Interview with Amani Al Ibrahim | Kristina Zanic Consultants
Words By Allegra Salvadori
Q. As a Saudi woman leading the Riyadh office of one of the region’s most respected design studios, Kristina Zanic Consultants, what does it mean to you to shape spaces that reflect both cultural heritage and contemporary luxury?
A. It’s about finding balance. I’m proud to bring a local perspective to spaces that feel relevant today, especially in a region that’s evolving so quickly. Our role is to design spaces that respect where we come from while looking ahead – whether that’s through subtle cultural references, material choices, or the way we shape experiences. Contemporary luxury, to me, is thoughtful and not about excess. It’s about creating something that feels grounded and meaningful.
I’m proud to bring a local perspective to spaces that feel relevant today, especially in a region that’s evolving so quickly.
Photo: Amani Al Ibrahim
Q. Your approach is known for its attention to detail and emotional depth. What are the first things you think about when imagining how someone will feel in a space you design?
A. It’s not only about how a space looks, but also about what story it tells and how it makes someone feel. We think about the journey – how someone enters, where their eyes go, what textures they touch. It’s about creating a certain atmosphere, whether that’s calm, curiosity, or even energy. Details matter, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they help shape the full experience. A space works best when people feel naturally comfortable in it, even if they can’t explain why.
Details matter, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they help shape the full experience.
Photo: Amani Al Ibrahim
Q. With a strong foundation in both design and project management, how do you navigate the space between creative vision and execution—especially when working across complex, large-scale projects?
A. It’s always a back-and-forth between creativity and delivery. We need a clear concept from the start, but it has to be flexible enough to work on the ground. We make sure we stay aligned across all teams, so that the original vision doesn’t get lost along the way. Having that project management mindset helps keep things realistic, especially when working under tight timelines or across multiple stakeholders.
Q. The BMW Lounge at Downtown Design Riyadh drew inspiration from the Tuwaiq Mountains and was described as a “Woven Landscape.” How did you weave together local identity and BMW’s global design language in this space?
A. The BMW Lounge at Downtown Design Riyadh needed to offer a sense of luxury hospitality for the show’s VIP guests while also telling a distinctly local story. We wanted it to feel rooted in Saudi Arabia and reflect the significance of the design fair launching here for the first time.
The Tuwaiq Mountains, with their strong presence and cultural relevance, inspired the overall concept. We reinterpreted their layered, sculptural forms into a flowing architectural language, using a palette drawn from desert tones and natural textures. At the same time, we introduced clean lines and refined details to echo BMW’s sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
What made this installation especially meaningful was the collaboration across different parts of the local design industry. We brought in refined furniture pieces from The Bowery Company, Dome Furniture, Laan Designs, and Abyat. Jaipur Rugs and AlShaya contributed beautifully crafted rugs, while Jotun supplied the textured finishes that tied the whole palette together.
What made this installation especially meaningful was the collaboration across different parts of the local design industry.
Q. Being part of the inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh was a milestone. What do you think this moment represents for the Saudi design scene—and what excites you most about the road ahead?
A. The local design scene has been growing steadily, but having an event like Downtown Design in Riyadh really puts a spotlight on that progress. It’s an opportunity to showcase what Saudi designers are capable of—not just locally, but on a larger platform. It’s exciting to see the next generation of Saudi designers stepping up. They’re bringing fresh ideas and helping shape the next chapter of design in the country, with a strong sense of identity and ambition.
It’s exciting to see the next generation of Saudi designers stepping up
