Home Integrator
DESIGNING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST SPACES: STUDIO WYZE’S STORY-DRIVEN PRACTICE
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.
Home Integrator
ARABIAN ACRES DELIVERS LANDMARK AED 400M COASTAL LAND ACQUISITION, SETTING NEW RECORD FOR RESIDENTIAL LAND TRANSACTIONS IN THE UAE

Arabian Acres, a Dubai-based luxury real estate brokerage and development advisory firm specialising in super-prime residential and commercial transactions, has concluded the acquisition of three adjacent freehold plots in Jumeirah Coastline for a collective value of AED 400 million (approximately USD 109 million). The deal represents one of the most significant private coastal land assemblies in Dubai and marks the largest residential land transaction completed in Dubai.
This transaction comes at a time when global capital is increasingly seeking resilient, well-regulated markets. The UAE’s policy stability, strong governance and long-term growth fundamentals continue to reinforce its position as a preferred investment destination
“Large-scale land acquisitions of this nature reflect steady institutional and private wealth confidence in the UAE’s regulatory transparency, economic resilience, and long-term growth trajectory. Sustained capital inflows into Dubai’s prime and super-prime real estate segments continue to reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most stable and resilient investment destinations. At Arabian Acres, our role goes beyond brokerage. We work closely with local & international clients to navigate and execute complex, high-value opportunities in Dubai’s evolving real estate market.” Issa Atiq, CEO, Arabian Acres.
The consolidated landholding spans over 113,000 sq. ft, with a stretch of 160 metres of private beachfront along the Arabian Gulf, forming one of the last remaining contiguous coastal development opportunities of this scale in the Emirate. The transaction was completed in March 2026 and registered through the Dubai Land Department as three coordinated unit transfers. Arabian Acres structured, sequenced, and executed the entire acquisition, acting as exclusive broker for both buyer and seller.
The combined site is projected to deliver a gross development value exceeding AED 1 billion, driven by its extreme scarcity, scale and the planned integration of Dubai’s only residential land opportunity combining private beach access with a dedicated residential yacht marina. The development will comprise three ultra-luxury villas, each with direct beachfront access and private marina docking.
According to Dubai Land Department data, the three plots have appreciated between 255% and 335% over the past three years, underscoring both the scarcity of prime coastal land and the sustained demand for ultra-luxury residential assets. As contiguous beachfront plots become increasingly rare, structured land assemblies are expected to diminish further, amplifying the strategic significance of this transaction.
“This was a tightly structured transaction that required all three plots to move together. The window to secure this site was exceptionally narrow, as these were the last adjacent beachfront plots of this scale. Once developed, this combination of site, beach and planned marina access will be exceptionally difficult to replicate, making this one of the most strategically significant land transactions we have led to date” Added Issa Atiq.
While global markets continue to navigate heightened uncertainty, the fundamentals underpinning Dubai’s investment appeal remain firmly intact. Finite by nature and impossible to replicate, prime beachfront and waterfront land continues to attract significant capital from ultra-high-net-worth investors seeking long-term value, stability and asset security. Supported by strong regulatory frameworks, freehold ownership protections, RERA oversight and long-term economic planning, Dubai continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s most transparent and resilient real estate markets.
Home Integrator
WESTERN FURNITURE EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH NEW BRANDS ‘CIERRE’, ‘ZANOTTA’, AND ‘DESALTO’
While Showcasing Global Partnerships at Salone del Mobile 2026




Western Furniture Brands, one of the UAE’s leading luxury home and lifestyle retailers in UAE, recently captivated attendees at the prestigious Salone del Mobile 2026 in Milan, the world’s most prestigious design and furniture exhibition. Renowned as a global benchmark for innovation and craftsmanship, the annual event brings together the industry’s most influential brands and design visionaries.
Marking a significant milestone in its growth journey, Western Furniture announced the acquisition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’, the newest addition to its distinguished portfolio in the UAE. This strategic expansion reflects the company’s continued commitment to curating world-class brands and elevating the region’s luxury interiors landscape.
With a rich and diverse portfolio, Western Furniture proudly represents some of the most renowned names in international design, including Tonin casa, Tomasella, Draenert, Cierre, Natuzzi italia, Unopiù, Miniforms, Calligaris, Adriani rossi, and Reflex , each embodying excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics.

