Connect with us

Home Integrator

Design Duels Season 3 Returns this October with New Sports

Published

on

Design Duels Season 3

Design Duels, the UAE’s biggest multi-sport event for the design and home improvement industries, returns for its third season on Saturday, 11 October 2025 at Danube Sports World.

Hosted by Casa Milano and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the event will once again bring the industry together for a day of high-energy competition, networking, and community spirit. Registration will be open from August 15 to September 15 through the Playinga app.

Reflecting on the journey so far, Azhar Sajan, director of Casa Milano and Danube Hospitality, said:

“Over the past two seasons, Design Duels has become more than just a sports tournament. It is a celebration of the design community. Our first season brought together 78 companies and 1,200 participants. In Season 2, we grew to 120 companies and 2,100 participants. Every event we host at Casa Milano is about bringing the design community together, building connections and creating moments beyond the workplace.”

Jotun supports this year’s event as platinum sponsor, Oryx Doors and Windows as gold sponsor, Danube Sports World as venue partner, and Intelier as events & media partner. In 2025, the event will return to its original one-day format. 

“We have refined participation to focus on design and architecture companies and contractors, staying true to the industry roots of Design Duels,” Sajan explained and added that this year he’s expecting between 80 to 100 companies to take part in this year’s competition.

The competition will also expand with two new sports: Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing racket sports globally, and Carrom, a classic board game enjoyed by many.

“These new additions make the event more inclusive and fun for all skill levels,” Sajan explained.

Season 3 will also debut a new jersey collection to give each team a fresh look and proudly display their company logos on the court.

For the first time, Design Duels will introduce Brand Ambassadors. These are leading voices from the design industry who have supported the event over the years and represent the collaboration and energy of the community. 

The 2025 Brand Ambassadors are: Firas Alsahin (4SPACE Design), Olena Vasylieva (XBD Collective), Rakan Jandali (KCA International), Esther Echeverria (L&C Recruitment), Indu Govindan (Jea / Abra), Ahmed Sultan (Finasi), Siddharth Peters (Love That Design), Helia Rad (Helia Rad Design), Christian Merieau (MMAC Design Associates), Richard Fitzgerald (Lovin Dubai), Leali Ezzat (Ele Interior), and Mihir Sanganee (Designsmith).

Firas Alsahin, co-founder and design director at 4SPACE, said: “For us, Design Duels is where the design community gets to swap the design tools for sports gear. It is a chance to step away from the deadlines, meet our peers in a completely different setting, and enjoy some friendly competition. It is about seeing another side of the people we usually meet in meetings or at industry events.”

Olena Vasylieva, design manager at XBD Collective, added: “The design industry thrives on connection, and events like Design Duels break down the walls between studios, suppliers and creatives. It is a rare opportunity for professionals to network without the formality, to share ideas in a relaxed environment and to foster a sense of community that inspires future collaborations.”

Design Duels Season 3 will take place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Danube Sports World in Dubai.

Home Feature

THE BABY ATELIER BRINGS HEALING THROUGH DESIGN: A CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER AT A GUJARAT HOSPITAL

Published

on

The Baby Atelier-designed children's learning center featuring warm wood tones, role-play zones with miniature supermarket and cooking stations, circle time seating, and world map for therapeutic healthcare environment.

Founded in 2016 by Payal Karumbiah, The Baby Atelier (TBA) has been redefining children’s spaces for nearly a decade. Holding a Master’s from Parsons School of Design and a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance, and with a professional background spanning Wall Street investment banking and the global luxury industry, Karumbiah brings a unique perspective to design. Her transition from finance to interiors was fuelled by the belief that children deserve environments that are not only functional but also psychologically supportive, and this vision continues to guide TBA’s work today. The Gujarat Learning Center is a living case study of this ethos in action.

The Baby Atelier, a purpose-led design studio specialising in child-centric interiors, has unveiled a pioneering 3,500-sq-ft Children’s Learning Center within a Gujarat hospital. This milestone project demonstrates how TBA’s psychology-driven approach to design translates seamlessly from homes into healthcare environments, shaping spaces that nurture healing, learning, and emotional wellbeing.

Where Calm Meets Creativity

Designed for young patients in long-term care, the center balances the sterility required of medical environments with the warmth and reassurance of human-centred design. Every element has been considered to support emotional regulation, agency, and comfort: muted palettes, diffused lighting, acoustic control, and tactile finishes work together to calm the senses while enabling exploration.

The result is a space that provides continuity for children whose daily lives are disrupted by illness. Beyond treatment, they are given an environment where learning, play, and social interaction continue to be part of everyday life — ensuring both normalcy and growth.

Inside the Learning Center

  • Reading Nook: A quiet, sunlit retreat designed for privacy, focus, and the joy of books.
  • Art Studio: Child-height supplies, pegboard walls, and dedicated display zones encourage creativity and self-expression.
  • Role Play Zone: Miniature supermarkets, kitchens, and play stands that build confidence through safe, imaginative exploration.
  • Study Zone: Collaborative tables, integrated technology, and world maps to support both group learning and structured lessons.
  • Inclusive Play Area: Soft seating and activity blocks for gentle physical activity and inclusive interaction.
  • Circle Time Space: A welcoming, barrier-free setting for shared stories, music, and group connection.

