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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28 episodes
weekly
Avg 48 min
English

Episodes 28

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S4 · E7
Sunday · 1 hr 1 min
Meet Dr. Ahmed Al Mulla: Designing Cities for People
Emirati urban planner, architect and cofounder of Arkat Urban Planning + Design Consultancy, Dr. Ahmed Al Mulla has spent over 17 years shaping cities through planning, policy, governance and design. In this episode, we explore what makes a city truly liveable, from climate responsive urban planning and the importance of shade to mobility, public spaces and the balance between data and human experience. We also discuss the responsibility of shaping the cities we call home, and how thoughtful urban planning can create more resilient, connected and human environments. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra. https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe
S4 · E6
October 18 · 45 min
Meet Viktor Udzenija: The Art of Making Things That Last
Architect and designer Viktor Udzenija works across architecture, interiors, furniture and collectible design, with a practice spanning Dubai and Prague. In this episode, we explore his relationship with materials and making, from the sculptural possibilities of marble to the dialogue between craftsmanship, technology and contemporary art. We also discuss proportion, permanence, the beauty of imperfection and what it means to create architecture and objects that deserve to stand the test of time. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra.
S4 · E5
October 11 · 47 min
Meet Hana Akram: Where Art Meets Interior Design
Artist, interior designer and founder of Dubai based studio IDST, Hana Akram brings together art, colour, pattern and texture to create interiors with a distinct personality. In this episode, we explore her journey from artist to entrepreneur, the experience of building IDST while navigating motherhood, and how her multicultural background influences her creative language. We also discuss the return of expressive interiors, the importance of individuality in design and why, after years of beige minimalism, spaces are finally embracing colour again. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra. https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe
S4 · E4
October 4 · 1 hr 2 min
Meet Nader Gammas: The Poetry and Physics of Light
Architect, lighting designer and founder of Nader Gammas Lighting Design, Nader works across architectural lighting and collectible design, exploring light as both experience and object. In this episode, we go beyond the fixture to talk about light itself. Why some spaces instinctively make us feel good, why darkness matters, how to light art and architecture, and whether the best lighting design is the lighting you don't notice at all. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra. https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe
S4 · E3
September 27 · 52 min
Meet Riccardo Robustini: Where Architecture Meets Reality
Founder of Breath Design, Riccardo works across architecture, interiors, landscape, urban planning and collectible design between Dubai and Milan. In this episode, we question some of architecture's favourite words and explore what sits behind them: the philosophy and the detail, the human experience and the technical precision, the story and how you actually build it. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra.
S4 · E2
September 20 · 1 hr
Meet Chef Hadrien Villedieu: When Food and Design Become an Experience
Chef and co owner of Chez Wam in Dubai, Hadrien approaches a restaurant as much more than what happens on the plate. In this episode, we explore cooking as an art form, restaurants as storytelling, and how food, interiors, objects, music, service and community come together to create something we remember. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra. https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe
S4 · E1
September 13 · 49 min
Meet Urjowan Alsharif: Culture, Identity and Contemporary Design
The Design Pod is back for Season 4. For our first episode, we sit down with Urjowan Alsharif, a Saudi interior architect whose work reflects a thoughtful dialogue between culture, identity and contemporary design. Urjowan shares her perspective on creating interiors rooted in identity and a sense of place, the influence of Saudi culture on her approach and what it means to design spaces that feel relevant to contemporary life. Season 4 starts here. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share your thoughts. We'd love to hear what resonates with you. Season 4 of The Design Pod, in collaboration with Tanagra. https://bit.ly/4yuUFoe
September 8 · 40 sec
Welcome to The Design Pod Season 4
Season 4 has entered the chat. New guests, new conversations and plenty to talk about. This season, we’re sitting down with designers, architects and creative minds to talk ideas, careers, challenges, unexpected turns and everything that happens behind the scenes. First episode drops this Sunday. Season 4, with Tanagra.
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

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