Azhar Sajan

Founder & Visionary Leader
Casa Milano

Azhar Sajan is a second-generation entrepreneur and Director of Casa Milano and Danube Hospitality, two businesses under the Danube Group that are redefining residential and hospitality environments across the Middle East and Africa. At Casa Milano, he leads one of the region’s fastest-growing home improvement brands, offering an extensive portfolio that spans bathware, kitchens, wardrobes, tiles, flooring, and architectural solutions. His vision is to bring international design excellence to the region while delivering integrated project solutions that combine style with functionality.

In parallel, Azhar heads Danube Hospitality’s Operating Supplies & Equipment division, supporting hotels, hospitals, and restaurants with tailored post-construction solutions to ensure seamless operational readiness. By bridging both pre-opening fit-outs and post-construction functionality, he delivers a complete design-to-delivery experience. With a strong focus on innovation, partnerships, and strategic growth, Azhar plays an active role in shaping the future of the Danube Group and transforming how spaces are designed and experienced.

Philippa Jones

Senior Manager
Mart®

Philippa Jones joined Mart ® in 2021 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth and client success. With over ten years of experience in the furniture industry, she combines deep knowledge of leading global brands with a sharp eye for design, budget control, and delivery excellence.

As Senior Manager, Philippa leads the in-house project management team at Mart ® , guiding projects from contract handover through to final delivery. Her focus on precision, efficiency, and detail ensures every project is executed to the highest standard, while her commitment to post-project support strengthens long-term client relationships.

Henrique Dias

Principal & Middle East Hospitality Design Director
DLR Group

Henrique Dias is an award-winning architect and Design Director at DLR Group Middle East with over 19 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His portfolio spans hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects for leading clients. Known for blending practical functionality with visionary design, Henrique brings a global perspective to every project with a design ethos centered on human experience, environmental stewardship, and timeless architecture that harmonizes with its cultural and physical context.

Stefan Schmied

Leader IMEA
LIXIL International

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

Schmied 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 with globally leading hotel brands, iconic airports, international healthcare groups, and prominent residential developers worldwide.

Before joining GROHE as part of LIXIL, he 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.

Alina Valcarce

Founder & Design Director
Valcarce Architects

Born in Cuba and raised in Spain, Alina Valcarce has always seen architecture as a bridge between cultures and perspectives. Her studies and career took her across the UK, China, India, and Vietnam, with each experience adding depth to her design philosophy. Founding Valcarce Architects was a defining milestone, transforming a dream into reality and establishing a practice that now works across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Miami, USA.

Driven by curiosity, passion, and a strong belief that architecture is more than just buildings, Alina focuses on creating spaces that shape how people live, feel, and connect. For Alina, leadership is not about standing above—it’s about standing with her team. She believes creativity flourishes when people feel trusted, inspired, and encouraged to bring their ideas forward.

Diviya Naval

Manager - Design & Business Development
Al Shirawi Interiors

With over two decades of experience across hospitality, commercial, healthcare, and branded residential sectors, Diviya Naval stands at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As an architect and business development leader, she has built a reputation for translating design vision into tangible growth stories — shaping inspiring spaces while forging strong client partnerships and driving business success.

Currently serving as Manager – Design & Business Development at Al Shirawi Interiors, Diviya is an architect and leads strategic initiatives that merge design excellence with operational efficiency. Her portfolio includes landmark projects such as Pullman Hotel & Residence, Mr. C Residences, DIFC AI Campus, and the Plagette Beach Club.

A graduate of NIT Trichy, Diviya is a LEED Accredited Professional (ID+C) and registered with the Society of Engineers UAE and the Council of Architecture India. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes to sustainability and community initiatives as part of YES4US, PAN NIT Alumni Middle East, and RECAL UAE Chapter.

Recognised as “Woman of the Year – Design” at the 54 Women, 54 Professions awards and for the Best Sustainable Interior Fit-Out of 2024, Diviya continues to inspire through her belief that “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like — design is how it works.”

Meenu Ajay Kumar

Senior Fitout Project Manager
Aujan Interiors

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the UAE’s interior fit-out sector and an additional four years in acoustics, Meenu specialises in managing high-end commercial, F&B, and retail projects from concept to handover. She has successfully led numerous prestigious developments across the region, consistently delivering exceptional quality and precision-crafted spaces.

