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.

As we embrace the blessings of the Holy Month, Western Furniture invites you to experience a curated sanctuary of style featuring the artistic brilliance of Adriani & Rossi. Under the theme ‘A Symphony of Light and Glass,” the collection redefines traditional Ramadan decor, transforming the home into a luminous stage where Italian craftsmanship meets the timeless warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality.

This season, the act of gathering for Iftar and Suhoor is elevated through a sensory journey of transparency and form. From the sculptural elegance of hand-blown glass vases to the ethereal glow of masterfully designed chandeliers, Adriani & Rossi’s pieces serve as more than mere accents; they are the “soul” of the room. By blending the heritage of Italian design with the spiritual serenity of the month, Western Furniture invites homeowners to create a dining experience that resonates with peace, beauty, and the art of togetherness.

The Art of Color: Glass Vases by Adriani & Rossi

This Ramadan, Western Furniture emphasizes the “Total Look” philosophy by Adriani & Rossi—a seamless integration of color and material that brings a sense of absolute harmony to the home. By curating color combinations in sophisticated glass shades, the collection creates an atmosphere of airy tranquility, perfect for the reflective nature of the season.

Bringing a touch of Venetian craftsmanship to your living space, the Glass Vase collection is a series of timeless pieces inspired by the ancient heritage of Murano glassmaking. The fascinating process of transforming silicon into glass and glass into mirror remains a revered tradition passed down by Venetian Masters. Available in both transparent and vibrant colored variations, these precious vases serve as stunning centerpieces or elegant decorative elements, adding a layer of soulful luxury to every Ramadan gathering.

The Poetry of Glass by Adriani & Rossi

At the heart of Adriani & Rossi’s collection is the iconic Glass Bag, a sculptural transparent piece that reimagines a folded silhouette in elegant glass, serving as both art and vase while beautifully capturing light. Complementing it, the dramatic Big Party Glass — an oversized, flute-inspired design — adds height and sophistication, perfect for florals, candles, or celebratory displays. Together, these creations reflect the brand’s philosophy of blending artistic craftsmanship with refined functionality.

you can create an intimate setting that surpasses any restaurant with Adriani & Rossi  with sculptural statement pieces like Hippo Decorative Object: A playful yet elegant ceramic sculpture, the Hippo adds a distinctive touch, elevating the space with its whimsical charm

 Passade Vase

 Colourful and refined vase from the Atelier collection, inspired by classic and Eastern designs. Exclusive selection of ceramic vases with a modern twist on classic designs.Various shapes and colours, including glossy Bordeaux, bright glossy yellow, matte black, and antiqued platinum Oxyd. Elevate your home during Ramadan with these charming statement pieces.

Vogue, View, and Toby: The New Language of Light by Adriani & Rossi

Illuminating the intersection of heritage and high design, the collection features three statement pieces that redefine ambient lighting. The Vogue lamp is a masterclass in texture, pairing a sophisticated pleated woven shade in deep Bordeaux with a serene dove-colored Murano blown glass sphere. For a more industrial-chic aesthetic, the View metallic lamp offers a sleek matt anthracite frame that cradles a smoky, fumé Murano glass orb, creating a captivating play of light and shadow. Rounding out the trio is the Toby lamp, a contemporary LED marvel finished in refined bronze or anthracite, designed to cast a warm, architectural glow over the modern home.

Tissoli, the luxury real estate collective renowned for crafting world-class living environments, has announced three major milestones for its AED 1.2 billion flagship development, Palazzo Tissoli. Following the rapid 100% sell-out of Phase 1, Tissoli has officially opened sales for Phase 2 and appointed GRID Properties as its Strategic Development Manager, reinforcing its commitment to delivering an architectural landmark of international calibre.

Palazzo Tissoli, the first residential development in Ras Al Khaimah to be designed by the iconic Italian design house Pininfarina, has quickly established itself as one of the most coveted addresses in the Northern Emirates. The rapid sell-out of Phase 1 underscores the massive demand for branded, high-design residences on Al Marjan Island’s prime waterfront.

Ensuring the project’s execution lives up to its ambitious vision, GRID has been appointed to oversee the delivery of Palazzo Tissoli with a focused and shared dedication to detail and quality as envisaged by Tissoli. Founded in 2019, GRID has rapidly grown into a powerhouse in the sector, with a portfolio exceeding $2.2 billion across 6.8 million square feet in the UAE and UK. Known for their philosophy of blending functionality with purpose, GRID’s appointment guarantees that the intricate Pininfarina design is translated seamlessly into reality, with a targeted completion by Q2 2028.

Pooja Rathore, COO of Tissoli, commented,“As we enter the execution phase and launch Phase 2, we’ve partnered with GRID, whose proven track record aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence. The response from investors confirms that residents are seeking curated, meaningful living experiences. This collaboration is strategically planned to ensure Pininfarina’s ‘Italian DNA’ and Tissoli’s promise to create an elevated residential masterpiece is perfectly delivered from concept to completion. With GRID’s expertise in ideation, efficient and timely delivery, we are confident that this partnership will support us strategically in bringing this masterpiece to life.”

To accommodate the high demand from global buyers seeking an Italian-crafted lifestyle, Phase 2 offers a limited collection of fully furnished studios, and one- bedroom apartments featuring sweeping sea views and signature Pininfarina interiors. GRID views this partnership as a testament to their growing influence in the luxury sector.

Shreen R Gupta, Founder & CEO stated: “At GRID, we view ourselves as builders of legacies. Our philosophy is rooted in creating spaces where functionality and purpose merge to enhance the lives of residents. We are honored to be appointed as the Development Manager for Palazzo Tissoli. To work alongside Tissoli and a design legend like Pininfarina is a privilege, and we are committed to applying our expertise to ensure this project becomes a reality and is delivered in line with the vision set out by Tissoli and that sets a new benchmark for quality in Ras Al Khaimah.”

The project draws inspiration from the natural mosaic of Ras Al Khaimah’s dunes and sea, requiring a high level of technical expertise to execute Pininfarina’s signature aesthetic. Palazzo Tissoli features resort-style amenities including the Serenity Spa, Vitality Studio, a 24-hour Café, the sunset-facing Skyline Lounge, and the signature Casa del Sigaro. With Phase 1 sold out and Phase 2 now launched, the project is firmly on track to redefine the skyline of the emirate.