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DESIGNING EMOTION WITHIN STRUCTURE

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Exclusive interview with Michaela Ferrari, Italian architect and designer, Miki Ferrari

As an architect and founder, how do you define your role today, are you primarily a creative director, a business strategist, or a custodian of craftsmanship?

    My main role is that of Creative Director for the brand, ensuring that our products are designed to be ultra-stylish and supremely comfortable. I am lucky to have a team that supports me on all other aspects of our business, including operations, production, marketing and sales. This gives me the freedom to focus on design, and the comfort to know my designs will be beautifully brought to life, and efficiently delivered to the customers.

    Your philosophy speaks about “thinking with the heart” and often reference fashion as an inspiration. In a highly technical industry, how do you protect emotion within structure? And How does couture thinking translate into sofa design?

    The beauty of what we do, is that the free flow of creativity is complimented by the institutional structure, not constrained by it. Design for the sake of design is ego – instead, we think with the heart, and we create with the hand.  I think of the heart as the source of creativity, and the hand as the source of structure, and the two compliment each other. Like couture fashion, our sofas are proportioned, structured, with elevated materials and intentional detailing. The pieces are structured and supportive, a sculptural statement as refined on the inside as the outside – tailored and precise, much like a hand-crafted gown. 

    Architecture trains you to think about space; furniture requires intimacy with the human body. How did you transition between those two scales?

    One way to think of it, is to see the human body as an architectural form, and the products we produce are designed to support and embrace the human form, at both a physical and emotional level. The principles of design are similar; in architecture you create spaces for the body to move in and experience, whereas furniture, you design for rest, for intimate connection between the body and object. I consider furniture more personal in the sense that it is about physical points of contact, and how shapes, texture, proportion and subtle detailing can envelope one in such comfort, making them feel entirely at ease.

    Middle Eastern interiors often embrace bold statements and layered textures. How does your design language adapt to this cultural context?

    Our designs are recognized for their simple beauty and comfort, and the layering comes not from a mix of colors, rather from the variety of textures in our fabrics, so although our fabrics are mostly solid colors, the different textures add a layer of beauty to the product. It enhances one’s tactile experience and ensures that beauty is not only seen, it is felt. The natural lines and simplicity of our furniture aligns with all contemporary styles whether vibrant or muted, and we look forward to sharing our know-how and craftsmanship with a discerning Middle Eastern clientele.

    • The Ambrè sofa form feels organic and enveloping, what was the conceptual starting point behind its silhouette?

    Ambrè’s natural curved lines and soft fabric invite you to relax into it, the design follows a continuous, organic line that wraps around the sitter. It is a good representation of my design thinking, in creating sofas that embrace the human form. We don’t design sofas to fit a space, we design sofas to fit the human form and to enhance the human experience.

    Your collections emphasize goose feathers, premium leathers, selected woods, and composite materials. How do you decide when tradition leads, and when innovation takes over?

    We are Italian, so tradition always leads, in everything we do.  The ‘Made in Italy’ stamp is important to me in my craft, and even when we are being innovative, the starting point is always our tradition of craftsmanship and our reverence for design. Innovation then becomes the way we can leverage these traditions to create products that are always authentic, always human-centric and always beautiful. With great attention to detail, we push forward with modernism but always remain true to the legacy of Italian design elegance, quality and functional aesthetics.

    The launch in the UAE signals a new international chapter. What does this expansion represent personally for you?

    We are very proud of what we represent, and the worldwide respect for ‘Made in Italy’ as a global mark of quality and authenticity; for us to be ambassadors and share the philosophy behind this concept means a great deal to us. We are proud to join a long list of brands that have redefined the way the world views creativity and luxury in design, and have stood to develop global standards for quality and craftsmanship.

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    Home Feature

    THE EVENT BRINGS TOGETHER SUMMER SHOPPING AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS UNDER ONE ROOF

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    As the summer holiday season begins, Jashanmal Group is set to bring its highly anticipated Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition to Cityland Mall Dubai. Following the overwhelming response to its recent Warehouse Sales in the region, the legacy retailer aims to create a family-focused sale for all ages.

    The five-day shopping extravaganza taking place from June 24th to 28th is thoughtfully designed to offer a vibrant mix of shopping experiences. Adding to the experience, the Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition will feature a curated selection of premium international brands such as Kenwood, Clarks, Kipling, De’Longhi, BALLY, Hoover, Delsey Paris, Russell Hobbs and many more.

    Commenting on the initiative Mr. Anurag Verma, Chief Distribution Officer, Jashanmal Group said, “Given the overwhelming popularity and enthusiastic response to our warehouse sales this year, truly a favorite among shoppers, we are thrilled to bring the highly anticipated Warehouse Sale Summer Edition to Dubai. Summer is a time when families come together, planning their travels and preparing for the season ahead, and it is truly the perfect time to shop. At Jashanmal, we bring together everything you need, offering a complete destination for all your summer shopping needs across multiple lifestyle categories.”

