DBM have been shortlisted for Restaurant – Global and Restaurant – Middle East & Africas Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2023. Read more about the Founder/ Design Director Mahsa Gholizadeh, below:

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Company: DBM

Position within company: Founder/ Design Director

Website: wearedbm.com

How would you describe your personal design style?

I have a genuine passion for eclectic designs as they allow me to create captivating spaces where harmony emerges from combining elements that don’t typically match. Breaking the rules and embracing the unexpected in my designs brings about a dynamic and lively atmosphere that truly excites me.

Nonetheless, as a design professional, I understand the significance of tailoring my approach to meet the unique expectations and preferences of each client. While I personally adore eclectic aesthetics,  I am committed to ensuring that our design projects align perfectly with the client’s vision and the project brief.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, my design process begins after taking the client’s brief. For private clients, their character, background, and culture inspire my creativity. In f&b and hospitality  projects, the name, brand, and food’s origin serve as guiding sparks. Commercial spaces find inspiration in the location, brand, and company culture. My frequent travels to diverse countries expose me to various architectures, cultures, and nature, profoundly influencing my designs with fresh ideas and captivating elements.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I believe that designers are increasingly gravitating towards sustainable designs, prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions. Currently, biophilic design, which seamlessly incorporates nature into spaces, has become a significant trend. In the post-COVID era, the creation of flexible and multi-functional areas to accommodate changing lifestyles has gained immense popularity among designers. Integrating technology, including smart home systems and automation, has emerged as a key element in their work. Moreover, maximalism, characterized by bold colors and unique décor, has been notably growing in popularity. Additionally, there is a noteworthy emphasis on wellness-focused design that fosters both mental and physical well-being.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
In the realm of design, I firmly believe that boundaries do not exist; there are no limits to your creativity. It’s crucial not to confine yourself to the internet or Pinterest for inspiration. Instead, I encourage you to explore the world around you and draw inspiration from human interactions, the beauty of nature, and the wonders of creatures. Sometimes, a seemingly simple experience during your day can transform into a powerful and unique design element.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards?

I believe the International Hotel and Property Awards hold immense significance in acknowledging designers and their talent. It is a prominent platform for international recognition, extending far beyond the borders of their base country. I think the fair voting system allows for the discovery of real unknown talents, adding to its value as a showcase for designers. It offers an opportunity to present their skills to a global audience outside their usual networks, earning well-deserved appreciation and admiration for their exceptional work.

What projects are you currently working on?

At the moment, our team is busy with several captivating F&B projects. One of the ventures is a project inspired by the mesmerizing nature of Eastern Asian countries, particularly Vietnam. The infusion of lush greenery makes this project particularly thrilling for us, as we embrace the beauty of nature in our design.

In addition to that, we are delighted to share that we have recently been awarded our first project in Oman. This exciting endeavor will be a cabaret-style lounge, and we can’t wait to bring our creative vision to life in this vibrant setting. Alongside our F&B ventures, we are also working on various commercial projects.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Reef and Beef, a project shortlisted for the awards, holds a special place in my heart as one of my most favorite endeavors to date. The owner’s passionate vision for the project was truly inspiring, and having the opportunity to evolve an existing brand was exhilarating. The client’s unwavering trust allowed us to unleash our creativity, resulting in a space with distinct zones and diverse concepts, which was incredibly exciting. Designing and detailing bespoke elements, such as the challenging 7-meter-high wine cellars, was a rewarding experience as we witnessed them come to life. Most notably, the design’s uniqueness, unlike any other place in the UAE, makes it an absolute favorite among our creations.

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

Our most challenging project to date was Talabat’s headquarters. Converting a 100,000 sqf shopping mall into a commercial space and completing the full design package within just three months was no small feat. Our usual approach of providing fully detailed packages, including detailed drawings, full FF&E specifications, and the full BOQ, presented a significant challenge within such a tight timeframe.

The project demanded a delicate balance as we aimed to align the design with the client’s budget while fulfilling their ambitious vision for a design-oriented and tech-savvy space. Despite the limitations, we embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. The end result left us immensely proud, as we successfully delivered the project on time, adhering to the budget, and exceeding the client’s design expectations.

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

I believe that no products or services can paralyze our creativity during the design process. As designers, we have the ability to find alternative ways to craft exceptional design packages without limitations. Nevertheless, technology has significantly eased and accelerated our work, allowing us to deliver designs with greater efficiency.

Drawing software and 3D rendering tools have become invaluable assets, enabling us to effortlessly translate our vision into tangible concepts. The use of such amazing software has undoubtedly enhanced the entire design process, playing a critical role in our creative endeavors. Embracing technology empowers us to bring our imaginative ideas to life and continue pushing the boundaries of design innovation.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Our vision is to broaden our portfolio on a larger international scale, with a particular focus on mixed-use developments and hospitality projects. To achieve this, we are excited to announce the upcoming introduction of a new architecture division within our company. 

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

Your most treasured possession?

Without a doubt, my most treasured possession is the love of my family and the bond we share. No material wealth or tangible possessions can ever replace the priceless value of their presence in my life. Their love, support, and cherished moments are the true treasures that fill my heart with immeasurable joy and gratitude.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Selecting a favorite holiday destination proves challenging, given my love for experiencing diverse cultures, nature, traditions, and architecture. Yet, I must admit that Sintra, Portugal, holds a special place in my heart. The breathtaking scenery, coupled with the warmth of its friendly culture, has crafted an enchanting travel destination that I hold dear as one of my most favourite experiences.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

My ultimate favorite restaurant and bar is Roco in Lisbon. Its eclectic maximalist design truly captivates me, seamlessly blending various elements into a harmonious whole. The customer service complements the interior design, creating a consistently delightful experience.

Hotel Amour in Nice holds a special place in my heart. The design effortlessly reflects the essence of the brand and its connection to nature. The seamless integration of the hotel’s identity and its surroundings makes it a truly exceptional and immersive experience.

Your favourite book, film & song?  

My favourite  book is “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It holds a special place in my heart because of its transformative power, guiding people to become the best version of themselves each day and inspiring positive change in their lives.

Your favourite food and drink?

There’s nothing quite as delectable as the home-cooked food made by my mother, especially when it comes to traditional Iranian dishes.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
My most cherished afternoon activity is returning home from work and sharing a cup of coffee or tea with my partner. We sit together, discussing our experiences and adventures from the day, creating a meaningful connection that enriches our bond. Additionally, grabbing the paintbrush and adding some touches on the canvas is also very delightful. The creative escape allows me to express myself freely, infusing the canvas with my emotions and thoughts, igniting the artist within.


If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I didn’t pursue a career as a designer, my heart would lead me to become a passionate traveller, exploring the world and embracing diverse cultures. Roaming across the globe, immersing myself in the beauty of nature, and connecting with people from various backgrounds would be my ultimate calling.

DBM

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