Firas Yasser Gharzeddine, Managing Partner at Materia, reflects on the brand’s evolution—from launching during the Gulf’s design boom to becoming a trusted creative partner for architects and designers across the region
What inspired you to establish Materia back in 2008?
In 2008, design in the Gulf was evolving rapidly, but the materials landscape wasn’t keeping pace. Architects were pushing boundaries with bold ideas, yet often struggled to source products that matched that level of innovation. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap, bringing global material intelligence closer to our region in a way that felt accessible, relatable, and inspiring. Materia was never intended to be just a supplier. From the start, the vision was to tell stories—about craft, culture, and the powerful role materials play in shaping how we experience space.
How has Materia evolved with the region’s changing design landscape?
When we first launched, the regional focus was largely on luxury and statement-making design. Today, priorities have shifted; design is now driven by meaning, sustainability, longevity, and how a space makes people feel.
Materia has evolved in step with this transformation. We’ve expanded our network, embraced digital tools, and cultivated deeper, more collaborative partnerships with designers. Our role has moved beyond simply supplying materials; we’re now an active part of the creative process. We’re not just keeping up with trends; we’re helping to shape them.
What sets Materia apart in the competitive materials market?
Curation — that’s truly at the heart of everything we do!
We’re not here to offer everything; we focus on offering the right things. Every material in our portfolio is carefully selected for its story, its integrity, and its ability to elevate design without demanding attention.
But what really sets us apart goes beyond the materials themselves; it’s the relationships. We invest time in understanding what architects and designers are trying to express. That human connection, that shared creative trust, is what keeps people coming back.
How do collaborations with architects and designers shape your vision?
They’re everything. Collaboration is where the real magic happens. When you truly listen to architects and designers, you begin to understand the gaps — the things they can’t find, or that don’t exist yet. That’s when we step in to explore, experiment, and sometimes even develop something entirely new together. Some of our most meaningful moments at Materia have come from that creative exchange, when someone brings in a sketch, and together we find the material that brings it to life. It’s a very human process, and an incredibly rewarding one.
In what ways is Materia embracing sustainability and innovation?
Sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a responsibility. At Materia, we work with brands that prioritise recycled content, low-impact manufacturing, and traceable sourcing. But we also explore innovation beyond materials, from digital tools that allow designers to visualise finishes more accurately, to adaptive surfaces that respond to their environment.
For us, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Both are about designing smarter, more intentional spaces that endure — not just in form, but in purpose.
How has your background in marketing and management influenced your leadership?
Marketing taught me the power of storytelling — how to connect with people emotionally and create a meaningful bond with a brand.
Management, on the other hand, instilled the importance of structure and discipline, showing me how to transform vision into tangible results. Together, these experiences have shaped my leadership style, which balances creativity with clarity. I still view Materia as a living brand, not merely a business. It has its own voice, personality, and promise, and my role is to nurture and protect these qualities while guiding its growth.
What’s next for Materia and for you as a leader in design materials?
It’s about growth — but growth with purpose. We are expanding our presence regionally and investing in digital tools to make our collections more accessible to designers everywhere. On a personal level, I am committed to sharing the knowledge we’ve gained through mentoring, public speaking, and collaborative projects that challenge and expand the possibilities of what materials can achieve.
