Home Integrator
THE QUIET POWER OF ARCHITECTURE
Exclusive interview with Simone Micheli, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero
You describe hospitality architecture as a space for guests to “feel” and not just “stay”. When you approach designing a hotel or resort, what is the first sensory impression you aim to deliver?
- I never think of a space as a simple container, but as a living organism, capable of welcoming and, at the same time, revealing.
The first impression must be that of a place that listens and allows itself to be listened to: a luminous synthesis of matter, light, and form, where every detail exists to evoke a sense of deep, quiet, authentic well- being.
Your portfolio includes major hospitality projects. Could you walk us through a recent hotel or resort and share one design decision you believe made the biggest difference in guest experience?
I will mention two, both emblematic of my approach to design. The first is Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA in Matera, a place where architecture does not impose itself, but listens.
Here, the choice that transformed the guest experience was creating a dialogue between the primordial strength of the stone and the purity of contemporary form. I worked as if the “drop,” with its silent power, were shaping every environment: fluid lines, furnishings that seem suspended, light rising from below like a breath.
In this way, guests do not simply observe the space, they feel it flowing, perceiving it as a living organism capable of generating profound well-being. The second project is i-SUITE Hotel in Rimini, a manifesto of my vision of hospitality as a sensory, future-oriented experience.
The decisive choice here was to eliminate functional rigidity and create a continuum of organic forms where body and mind can move freely. The rooms become inhabitable sculptures, the wellness area transforms into a liquid and enveloping experience, and light builds emotional landscapes that shift over the course of the day.
I wanted guests to experience a fragment of the future, an iconic, immersive environment capable of leaving an indelible trace in memory. In both cases, the design choice that makes the difference is always the same: placing the human being at the center and shaping around them a sensorial universe that not only welcomes but elevates.

In your 1990–2021 monograph you talk about “the soul of architecture” — how has your vision of that evolved in the last few years?
Today, design must be an act of responsibility toward the planet, toward communities, toward the future. The soul of authentic architecture lies in its ability to improve human life, generating cultural and social value, not merely formal value.
Working globally (including the UAE) means navigating different cultural contexts. How do you adapt your signature style for local vernaculars while maintaining brand integrity?
Longevity in design means more than durability: it’s about lasting relevance. How do you ensure your designs don’t feel dated after just a few years?
The key is dialogue, not imitation. Every cultural context carries symbols, rituals, sensitivities: I embrace them as starting points, not final destinations.
Longevity comes from intelligent simplicity: pure forms, flexible spaces, materials capable of lasting and telling a story. I do not chase trends. A project is truly contemporary only when it already contains its own future.
For brands and manufacturers working with your studio, what’s the most important attribute you look for: innovation, material quality, service or something else?
I look for partners who share a vision: responsible innovation, respect for the process, openness to dialogue, authentic quality. Technology is essential, materials are fundamental, service is crucial.
But above all, I seek collaborators who believe that design is a cultural commitment, not merely a commercial one.

Looking back at your 30+ years in architecture, is there a project you’d revisit and do differently today— why or why not?
No. Not because I consider my past projects perfect, but because each one belongs to the time, the people, and the vision that generated it. Every work is the result of a specific moment in my research, my inner evolution, and the dialogue with a place, a client, an energy.
If you had to sum up your legacy in one sentence as you look toward the next decade, what would it be?
My works are born with the intention of transforming the complexity of our time into simplicity.
Home Integrator
ME FITOUT SETS NEW BENCHMARK IN UAE’S HIGH-RISE INTERIORS, SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERS REEM ELEVEN
ME FITOUT, a fast-growing interior fit-out company, successfully completed the joinery and fit-out works at Reem Eleven, a 25-storey residential tower with a built-up area of over 20,000 sqm, developed by SAAS properties at the heart of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The project serves as a testament to the company’s growing capacity to execute complex, large-scale residential interiors that combine precision, craftsmanship, technology and sustainability.
The first phase of the project encompassed complete joinery installations across 20 floors, which includes bespoke wooden doors, wardrobes, kitchen units and cabinets. These units were custom-built at ME FITOUT’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dubai Investment Park. The second phase of the project focused on public areas, including the installation of premium wall claddings, integrated seating, decorative joinery, and cabinets, tailored to deliver timeless design precision and durability.
Sherif Nagy, CEO of ME FITOUT, said: “The successful delivery of Reem Eleven’s joinery and fit-out works demonstrates the scale of precision, discipline and innovation needed for high-rise residential projects in the UAE’s competitive market. The country’s interior fit-out industry is projected to surpass USD 4.13 billion by 2030, driven by accelerated urban growth and the country’s evolving appetite for sustainable, high-performance living spaces. Aligning with Saas Properties’ vision of creating unparalleled living and working environments has enabled us to raise execution standards across design quality and craftsmanship throughout the project.”
