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DESIGNING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST SPACES: STUDIO WYZE’S STORY-DRIVEN PRACTICE

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Exclusive Interview with Christina Arbenz and Chris Sayce, Co-founders and Principals of Studio WYZE

Studio WYZE works across hospitality, residential and product design. When you approach a space, what elements of your process stay constant—no matter the typology?

We always start with the layout, as it often opens the pathway for the concept to unfold. Layout is vital for all parties: operations rely on it to function efficiently; owners need it to achieve a desired number of covers and guests need to feel comfortable and immersed in the experience. The storytelling then comes into play, anchoring the guest journey in narrative. We approach the design of spaces as a series of framed views, with transitions between them unfolding like cinematic shots, guiding people slowly and deliberately through the space.

Many interior studios today lean heavily into aesthetics-first storytelling. How do you ensure that emotional resonance and functionality hold equal weight in your projects?

The emotional resonance of a space comes from how the storytelling unfolds. When the narrative is clear and carried through every step of the design, the guest’s experience becomes part of that story. We think about how someone will sit in a space, how they will interact with the furniture around them, what they will touch, the textures they will feel—and how each of these moments makes them feel. Functionality comes alive in the details. We focus intensely on the refinement and coordination of every elements, so the space not only looks beautiful, but works seamlessly for the team using it day-to-day, and feels effortless and comfortable for the guest.

Hospitality design often demands drama and immersion. How does that sensibility influence the way you approach high-end residential interiors?

Hospitality and residential design both aim to create environments that feel comfortable for the individual using them. In F&B, the experience is often tied to a brand narrative — its cuisine, culture and inevitably a bit of a theme. In hotel design, the storytelling comes from the sense of place, the local context and the type of guest the brand is aimed at. In high-end residential, the goal is similar: to tell a story, but one that belongs to the resident. We look to their tastes, hobbies, travels and meaningful memories, and bring these together to create a space that reflects who they are.

With studios in London and Zurich and projects across global markets, how do you adapt your design language without losing Studio WYZE’s signature identity?

Our identity comes through our process, rather than a signature aesthetic. We approach each project as a unique, individual space. We begin with the building itself—its location, history and purpose—and from there weave in the brand or resident identity, uncovering the story the space is meant to tell. We immerse ourselves in the process, designing bespoke furniture and lighting that give each space its own character. We collaborate with local craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers, and we’re always traveling and exploring to discover new methods, ideas and approaches that bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.

TATTU Dubai unfolds as a multi-level journey inspired by mythology. How early did storytelling become the anchor for this project?

The foundations of TATTU as a brand stem from the history of Asian Tattoos, whereby the inked spirits would endow the owner with protective and strengthening properties. Previous TATTU venues have grounded themselves in four core ‘spirit animals’; the Dragon, the Carp, the Phoenix and the Tiger. The brief was to interpret this core brand narrative into three unique concepts, developing on the design touchpoint to create a more holistic and narrative-driven design.

From the beginning, we felt the most authentic way to unfold the brand and its mythology across the three levels was to develop individual realms for three of these core characters. Our chosen three were The Dragon, featuring at Level 74 as part of the main TATTU Restaurant and Bar; The Carp, featuring at Level 76 as part of the Pool Deck and Sushi Lounge concept; and The Phoenix, feature at Level 81 as part of the Cocktail Bar and Lounge concept. The key was to maintain the storytelling of each of these spirits through materiality, detailing, colour palette and accessories.

From Shou-Sugi-Ban timber to onyx and amethyst glass, the palette is bold yet controlled. How do you decide when a material should lead versus support the space?

We play with contrasts in texture and finish—smooth versus rough, dark versus light, metallic versus natural, gloss versus matte. Every material has a purpose, even if some are more visually dominant. The secondary materials are almost always interesting in their own right, adding depth and nuance to the space. For example, in our main restaurant, the gold leaf slats immediately draw the eye, but behind them, the black plaster finish has its own subtle movement. The hand-applied texture and selective polishing create variations in gloss and shadow, giving the surface life and detail, even when the focus is on the gold above. It’s this layering and dialogue between materials that allows a space to feel rich and purposeful, whether a material is leading or supporting.

Designing the world’s highest infinity pool is no small feat. How did you approach creating a space that feels relaxed yet elevated—literally and conceptually?

