Design Forum 2023

A project manager in the interior fitout industry with over 10 years of experience. My journey began in interior design which quickly took me into construction management.
I have been keen on adapting sustainable practices into my journey and am a certified LEED Green Associate and a WELL AP. My expertise lies in orchestrating seamless interior fitout projects, from concept to completion. I thrive on delivering exceptional results that exceed client expectations while staying within budget and timeline constraints.
I'm dedicated to continually enhancing my knowledge and staying at the forefront of industry trends to provide innovative solutions for every project.

Horton Interiors, which was founded in Dubai in 2012, has grown to become one of the region’s most trusted design and build partners. Douglas Drummond, who took over as managing director in 2022, leads the firm. Under his leadership, its headcount and turnover have grown significantly as it moves into an ambitious era focused on technology, sustainability, creativity, and well-being.
2022 was Horton Interiors’ most successful year yet, and it intends to capitalise on opportunities further, with more milestones expected in 2023. Horton Interiors recently opened its first office in Abu Dhabi, which is already performing well. With additional clients expanding to KSA, it is likely to create an office in the Kingdom in 2023 to meet demand.

Alsahin, 4SPACE's Co-Founder and Design Director, was selected 'Designer of the Year' in 2023 at the prestigious awards ceremony. With international experience and a hands-on approach, he oversees 4SPACE's design divisions, pushing limits.
Firas is a fully certified designer noted for his futuristic, minimalist, utilitarian, and sustainable designs. He is an industry influencer who has received numerous awards, including Interior Designer of the Year and other design distinctions in 2023.

Hasan’s curiosity for the power of design and its ability to tell stories was fostered from a young age. Beginning with an eager interest in automotive design, this creative passion was later channelled at Middlesex University in London, where he studied Interior Architecture – a pursuit that fueled his desire to create simple design spaces and curated experiences.
A design firm based in London and Dubai, H2R was founded in 2012 by Hasan and his brother Husain and has established itself as a bold, innovative player within the design world. As a leader, Hasan takes each project personally, as if it were his own, and inspires his team to do the same. Honesty and integrity form the foundation of H2R, Hasan, Husain and their team. Hasan’s approach is to develop a true identity for each space; that is the brand promise he brings to any project, no matter how big or small.

Driven by design excellence, Shaun Killa is an award-winning architect with international experience spanning over 26 years. Throughout his career, Killa has focussed his design philosophy on buildings and masterplans that are sustainable, innovative, contextually inspired and have a holistic approach to the natural and economic environment which has led to numerous highly recognisable iconic projects. Killa spent 16 years as Director of Architecture at Atkins before co-founding the Killa Design studio in 2015. He has worked on signature projects, including the award-winning designs for the Museum of the future, the newly opened The Address Beach Resort, a W Hotel in Mumbai, Vida Hotel in the Dubai Marina, Aykon Twin Towers in Dubai, and the Office of the Future, the first occupied printed building in the world. Recently the firm has won a zero energy ultra-luxury resort in the Red Sea.

Dr Bhakti is the Chairperson, School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai.
She is the coordinator for Manipal Environment and Conservation Students Club that received consecutive awards for Best Sustainable Green Campus Audit, Best Sustainability Action Project from Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
In her role, she is guiding the MAHE Dubai team for Climate Action Plan for UNFCC, Race to Zero and has led ‘Team Tawazun’ for Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021.
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi awarded her ‘Best Coordinator’ for commitment towards Sustainable Campus Initiative since 2015.
She is volunteering for Advancing Net Zero Volunteering team.
Currently she is part of the COP28 Universities Climate Network Pillar Group for Decarbonization and Net Zero Group focusing on universities campuses.

The founder of My Pick One interior design studio, Marianna Piccolo, has always had a sense of refined aesthetics due to her upbringing in Puglia, Southern Italy, where she was always surrounded by it. She pursued a degree in interior design at the prestigious Polytechnic University of Milan. After attaining her degree in 2007, she trained and harnessed her skills under Marco Piva, the well-renowned Italian interior designer, and architect. Under his guidance and mentorship, she developed rational approach to design, charged by creative freedom. Piccolo moved to Dubai in 2008, to work as a design consultant for high profile companies such as RW Armstrong, Sinergo S.P.A, and Al Tayer Group. Then, she launched her own design practise My Pick One in 2014.