    As the retail shopping experience continues to evolve in line with the changing consumer lifestyles and expectations, Jashanmal Group remains at the forefront of delivering immersive, experience-led engagements whether through unique retail concepts, seasonal campaigns and enhanced shopping experiences.

    Aligned with the UAE Year of the Family, The Warehouse Sale: Summer Edition underscores the Group’s commitment to community focused initiatives, while celebrating the importance of family at the heart of life in the UAE.

    Mr. Verma further added, “We are proud to offer an experience that reflects community spirit, togetherness and joy of shared moments. Through our upcoming sale, we are bringing together trusted brands, exciting experiences and attractive offers in one destination, creating a shopping event that the whole family can enjoy.”

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    WHY BRANDS MUST CONFIDENTLY CHAMPION A “MADE IN THE UAE” ETHOS AND MOVE AWAY FROM OVER-RELYING ON THE PRESTIGE OF IMPORTED PRODUCTS

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    By Carlo Magistretti, Chief Strategic Advisor, Sobha Furniture

    For decades, premium furniture has been closely associated with established European manufacturing centres, particularly Italy, where design heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural influence have shaped global standards. That reputation is deserved. But the global landscape has changed.

    Today, the conversation around premium products can no longer be defined by where something has traditionally been made. It must be defined by the quality of design, the precision of execution, the consistency of production, and the value delivered to the customer.

    The UAE is a powerful example of this shift.

    This is a country built on ambition, but more importantly, on the ability to turn ambition into reality. It is a place where bold ideas are not left as concepts. They are planned, engineered, built, and delivered at scale. From iconic skylines and world-class infrastructure to landmark hospitality and residential developments, the UAE has consistently shown the world what is possible when vision is matched with execution.

    That same spirit is now shaping its manufacturing sector.

    “Made in the UAE” is no longer a statement of convenience or proximity. Increasingly, it is becoming a mark of quality, capability, and confidence. It reflects a country that has invested deeply in industrial infrastructure, advanced technology, logistics, talent, and operational excellence to create a manufacturing ecosystem that can compete on a global stage.

    The momentum behind this shift is clear. The UAE’s manufacturing industry recorded 7.7% growth in Q1 2025 and contributed 12.8% to non-oil GDP, underscoring the country’s growing industrial capability and its role in the wider economic vision.

    For UAE-based businesses that continue to rely solely on imported products, whether from Italy or any other market traditionally associated with premium craftsmanship, there is a risk of overlooking what is happening here. The Emirates are no longer simply a destination for global products. They are becoming a place where global standards are created, manufactured, and delivered.

    The premium furniture industry needs to recognise this change. Premium should not be reduced to geography. It should be measured by design integrity, material quality, manufacturing precision, service reliability, and the ability to deliver consistently. By those measures, UAE manufacturing is proving that it can stand alongside some of the most established production hubs in the world.

    At Sobha Furniture, we have long believed that the future of premium furniture manufacturing is about integrating the design excellence and the manufacturing expertise within one fully integrated ecosystem.

    This philosophy has shaped the way we build our business. Our own design teams in Milan – Italy draw on deep expertise in creating proportion, materiality, timeless aesthetics, and meaningful living solution while our manufacturing capabilities in the UAE ensure that these ideas are engineered, produced, finished, and delivered with precision.

    This high level of integration is fundamental. In furniture, design and execution cannot exist as separate disciplines. A compelling design only achieves its full value when it is translated flawlessly into the finished product. By connecting design, engineering, manufacturing, finishing, and quality control within a unified process, innovation moves faster, customisation becomes more achievable, and the original design intent is preserved throughout every stage.

    For customers, this translates into a more dependable experience, with greater transparency, rigorous quality assurance, enhanced flexibility, and confidence that every piece is delivered exactly as intended.

    In recent years, global supply chains have faced repeated disruption, from shipping delays to material shortages and geopolitical pressures. Businesses that rely heavily on distant production networks have often found themselves vulnerable to factors beyond their control.

    Manufacturing in the UAE changes that equation. It gives brands greater control over quality, timelines, and responsiveness. It also creates a clearer connection between a brand, its product, and its place of origin. From a customer’s perspective, that translates into confidence and trust.

    This belief also shaped the launch of Flaer during Milan Design Week. Flaer represents a new expression of what a premium furniture brand from the UAE can be: globally minded, rooted in Italian design culture, and powered by the UAE’s ability to make ambitious ideas real. Presenting Flaer in Milan was not only a design statement, but a statement of confidence. It demonstrated that a brand conceived, manufactured, and built through the UAE’s capabilities can enter one of the world’s most influential design conversations with clarity and credibility.

