In Profile:
SAY Studio

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from everywhere: travel, culture, art, nature, and often, conversation. I find that the most profound ideas stem from understanding people and their needs. At SAY Studio, our clients are a constant source of inspiration. Their ambitions, values, and even their challenges often spark creative breakthroughs. On a personal level, my children are a constant reminder of why I do what I do. I always aspire to set an example for them.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I like to think we’re seeing a shift toward design that is both purposeful and personal, where well-being is more of a consideration than ever before. Clients are increasingly asking for spaces that are not just functional or beautiful, but also meaningful. There’s a growing emphasis on emotional wellbeing, sustainability, and adaptability. We are seeing AI and digital integration starting to shape new design territories, but at the core, it’s still about creating spaces that improve human experiences.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future. :
Sustainability: Not as a trend, but as a standard. Minimizing waste and educating our clients for the long-term.
Neurodiversity & Inclusion: Creating environments that support everyone.
Emotional Impact: Designing for how people feel, not just how it looks.
Digital Integration: Seamless tech that enhances rather than distracts.
Purposeful Adaptability: Spaces that evolve with changing needs.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Design with empathy. Really listen to people: how they live, work, and move through a space. When you design from a place of understanding, the outcome is always more impactful.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
They’re incredibly valuable, especially for homegrown studios like ours. Being recognized on a global stage is a huge honor. They offer a platform to celebrate the work we’re proud of. But what I think really sets these awards apart is the voting process. Being judged by both a panel of industry experts and an international audience makes the recognition even more rewarding. It reinforces the integrity and credibility of the awards.

What projects are you currently working on?
We’ve recently delivered workspace’s for the likes of Crédit Agricole and DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), as well as a selection of private corporate clients who are leaders in their respective fields, whether its consulting or financial intelligence. While we may be most well known for our commercial interiors, we’re continuing to expand our hospitality portfolio, which is always an exciting and rewarding sector to design in. A project that comes to mind is the Grand Mercure Hotel.

Your most treasured possession?
Anything my daughter has handmade for me. I have a little picture on my bedside table of a drawing she recently did of our family.

Your favourite holiday destination?
I went to Copenhagen a few years ago and absolutely loved it. It was beautiful, peaceful, everyone was friendly and kind. I can see myself going there multiple times over the years.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
I’m a fan of boutique hotels and spend a lot of time trying to find unique places to stay when I travel. I stayed years ago at the Hotel Amadeus in Seville, Spain. It was previously a family owned villa that had been converted and catered mainly to musicians, so each room had a different musical instrument in it and the hotel breakfast was on the roof overlooking the city!

For restaurant/bar, I love The Maine in Dubai’s Studio City – it feels very much like our local. We never look at the menu – fish tacos and a side of brussel sprouts (they’re amazing!).

Your favourite book, film & song?
Books are an escape to me so I enjoy all types of fiction. My favorite film would probably be Life is Beautiful. I watched it the first time in a Cinematography class in university and fell in love with it. It is so unbelievably heartbreaking and just so beautiful. My favorite song probably is Wind of Change by the Scorpions or Imagine by John Lennon – both songs I think really capture the power of hope and are really anthems for peace.

Your favourite food and drink?
I love any kind of pasta, honestly any type of Italian food probably. Right now, I love Spanish lattes.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Just being with my kids. I’ve got a 4 year old daughter and 1 year old boy/girl twins. They’re a handful for sure – I think any twin mom would agree, but nothing makes me happier than spending time with them.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
If you asked 10 year old me, I would have told you I dreamed of being an artist, a teacher, and curing cancer all at the same time. Today, I can’t imagine doing anything else outside of design – it would have to be in a creative field for sure. I recently wrote and illustrated a children’s book with my daughter for fun.

Anything else interesting?
We are busy behind the scenes preparing to launch a very special podcast we’re super proud of! Without revealing too much, we’re speaking to different experts both inside and outside of the design industry, with the mission of sharing ideas and insights that will help us all create better spaces and live healthier lives. We’re expecting to launch this summer, so please keep an eye on our socials if you think it’s something that’ll interest you: @saystudio_dxb

I’d also like to encourage readers to learn more about ‘Surge for Water,’ a charity I’ve been involved in for over 10 years now. In 2013, I conceptualized the “Design Dine make a Difference gala” which invites the industry to design for a good cause. Together, we have improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in 3rd world countries by providing them access to safe drinking water. If you would like to learn more, you can reach out to me or the team any time.