Downtown Design takes great pride in being the premier design fair to bring original and quality design to the region.
Here we speak to Agata Kurzela, Head of Interiors at AK Design about the benefits of sourcing international design locally, the sourcing process and recent projects.
Tell us a little bit about your design interests
My background in architecture and urban design allow my design interest to be broad and I am keen on taking up challenges with opportunities for experimentation. Over the years, I have pulled together a set of tools, design knowledge and an ease of being able to translate very abstract notions into tangible design.
Having now a fair deal of experience in the traditional design processes, I equally have a great interest in emerging technologies and new fabrication methods.
What are the type of projects you work on at AK Design?
As a company with a multi-disciplinary make up which includes architects, designers and engineers, we work across a variety of sectors: hospitality, education, public, residential as well as commercial projects.
We focus on interesting and challenging concepts that allow us to push design boundaries. Importantly, we are known for actually delivering the projects - and we believe in being involved from inception / concept stage until the very end of the project to ensure execution with the original intent and quality of finishing.
What do you think are the benefits of sourcing international design locally?
At AK Design we usually try to specify through locally-available suppliers. This allows us to have product information and samples on an almost immediate basis which is fundamental to our work as we often deal with challenging deadlines. Equally reliable after-sales service is paramount for the client’s satisfaction and quite often is a necessity, particularly for government projects.
When possible we also like to involve local designers and artists to give the projects a local flavour.
How do you see the future of international design in the regional market?
The regional market for international design is most definitely maturing and the Middle East and UAE in a few years will be a key destination to source international products. Owing to the central location of Dubai, I am confident that there will be a number of emerging and established design brands that will come to the region and offer their services.
Please highlight one of your favorite projects and the product details within
We have recently completed a boutique office cum collaboration space for Falcon & Associates that caters for Dubai Business Internships and VIP events. Falcon and Associates’ mission is to drive Dubai’s strategic communication and to build its position and reputation in the international arena. To highlight these credentials the concept was drawn from the Arabic idea of Al Wasl (“connection”) which is expressed through motifs related to both Bedouin heritage and the reborn Silk Road.
For interior furnishings we used several brands from Downtown Design including Walter Knoll, Haworth, Vitra, Magis (supplied by Superstudio), Fritz Hansen and Khalid Shafar. For finishing’s we used Kvadrat and Interface Carpet. For timbers we used solid American oak and engineered flooring from Kahrs/Nordic Homeworx.
The artwork was developed together with Capsule Arts who, in turn, engaged local artists and craftsmen which greatly contributed to the success of the project.
Can you give us an insight into the sourcing process for the design industry?
Although we often start design on an abstract level, we try to work with materials and products early on. We rely a lot on collaboration with our suppliers who support us when we need information at unexpected times and at a short notice.
We also always try to follow and explore new developments via portals such as Materia which provides valuable insight into materials which may not be available in the market yet. Often, our clients seek something no-one else has used yet and are willing to accept slightly more complex sourcing path, but for more fast-track projects we try to stick with the tried & tested.
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