Meet Mark Eacott: Designing the Future of Lifestyle Hospitality
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 9, we sit down with Mark Eacott, Global Vice President of Design at Ennismore — the group behind some of the world’s most beloved lifestyle brands, including The Hoxton, SLS, Mondrian, 25hours, and the relaunch of Delano.With a career spanning over two decades, Mark’s journey has taken him from Soho House to Philippe Starck’s YOO, and across cities like London, New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Dubai. At Ennismore, he leads a global design team dedicated to building brands that are authentic, experience-led, and culturally rooted.In this episode, we explore what makes a brand truly iconic, how design evolves in a post-luxury world, and why storytelling remains the foundation of great hospitality.Resources:
Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB
Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka
Follow Chad: @ChadAskari
Find Ennismore here: @ennismore
-------- Â
57:33
--------
57:33
Meet Rizwan Kassim: Designing Culinary Experiences That Go Beyond the Plate
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 8, we sit down with Rizwan Kassim, CEO Rikas and Paris Society International, the creative force behind some of the Middle East’s most exceptional dining destinations. From La Cantine du Faubourg to Mimi Kakushi, Ninive, and Lana Lusa, RIKAS has become synonymous with immersive, design-led hospitality.Since 2014, the group has opened 17 restaurant and beach club concepts, each rooted in storytelling, cultural nuance, and creative direction. With multiple venues now recognized by the Michelin Guide, and expansion underway across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Europe, and Morocco, Rizwan shares how emotion, atmosphere, and authenticity shape experiences that linger long after the last bite.Resources:Follow us here: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind RIKAS Hospitality Group here: @rikasgroup
-------- Â
1:00:46
--------
1:00:46
Meet Oscar & Gilda Badibanga: Redefining Fashion Through Identity and Storytelling
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 7, we sit down with Oscar Badibanga and Gilda Gilantash Badibanga, the founders of Badibanga — a brand where fashion transcends style to become a form of expression. Rooted in cultural depth and shaped by their global journey from Congo to Belgium to the UAE, their work celebrates individuality and the beauty of imperfection. In this episode, we explore the evolution of their brand, the intersection of art and strategy, and how fashion can tell stories that go far beyond fabric. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find Badibanga here: @BadibangaOfficial
-------- Â
1:01:40
--------
1:01:40
Meet Himank Goswami: Designing the Future of Hospitality with Purpose and Vision
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 6, we sit down with Himank Goswami, an accomplished hospitality design leader and Senior Director of Design and Capital Planning for the SWA-MEA region. Speaking in a personal capacity, Himank shares his perspective on design’s evolving role in the hospitality world — where creativity meets strategy, and spaces go beyond aesthetics to deliver emotion and value. In this episode, we explore his journey, his design philosophies, and what the future holds for an industry built on experience and connection. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskariFollow Himank: @Goswami_himank
-------- Â
53:03
--------
53:03
Meet Ali Mohammadioun: Architecture, Art, and the Power of Cultural Memory
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 5, we sit down with Ali Mohammadioun, architect, creative director, and founder of E Plus A Atelier. Born in Iran and raised in an artistic household, Ali’s work embodies a sensibility that honors materiality, heritage, and atmosphere. His projects — from intimate residences to cultural landmarks — tell stories through layers of art, texture, and nature.In this episode, we explore Ali’s influences, philosophies, and his belief that art and architecture must evolve together, shaping how we live, move, and feel in a space.Resources:Follow us here: @DesignPodDXBFollow Valeria: @ValeriaNushkaFollow Chad: @ChadAskariFind Ali here: @EPlusAAtelier
Welcome to the Design Pod, where we, your hosts, Valeria and Chad, explore the realm of interior design with passion and expertise. As interior designers dedicated to celebrating beauty in every form, we're excited to offer you an exclusive glimpse into the world of top industry talents. This season, we'll be engaging with visionaries and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and brands, providing inside views into the creative process that shapes our environments. Join us as we uncover the new answers of design from construction to creating spaces that just feel right. Welcome!
South Africa