Andy Shaw is an architect and educator based in Dubai. He is a key partner within AMA’s design team, who have just completed the striking centrepiece ‘Harbour Master’s Building’ in the new Dubai Harbour development. AMA’s floating hotel GAIA project features the fusion of emerging technologies to create a sustainable project connecting people with nature, two design themes that drive Andy’s design philosophy. The project was featured in Downtown Design’s ‘Shape of Things to Come’ exhibition and has since been published all over the world. In 2020, Shaw was elected to the role of Chair of the RIBA Gulf and through the COVID period has helped RIBA create a digital output with webinars engaging audiences across the whole region and the rest of the world.

As an Architect with over 13 years’ experience in the GCC Region, Enayat has led project teams for internationally renowned practices and has a proven track record of delivering, large-scale complex developments, including but not limited to Hospitality, Commercial, Residential and Cultural projects.
With strong communication skills and leadership, to lead from masterplan concept stages to the design and delivery of architecture, Enayat delivered visionary concepts for various projects to create better places for people and deliver sustainable award-winning developments.

Drew Gilbert is an architect and urbanist. Gilbert fuses technology with design to create unique and responsive solutions. From private villas to mixed-use communities, from boutique resorts to destination hotels, his macro-to-micro experience has led him to become a well-balanced designer with an eye for context, culture, and climate. With a focus on developing contemporary projects that push the boundaries of design and create sustainable and lasting solutions that are profoundly relevant to place and purpose. LEED Accredited, Gilbert is committed to a brighter future, advocating sustainable design strategies and cradle-to-cradle thinking for long term impacts on the built environment.

George Arvanitis is RMJM Dubai’s Director of Masterplanning and Urbanism. From the USA to Europe and several years in the Middle East, Arvanitis has spent over 25 years building his professional portfolio. His earliest large scale projects include Airport master planning and mixed-use masterplans such as the Reem Island developments in Abu Dhabi. Arvanitis has a focussed interest in delivering human-centred sustainable developments and environmentally responsible design approach.

Wells International is a preeminent global hospitality design consultancy crafting some of the world’s most unique, original and luxurious hospitality projects. Founded by CEO Justin Wells, the goal of Wells International is to be the most distinctive hospitality design company in the world. Wells International uses a unique ‘manifesto’ in the ideation process being Design Mirrors Theatre. Their design approach is to create deep research-led, inventive storytelling, which results in emotively charged, transformational experiences.
Wells believes the four pillars of Wells International’s design process, namely the creation of a Script, Scenography, and celebrations of Actors and Audience, are all deeply reflected in the hospitality industry, and therefore deeply shape the design philosophy of the company.
Wells founded Wells International in Dubai to strategically service the locations of projects across Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asian regions. Having previously tenured with some of the hospitality industry’s giants, Wells continues to design with his international team located across Europe, Middle East, and the Asia Pacific.

I am Manu Abraham, proud co-founder of Aujan Interiors; we are a high end interior fitout company based in Dubai. Aujan does projects all over UAE, all the 7 Emirates. Aujan is a team of 380+ people and we have done more than 800 projects in the last 10 years. I personally invest in several businesses and startups and I am really really passionate about making the spaces better using my team's fit-out expertise through Aujan.

Dr. Chadi Chamoun is a passionate, eccentric and bold Arab-American who believes in liberty, progress and liberal action. He has been a refugee, immigrant and citizen of the world and relates to problems and challenges faced by minorities and underprivileged communities around the world. Dr.Chamoun had worked in developing himself and has graduated with a PhD from the world renowned University College of London with a PhD degree in architectural design. Dr. Chamoun shares 20 years of senior leadership experience in educational administration and the broad field of design within both the professional and academic realms.
Chamoun is currently serving as the Director of Innovation and Strategic Development, where he plays a pivotal role in steering the organization toward a more innovative and competitive future. Working closely with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders to robustly drive innovation and create cutting-edge solutions, products, and processes. His responsibilities include business development, client management, research and analysis, new product/service development, project management, and fostering a culture of innovation. He also oversees risk management, intellectual property, and team leadership.
Formerly, as the Dean of the College of Design at the American University in the Emirates his role consisted of creatively inspiring both faculty and students to become leaders in the design industry. The college is regionally recognized as a creative power-house with 14 full time faculty and over 250 full-time students. During the course of just two academic years Dr. Chamoun has worked with his team at the American University in the Emirates and has produced over 35 notable events, exhibitions, and community engagements setting them apart from the local community. From delivering great fashion shows at industry standards to having faculty deliver creative workshops to K-12 school students. Faculty are empowered, inspired and engage both their academic and administrative tasks with gusto. Previously, Dr.Chamoun over the duration of eight years has served as both a faculty member and chairman at the American University in Dubai within the School of Architecture, Art and Design (SAAD)
Professionally, Chamoun has actively engaged in ‘Master Planning & Architectural Design', ’Asset Management’, 'Interior Design’, ‘Design Management’ & 'Contracting' across multiple project types worth Multi-Billion USD. Chamoun has served as the 'Director of Projects / Advisor to BOD' within Melia Hotels and ICONIC Developments in Dubai. Managing a world class team of advisors and consultants consisting of Skidmore Owings and Merrill (NYCOffice), WSP (Dubai Office), Melia Hotels International (Spain-Office), HVS (Dubai Office) and other key stakeholders. He has also served as the Principal Design Manager for Drake & Scull Contracting for several built projects in the UAE such as: 'The Royal Amwaj Hotel & Resort on the Palm Jumeirah', 'Mangrove Towers on Reem Island', 'Oceana Residence & Resort on the Palm Jumeirah'. In conjunction to the above he has both prepared and delivered Interior Design Turn-Key 'Design and Build' projects for the 'Reflections Hotel - Dubai', and several renovation projects for private suites in the 'Burj Khalifa Tower - Dubai' for prestigious clientele.

