ArtsDesign

The Design Pod

Welcome to the Design Pod, where we, your hosts, Valeria and Chad, explore the realm of interior design with passion and expertise. As interior designers dedicated to celebrating beauty in every form, we're excited to offer you an exclusive glimpse into the world of top industry talents. This season, we'll be engaging with visionaries and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and brands, providing inside views into the creative process that shapes our environments. Join us as we uncover the new answers of design from construction to creating spaces that just feel right. Welcome!

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S3 · E9
August 9 · 48 min
Meet Kevin Alderweireldt and Jon S. Maloy: The Minds Behind BUREAU BÉATRICE
For the Season 3 finale, we're thrilled to welcome Jon S. Maloy, Co CEO and Chief Creative Officer, and Kevin Alderweireldt, CEO of BUREAU BÉATRICE. Together, they have built one of the world's most exciting experiential design studios, creating immersive environments that blend design, technology, storytelling, and culture for some of the world's leading luxury brands. Join us as we discuss experiential design, creative technology, brand storytelling, and what it takes to create experiences that connect with people on an emotional level. Thank you for joining us throughout Season 3. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you in the next season.
S3 · E8
August 2 · 1 hr 1 min
Meet Jonathan Ashmore: Rethinking Luxury Through Architecture
We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan Ashmore, Founding Principal of ANARCHITECT. Known for creating architecture that is both refined and deeply connected to its context, Jonathan shares his journey, the evolution of his practice, and the principles behind projects that have redefined contemporary architecture across the region. Join us as we discuss contextual design, adaptive reuse, craftsmanship, the future of luxury, and the power of architecture to create lasting connections between people and place. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E7
July 26 · 43 min
Meet Gurgen Yeritsyan: Reimagining Floristry Through Art and Design
We're thrilled to welcome Gurgen Yeritsyan, founder of UrArtU Gallery. From his beginnings in his grandmother's flower shop in Armenia to building one of Dubai's most recognised creative brands, Gurgen shares how flowers became a medium for storytelling, artistic expression, and community. Join us as we discuss creativity, cultural spaces, taking risks, and building meaningful experiences through design.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E6
July 20 · 46 min
Meet Mette Degn-Christensen: Shaping the Future of Design in the Middle East.
We're thrilled to welcome Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design. As one of the key figures behind the region's leading contemporary design fair, Mette shares her journey, the evolution of Dubai's creative landscape, and the role platforms like Downtown Design play in supporting designers and building a lasting design culture. Join us as we discuss creative leadership, community building, the future of design in the Middle East, and how the industry continues to evolve in times of global change. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E5
July 12 · 49 min
Meet Johann Matthyssen: Designing Landscapes That Shape the Way We Experience Places.
We're thrilled to welcome Johann Matthyssen, a landscape architect whose work spans hospitality, residential, and cultural projects. Johann shares why landscape is far more than an aesthetic element, exploring how nature, context, and thoughtful planning create places that leave a lasting impression. Join us as we discuss sustainability, hospitality, outdoor experiences, and why landscape should be considered from the very beginning of every project. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E4
July 5 · 1 hr 2 min
Meet Diane Thorsen: Designing Hospitality Through Human Experience
We're thrilled to welcome Diane Thorsen, Design Director and Principal at Gensler Middle East. A global leader in hospitality design, Diane shares her journey, her human centered approach to creating meaningful spaces, and the experiences that have shaped an award winning career spanning more than 30 years. Join us as we discuss hospitality, leadership, mentorship, local identity, and why great design always begins with people. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E3
June 28 · 53 min
Meet Mariana Wehbe: Reviving Beirut Through Design and Culture
We're thrilled to welcome Mariana Wehbe, founder of We Design Beirut. Known for championing creativity and cultural preservation, Mariana shares her journey from the world of communications to leading one of Beirut's most ambitious design initiatives. Join us as we discuss resilience, creative leadership, preserving craft, and the power of design to bring people together and inspire hope for the future. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E2
June 21 · 46 min
Meet Joey Ghazal: Building Hospitality Brands People Return To
We're thrilled to welcome Joey Ghazal, founder of The MAINE, Canary Club, and Fighter Brands. Known for creating some of the region's most celebrated hospitality concepts, Joey shares his journey from launching independent ventures to building brands defined by authenticity, character, and lasting appeal. Join us as we discuss taste, instinct, creating memorable experiences, and why simplicity remains one of the greatest challenges in design and hospitality. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E1
June 14 · 47 min
Meet Werner Bronkhorst: Building Miniature Worlds Through Art and Storytelling
We're thrilled to welcome Werner Bronkhorst as our first guest of Season 3. From building a global audience through authentic storytelling to developing a distinctive artistic practice inspired by curiosity, wonder, and human connection, Werner shares the experiences that continue to shape his work today. Join us as we discuss creativity, reinvention, and the importance of seeing the world through fresh eyes. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you.
