Advertise on podcast: The Design Pod

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.