With 13 years of experience in the field, designing spaces for people is the driving force behind my passion as an Architect.
I believe in the power of design; in its ability to shape how we live, work and connect with one another. There's something incredibly fulfilling about creating environments that positively impact people's lives and experiences. Whether it's a home where families can make memories or a vibrant commercial space that fosters creativity and collaboration, I believe that architecture has the power to shape how we live, work, and connect with one another. Understanding the unique needs and aspirations of my clients is at the core of my approach.

Rasha Al Tekreeti's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a profound connection to her roots. Born in Iraq, she experienced the emotions of the Iraq War and the subsequent shifts from Iraq to Syria and then to the UAE. These experiences molded her into a strong individual with a deep longing to contribute positively to her homeland. Rasha's story is one of a transformation, fueled by her innate love for travel, exploration, and design.
From an early age, Rasha displayed a keen eye for detail and an unwavering fascination with the art of creating spaces. Her innate curiosity and nomadic spirit led her to pursue a career in interior design. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the American University in Dubai and later attained a master’s degree in the strategic design of Spaces from IE University in Madrid. This academic journey equipped her with a unique blend of architectural and strategic planning expertise, enabling her to envision spaces that are not only visually captivating but also strategically planned for optimum functionality.
Rasha's master's thesis showcased her visionary thinking. She proposed the repurposing of an abandoned amusement park into a reimagined tourism attraction, demonstrating her ability to infuse new life into forgotten spaces. This dedication to innovative design caught the attention of her peers and mentors, leading her to mentor students and participate as a jury member for senior theses at her alma mater.
Her approach to design centers around research, agile strategic thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of human psychology and brand identity. Rasha's commitment to reinventing design thinking has garnered her significant recognition in the industry. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications like Dezeen and Arch Daily. In 2018, Rasha earned the title of "Young Interior Designer of the Year" at the Commercial Interior Design Awards, lauding her leadership skills and modern aesthetic. Her accomplishments continued in 2022, as she secured a place in the 30 Creative Power List by Design Middle East.
Driven by her desire to give back to Iraq and reshape its perception, Rasha founded her own interior design Warû. The name "Warû" holds profound significance; it reflects her nomadic spirit and is a tribute to her tribe's history. Rasha meticulously searched for a name that encapsulated her identity and beliefs. As a firm believer of Iraq's heritage extends beyond its wartime reputation, she chose a name that resonates with the concept of nomadism. Through Waru, Rasha aims to create nomadic spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and discovery, while also reminding the world of Iraq's rich cultural heritage and contributions to civilization.
Since its inception, Warû has achieved remarkable milestones. Within a year, the company successfully delivered 9 diverse projects, not only in the UAE but also expanding to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Rasha's designs not only transform physical spaces but also inspire change in individuals' perceptions. She orchestrated a transformative hike that brought together industry professionals, breaking down barriers and encouraging holistic well-being.
Rasha Al Tekreeti's journey embodies the power of determination, creativity, and a deep connection to one's heritage. Her commitment to design, coupled with her nomadic soul, has led to the creation of Waru, a beacon of innovation and cultural preservation. Rasha's passion for reshaping perceptions and inspiring change positions her as a strong contender for Interior Designer of the Year. Her ability to blend psychology, history, and design into transformative spaces is a testament to her unique vision and impact on the industry. Rasha continues to design spaces that tell stories, inspire exploration, and evoke a sense of wonder.