 

Design Psychology in Action

This project illustrates The Baby Atelier’s founding principle: children deserve environments that do more than function — they must feel intuitively supportive. By embedding principles of child psychology into every corner, the learning center demonstrates how intentional design can restore agency, confidence, and joy, even within a hospital setting.

From private nurseries to schools, public play areas, and now hospitals, The Baby Atelier continues to expand the definition of child-centred design. The Gujarat Learning Center stands as proof that design can heal, empower, and prepare children for who they are becoming.

Continue Reading

Home Integrator

SOURCE OF FATE LAUNCHES AED 2.6 BILLION LUXURY WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT ‘MIRAGGIO’ ON AL MARJAN ISLAND

Published

on

Miraggio luxury waterfront development by Source of Fate on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, featuring curved architecture with landscaped terraces and beachfront access.

Source of Fate, a high-end luxury real estate developer in the UAE, under the Wheel of Fate Group, has unveiled ‘Miraggio,’ an AED 2.6 billion luxurious waterfront residential project on the central islet of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

The new development signals a new phase in the Emirate’s transformation into a premier global destination for real estate and investment, with Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market expanding at a CAGR of 10.05 per cent to 2030. It is strategically located beside Wynn Al Marjan Island and provides unparalleled connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah City Centre, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Dubai.

Miraggio features 810 units, including studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, ranging from 420 to 3,026 sq. ft, offering open-plan layouts, fully fitted kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sea-facing Arabian Gulf views. The development integrates energy-efficient smart technologies to combine comfort, style, and sustainable living.

Dr. Majid Jack Hsiung, Founder and CEO of Source of Fate Properties, stated: “We are pleased to launch Miraggio in Ras Al Khaimah, an Emirate rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for luxury living, driven by its natural coastlines, growing infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment. Miraggio, with its range of features, including its location near the Wynn Resort, caters to the needs of individuals seeking an exceptional lifestyle. The project reflects our ambition to create high-end innovative developments, while addressing the growing demands of residents living in the Emirate.”

In line with its strategy to reach both local and international investors, Source of Fate has partnered with Savills as the exclusive sales partner for Miraggio. Their longstanding partnership builds on a proven track record of successful projects together. The developer will leverage Savills’ global expertise to position the development among discerning buyers worldwide, further underscoring international confidence in Ras Al Khaimah’s growing property market.

Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills said: “We are proud to be a part of this exceptional residential development. Miraggio provides a lifestyle ecosystem that international buyers are seeking today. It is strategically positioned within a rapidly growing tourism and investment hub that offers strong investment potential, high rental yields, and long-term value appreciation. With a focus on excellence and trust, we look forward to driving its sales success.”

The development is further elevated by a retail podium and an extensive suite of resort-style amenities, including an infinity pool, fully equipped gym and wellness centre, recreational areas and private beach lounges.

Backed by a proven track record of on-time delivery, exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship, Source of Fate Properties continues to set itself apart through developments that are distinctly different in their design ethos and execution.

With its prime waterfront location, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge amenities, Miraggio is poised to become a landmark icon in the region and set a benchmark for luxury living on Al Marjan Island.

Continue Reading

Home Integrator

A WARM EMBRACE OF SEASONAL CHARM FOR ZARA HOME’S AUTUMN/WINTER 2025 COLLECTION

Published

on

Handcrafted ceramic bowl with speckled earthy glaze finish from Zara Home Autumn Winter 2025 collection.

Zara Home unveils its autumn/winter edit, a curated collection that captures the richness and warmth of the season. Inspired by earthy tones, natural textures and playful autumn motifs, the AW25 range brings the spirit of the season indoors with cosy charm and seasonal character.

This season, the collection is anchored in rust, chestnut and deep brown shades, layered with tactile finishes that celebrate the natural beauty of the colder months. Playful accents of pumpkins, autumn leaves and acorns appear across tableware and decorative accents, lending a whimsical seasonal touch to the home.

Highlights of the edit include a soft check throw with fringing, a piece that combines comfort with understated elegance, perfect for wrapping up on crisp evenings. It pairs beautifully with the swivel accent chair, designed for both style and relaxation, and the wool rug, which adds depth and texture to any living space.

Decorative accents continue the story of warmth and earthiness.  Terracotta vases offer a sculptural touch with artisanal appeal, while seasonal textiles such as the pumpkin tea towelsbring a playful nod to autumn traditions. Together, these elements create a layered, inviting interior that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Scent completes the seasonal experience with comforting fragrances. The Salted Caramel candle and Gingerbread Reed Diffuser infuse the home with delicious, nostalgic aromas, evoking the joy of autumn gatherings and festive anticipation.

The AW25 edit is a celebration of autumn’s beauty, designed to create spaces filled with warmth, character and charm – whether through playful seasonal details or the grounding comfort of natural textures.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator