In Profile:
Dalit Geffen

How would you describe your personal design style?

My design style is warm, modern, and material-driven, rooted in natural textures, soft palettes, and a strong dialogue with light. I create calm, timeless interiors that reveal their impact gradually, spaces with a quiet sense of surprise and a subtle je ne sais quoi.
While my work avoids overt statements, each project includes a carefully considered focal moment or unexpected detail that adds depth, emotion, and a lasting “wow” effect. I balance architectural clarity with softness, craftsmanship, and custom elements, resulting in spaces that feel refined, personal, and quietly memorable.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

My design inspiration comes from travel, art, and architecture, everyday life, as well as from nature — natural landscapes, light, and the tactile qualities of materials. I am influenced by the way light moves through a space over time, how textures age, and the emotional quality of places that feel lived-in rather than staged.

Equally important is what clients bring to the table: who they are, their personal histories, memories, and collections, which often become quiet anchors within the space. Through close dialogue and attention to context, I translate these influences into layered, intuitive interiors that feel personal, timeless, and grounded.

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

Design is moving toward a more thoughtful, human-centered, and enduring approach. As digital tools and AI become increasingly pervasive, there is a growing need for homes to act as anchors — places that reflect identity, memory, and authenticity in contrast to the speed and artificiality of the external world.

Rather than chasing visual trends or instant impact, contemporary design is shifting toward spaces that support well-being, emotional grounding, and a deeper connection to materials, craftsmanship, and lived experience. In this sense, the home becomes not a backdrop, but a meaningful extension of the people who inhabit it.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

My favourite project to work on was the one shortlisted for these awards, as it allowed for a particularly deep and thoughtful design process. The project offered a strong dialogue between light, materiality, and spatial flow, and required careful attention to how atmosphere could evolve throughout the home.

What made it especially meaningful was the close collaboration with the client, whose way of life, memories, and sensibility became an integral part of the design. I was also fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of professionals, whose shared commitment to craftsmanship and precision helped bring the vision to life. Together, restraint, material integrity, and subtle moments of surprise came together naturally, resulting in a space that feels both personal and enduring.

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

One of my most challenging projects was a 100 sqm apartment created by merging two 50 sqm units within the residential tower above Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv, a well-known modernist landmark designed in the 1970s by architect Mordechai Ben Horin. The tower’s distinctive zig-zag, rose-shaped plan results in a circular and highly irregular building envelope, where no walls are parallel and conventional planning logic does not apply.

Despite these constraints, the project demanded clarity, restraint, and precise spatial thinking. Through careful planning, I was able to introduce calming, continuous lines, clear circulation, and a strong sense of balance within a complex geometry, transforming challenging conditions into a cohesive, functional, and serene living environment. here is a link to the project on mz site https://www.dalitgeffen.com/the-alice-in-wonderland-project

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

When designing, I rely on a small, carefully curated group of lighting, furniture, and material suppliers whose quality and craftsmanship I trust. Thoughtful lighting design is essential to my process, as it shapes atmosphere and spatial rhythm, alongside custom carpentry and bespoke furniture that allow each project to be truly tailored.

I value manufacturers and artisans who work with natural materials, timeless forms, and precise detailing — partners who understand restraint, longevity, and the importance of how a space is experienced over time.

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

Over the next twelve months, my goal is to continue working on projects that align with the level and depth of work I strive for, projects shaped by thoughtful clients, meaningful collaboration, and budgets that allow for creative exploration.
Alongside this, I hope to further position my work within an international design dialogue, engaging with a broader audience while continuing to explore materials, craftsmanship, and new possibilities within the industry, always with a strong focus on quality, restraint, and longevity.