    This is the opportunity in front of us. The UAE has already earned a global reputation as a place where bold visions are realised. Now, that same reputation is extending into manufacturing, design, and industrial excellence.

    The real question is no longer whether UAE manufacturing can compete internationally. The evidence increasingly shows that it can. The question is whether businesses are prepared to move beyond outdated assumptions and recognise the opportunity this shift presents.

    As an industry, we must move beyond the belief that premium is synonymous with imported. Excellence can be designed globally, manufactured locally, and delivered to the world. The brands that embrace this mindset will not only strengthen their own competitiveness but will also help define the next chapter of global manufacturing.

    The future of premium furniture will belong to those who can combine design excellence, manufacturing precision, operational control, and customer confidence into one seamless experience. The UAE is increasingly proving that it can do exactly that.

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    MAJID AL FUTTAIM AND DUBAI SME EXPAND MA’AN TO SHOWCASE HOMEGROWN SMES AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES

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    Majid Al Futtaim, a leading developer and operator of shopping malls, communities, retail and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has expanded Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim, with the launch of its latest customer-facing showcase at Mall of the Emirates. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Ma’an’s evolution, creating direct market access for Dubai’s homegrown businesses and connecting them with millions of consumers across one of the region’s most visited retail and leisure destinations.

    The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior representatives from Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME, officially opening the showcase to visitors. This exciting concept provides customers the opportunity to discover and shop for Dubai based homegrown brands across fashion, jewellery, food, lifestyle and design-led retail, all under one roof, reflecting the breadth and quality of entrepreneurial talent already established across the city.

    Ma’an was created to help Dubai based entrepreneurs gain greater visibility, reach new customers, and unlock practical opportunities for growth. To date, the initiative has supported close to 70 homegrown brands across the wider Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem, including retail, leisure, entertainment, and loyalty platforms. This growing network of participants reflects both the commercial readiness of Dubai’s SME community and the effectiveness of public–private collaboration in generating real market opportunities.

    As part of the programme, 27 brands have been featured across destinations such as THAT Concept Store, VOX Cinemas, ACTIVATE, and iFLY, while 30 brands are participating in dedicated mall pop-ups across Majid Al Futtaim destinations. A further 12 brands have also been onboarded onto the SHARE Rewards Programme, extending their reach beyond the physical mall environment and connecting them with customers through Majid Al Futtaim’s digital loyalty ecosystem.

    The first phase of Ma’an focused on opening applications and onboarding Dubai based SMEs into Majid Al Futtaim’s consumer ecosystem, giving selected brands access to retail, entertainment, loyalty, and marketing platforms across the group. With participating brands now integrated into customer-facing channels, the programme has moved into its second phase, focused on direct visibility, discovery, and market access.

    This next phase reflects the importance of practical market access in supporting SME growth. By connecting homegrown brands with established retail environments, entertainment platforms, and digital engagement channels, Ma’an supports Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, enable business growth, and increase the contribution of SMEs to the economy. As a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy by 2033, SME-enabling initiatives such as Ma’an play a direct role in building the commercial foundations required to sustain long-term, diversified growth.

    Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said: “Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, and Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim is a direct expression of that confidence, showing how public-private collaboration can create practical growth opportunities for SMEs. By connecting homegrown brands with established consumer destinations and digital platforms, the programme gives entrepreneurs direct access to customers, visibility and commercial insight to support sustainable growth.

    “Dubai SME’s focus continues to be on ensuring that entrepreneurs are given the market access and partnerships needed to grow. Initiatives such as Ma’an strengthen the bridge between emerging businesses and major private sector platforms, advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a city where SMEs can scale with confidence. As global conditions continue to evolve, Dubai is committed to enabling its business community, and this programme is a tangible outcome of that commitment.”

    Khalifa Bin Braik, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, said: “Ma’an was created around a simple belief: extraordinary businesses already exist across the UAE, but many still face barriers when it comes to access, visibility, and scale. Through Ma’an, we are opening Majid Al Futtaim’s ecosystem to help address those challenges in a practical and tangible way.

    “By giving homegrown brands access to customers, retail environments, loyalty platforms and live experiences, we are creating opportunities that would traditionally take years to build independently. This is more than a moment of visibility; it is a platform for growth. The founders participating in Ma’an represent the creativity, resilience, and ambition of the UAE’s SME community, and we are proud to support them as they take their next step.”

    Following its debut at Mall of the Emirates, the Ma’an roadshow will continue to City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, spending two weeks at each destination and introducing customers to a new selection of Dubai based SMEs and homegrown businesses.

    Through Ma’an, Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME continue to support homegrown businesses by creating tangible pathways to customers, visibility, and commercial growth, while strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the UAE’s entrepreneurial community.

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