Mahsa, an Irani- an-born and Australian-educated designer, has established a reputation as an avant-garde in interior design, challenging mainstream trends to create innovative spaces that enhance consumer experiences

Mahsa is known as a storyteller through design, forming designs with a distinct aesthetic while remaining true to their space and purpose. Each design is a reflection of the passion that speaks the language of creativity.

Mahsa’s portfolio shows exquisite projects in the hospitality, retail, food & beverage, and residential sectors in the Middle East and Australia as the founder and design director of the boutique interior design studio in Dubai. This knowledge encompasses the entire design-build process, from premium boutique hotels and bespoke restaurants to luxury residences and large-scale commercial/retail spaces.

Design by Mahsa’s success has been driven by reputation since its inception in 2018. Since 2020, the boutique design studio has grown significantly, with repeat and referral business accounting for more than 85% of total revenue. With some of the largest and most prestigious design projects in Dubai awarded to Mahsa and her Team in 2021/22, Mahsa’s position in the design industry will be redefined.

Mahsa believes that the company’s success is defined by the human element and the personal relationships that are fostered throughout the project cycle, rather than by her innovative and progressive designs. Mahsa’s proactive involvement in all projects, with a focus on interacting with customers and clients, is a significant differentiator. The power of inclusion is enormous!

A balance that is constantly being assessed and critiqued within Design by Mahsa, is the access and inclusion of technology in the human process of design. There are many tools to support designers on multiple levels, from the mass market Pinterest to the specialized VR and Augmented Reality. Mahsa’s process moves away from mass market products as it creates repetitive and imitative designs. Every space is unique and the client’s purpose is individual, therefore Mahsa’s design philosophy emphasises on drawing and adopting unique experiences and observations to create purposeful designs that promote a competitive edge for the client.

During the concept phase, Maha’s approach may appear to be traditional and ideological; however, as the project progresses, technology is increasingly used as a support tool to enhance the client’s journey through the design process It is widely acknowledged that technology is a critical tool, and as a standard practise, Mahsa employs 3Ds Max and Rhino for modelling, as well as V Ray and Vantage Design on all projects to provide clients and contractors with high-quality 3D rendering. However, it is the constantly evolving Virtual Reality that provides clients with an exciting experience, allowing them to step into a holographic projection of their space.

Mahsa explains: “It is this level of care and client involvement that clearly promotes return business and referrals, it brings the human touch back into projects of all scale with no discrimination.” When describing Design by Mahsa, the term “boutique” can be misleading; in fact, the corporate philosophy adopted the term “boutique” to describe the personal and bespoke approach to each design and project. It is clear that Design by Mahsa is capable of delivering large projects, as evidenced by the completion of two of the largest commercial design projects in Dubai in 2022.

The first is Talabat’s new global head- quarters at City Walk, which spans approximately 15,000m2 of tech-office space. For over 2,000 employees, the design includes ergonomically enabling spaces that encourage creative development, spatial flexibility, and technology-driven workspaces. While retaining Talabat’s brand identity, the design incorporates elements such as innovation tech-pods, digital team rooms, and wireless digital walls. The design incorporates greenery, a vertical height garden, and other organic materials to account for sustainability and biophilia.

In parallel to designing Talabat’s 15,00sqm HQ, Mahsa also completed the design of Dubai Holdings, Dubai Outsource City (DOC) covering 8,000m2 of common area over 8 buildings In addition, Mahsa has completed a premium rooftop lounge at the icon Hazel Wong designed Emirates Towers in DIFC. The roof top lounge leverages unparalleled views of the Museum of the Future and will provide a competitive edge for the hotel operations.

Strategic and managed growth will be maintained through 2023, with a healthy pipeline of projects in the works, with a focus on bespoke F&B designs and premium commercial projects. Design By Mahsa will expand in the regional hospitality sector, capturing the niche of boutique hotels and resorts, as a result of a strategic move driven by demand and strategic partnerships. However, a lot of attention is placed on making sure that development plans don’t compromise Mahsa’s ability to offer individualised and distinctive services.