Her core strengths include strategic project planning, value engineering, stakeholder coordination, and on-site execution. Driven by a passion for innovation and meticulous attention to detail, Meenu is dedicated to creating environments that are both aesthetically inspiring and operationally efficient. She strongly believes in fostering collaboration, addressing challenges proactively, and ensuring every project is completed on time—exceeding client expectations at every stage.

Zoe Stanford

Associate Director – Business Development
KPS

With over two decades of experience across the property, design, and construction industries on four continents, Zoe Stanford is a seasoned business development leader known for driving growth and building lasting client partnerships. Since joining KPS from Compass Project Consulting, she has taken the lead on strategic client engagement, managing complex bid processes and supporting operational improvements.

Earlier, Zoe was instrumental in the growth of Buildcorp Group and MPA Projects in Australia, where she secured major wins and strengthened long-term client relationships. Armed with a graduate qualification in Change Management from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW Sydney, Zoe brings a strategic, adaptable approach, always focused on delivering lasting value.

Jon Sander

Executive Director
Aedas

With over 19 years of diversified experience across leading national and international organisations, Jon brings a strong blend of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and creative problem-solving. His solid educational background and proven track record make him an asset to any organisation.

Jon has extensive experience managing complex projects, developing high-performing multicultural teams, and driving results through innovative, practical solutions. His ability to think analytically, plan strategically, and make timely decisions reflects his exceptional leadership and time management skills.

He is recognised as a results-driven, forward-thinking leader who inspires teams, fosters innovation, and consistently delivers tangible outcomes aligned with organisational goals.

Dr. Harpreet Seth

Associate Professor Head of Architecture, Global Head of Discipline School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Dr. Harpreet Seth, Associate Professor, is the Head of Architecture and Director of Studies at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), Heriot-Watt University Dubai. She was instrumental in establishing the RIBA Part 1 Architecture programme and is known for her innovative approach to design education that bridges current and future challenges. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), she previously led her own design practice in Dubai and has held senior academic positions across the UAE.

Her research focuses on creating human-centric, liveable urban environments, exploring themes such as sustainability, creativity in design learning, and the future of smart cities. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, she is also a member of the Council of Architecture (India) and a founding member of the Association of Professional Interior Designers (UAE). Dr. Seth holds a PhD from Wolverhampton University and an M.Arch. from the School of Planning and Architecture, India.

Paolo Testolini

Global Director
Urban Design and Masterplanning ERA-co

As Global Director of Urban Design and Masterplanning at ERA-co, Paolo Testolini is advancing a new model for citymaking that unites data, economics and design to create compact, connected and liveable communities. With more than two decades of experience across architecture, urban planning and environmental design, Paolo focuses on bringing work, life and leisure closer together through intelligent spatial and business strategies, and he is recognised as a master storyteller of cities.

His work explores how zoning, density and transit-oriented planning can shape proximity-driven communities that are both sustainable and economically resilient. He advocates for mixed-use, flexible developments that evolve with shifting patterns of living and working, where adaptability becomes a core design and investment principle.

At ERA-co, Paolo leads global initiatives that reimagine masterplanning as urban intelligence, designing not only the physical fabric of cities but also the systems, partnerships and business models that underpin them. By aligning social and spatial value with long-term asset performance, he helps developers and city leaders create enduring impact.

A frequent speaker and educator, Paolo contributes to leading institutions and design forums worldwide, sharing insights on how cities can balance growth with human experience. His work champions a future where design and data converge to shape cities that are prosperous, purposeful and deeply connected.

Ahmed Samy

Associate Director
U+A

Associate Director / Project Director with 19 years of experience in the United Arab Emirates, delivering a broad range of architectural projects from concept through construction. Extensive expertise in design management, architectural design, BIM implementation, and construction supervision. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage clients and sub-consultants, and coordinate with authorities to ensure timely approvals and project success. Strong communication and leadership skills have consistently supported the successful execution of complex projects.

Yannic Leveque

VP
ACCIONA Living & Culture, ME

Yannic Levêque is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in architecture and construction, specializing in the design and delivery of high-profile projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Currently serving as the Middle East Vice President at ACCIONA Living and Culture, she leads efforts aligned with the company's mission to foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress.

Yannic's expertise spans the creation of museums, luxury tourism projects, and hospitality developments. His notable achievements include leading the architectural design of the Clinique La Prairie in Amaala, luxury villas on Laheq Island for Red Sea Global, the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, and the Vacláv Havel Building for the European Parliament.