“Beyond addressing market demands, our fully integrated manufacturing and project delivery model is advancing the objectives of ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative by reinforcing local production capabilities, cutting down reliance on imports and raising the bar for quality, sustainability, and design excellence,” added Sherif.
As part of the project, ME FITOUT leveraged advanced European machinery and digital production-tracking systems to achieve maximum precision across large-volume outputs while minimising material waste. Every component of the project was manufactured using FSC-certified boards, low-VOC finishes, and recycled materials, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and compliance with the UAE’s environmental standards.
The company’s in-house design and production offered seamless alignment between structural layouts and interior details, helping ensure on-time delivery without compromising creative vision or craftsmanship quality. Along with its unwavering focus on safety and excellence, ME FITOUT continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted partner for developers and consultants across the UAE.
As ME FITOUT expands its residential, commercial, and hospitality portfolio, the joinery and fit-out project at Reem Eleven marks a significant milestone for the company. It showcases the company’s capability to deliver future-ready interiors that align with the UAE’s objectives for innovation-driven construction, sustainable practices and world-class design standards.
Home Integrator
AN EXCLUSIVE UNOPIÙ COLLECTION AT WESTERN FURNITURE: ITALIAN ELEGANCE WITH AN ORIENTAL SPIRIT FOR OUTDOOR SPACES
Western Furniture, the UAE’s leading destination for luxury interiors, proudly presents Unopiù, a renowned Italian outdoor furniture brand redefining outdoor living—where design meets nature through timeless materials, sculptural forms, and sustainable innovation.
Unopiù’s renowned collections embody the philosophy of “Where Luxury Meets Nature”, blending artisanal expertise with contemporary aesthetics to create settings that exude balance, beauty, and tranquility.
Among the most admired creations in the Unopiù world is The Chelsea Collection introduces an oriental-inspired aesthetic through sculptural teak frames, low Japanese-style seating, and soft white cushions that embody serenity and warmth. Its extendable dining table and two-seater sofas are distinguished by compact volumes and clean lines, while the Chelsea Sunlounger showcases refined craftsmanship with adjustable back and leg rests, discreet wheels for easy movement, and the option of a plush cushion for elevated comfort. Completing this panorama of outdoor artistry, the Pevero Island stands as a masterpiece of circular design in smooth teak (Ø160 cm), paired with soft Nuvola-hued cushions to create an inviting centerpiece for terraces, gardens, and poolside retreats. Together, these pieces reflect Unopiù’s vision of outdoor living: spaces that balance modern design with the warmth of natural materials, where every detail evokes Italian refinement and timeless luxury.
A timeless icon of Unopiù style, the Ginger Director’s Chair, features a frame made of premium-quality teak with seat and backrest in Cotone cotton fabric, complemented by either a seat cushion or beige Canatex covers (a sustainable hemp-blend fabric composed of 70% PVC and 30% polyester). Exclusive, versatile, and designed for daily use, this chair is a true protagonist of any environment, capturing a personal interpretation of relaxation and refined simplicity.

Another highlight is the Salò Sofa, part of the prestigious Salò 2025 Collection. This piece symbolizes timeless elegance and advanced functionality in outdoor furniture. Inspired by the enchanting landscapes of northern Italy, particularly the captivating charm of Lake Garda, the collection combines modernist design with premium materials to create outdoor sofas and armchairs that stand out for their sophisticated style and extraordinary comfort.

With over four decades of design excellence, Unopiù continues to champion sustainable living through the use of ethically sourced teak, durable weather-resistant materials, and an eco-conscious production ethos. Its collections embody the meeting of tradition and innovation, an approach that resonates with Dubai’s commitment to design-led sustainability and creative excellence.
Home Integrator
MODERN DESIGN WITHOUT THE LUXURY PRICE TAG
Exclusive interview Hussein Khalil El Batal the chairman and CEO of Batal Design Group
Your journey started with a single humble store that evolved into a multi-market design powerhouse. Looking back, which core values have driven BD Holding’s transformation over the past 30 years?
When I look back, what carried us from one humble store to a regional group is quite simple: family, integrity, and obsession with design. We never treated furniture as a product; we treated it as a way of living. Over seventy years, BD Holding built deep relationships with suppliers across the world, always insisting on quality, fair pricing, and long-term partnerships. This mindset created trust. Trust from our teams, our partners, and our customers, and it is that trust which allowed us to grow into a multi country design group rather than remain a single showroom.
The Group has expanded its portfolio with brands such as DAZE, B Design, Intercasa, B Interiors, B Closets, and B Office. How do these brands reflect the region’s evolving lifestyle and design expectations?
