Wilson Associates moves into Dubai Design District

Global interior architecture firm Wilson Associates has officially reopened its Dubai office, making the move to the city’s creative hub, the Dubai Design District (d3). The design of the new 6,000-sq-ft office was led by Wilson Associates Dubai and incorporated input and assistance from many market specialists including product manufacturers and workplace designers. The space’s concept reflects Wilson Associates’ innovative approach to design while providing an inspiring place for designers, suppliers, clients, and guests to work, collaborate, and innovate. The look and feel of the workspace captures the design team’s creative spirit featuring quirky design elements that include a neon “On/Off” sign at the entryway, a crystal chandelier composed of skulls and bones, gold-painted ceilings, and an over-scaled sofa, said the company in a statement. These elements are balanced by a reserved colour palette and carefully-selected finishes, fixtures, and materials. Another key design highlight includes geometric flooring from Bolon that seamlessly transition into carpet in the studio area. The carpet, designed by Tom Dixon, mimics the water movement of the river Thames, providing a stark juxtaposition against the angular flooring that reflects the urban and natural influences of Wilson Associates’ work, it stated. To offer a welcoming work environment, an open floor plan was applied throughout - one that incorporates a number of break-out areas - from small, individual-style standing desks to an eight-person table for group and individual brainstorms and work. A large communal pantry offers tables and cooking areas for socialising and casual productivity. In the large meeting room, two tables replace the traditional large conference table, allowing for multiple meetings to take place simultaneously, and providing the office with a more casual, café-like feel. Led by Isabel Pintado, the senior vice-presidnet and managing director, Wilson Associates’ Dubai office is home to 30 talented designers. Drawn to the vibrant design community located in d3, Pintado spearheaded the office’s relocation, embedding Wilson Associates into the burgeoning design scene in Dubai, and the most notable in the region. “D3 offers the ideal environment to foster the team’s creativity, encourage collaboration, and drive design innovation,” remarked Pintado. “We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this exciting community of creative talent, and is one that is quickly gaining notoriety on a global level,” he added. To celebrate the firm’s entrance into the thriving design community, Wilson Associates hosted a VIP launch event in December. In addition to relocating the office, the Dubai team of designers is working on luxury projects around the world, including a VVIP private villa in Abu Dhabi, the Taj Hotel located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, the Marriott Hotel Taghazout Bay in Morocco, and the renovation of an iconic historic five-star hotel in Qatar