Powerlist creative 30 2023: Kristina ZANIC CEO, KRISTINA ZANIC DESIGN CONSULTANTS
Kristina Zanic has had a distinguished career as an international designer for over three decades, working on projects in more than 20 countries. After having spent 15 years leading and growing a multinational design company, Kristina then set up her eponymous studio in Dubai in 2012. Over a decade later, the studio has grown to comprise a talented team of 200 creatives in four offices.
Kristina’s work is inspired by a love of travel and exploring different cultures. Croatian by origin and Australian by birth, she has lived in five countries and travelled to over 70, often seeking places off the beaten track. She has a passion for art and champions its valuable role in interior design.
Working with prominent developers, international hospitality brands, and VIP private clients, Krisina and her team design interiors for hospitality, dining, wellness, and residential spaces across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The studio’s portfolio includes over 300 successful projects in Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
The studio has notably established a strong presence in hospitality design, working with respected developers such as Red Sea Global, Neom, DGDA, Damac, and Orascom, along with hospitality operators such as Marriott, IHG, Accor, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah, and Anantara. Its collaborations also extend to working with prestigious international architects such as Kengo Kuma, Foster + Partners, and Jouin Manku.
Among its flagship projects are the St Regis Riyadh, St Regis Kuwait, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya, Domes Miramare resort in Greece, and Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi and Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah. Ongoing projects include the St Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia, Ritz Carlton Montenegro, Ritz Carlton Residences in Cyprus, and Vranska Banja Resort in Serbia.
In addition to winning numerous prestigious awards for its work over the years, the studio has won the coveted ‘Interior Design Company’ title multiple times. Kristina has been a trailblazer in her own right, regularly featuring on top interior designer lists in the region.
Committed to nurturing new talent, Kristina and her team are actively involved in training and mentoring interior design students in different regions.