On the pool deck, the design is restrained, giving the breathtaking views and architecture the space to speak for themselves. We approached the pool deck with a soft, fresh and airy palette, favouring natural tones that evoke calm. The light aqua hue references both the tranquil colours of water and the legend of the Carp, adding a subtle layer of narrative. The timbers were treated to feel lighter and sun-bleached, as if naturally weathered over time, while the fabrics, though simple, are tactile and inviting, adding a quiet richness to the experience. The goal was to create a space where guests could relax among the foliage and fully appreciate the spectacular views beyond.

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Home Integrator

‘SOBHA CITY’: ABU DHABI’S NEW NATURE-LED WATERFRONT LIVING COMMUNITY

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Leading luxury property developer Sobha Realty has announced its entry into Abu Dhabi with the unveiling of Sobha City, a master-planned community that reflects a deliberately quiet and serene approach to urban living in the UAE capital.

Marking the developer’s first large-scale residential development in Abu Dhabi, Sobha City represents a significant milestone rooted in a 50-year legacy of craftsmanship and a long-term commitment to shaping environments that prioritise wellbeing, design integrity, and enduring value. Long associated with refined, design-led communities across Dubai and Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), Sobha Realty’s move into the UAE capital aligns with Abu Dhabi’s continued evolution as a global destination defined by stability, cultural depth, and quality of life.

Set in Al Bahiya along the prime E10 and E12 corridor, close to Zayed International Airport and Yas Island, Sobha City unfolds as a low-density, nature-led Madinat designed around space, light, and movement. Spanning approximately 38 million square feet, with an initial phase of around 8 million sq. ft. of land area, the development is envisioned as a “city within a city” that will evolve into a fully integrated, self-sustained ecosystem. Designed for family-oriented living, the gated masterplan demonstrates a commitment to crafting complete communities, where everyday living is shaped by balancing privacy, connectivity, and wellbeing.

Designed with nature at its core, ~60% of the masterplan is dedicated to open and green spaces, with more than 50,000 trees, forest-inspired landscapes, and shaded walkways shaping a seamless sense of quiet continuity. An expansive wellness loop spanning over 18 km encourages a slower, more intentional pace of life, while pedestrian-first pathways reinforce a lifestyle centred on movement, health, and ease.

“Abu Dhabi holds a unique position as a city that balances cultural authenticity with forward-looking ambition, and our entry reflects a long-term belief in its evolution not just as a solid real estate market, but as a place where communities can grow with family-oriented intention,” said Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Group. “Sobha City has been envisioned as a living environment that feels calm, enduring, and deeply connected to its surroundings, while being future-ready.”

A defining feature of Sobha City is its two-kilometre waterfront promenade and integrated marina destination, which brings together leisure, retail, and social spaces in a vibrant, yet considered, way. Schools, healthcare facilities, mosques, and an executive Par-3 golf course, masterfully designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design. These are all thoughtfully embedded within the masterplan, ensuring essential elements of daily life remain within easy reach.

Drawing inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s coastal, natural landscapes, the City’s design reflects a contemporary interpretation of place where water, greenery, and architecture create an environment that feels both modern and rooted. The result is a ‘live-connect-restore’ ecosystem that is calm, refined, intuitively connected to its surroundings yet with future-ready infrastructure.

Sobha City will offer a diverse mix of residences, including waterfront apartments, estate and garden villas,  and mansions catering to a wide spectrum of residents, from families seeking a sense of permanence to global investors looking for stability and long-term value.

Each residence will reflect Sobha Realty’s hallmark ‘The Art of Detail’, with high-quality finishes, open layouts, and technology-enabled living environments that prioritise comfort, functionality, and longevity. Globally recognised for its proprietary Backward Integration model, Sobha Realty maintains full control over design, engineering, and construction processes in an approach that has consistently delivered superior quality and above-market performance across its portfolio.

Mr Francis Alfred, Sobha Realty’s Managing Director, added: “As we expand our footprint into Abu Dhabi, Sobha City will be embodiment of our vertically integrated approach to development ensuring not only exceptional quality but also long-term resilience and value. This position us strongly within a market driven by sustained population growth, investor-friendly policies, and projected increased demand for integrated, lifestyle-oriented developments.”

The launch further strengthens Sobha Realty’s presence in the UAE, complementing its portfolio of developments across Dubai and Umm Al Quwain, including destinations such as Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ| Sobha Realty. Its entry into Abu Dhabi comes as the emirate reaffirms its commitment to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and a renewed focus on liveability and sustainability. The launch aligns with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a knowledge-based economy supported by thoughtfully planned, high-quality communities.

As the UAE capital determines to evolve into a globally competitive hub, Sobha Realty’s entry with nature-led master community signals both confidence and commitment, positioning the developer at the forefront of the emirate’s next growth chapter.

