Aysha Nassar Interiors have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – Middle East & Africas Award, Luxury Residence – Global Award, Living Space – Global Award, Living Space – Middle East & Africas, Residential Project Value £1m – £2.5m Award and Residential Market Value £1m -£5m Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Founder, Aysha Nassar, below:

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Name: Aysha Nassar 

Company: Aysha Nassar Interiors

Position within company: Founder

Website: Aysha Nassar Interiors

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc):
Throughout my life, I have consistently nurtured a deep love for arts and design. Having obtained a degree in Interior Design from the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Following the completion of my studies, I dedicated over two years of my career to working at a renowned architecture firm based in Dubai. Subsequently, I embarked on a personal venture known as Aysha Nassar Interiors, was a passion project designing for friends and family members for a period of three years. I opened my first design studio in 2021 and have since expanded my team to cater to a broader clientele.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I don’t adhere to a specific personal style. Instead, my primary objective is to authentically capture and reflect the unique style and preferences of each client I work with. I firmly believe that the essence of exceptional design lies in creating spaces that resonate with the individuals who will inhabit them.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
The source of my design inspiration comes from art, jewellery, and my travels. When I encounter pieces that encapsulate me, I study them deeply to figure out what makes them so captivating and extract the elements that resonate with me the most. For example, I love looking at Valentino runway shows, because I find their colour combinations so striking and playful. I also love getting inspired by the intricate patterns found in Hermes scarves. I enjoy the creative process of taking these patterns and incorporating them into the interior architecture of projects. By reimagining these patterns, I infuse spaces with a touch of whimsy and a nod to the world of high fashion. This approach, which I refer to as “pared-back luxury,” allows me to create designs that strike a balance between sophistication and simplicity.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
In the world of luxury design, there has been a noticeable shift in the appreciation for comfort and functionality over excessive decoration, particularly within our region. As time progresses, people are recognizing the importance of creating spaces that not only exude opulence and elegance but also serve a practical purpose and provide a comfortable living experience. Clients now seek designs that enhance their quality of life, ensuring that every element within a space serves a purpose and contributes to a seamless and convenient living environment.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

• Identify the key element of a project. This allows us to create concepts in interiors that are one-of-a-kind and tailored to each and every project.
• “Anti-décor”. While I do appreciate the art of styling projects, I find that stripping down excessive decorations allows the design itself to take centre stage. Rather than relying on embellishments, I strive to create designs that speak for themselves, where the entirety of the project becomes the statement piece.
• A timeless sense of design style. I consciously avoid being swayed by fleeting trends, as they tend to come and go. Instead, I focus on crafting designs that possess a timeless quality, ones that will withstand the test of time and be appreciated for generations to come.
• Quality is of utmost importance to me. I approach each project with the intention of creating a work of art that will endure. By prioritizing quality in every aspect of the design process, I ensure that the end result is a refined and lasting masterpiece.
• Simplicity, elegance, and comfort are core principles that guide my design philosophy. I believe that the beauty of a space lies in its ability to evoke a sense of tranquillity and refinement while providing utmost comfort to its inhabitants.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
I would say the one piece of advice I would give when approaching design schemes is to always prioritize understanding the key elements of the project. Study the project and the client brief and let it guide you to the direction of the project.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards? In my opinion, the Interior Design and Architecture Awards hold significant importance as they provide a valuable platform for designers worldwide to showcase their vision and passion for their craft. The IDA Awards, offer a unique opportunity for our works to be celebrated and acknowledged by a community of like-minded individuals.

What projects are you currently working on?
Currently, we are working on a range of residential projects located in Dubai. Among these, two of our most thrilling endeavours are Casa Amal and the Pearl Villa, both situated in Jumeirah. With these projects, we have deliberately stepped out of our comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and pushing the boundaries of our creativity. The anticipation for the final outcomes of these ventures is truly exhilarating.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
At the moment, the Casa Amal project holds a special place as my favourite endeavour. What makes this project particularly captivating is the collaborative effort we have fostered, involving a diverse array of specialists and skilled artisans who possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of interior design. This project serves as a testament to the phrase “it takes a village” reminding us that it is through the collective contributions of talented individuals that a design truly becomes something extraordinary.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

One of the most demanding projects we encountered was a private beach apartment we undertook over a year ago. Throughout the process, we faced a multitude of obstacles, including building rules and regulations, budget limitations, and an incredibly tight timeline. Despite these constraints, this project proved to be a valuable learning experience that fostered our growth and development as designers.

Each project has their fair share of challenges but we believe that learning to navigate through these obstacles has allowed us to hone our skills and acquire new knowledge that help us out in the long run.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

I always go back to books when designing. At the start of every project, I always find myself reaching for a good design book to acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding of how other esteemed designers have implemented their concepts into their works. Through this, I can refine my vision and refine the direction of the project.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Looking ahead, my focus for the upcoming twelve months is to cultivate a distinctive and recognizable signature touch in our work. I aspire to develop a style that is uniquely our own. This goal drives my team and I to push boundaries, experiment, and explore designs and techniques.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Whenever I find myself out inspiration, I have discovered a tried-and-true method to reignite my creativity and spark new ideas. It involves venturing into shops that capture my eye where I just look at and study their interiors.

Your most treasured possession?

My most cherished and valuable possession is my son, Nasser. As a parent, I strive to provide him with the love, support, and guidance he needs to flourish and thrive. Watching him grow, learn, and discover the world around him is a constant source of wonder and pride.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Japan holds a special place in my heart. I am constantly captivated by the country’s seamless blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

I think it’s a tie between the Bulgari Hotel in Paris or the JK Place in Roma. I loved everything about these hotels, and I found myself taking pictures of almost every corner for inspiration.

Your favourite book, film & song?  

Among my collection of books, I have one favourite book and it’s one that we often joke about at the office. We call it “the designer’s bible” and it’s “Simply Serene” by Thomas Pheasant. My uncle was the one who recommended this book to me back when I was working for him. He used to make every new comer in his company read it and I had adapted this into my own firm.

If I were to choose a favourite film, it would undoubtedly be “The Devil Wears Prada.” I feel it’s so iconic by effortlessly combining fashion, drama, and humour, all wrapped up in one. 

Your favourite food and drink?
When it comes to my favourite food, I find myself torn between two choices: sushi and pasta. They never fail to satisfy my tastebuds.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

My favourite afternoon past time would be coming home to spending quality time with my small family. 

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If my career path hadn’t led me to become an interior designer, I most likely would have pursued a culinary career and become a chef.

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