The Next Step

Dubai designer Omar Nakkash discusses his latest hospitality projects - and his new table lamp, which is debuting at the Beirut Design Fair.

- Joanne Molina

Currently running Dubai’s Nakkash Gallery alongside his father Wajih Nakkash and his sister Aya Nakkash, it’s hard to imagine that designer Omar Nakkash would have the time or energy to be so prolific. But the designer has also been busy undertaking interior design for retail spaces, residences and restaurants throughout the city. In addition, he is launching his new table lamp, Trinity, at this year’s Beirut Design Fair.

“The leap into hospitality has not changed my design philosophy per se but it has expanded it into new realms,” says Nakkash. “Developing designs for commercial projects allowed me to have more creative freedom. On the other hand, commercial projects are much more price-sensitive and budget conscious, which altered my framework slightly,” he continues.

A collector and traveller, he is committed to showcasing regional and local designs through collaborations and activities. Born and raised in the UAE, he attended Parsons the New School for Design in New York and completed his graduate studies in Interior Design from Scuola Politecnica di Design in Milan.

His projects are diverse and dynamic. They include All Things Mochi in the Dubai Design District, Parlour Boutique in One Central, Nourish in Dar Wasl and two private villas in Millennium Estates.