A space is as good as its interiors surrounding it. Furniture placement, lighting, fragrance, they sound trivial, but they have the power to subtly shift moods, relax environments, or motivate individuals the moment they enter. And beyond these concepts of design are the artists behind them, who allow their aesthetics to inherit and transform spaces and the people within them, be it work, home, or cultural landmarks. And going further in this artistic movement are female interior designers, who shape with heritage, innovation, and a driven eye.
This region offers a particularly rich landscape to design within. Shaped by tradition, modern living and a strong sense of cultural identity, it calls for a thoughtful eye and a clear point of view. These regional designers bring exactly that, making them names well worth knowing if a renovation is ever on your radar
Agata Kurzela | Agata Kurzela Studio
Polish-born and Dubai-based, Agata Kurzela infuses her architectural and urban design principles into her work. Working across a range of projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, her work spans the Abu Dhabi Government Offices, Zayed National Museum, the Formula 1 Lounge at Yas Marina Circuit, and more.
HRH Princess Alanoud Al Saud | A INTERIORS
Initially beginning as a design freelancer, HRH Princess Alanoud Al Saud desired to do more with her eye for detail and talent for developing spaces that balanced form and function. And so, A INTERIORS was born, helping to reimage contemporary Saudi spaces, keeping its heritage at the centre. The studio works with contrasts, juxtapositions, and materials that create tension but complement one another to create a cohesive design.
Hala Saleh | TDF+
The brains behind TDF+, Cairo-based designer Hala Saleh, was one of the early adopters of green buildings and further worked on implementing sustainable practices in her work. Now, her design and architectural firm, TDF+, aims to breathe life into every space it works with, utilising colour theory, natural materials, and geometric designs.
Nada Debs | STUDIO NADA DEBS
Based across Beirut, Dubai, and Osaka, Lebanese designer Nada Debs has spent her career preserving traditional Middle Eastern craft by reimaging it through modern application. Collaborating with the likes of Dior and Louis Vuitton, Nada Debs’ work is at a middle point of tradition and modern luxury, making her design feel culturally and globally relevant.
Sandra Fadayel | INHABITAT
Jordanian-Palestinian artist and designer Sandra Fadayel keeps art at the forefront of everything she does. So it’s no surprise that her home interior design studio comes with the same principles. But instead of introducing new art to the picture, the studio works to reimage art that already exists in the room. Looking at sentimentality and the identity of those living in each space, Fadayel works towards curation that feels homely and lived in.
Sahar Al Yaseer & Cristina Gallenca | La Bottega Interiors
The duo behind the interior design studio, La Bottega Interiors, their portfoilo ranges across hospitality, retail, and residential. Instead of sticking to a strict design philosophy, the duo prefer to collaborate with each client, aiming to breathe life into each space alongside a brand or personal identity.
Salwa Samargandi | Sal Architects
A Saudi national and architect, Salwa Samargandi, was first noticed for her approach to holistic heritage preservation. Rooted firmly in the pride of her Saudi heritage, she worked to restore the Ammar Bin Yasser mosque in the AlUla district.
Richa Pahuja & Payal Kumari Lalla | The Design Lab
Based in Dubai, the duo run an interior design studio based on minimalist principles. Neither of them considered a career in design, but their journeys led to the field one way or another. Now, as collaborators, they design residential and commercial complexes.
