BLOG

Our ability to create stimulating spaces is underpinned by a deep understanding of design. It’s a year since our Design Consultant Sabi joined the team and she’s been impressing clients with her quest for creativity ever since.

Where did your love of architecture and design come from?

My passion for design and architecture stemmed from growing up in the UAE amongst some of the most innovative structures in the world. I love creating spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to use design to improve people’s lives. I’m also passionate about building relationships with my clients and collaborators. I believe that the best designs are created through collaboration, and I want to pursue ways to learn and grow.

How do you think technology is changing the game for designers and clients?

It depends on your perspective. AI can be a huge help to designers, whether using Canva AI to create presentations and images, ChatGPT to enhance written communication, or AI to physically render a space. These algorithms can be an inspirational tool, or perhaps they make designers a little lazier. Some may put less effort in because they have software to do the hard work; however, you should never rely on technology alone to convey the true impact and authenticity of your design. This essence makes you unique and is what clients pay for.

What new trends do you expect to see in the next year or so?

I see an upward trend in eclectic design especially in hotel spaces, which is a design direction I love – mixing patterns, colours and textures. Kelly Wearstler’s work embodies the perfect blend of neutral, minimalist style enlivened with stunning marble textures and unconventional shapes.

What sets the UAE apart for its attitude towards design? Is there anything you would like to see change?

From a design perspective, I love how the UAE embraces every culture’s style and doesn’t impose any limits on what’s possible. Just take a drive down Sheikh Zayed Road; no two buildings look identical. Some may be simpler than others but each makes an impact as part of the whole picture.

What are some of your favourite furniture brands and why?

At the moment, I’m in love with our Normann Copenhagen Mat Chair. You would never guess that this beautiful chair is made from hemp. Hemp is extremely sustainable as it has a super quick grow time and the mat chair only uses the stalks, which are normally wasted. It has a completely circular lifecycle, meaning once the chair is no longer needed in its current form, it can be re-shredded and made into a brand-new product. Another one of my favourites is their scrumptious Burra Chair, which is actually inspired by yummy burrata!

What has working at ChelseaGREEN taught you?

At ChelseaGREEN, I fell in love with the human aspect of design by being face-to-face with clients, suppliers, and other designers. I’m so lucky to have supportive managers that pushed me towards the hybrid position of Design Consultant. This way I can foster my love for both design and people. Once again, I can’t overemphasise the importance of collaboration as part of the design process. They say it takes a village to raise a baby and for a designer it takes a village to complete a project.