Each brand in BD Holding answers a different need in our customers’ lives. DAZE speaks to the new generation that wants modern design, comfort, and accessibility without compromising on quality. B Design and Intercasa focus on craftsmanship, customization, and full interior solutions for homes and projects. B Interiors, B Closets, and B Office answer the growing demand for tailored storage, workspaces, and smart living. Together they reflect a region where people are more design aware, more digitally connected, and more demanding. They expect international standards with a local heartbeat, and this is exactly what our portfolio delivers.
Your philanthropic work and community commitments are widely recognized. How does this personal mission shape the culture, values, and long-term vision of BD Holding?
I grew up in a country that has seen many challenges. For me, success without responsibility has no meaning. Our philanthropic initiatives, whether in education, craftsmanship training, or community support, are not separate from the business. They are part of our identity. Within BD Holding, this translates into a culture of respect, loyalty, and opportunity. A place where people grow, stay, and contribute to something larger than a business. Many of our employees have grown with us for decades. Externally, it means we design and build with the belief that better homes can contribute to stronger communities. When we talk about expansion, we are not only speaking about showrooms; we are speaking about impact and legacy.
DAZE is one of your latest brand concepts. What design gap or unmet customer behavior inspired its creation, and how does it differentiate itself from the Group’s other brands in terms of materials, colour palettes, and price positioning?
DAZE was born because we saw a clear gap. Customers wanted contemporary, trend conscious furniture with a refined look, but at a price that felt realistic for everyday life. With DAZE we combined the heritage and purchasing power of BD Holding with a fresh, youthful design language. The brand plays with bouclé, micro leather, warm woods, marble and metal details, soft neutrals, and rich accent tones that speak to today’s interiors. The collections are carefully engineered to be accessible in price, yet aspirational in mood. It sits alongside our other brands as the most approachable, fashion forward expression of our design philosophy.
DAZE has quickly emerged as a strong franchise model. In your view, what makes it a compelling investment opportunity compared to other concepts in the market?
What makes DAZE powerful as a franchise is that partners are not starting from zero. They step into a concept that is already tested in multiple countries, supported by more than seventy years of sourcing experience and thousands of supplier relationships worldwide. This gives DAZE a strong advantage in price, quality, and design. In addition, we offer a full support structure: operations, R and D, purchasing, and marketing specialists, all focused on the success of our partners. The model is designed to deliver attractive returns, with an accessible initial investment and a clear path to profitability, which is why investors see it as a serious, results driven opportunity.
Looking ahead, what is the expansion roadmap for DAZE? Where do you envision the brand in the next five years, and what strategies will drive that growth?
DAZE started in Lebanon and has grown into key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Buraydah, Dubai, Erbil, Baghdad, and Africa with a new location underway in Baghdad and an upcoming international opening in Milano. Our current footprint spans more than twelve showrooms, and our ambition is to cross fifty by the end of 2030. The strategy is clear: work with committed partners, secure prime locations, and maintain a strong pipeline of collections that respond to local tastes while staying globally relevant. We will continue to build DAZE as a trend-setting yet accessible brand, ready for multi-continent expansion.
How do you balance trend driven collections with timeless pieces that retain value over the years?
For me, this balance is the art of what we do. Our R and D team spends the year studying exhibitions, global fairs, and digital inspiration to identify what is coming next. At the same time, we design with longevity in mind. The new direction in furniture is not fast fashion; it is collections that feel current today but still beautiful ten years from now. We achieve this by anchoring each season in solid proportions, comfortable silhouettes, and materials that age well, then layering in trend elements through fabrics, colours, and details that can be refreshed over time.
What operational systems make DAZE a scalable franchise model for multi market expansion?
Behind the aesthetics, DAZE is a very disciplined system. Our partners benefit from a complete toolkit: showroom design, visual merchandising, staff training, project support, and access to integrated software, systems, and e commerce. A dedicated franchise team follows up daily to ensure consistency and growth. Because sourcing, R and D, marketing, and logistics are centralized and managed by experienced teams, each new franchise can focus on execution and customer relationships rather than building an entire infrastructure from scratch. This is what allows DAZE to replicate success from one country to another while respecting the specifics of each market.
What differentiates DAZE from other contemporary furniture brands in the region?
DAZE stands at the intersection of Lebanese creativity and European refinement. It carries the heritage and credibility of BD Holding, yet speaks with a young, confident voice. The brand combines design research, material innovation, and careful pricing in a way that few regional brands can match. Most importantly, DAZE is not only a showroom concept; it is a partnership model with proven results, from Lebanon to UAE, KSA, Iraq, and soon in Milano and Africa. When you choose DAZE, whether as a customer or a franchisee, you are joining a story that is already successful and still full of possibilities.
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