FINASI

Designed with AI. Made in the UAE.

One brief. Three designers. Countless ideas.
Our Finasi Internal AI Competition is well underway, bringing together creativity, innovation and craftsmanship to explore how AI can inspire furniture design.

From concept presentations and material selection to design development and the first stages of prototyping. Each concept reflects a different perspective while celebrating the skill and creativity of our team.

Every step moves these ideas closer to becoming handcrafted pieces, proudly made in the UAE.

Stay tuned as we introduce each designer and share the thinking behind their concepts before revealing the final creations.

furnituredesign joinery craftsmanship

Has the shipping map changed forever?

For Giuseppe Gusmaroli, Owner of AA&S Shipping, it’s hard to say for certain — but what’s clear is how much has already shifted. The movement of goods across the region has entered a new phase, with alternative ports, longer transit times, and increased pressure on logistics planning.

During Finasi’s roundtable discussion, Gusmaroli shared how cargo routes have shifted from traditional pathways through the Strait of Hormuz to alternative ports such as Jeddah, Salalah, Sohar, Fujairah, and Khorfakkan — often requiring additional bonded trucking to complete the journey.
“Plan earlier, build buffers, stay flexible,” he shared, highlighting the need for the industry to adapt to a supply chain landscape where the old map no longer applies.
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Events and Media Partner: !ntelier | Marketing for architecture and design

supplychain

When uncertainty affects every stage of a project, who makes the final decision?

For Olivia Watts Co-founder & Managing Director of MWM STUDIO , navigating disruption is a joint effort but ultimately, the client holds the final call.
During Finasi’s roundtable discussion, she shared how her team responded to supply chain uncertainty by reassuring clients and staff, while shifting styling and procurement towards local sourcing wherever possible.

While designers are there to guide decisions and achieve the best possible outcome, the person managing the budget ultimately makes the final decision.
As Olivia put it: “The client ultimately does, because they’re holding the budget. But we’re here to consult and get the best possible design outcome with the time permitting.”

Events and Media Partner: !ntelier | Marketing for architecture and design

The simplest wardrobe still deserves to be built right.

Designed for real function, with every drawer, shelf, and hanging space made to work as hard as you do.

At Finasi, that’s the standard, not the upgrade.

Can great design survive rising costs and supply chain uncertainty?

For Francesca Patti Hospitality Design Director of Bishop Design , the answer is yes, but only if creativity continues to lead the process.

During Finasi’s roundtable discussion, she shared how designers are adapting by considering procurement from day one, making it just as important as the creative vision itself. Building multiple sourcing strategies into every project has become standard, but for Patti, flexibility should never come at the expense of great design.

“Compromises are still possible if they’re led by creativity, without losing the sense of the project,” she said. “The only thing that doesn’t have to pay the cost is the design itself.”

Events and Media Partner: !ntelier | Marketing for architecture and design

A pool that takes centre stage.

Designed and built in-house by Finasi, this Jumeirah Park villa is a true backyard oasis. Complete with a stunning pool, garden touches and patio space to relax in.

Made in the UAE.

What happens when uncertainty becomes the new normal?

For Shahab Lutfi, Co-founder & Chairman of H&H , the real cost isn’t just rising material prices, it’s the impact on project timelines and decision-making.

During Finasi’s roundtable discussion, he shared how developers are adapting by rethinking the way contracts are structured, moving away from locking in full project costs upfront in favour of smaller contract packages, a bet that current price escalation won’t hold long term. He also pointed to local sourcing as a practical lever, highlighting the shift from imported precast materials to natural Omani stone, a solution that reduced costs and delivered a stronger design outcome.

“I think there is a give and take. If things cool down in terms of material costs and escalation, I think as a client they have to absorb the cost going forward on the old contracts.”

Events and Media Partner: !ntelier | Marketing for architecture and design