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Home Integrator

UAE-BORN HOMEWARE BRAND CHAMPIONS SUSTAINABLE LIVING WITH UNIQUE VINTAGE AND PRE-LOVED PIECES

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For those who love adding personality to their homes with one-of-a-kind pieces, Tangerrine Casa, a UAE-born online homeware brand offers a hand curated selection of vintage and preloved homeware items that are cool, quirky and unique. Featuring character-filled pieces, the small business currently delivers products across Dubai and offers next-day delivery (if ordered before 12pm).

A women-led brand, Tangerrine Casa was founded by Amy Armitage, a freelance stylist, who launched the brand in February 2025. Amy had a passion for hunting for vintage pieces during her travels but after struggling to find cool preloved homeware pieces locally in Dubai, she decided to fill the gap and elevate the preloved market in the region by bringing a carefully curated edit of unique vintage and preloved homeware, that was also easily accessible and affordable.

The curation features everything from abstract fruit bowls and chrome plated pieces to intricate glass dishes, fun porcelain plates and bowls of Italian and Portuguese design, egg cups, vases, toast racks, trinket trays, candle holders, and more, offering something fun, bold and rare for every space.

Rooted in sustainability and circular living, the brand promotes mindful consumption while also encouraging individuality in home styling, inviting the community to embrace preloved pieces to create spaces that feel more personal, purposeful, and full of character.

I’ve always loved hunting for unique preloved pieces during my travels that I can bring back to my home in Dubai. But I didn’t feel like there were many places here locally with a cool preloved homeware curation that was unique, easily accessible and affordable, so I decided to create one. I’m passionate about keeping things in circulation for as long as possible and I believe more people would shop preloved if the stigma was removed and items looked more aspirational. I want to bring joy to homes in a more sustainable way and that’s exactly what Tangerrine Casa is all about.”, comments Amy Armitage, founder of Tangerrine Casa.

In addition, Tangerrine Casa connects with their community through its signature hosting concept ‘Tangerrine Table’. Hosted by Amy and her husband Ed, this concept creates a space to connect, share stories across cultures, explore different cuisines and celebrate the joy of gathering around a table.

A go-to destination for unique preloved homeware pieces, Tangerine Casa invites the community to discover the charm of objects that have already lived and see how cool shopping preloved can be.

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Home Integrator

WESTERN FURNITURE Highlights Tomasella’s Sustainable Italian Design for UAE Homes

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As the world turns its attention to the preservation of our planet on Earth Day, Western Furniture is proud to highlight Tomasella—a brand that has spent 70 years proving that luxury design and environmental responsibility are inseparable. With roots firmly in the past and a clear vision for the future, Tomasella balances a rich history with a tireless vocation for technological and creative innovation.

For Tomasella, sustainability is a philosophy rooted in social and ethical solidarity .This harmony between ethical codes and material analysis ensures meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This is the profound commitment to quality and earth-conscious living you embrace when you choose Tomasella for your home.

Explore a wide range of models at Western Furniture that can be fully customized through an extensive choice of materials, colors, and textures, allowing for a personal touch in every sustainable space.

The Porticello Collection: Designed by Massimiliano Minuti, this set combines modern elegance with classic Italian design. Finished in Rovere Moka with Materico Basalto Lucido accents, the King Bed and matching dresser exude a high-end, serene atmosphere.

The Porticello Dining Table: A striking example of architectural design, blending organic shapes with minimalist proportions. The thick pedestal base features an asymmetrical oval cutout, giving the monolithic structure a sense of “lightness.” Its warm taupe matte finish perfectly complements natural textures like jute and velvet.

The Clio Bed: Featuring a natural oak wood finish and pure lines, the Clio focuses on minimalism. Its gracefully curved headboard is fitted on an airy frame, creating a pleasant feeling of relaxation that makes it easy to concentrate on dreams and slumber.

The Morfeo Bed: This designer solution expands the traditional concept of a bed by integrating a shelf and bedside tables into one clever, practical piece. With reclinable headboard cushions for reading or watching TV, it pairs functional versatility with a harmonious silhouette.

Eros Bed: The Eros bed features a unique design with a rounded frame that wraps the mattress, offering supreme comfort and wellbeing. The delicate stitching along the headboard and bed frame accentuates its contemporary elegance.

The Lunato Bed: Sleek comfort and modern elegance – The Lunato Bed brings a refined touch to your bedroom with its minimalist design and plush upholstery. We invite you to experience the intersection of Italian heritage and environmental stewardship. Discover how Tomasella’s commitment to “people-first” sustainability can transform your living space into a sanctuary for the future.

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