In this interview, DnA Interiors’ Design Director and Principal, Samer Mansour shares insights on design, hospitality, sustainability, and future trends in Saudi Arabia.
DnA Interiors, founded by a hospitality design expert Samer Mansour, is shaping Saudi Arabia’s future with a vision of blending art, culture, and sustainability.
Saudi Projects: What inspired you to enter the field of interior design, and how did your journey lead to the founding of DnA Interiors?
Samer Mansour: From a young age, I was captivated by art and architecture. I explored various forms of art, However, my true journey into interior design began when I enrolled in the College of Fine Arts, where I discovered my passion for integrating art into interior spaces.
Throughout my career, I transitioned between various design firms, which shaped my identity as a designer. However, the most pivotal moment in my career came when I managed the interior design Projects at Dur Hospitality for 10 years. This role honed my understanding of hospitality and the local market, as I oversaw 20 hospitality projects with major international and local brands Such as Marriott and IHG. These projects presented various challenges, from the design phase to project delivery.
Eventually, I founded DnA Interiors, driven by my passion for hospitality design and the market’s need for this specialization. Despite the limited number of players in the KSA compared to the scale of projects, I embraced the challenge. The encouraging business environment in the Kingdom and my confidence in its future, especially after the launch of Vision 2030, further motivated me. Our vision has since evolved to include sustainable practices and a greater focus on local cultural elements, aligning with global trends and the Vision 2030 initiative.
Saudi Projects: Can you share a moment or challenge from your early days in the industry that shaped your approach to design?
Samer Mansour: Certainly. One of the most significant challenges in my career was managing the design of the Marriott Airport Hotel in Riyadh. The biggest challenge was the project’s budget, coupled with the presence of large quantities of white and green marble in the existing columns and walls, as the building was designed 40 years ago in the Art Deco style.
The most crucial decision we made was to preserve the building’s identity and sensitively blend modern elements with the old.
This challenge taught me the importance of creativity and innovation, pushing me to find innovative solutions and make the most of available resources without compromising quality.
“Balancing luxury, comfort, and practicality requires a deep understanding of the space’s function”
Saudi Projects: How do you balance the need for luxury and comfort in your designs while ensuring they are practical for everyday use?
Samer Mansour: Balancing luxury, comfort, and practicality requires a deep understanding of the space’s function and the expectations of both the client and the end user. We achieve this by selecting high-quality, durable materials within simple and elegant designs. Using noble materials such as wood and stone and focusing on details is key. It’s important to note that high-quality materials are not always the most expensive. A designer must be knowledgeable about material specifications and sources to find the best materials for the project’s budget.
Saudi Projects: What unique opportunities do you see in the Saudi market for hospitality design, especially with the Vision 2030 initiative?
Samer Mansour: Vision 2030 is a transformative initiative aimed at driving change across all levels in the Kingdom, with its positive impact extending to neighboring countries. This ambitious vision is reflected in the social, economic, and tourism sectors, significantly influencing the hospitality industry. According to Knight Frank’s hospitality market review in early 2024, the Kingdom currently has 134,500 existing keys. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 289,000 keys, with 94,800 keys in the planning phase. Notably, 77% of the upcoming supply is anticipated to be luxury and upscale hotels. Additionally, the tourism sector is projected to contribute 15% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030. As a firm established within the Kingdom, we are eager to be part of this remarkable transformation.
Saudi Projects: How do you integrate local art and culture into hotel designs, and why is this important to you?
Samer Mansour: Integrating local art and culture is essential for creating a sense of place and authenticity. At DnA, our design philosophy is that art should be an organic part of the design and a fundamental carrier of local culture. We regularly collaborate with local artists and craftsmen to incorporate unique cultural elements into our designs, enhancing the guest experience and supporting the local community. We have numerous experiences where artistic elements have highlighted certain projects.
Saudi Projects: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs, and can you provide an example of a sustainable project you have designed?
“Integrating local art and culture is essential for creating a sense of place and authenticity”
Samer Mansour: Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy. For example, the materials specified in most of our projects undergo extensive testing to reduce emissions and toxic substances or are made from recycled materials. We also rely heavily on natural lighting solutions and the use of plants to improve air quality and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Most importantly, we prioritize using local materials in our project specifications, which are more suitable for local climatic conditions, provide opportunities for the local community, and reduce carbon emissions from long-distance transportation. This approach applies to all our projects.
Saudi Projects: How do you stay ahead of design trends while ensuring your projects remain timeless and relevant?
Samer Mansour: Staying ahead of design trends requires continuous learning and attending international design exhibitions. However, we focus on creating timeless designs by crafting an inspiring story for our projects, drawn from the cultural and geographical context of each project. By integrating art with design, we create unique, globally appealing yet locally rooted designs, ensuring our projects remain relevant and attractive.
Saudi Projects: Can you share a glimpse of an upcoming project and what excites you about it?
Samer Mansour: We are currently working on several hotel projects, with the most significant being the Holiday Inn Rose Yard in Riyadh and the Crowne Plaza Podium in Al Khobar. What excites me is drawing design inspiration from the geographical surroundings of both hotels and integrating it into a modern and functional design.
Saudi Projects: What is your dream project to design and why?
Samer Mansour: My dream project is to design a space that combines art, culture, and technology in a sustainable way. Ideally, it would be a boutique hotel focused on art and culture, making a significant impact on the community and environment.
“Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy”
These projects often involve repurposing historical buildings or its Rehabilitation, such as converting a cement factory into a museum and residential space simultaneously.
Saudi Projects: What advice do you have for aspiring interior designers who want to specialize in hospitality design?
Samer Mansour: My advice is to deeply understand design principles and the unique needs of the hospitality industry. Building strong relationships with clients and suppliers, staying adaptable, and continuously seeking inspiration from diverse sources are essential for success. Humility is also crucial, as it allows you to learn from those with more experience and knowledge in our field.
Saudi Projects: How do you see the future of interior design in-light of the major developments happening in the Kingdom across all sectors?
Samer Mansour: I envision interior design in the Kingdom becoming increasingly focused on sustainability and psychological comfort.
There will be a stronger emphasis on creating spaces that enhance health and well-being while being environmentally friendly. Additionally, there will be a significant focus on highlighting local identity in a global context. The relocation of many leading global design firms to the Kingdom will further enhance this, creating a unique blend of local and international expertise, fostering innovative ideas, and cultivating a distinctive business environment.
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