The Design Pod

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Tristan here: @TristanDuPlessis_studio

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Studio D04 here: @Studio.D04

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Jin here: @JinPehmk2

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Nadine here: @NadKanso @BilArabi

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

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind RIKAS Hospitality Group here: @rikasgroup

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

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: @ChadAskariFollow Himank: @Goswami_himank

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: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Ali here: @EPlusAAtelier

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

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 3, we sit down with Sultan Al Darmaki, founder of 1833/١٨٣٣ – a private members’ club redefining the way creative and business communities connect. As an Emirati entrepreneur and visionary, Sultan has dedicated his career to elevating networks through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. In this episode, we dive into the story of 1833/١٨٣٣, its unique identity, and how it’s dismantling barriers between creativity and commerce. Sultan also reflects on his journey as a founder and why curated communities hold the power to spark transformation. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find 1833/١٨٣٣ here: @1833club

Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 2, we sit down with Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties – Ras Al Khaimah’s leading real estate developer. With more than 30 years of international experience, Sameh shares how real estate is not just about buildings, but about creating sustainable destinations where communities and environments thrive. In this episode, we dive into the story of Mina Al Arab, RAK Properties’ flagship waterfront community, home to brands like Anantara, InterContinental, and Nikki Beach. Sameh also reveals how the company is contributing to RAK Vision 2030, guided by the belief that people make the place. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find RAK Properties here: @rakproperties

The wait is over!! The Design Pod is back! Welcome to Season 2. In Episode 1, we sit down with Esra Lemmens, founder of Esra Lemmens Agency. Known for her intuitive approach Esra shares how design is more than form. For her, it’s the choreography of ideas: how they enter the world, and what they come to mean within it. In this season premiere, we explore Esra’s unique design philosophy, how intuition fuels her creativity, and the ways she continues to shape the design industry with meaning and transformation. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Esra here: @EsraLemmensAgency

In Episode 13, the season finale of The Design Pod, we welcome Kameh, a mysterious creative mind who remains completely anonymous—covered in black with a disguised voice.In this exclusive conversation, Kameh takes us inside his world, where art, design, and secrecy intersect. He shares his unique approach to creativity and why anonymity plays a crucial role in his work.This is not just another episode—it’s an experience that challenges the way we think about identity and artistic expression.Resources:Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠Discover Kameh: @kameh.space

In this episode 12, Meshary Al Nassar Creative Director & Founder and Mishari Awadhi Managing Director & Associate Architect of Studio Meshary Al Nassar share their journey of designing spaces that transcend functionality to become deeply meaningful and timeless. They discuss how their unique approach merges architecture, interior design, and product innovation to create environments that resonate with purpose and elegance.Listen as they explore the art of storytelling through design, their inspirations, and how culture plays a pivotal role in shaping their vision. This is an inspiring conversation that will leave you rethinking the possibilities of design.Resources:Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠Find Meshary here: ⁠@StudioMesharyAlNassar⁠

In this Episode 11 ofThe Design Pod, we’re joined by Giorgio Secchi, CEO of Tecno Spa. Giorgio shares Tecno’s unique approach to creating solutions that redefine the way we work and interact with our environments.For Giorgio, success lies in more than just sleek aesthetics—it’s about blending design and technology to meet real-world needs while staying true to Tecno’s rich legacy of innovation.Resources:Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠Find Tecno Spa here: ⁠@tecnospa⁠

In Episode 10 of The Design Pod, we welcome Stefania Digregorio and Mirko Sala Tenna, the creative duo behind Etereo Design. Stefania and Mirko discuss their holistic approach to luxury design, focusing on creating spaces that not only captivate visually but also enhance the lifestyle of their clients. From architecture to collectible design, their work embodies a blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern innovation. Resources: Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠ Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠ Follow Stefania: ⁠@ste_digre⁠ Follow Mirko: ⁠@mirkosalatenna⁠ Discover Etereo Design: ⁠@etereo_designstudio⁠

In Episode 9 of The Design Pod, we’re joined by Rue Kothari, the visionary behind DESIGNEAST—a platform dedicated to supporting and promoting artists and designers from the Global South. Rue shares her passion for creating opportunities for emerging talent, celebrating cultural diversity, and bridging global design narratives. Learn about her journey, her creative philosophy, and her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in the design world. 🎧 Resources: Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠ Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠ Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠ Follow Rue: ⁠@RueKothari⁠ Learn more about DESIGNEAST: ⁠@thedesigneast 

In this episode 8 of The Design Pod, we’re joined by Giulio Cappellini, a trailblazer in contemporary design and Creative Director of Cappellini.   Giulio shares his journey of innovation, his approach to discovering and mentoring emerging talent, and his insights into the ever-evolving world of design. Learn about his creative process, his influence on modern interiors, and his thoughts on shaping the future of design.   🎧 Resources:   Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠   Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠   Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠ Learn more about Cappellini: ⁠@cappelliniofficial  

