THE FUTURE IS NOW
Identity|June 2021
A NEW ERA OF DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS AND ARTISTS IN THE UAE IS REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND CITIES, FROM THE MIDDLE EAST TO THE REST OF THE WORLD
AIDAN IMANOVA
THE FUTURE IS NOW

HASAN AND HUSAIN ROOMI

H2R Design

Interior Designers

Brothers Hasan and Husain Roomi, the managing partners of boutique practice H2R Design, are conscious of creating projects that are future-facing by adopting a sustainable approach to their projects, not only through their choice of materiality but also in the ways they tackle the ageing of spaces. With a focus on the hospitality, F&B and retail sectors, the brothers have carved a niche for themselves within the regional and international design scene, with offices in Dubai and London.

“As tactical as it may seem to have two brothers follow a similar trajectory and work within the same field, we actually took an organic approach to the growth of our careers, as well as our business,” they explain. “A passion to create and innovate drove us to open our own studio in 2012 – something we found essential, being young and full of ideas to push the envelope… While we have grown in both size and capability, we have stuck to our guiding belief that organic growth is better than forced growth – from both a creative and a reputation perspective. Having a young, dynamic team that can tackle whatever project piques our interest is at the heart of who we are and how we operate.”

Context is at the core of H2R’s designs, and the duo has completed some of Dubai’s most visited cafés and dining concepts, as well as being at the helm of projects such as the renovation of the iconic Al Alamein Hotel in Egypt and the luxury retail space HOB in Abu Dhabi that honours the local influences of the region.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Identity.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Identity.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM IDENTITYView All
Breaking the mould
Identity

Breaking the mould

A collision of forces has given birth to a new project called The Great Design Disaster. Led by a passionate duo – interior architect Gregory Gatserelia and design enthusiast Joy Herro – its aim is nothing short of shaking up the traditional boundaries of the contemporary design market. identity catches up with Herro to learn more.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
A taste for luxury
Identity

A taste for luxury

Häcker Kitchens is on a mission to 'disrupt the kitchen industry' in the Middle East

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
An Italian affair
Identity

An Italian affair

An exclusive collection by online retail platform Artemest has been curated by Dubai-based interior designer and founder of Styled Habitat, Rabah Saeid, and combines Italian handcrafted pieces inspired by cosy nights in.

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
At the nexus of design and function
Identity

At the nexus of design and function

Casamia is home to truly contemporary kitchens for lovers of elegance and understated style

time-read
1 min  |
June 2021
DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES
Identity

DESIGN FOCUS: A FEAST FOR THE EYES

As a place for everything from cooking and eating to entertaining and gathering with family and friends, the kitchen is the heart of any home. It can be a space that invites creativity as well, not only with food but also with design. Contemporary or traditional, urban-inspired or with a countryside feel, adorned with neutral colours or noble materials, bespoke or modular: there are many options to reflect your own style.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2021
Contemporary heritage
Identity

Contemporary heritage

Launched just a few months ago, new brand and gallery Don Tanani revives the past with a contemporary eye, through objects that are at the crossroads of design and art

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
Distant voices
Identity

Distant voices

The voices of 4000 Lebanese citizens have travelled to the Venice Architecture Biennale as part of Beirut-based architecture and design duo T SAKHI’s installation, ‘Letters from Beirut’. With the hope of fostering dialogue and honouring the Lebanese community, the installation shares narratives in the wake of the city’s ongoing reconstruction following the explosion in Beirut on 4 August last year.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
An urban legacy
Identity

An urban legacy

A new book chronicling Sharjah’s modern urban landscape offers a wide-ranging view of the UAE’s third-largest city

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2021
WEEKEND LIFESTYLE
Identity

WEEKEND LIFESTYLE

This Sydney home achieves harmony through the perfect balance of proportions, materials and colours

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2021
A labour of love
Identity

A labour of love

The House of Today platform has supported emerging design talent and students in Lebanon for nearly a decade. Today, in the face of ongoing challenges, their efforts remain as solid as ever.

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2021