At KEO, Delvene is advancing the future of interior design through sustainability, material innovation, and digital integration. Parallel to her leadership role, she continues thought leadership on new- generation materials— exploring mycelium, and other bio-fabricated composites to reimagine low-carbon design. With the upcoming completion of Ciel Tower and several large-scale mixed-use programs underway, Delvene is positioning KEO’s interiors practice as a regional leader in human- centric, sustainable, and technologically responsive design. Her forward- thinking approach ensures KEO’s work not only meets environmental targets but redefines the standard of excellence for adaptive, resilient interiors.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

Delvene Lee’s professional journey began in Australia, where she earned a Bachelor of Built Environment (Interior Design) in 2004 and a Master of Architecture in 2010 from Queensland University of Technology. Her early experience in Kuala Lumpur and 11 years with The Buchan Group in Brisbane and the Gold Coast developed her technical and interdisciplinary acumen. In 2016, she relocated to Dubai to lead an interior design team, overseeing the design and delivery of flagship projects. She subsequently advanced to Senior Associate and Head of Interiors, directing large-scale, cross-disciplinary programs across the region. In 2023, she joined KEO Design as Head of Interior Design, where she continues to drive a holistic, integrated approach from concept to completion. Her portfolio includes the Ciel Tower and the Akala hotel and residences in Dubai, as well as the Grand Central Shopping Centre Extension in Australia. Earlier this year, she was named Middle East Interiors Champion of the Year, recognizing her leadership and contribution to design excellence across the region.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Looking ahead, Delvene envisions an interior design industry reshaped by innovation, integration, and ecological accountability. Her long-term vision emphasizes materials that are reusable, adaptable, and regenerative as foundational to sustainable practice. She anticipates the convergence of digital intelligence, bio-engineering, and neuroscience in shaping future environments that actively support wellbeing. At KEO, her roadmap focuses on expanding interdisciplinary collaboration, cultivating next- generation design talent, and strengthening partnerships with academia and industry leaders in sustainable materials. She believes future growth will rely not on stylistic trademarks, but on rigorous process, cultural awareness, and measurable impact. For Delvene, success is defined not by aesthetic trends but by longevity—creating interior environments that endure functionally, ethically, and emotionally in a rapidly changing world.

Leading with Impact

Delvene’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that design excellence emerges from both inspiration and disciplined execution. She champions a holistic, cross- disciplinary approach— ensuring interior design integrates seamlessly with architecture, structure, and MEP systems from concept through delivery. As Head of Interior Design at KEO, she fosters collaboration, mentoring teams to balance creative ambition with technical precision and client objectives. Her leadership is defined by empathy, accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning. She regularly talks at design conferences about material innovation including speaking at the Future of Architecture Summit on bio-organic materials in a session titled “Bio- Materials – Is the Science Really Ready Yet?”— exploring the promises and limitations of plant-based compounds like mycelium, and questioning their sustainability, strength, cost, and scalability. She also explores the psychology of color and its influence on wellbeing. Delvene’s authenticity and intellectual curiosity inspire her teams and peers to elevate design beyond aesthetics—toward a practice that enhances sustainability, performance, and the human experience.

PROJECTS

That Define Excellence Delvene’s design journey is defined by a portfolio of transformative works that harmonize visionary ambition with grounded integrity. As Lead Interior Designer for Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina—soon to be the world’s tallest hotel—she led the seamless convergence of architecture and interior design, crafting spaces that marry technical precision with emotional depth.

Her work on Akala Hotel & Residences in DIFC further exemplifies her commitment to the profound influence of interior environments on human wellness— physically, emotionally, and psychologically. As Arada’s flagship foray into ultra-luxury wellness hospitality and branded living, the project introduces a new paradigm: guest rooms conceived as responsive sanctuaries, intuitively attuned to the user’s subconscious needs through wearable- integrated technology.

Her concept development for high-end, master- planned villas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exemplifies a sophisticated ability to tailor design solutions that resonate deeply with the client’s brand identity and ethos. The result is a distinctive architectural narrative that not only sets a new benchmark in the market but also garners broad appreciation for its originality and cultural relevance.

Across every commission, Delvene demonstrates a rare ability to orchestrate multidisciplinary collaboration, safeguard design integrity from concept to completion, and innovate within complex commercial and technical frameworks. Her body of work reflects a steadfast belief that exceptional design is a synthesis of creativity, functionality, and stewardship— anchored by the twin pillars of well-being and sustainability.