All around the world
Identity|December 2020
NextSpace, founded by Laurence Dehlen, aims to introduce the Middle East market to a myriad of brands from across the globe
Laurence Dehlen
All around the world

Can you give some background into your career within the design industry? At the beginning of 2000, I spent several years scouring the world for unique and precious pieces that would furnish my home in Cape Town. I’ve always loved beautiful interiors and luxury hotels. My extensive travels allowed me to discover exquisite lighting and furniture that was not available locally to my home. By opening two stores in Johannesburg and Cape Town, I was able to showcase and introduce my findings to the South African market.

In 2009, Purity appointed me as their regional sales manager in Dubai. Almost a decade later, I sought to expand and further my experience, and joined Kettal as their Middle East director in 2018. I handled all of the contracts and exciting hospitality projects in the region.

How did NextSpace come about? What gap does it fill in the market? The global pandemic has afforded many luxury brands the time to step back and rethink their approach in the market and become more connected to the incredibly inspiring design community. Several brands in the Middle East have reached out to me. They want to harness my experience within the luxury sector to streamline and re-structure their businesses within the region and further into Africa.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Identity.

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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Identity.

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