S3 · E1
June 8 · 54 sec
Welcome to Season 3 of The Design Pod.
A new season of conversations with designers, architects, and creative minds exploring the ideas, processes, challenges, and stories behind meaningful work. The first episode premieres this Sunday. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to be the first to listen. We look forward to having you with us for another season.
S2 · E13
Nov 30, 2025 · 41 min
Meet Tristan du Plessis: Redefining Modern Luxury Through Storytelling and Design
Welcome to the season finale of The Design Pod. In Episode 13, we sit down with Tristan du Plessis, one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary hospitality and interior architecture. Known for his bold, atmospheric storytelling and signature aesthetic — moody, tactile, and effortlessly cool — Tristan’s work has shaped some of the world’s most celebrated venues across Dubai, Miami, Shanghai, and Cape Town. From acclaimed collaborations with visionary chefs and hoteliers to his globally recognized studio, Tristan shares his creative philosophy, the evolution of hospitality design, and what it truly takes to craft spaces that leave a lasting emotional imprint. In this conversation, we explore the intelligence behind his design narratives — spaces with a concept, a pulse, and a point of view. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Tristan here: @TristanDuPlessis_studio
S2 · E12
Nov 23, 2025 · 52 min
Meet Studio D04: Designing the Future of Emirati Identity
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 12, we’re joined by Noora Al Awar (Creative Director), Fatima Al Zaabi (Managing Director), and Afnan Amin (Operations Director) — the founders of Studio D04, one of the UAE’s most exciting contemporary design studios. D04 stands as a quiet yet powerful voice in the regional design landscape. Founded by three visionary architects, the studio’s work is a dialogue between tradition and technology, craft and code, intuition and precision — all anchored in the question: How can design honor our past while shaping a future that feels authentically ours? In this episode, we explore the studio’s creative philosophy, its approach to cultural storytelling through design, and the movement redefining what it means to create from the UAE to the world. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Studio D04 here: @Studio.D04
S2 · E11
Nov 16, 2025 · 50 min
Meet Jin Peh: The Art and Science of Feng Shui for Modern Living
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 11, we sit down with Jin Peh, an author, consultant, and leading expert in Chinese metaphysics and Feng Shui. Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in Singapore, Jin’s unconventional journey has taken him from medical training in Australia to broadcast journalism — and ultimately, to becoming one of the most respected voices in Feng Shui worldwide. Having apprenticed for over a decade under masters in Taiwan and San Francisco, Jin has written more than a dozen books, including a global bestseller on Four Pillars of Destiny. His work bridges the worlds of ancient philosophy and modern design, helping clients create spaces that support wellbeing, balance, and prosperity. In this episode, we explore Jin’s path, the true meaning of Feng Shui, and some fascinating stories from his practice around the world. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Jin here: @JinPehmk2
S2 · E10
Nov 9, 2025 · 41 min
Meet Nadine Kanso: Redefining Arab Identity Through Art, Language, and Design
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 10, we sit down with Nadine Kanso, the visionary artist, designer, and founder of Bil Arabi — a brand that has become a symbol of contemporary Arab identity. Through her jewellery, photography, and creative collaborations with global names like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Nadine tells stories rooted in heritage, emotion, and authenticity. From her early exhibitions at the V&A Museum in London to her ongoing influence on the global design stage, Nadine’s work transcends aesthetics — it’s a statement of pride, purpose, and belonging. Join us as we explore the world of Bil Arabi, the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, and how Nadine continues to define modern Middle Eastern creativity through art that speaks from the heart. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Nadine here: @NadKanso @BilArabi
S2 · E9
Nov 2, 2025 · 57 min
Meet Mark Eacott: Designing the Future of Lifestyle Hospitality