A key highlight of this year’s participation was Natuzzi Italia, exclusively represented by Western Furniture in the UAE for over 15 years. The brand, which operates a flagship store in Dubai, showcased its latest collections, reaffirming its leadership in contemporary Italian design.
Mr. Mikdad Babhrawala, CEO of Western Furniture LLC, expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership, emphasizing its strength and continuity. He noted that Natuzzi Italia, as a globally recognized brand with a rich heritage, has maintained a strong and enduring presence in the UAE market for many years.





Mr. Mikdad continue “the presence of our brands at Salone del Mobile reflects our long-term vision to continuously bring the finest global design experiences to the UAE. The addition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’, to our portfolio marks an exciting new chapter, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, exclusivity, and growth. We take great pride in our enduring partnerships with globally respected brands like Natuzzi Italia, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury interiors landscape in the region.”
Home Integrator
MILANO BY DANUBE INTRODUCES “GLOBAL DIRECT” STRATEGY AT CANTON FAIR AMID GLOBAL SHIPPING UNCERTAINTY

Milano by Danube, a leading global lifestyle and home solutions brand, has introduced its new “Global Direct” logistics strategy at this year’s Canton Fair, responding proactively to ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions across key shipping routes impacting global trade. Global Direct model stands as the most agile logistics strategy that allows the brand to ship products directly from its international hubs to partners across global markets and bypass traditional transit routes.
The move comes at a time when conflict-driven disruptions across major shipping corridors have created delays, rising freight costs, and operational uncertainty for businesses that rely heavily on conventional shipping networks. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Milano has adapted quickly by restructuring its supply chain model to ensure uninterrupted deliveries for its partners worldwide.
Through its Global Direct approach, orders placed at Canton Fair are fulfilled directly from Milano’s global hub in China and routed straight to destination markets, eliminating dependency on congested Middle Eastern transit points and significantly reducing delays which will ensure faster and more reliable deliveries.
Speaking about the strategy, Mr. Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano, said, “The current global environment has made businesses rethink how they operate and move products across borders. We recognized early that waiting for traditional shipping channels to stabilize was not an option. Our Global Direct model ensures that our partners continue receiving products on time while maintaining cost efficiency and supply continuity.”
Milano’s presence at Canton Fair received an overwhelmingly positive response from international traders, distributors, and partners who are increasingly exploring alternative logistics solutions to sustain their businesses amid growing uncertainty.
The company observed a significant shift in conversations at the event, with traders from across regions actively seeking dependable alternatives to conventional shipping routes in order to avoid prolonged delays and operational disruptions.
Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, this year’s Canton Fair witnessed remarkable global participation. The event remained as vibrant and crowded as ever, drawing visitors, buyers, and business leaders from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and beyond, underscoring the resilience of global trade and the determination of businesses to adapt.
Mr. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, added, “What stood out at Canton Fair this year was the resilience of global businesses. The fair was packed with buyers from around the world, and a common concern among many was finding faster, more reliable ways to keep their businesses operational. Our Global Direct strategy directly addresses that need and positions Milano as a reliable partner during uncertain times.”
As businesses continue to navigate an evolving global trade landscape, Milano’s strategic shift reflects its commitment to innovation, adaptability, and ensuring that partners remain competitive regardless of external challenges. With Global Direct now in motion, Danube Group’s Milano is reinforcing its position not just as a leading lifestyle and home solutions brand, but as a business partner equipped to solve modern supply chain challenges.
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