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
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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
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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
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Meet Omar Nakkash: Designing Human-Centered Spaces with Story, Culture, and Bold Aesthetics.
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 4, we sit down with Omar Nakkash, founder and design director of the award-winning NAKKASH Design Studio – a multi-disciplinary architecture and design practice based in Dubai. From his roots in Sharjah to Parsons in New York and design studios in Milan, Omar’s journey has been shaped by creativity, cultural identity, and a passion for human-centered design. Known for blending functionality with bold aesthetics, Omar’s approach is enriched by storytelling and his love for art, music, and objects with emotional meaning. In this episode, we explore how he builds a design philosophy that balances global inspiration with local roots, and what it truly means to create spaces that feel human. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find NAKKASH Design Studio here: @nakkashdesignstudio
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Meet Sultan Al Darmaki: Building a Movement of Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Connection
Welcome to Season 2 of The Design Pod. In Episode 3, we sit down with Sultan Al Darmaki, founder of 1833/١٨٣٣ – a private members’ club redefining the way creative and business communities connect. As an Emirati entrepreneur and visionary, Sultan has dedicated his career to elevating networks through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. In this episode, we dive into the story of 1833/١٨٣٣, its unique identity, and how it’s dismantling barriers between creativity and commerce. Sultan also reflects on his journey as a founder and why curated communities hold the power to spark transformation. Resources: Follow us here: @DesignPodDXB Follow Valeria: @ValeriaNushka Follow Chad: @ChadAskari Find 1833/١٨٣٣ here: @1833club
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