Interview with Eng. Samia: Behind the Scenes of Arwa Designs

It’s an incredible honour, not just for me but for the entire Arwa Designs team. As a Saudi studio led by strong creative women, being recognised internationally reaffirms that our design philosophy—rooted in both innovation and heritage—resonates globally. This win symbolises the collective effort, creativity, and intention we bring to every project.

The award has amplified our studio’s visibility and opened doors to exciting opportunities, including international collaborations and larger-scale regional projects. For our team, it’s been a major confidence boost. It validated our belief in designing with meaning and has encouraged us to continue pushing creative boundaries while staying true to our values.

Experimentation is a core part of how we innovate at Arwa Designs. For one of our award-winning villas, we explored the idea of blending traditional Saudi motifs with modern materials—translating carved wood details into custom metalwork and juxtaposing sharp architectural lines with soft, textural fabrics. It was a delicate balance, but the outcome was a space that felt both contemporary and timeless.

One of the most unexpected sources of inspiration came from football teams. In our culture, soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a deeply rooted part of our social fabric. The strategy, discipline, movement, and even the passion seen in the game sparked an idea for a layout concept, influencing how energy and flow moved through a space. It reminded me that inspiration truly can come from anywhere—even the roar of a stadium.

That design is so much more than selecting finishes or making things look pretty. It’s a strategic, layered process that considers function, emotion, psychology, and storytelling. What might appear seamless on the surface is the result of countless thoughtful decisions behind the scenes.

It starts with listening deeply. Understanding the client's lifestyle, habits, and aspirations allows us to design spaces that are meaningful to them while also incorporating our creative direction. At Arwa Designs, we believe that the best results come when trust is built, and from there, the collaboration becomes effortless.

The project came with two key challenges: a very high ceiling and an expansive open floor plan. While visually striking, they made the space feel too vast and impersonal at first. We overcame this by integrating multi-functional design solutions and intentional zoning to create flow and intimacy. Every decision, from furniture placement to vertical layering, was made with precision to ensure a space that was both functional and luxurious.

I believe in stepping away, physically and mentally. Shifting my focus to something unrelated, like art, travel, or even a simple walk, helps reset my mind. I also find a lot of value in team discussions. At Arwa Designs, we thrive on collaboration, and sometimes all it takes is one fresh perspective to unlock a whole new idea.

I value subtle storytelling, whether it be through materials, light, or layout. My approach is shaped by a respect for tradition, but also a drive to reinterpret it in modern, relevant ways.

Stay curious, stay grounded. Learn to observe and ask questions. Design is a lifelong learning journey, and success comes not from replicating trends but from finding your own voice. Collaborate, take risks, and most importantly, design with intention.

I’m drawn to the work of designers who bridge cultures and challenge norms, someone like Zaha Hadid. Her fearless exploration of form and space was extraordinary. But honestly, I also find value in unexpected collaborations with textile artists, product designers, and even architects from completely different backgrounds. That’s where innovation lives.

I wish more people asked: “What emotion do you want someone to feel when they enter your space?”

Because for me, design is about crafting an emotional experience. Whether it’s calm, wonder, or a sense of belonging, my goal is to make sure every space we create leaves a lasting emotional impression.