In this episode 7 of The Design Pod, we’re joined by David Lessard, Partner and Design Director at H+A. David discusses the practice’s unique approach to creating spaces that balance beauty, functionality, and resonance.   For David and his team, success isn’t just about stunning visuals; it’s about meeting multiple goals—from staying on budget to ensuring the design truly resonates with clients and their needs.   Resources:   Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠   Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠   Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠   Find David here: ⁠@Hplusa_Architecture⁠  

In Episode of The Design Pod, we sit down with Omar Al Gurg, the visionary behind MODU, to explore how his innovative approach is redefining the way we live with design. Omar delves into the philosophy of creating adaptable, modular furniture and decor that seamlessly integrates into our homes and lives. He shares how the MODU Method emphasizes sustainability and versatility, transforming living spaces into functional, evolving environments that truly connect with their users. Resources: Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠ Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠ Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠ Find Omar here: ⁠@ModuMethod⁠

In this episode of The Design Pod, we’re joined by Mo Jawaheri, Founder and Owner of @SuperStudioOfficial, a practice reshaping Dubai’s creative landscape. Super Studio features a curated collection of over 40 super brands from Europe and North America, blending established and emerging names to create an eclectic mix that works in any environment. Driven by a philosophy that design should inspire, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations, Mo shares how Super Studio challenges conventions and redefines what it means to design impactful spaces. Resources: Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠ Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠ Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠ Find super studio here: ⁠@SuperStudioOfficial⁠

This week, we’re delighted to have the acclaimed AD100 designer, Rabah Saeid, founder of Styled Habitat, on the Design Pod podcast! In this episode, we explore Rabah’s philosophy of creating timeless and sensual aesthetics, her approach to integrating cultural context into design, and how she transforms spaces into intimate expressions of individuality. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with a true visionary in the world of interior design.  Resources: If you’re passionate about design,:   Follow us here: ⁠@DesignPodDXB⁠   Follow Valeria: ⁠@ValeriaNushka⁠   Follow Chad: ⁠@ChadAskari⁠   Find Rabah here: ⁠@StyledHabitat⁠  

In this episode of The Design Pod, we are joined by Neydine Bak and Dewald Struwig, the visionary duo behind VERHAAL, a design studio renowned for its contemporary yet timeless approach to architecture and interiors. Known for their ability to craft meaningful spaces, VERHAAL merges narrative-driven design with bold, functional concepts that resonate on both an emotional and aesthetic level. Neydine and Dewald share the philosophy behind VERHAAL, how they infuse storytelling into their projects, and the ways in which they challenge conventional boundaries of design. Resources: If you’re passionate about design, follow us here: @DesignPodDXB  To follow along with Valeria, click here: @ValeriaNushka  To follow along with Chad, click here: @ChadAskari  Find Neydine Bak and Dewald Struwig here: @Verhaalstudio  Tune in to discover how storytelling and design can create transformative spaces.

In this episode of The Design Pod, we sit down with Abdalla Almulla, the visionary founder of MULA, a design studio known for blending cutting-edge innovation with timeless style. Abdalla’s work is a fusion of tradition and modernity, creating interiors that are not only visually stunning but deeply connected to the culture and heritage of the UAE. Abdalla shares his insights on his creative journey, how MULA has redefined luxury and functionality in the design world, and the importance of cultural context in contemporary interiors. With a portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, Abdalla’s designs have left a lasting impact on the Middle East’s evolving creative industry.  Follow Us:  • Instagram: @DesignPodDXB  • Valeria’s Instagram: @ValeriaNushka  • Chad’s Instagram: @ChadAskari • Abdalla Almulla here: @MULA.ae Tune in for an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!

Charlie Wu is the epitome of a creative visionary. Over the years, she has collaborated with legendary architects and designers like Peter Marino, Stephan Jaklitch, and Jacques Garcia, curating luxury retail experiences for global brands such as LVMH, Valentino, John Galliano, and Marc Jacobs. As the founder of Écru Elements, Charlie specializes in crafting transformative spaces, guided by her philosophy that “space exists as a context for the mind and the body.” Her career spans groundbreaking Gen Z fashion concept stores in China to elegant projects across Europe and the Middle East. With a diverse portfolio in retail, hospitality, and residential design, Charlie brings a unique methodology that bridges global aesthetics with local essence, enriching every space she touches. In this episode, we explore her incredible journey, her design philosophy, and the role architecture plays in connecting people with their environments. This is a must-listen for design enthusiasts looking to gain insight from one of the industry's leading voices.  Follow Us:  • Instagram: @DesignPodDXB  • Valeria’s Instagram: @ValeriaNushka  • Chad’s Instagram: @ChadAskari  • Charlie Wu’s Instagram: @Ecru.Design  Tune in now for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

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 will be engaging with visionaries and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and brands, providing an inside view 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, and enjoy The Design Pod.