With a strong commitment to cultural and destination development, Yannic plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, working to redefine the future of cultural and hospitality sectors in the Middle East. A passionate professional, she enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-impact projects that blend innovation, luxury, and cultural significance.

Ranjit Prasad

Founder and Creative Director
RAW Interior Design

Ranjit, Founder and Creative Director of RAW Interior Design, is a designer known for crafting spaces that resonate on an emotional, functional, and aesthetic level. After years of refining his craft across diverse disciplines, he established RAW in Dubai in 2012, with a clear vision: to create environments that are not just inhabited, but deeply felt.

What began as a boutique practice has since grown into one of the region’s most respected multi-disciplinary design studios. Under Ranjit’s leadership, RAW has built a reputation for its bespoke approach, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless delivery from concept to completion. The studio’s portfolio spans award-winning dental clinics, serene spas, refined restaurants, stylish residences, and cutting-edge commercial spaces—each unified by a consistent design philosophy.

Sawsan Chammas Haber

Founder & Creative Director
Dipiugi

Sawsan Chammas Haber is an interior architect, space creator and designer influencer, expert in interior luxury. She’s the founder and creative director of Dipiugi, an interior architecture & design firm. She has made her mark in this field since 1996 by handling highly luxurious projects, first in Beirut and later expanding to the UAE, where she established her first firm in 2003. Since then, she has put her stamp on the homes of private clients and royalties, as well as corporate and commercial projects across the region.

As an entrepreneur, she also made her mark by launching different furniture brands in Dubai: K- Kids in 2003, Giovanni Sforza in 2008, and Estetik Decor in 2016, trusting her with their franchises and flagship stores.

Her achievements have earned her wide industry recognition, with numerous features showcasing her work in magazines such as Vogue, Architectural Digest, Harper’s Bazaar, Identity, Marie Claire, Mojeh, Emirates Home, Lamasat, Zahrat Al Khaleej, Elite Monde, and many others. In 2021, she was on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, and in 2023 she was featured on the inauguration cover of Marie Claire Maison.

She was a weekly guest on MBC’s morning show for more than two years, discussing various subjects, showcasing her work through home makeovers, and sharing interior design tips with viewers. She remains a frequent guest on various TV stations and has led several successful collaborations with international and local home décor and furniture brands, as well as well-known building material manufacturers. She is also a frequent guest on design panels and podcasts across the region, serves as a jury member for several design competitions, and is an ambassador for multiple brands.

Sawsan Chammas Haber has become a renowned name and a reference in the interior design world through her rigorous international aesthetic style, perfectly drawing the contours of elegance in both sleek contemporary and classical luxury.

Tatiana Terezaki

Design Director
Olsen & Partners Interiors

Tatiana Terezaki is an accomplished design leader with over 27 years of global experience in spatial design and fine arts. Born in Athens and educated in London and New Zealand, she brings a culturally rich and creatively nuanced approach to every project.

Passionate about collaborative leadership, Tatiana weaves narrative and sensory depth into her environments, championing design that engages both mind and body. She believes the best spaces emerge when design teams, architects, and developers align early.

A graduate of NIT Trichy, Diviya is a LEED Accredited Professional (ID+C) and registered with the Society of Engineers UAE and the Council of Architecture India. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes to sustainability and community initiatives as part of YES4US, PAN NIT Alumni Middle East, and RECAL UAE Chapter.

Her portfolio spans ultra-luxury residential developments, 5-star hospitality, wellness spaces, and commercial workplaces, reflecting her breadth across design disciplines. With a lifelong grounding in art and craftsmanship, shaped by her family of artists and designers, Tatiana brings authenticity, thoughtful storytelling, and refined detail to every project.

Guillermo Blanco

Design Director
Worldesignteam (WDM)

Guillermo Blanco is a Spanish Interior Designer and the Founder & Creative Director of Worldesignteam (WDM), a boutique interior design studio based in Dubai. With over 35 years of international experience, Guillermo has led award-winning residential and hospitality projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His work is defined by a refined sense of storytelling through materiality, light, and proportion, blending European craftsmanship with Middle Eastern sophistication. Through WDM, he continues to shape spaces of timeless elegance and emotional depth for discerning clients and global developers.