hub of Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Other key projects include, Barfly by Buddha-Bar, a stylish rooftop hotspot at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah as well as Lazure, a standout glass facade luxury residence in Dubai Hills.

Sergio Padula is a renowned lighting design expert whose passion for light was sparked during his studies at Politecnico di Milano under mentor Piero Castiglioni. After further studies in Montreal, Padula graduated in industrial design, embarking on a career that blends technical expertise with a charismatic teaching style. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as La Sapienza, University of Florence, and universities in Dubai and Sharjah, and spoken at international lighting conferences across the Middle East. Since joining iGuzzini’s Middle East office in 2008 as Technical Director and Lighting Design Expert, he has led training initiatives and workshops in the region, championing eco-sustainable design inspired by simplicity and functionality. Padula’s notable projects include the Rolex Tower, Etihad Museum, Yas Marina, and the State Mosque in Doha, showcasing his impact on iconic structures across the Middle East.