^{Words By Allegra Salvadori | Photographs By Max Gower}

There’s something about summer that calls us to the table—not just for food, but for feeling. For Susan Amin, founder of Project Piña, the alfresco table becomes a canvas where hospitality and artistry meet. Inspired by the pineapple, a universal symbol of welcome, her ethos is rooted in the transformative power of warmth, elegance, and intention. “A beautifully set table,” she says, “is where connection begins.”

Susan’s journey into design began not in studios or showrooms, but in the quiet intimacy of her first apartment as a student. With a modest kitchen and an even smaller table, she discovered the joy of turning everyday moments into something memorable. “Entertaining became an art form,” she reflects. “Even a simple meal felt special when thoughtfully presented.”

Today, her approach to table setting is instinctive and layered—anchored in themes, rich in detail. She begins with the essentials: the number of guests, the rhythm of plates and glassware, the texture of linens. Then come the details that transform a table into an experience—bud vases with freshly cut stems, flickering candles nestled in foliage, seasonal fruits sliced open to scent the air. The effect is effortless, yet curated—a gentle drama that invites rather than overwhelms.

Summer, for Susan, is about ease. Think grilled vegetables and vibrant salads shared under dappled sunlight. For dessert: peaches, cherries, a crumble topped with ice cream, or her favourite—Eton Mess, unapologetically decadent.

In everything she does, from hosting to motherhood, Susan blends integrity with imagination. Her style is less about perfection and more about presence. “There’s a magic,” she says, “in creating spaces where people feel truly at home.”

And that, perhaps, is the truest form of design.

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