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 9, we sit down with Mark Eacott, Global Vice President of Design at Ennismore — the group behind some of the world’s most beloved lifestyle brands, including The Hoxton, SLS, Mondrian, 25hours, and the relaunch of Delano.With a career spanning over two decades, Mark’s journey has taken him from Soho House to Philippe Starck’s YOO, and across cities like London, New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Dubai. At Ennismore, he leads a global design team dedicated to building brands that are authentic, experience-led, and culturally rooted.In this episode, we explore what makes a brand truly iconic, how design evolves in a post-luxury world, and why storytelling remains the foundation of great hospitality. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB  Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka  Follow Chad: @ChadAskari  Find Ennismore here: @ennismore
S2 · E8
Oct 26, 2025 · 1 hr
Meet Rizwan Kassim: Designing Culinary Experiences That Go Beyond the Plate
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 8, we sit down with Rizwan Kassim, CEO Rikas and Paris Society International, the creative force behind some of the Middle East’s most exceptional dining destinations. From La Cantine du Faubourg to Mimi Kakushi, Ninive, and Lana Lusa, RIKAS has become synonymous with immersive, design-led hospitality. Since 2014, the group has opened 17 restaurant and beach club concepts, each rooted in storytelling, cultural nuance, and creative direction. With multiple venues now recognized by the Michelin Guide, and expansion underway across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Europe, and Morocco, Rizwan shares how emotion, atmosphere, and authenticity shape experiences that linger long after the last bite. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find RIKAS Hospitality Group here: @rikasgroup
S2 · E7
Oct 19, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Meet Oscar & Gilda Badibanga: Redefining Fashion Through Identity and Storytelling
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 7, we sit down with Oscar Badibanga and Gilda Gilantash Badibanga, the founders of Badibanga — a brand where fashion transcends style to become a form of expression. Rooted in cultural depth and shaped by their global journey from Congo to Belgium to the UAE, their work celebrates individuality and the beauty of imperfection. In this episode, we explore the evolution of their brand, the intersection of art and strategy, and how fashion can tell stories that go far beyond fabric. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Badibanga here: @BadibangaOfficial
S2 · E6
Oct 12, 2025 · 53 min
Meet Himank Goswami: Designing the Future of Hospitality with Purpose and Vision
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 6, we sit down with Himank Goswami, an accomplished hospitality design leader and Senior Director of Design and Capital Planning for the SWA-MEA region. Speaking in a personal capacity, Himank shares his perspective on design’s evolving role in the hospitality world — where creativity meets strategy, and spaces go beyond aesthetics to deliver emotion and value. In this episode, we explore his journey, his design philosophies, and what the future holds for an industry built on experience and connection. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Follow Himank: @Goswami_himank
S2 · E5
Oct 5, 2025 · 39 min
Meet Ali Mohammadioun: Architecture, Art, and the Power of Cultural Memory
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 5, we sit down with Ali Mohammadioun, architect, creative director, and founder of E Plus A Atelier. Born in Iran and raised in an artistic household, Ali’s work embodies a sensibility that honors materiality, heritage, and atmosphere. His projects — from intimate residences to cultural landmarks — tell stories through layers of art, texture, and nature. In this episode, we explore Ali’s influences, philosophies, and his belief that art and architecture must evolve together, shaping how we live, move, and feel in a space. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Ali here: @EPlusAAtelier
S2 · E4
Sep 28, 2025 · 47 min
Meet Omar Nakkash: Designing Human-Centered Spaces with Story, Culture, and Bold Aesthetics.
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 4, we sit down with Omar Nakkash, founder and design director of the award-winning NAKKASH Design Studio – a multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice based in Dubai. From his roots in Sharjah to Parsons in New York and design studios in Milan, Omar’s journey has been shaped by creativity, cultural identity, and a passion for human-centered design. Known for blending functionality with bold aesthetics, Omar’s approach is enriched by storytelling and his love for art, music, and objects with emotional meaning. In this episode, we explore how he builds a design philosophy that balances global inspiration with local roots, and what it truly means to create spaces that feel human. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find NAKKASH Design Studio here: @nakkashdesignstudio

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