With more than three decades of international experience, Melani Sabhaney, Co-Founder and Design
Director of Interspace, is redefining luxury through thoughtful design, bespoke craftsmanship, and a
deeply personal understanding of the people behind every space.
For Melani Sabhaney, great design begins with people, not spaces. It is about understanding how
individuals live, work, and experience their surroundings, then translating those insights into
environments that feel authentic, functional, and timeless. This people-first philosophy has shaped
her career spanning more than 30 years across the GCC, India, and the United States, establishing her
as a seasoned voice in the region’s interior design industry.
As Co-Founder and Design Director of Interspace, Melani has spent over two decades building a
design practice that places individuality at the heart of every project. Founded in the UAE in 2005
alongside Paul Ninan, Interspace has grown into a boutique architectural and interior design studio
serving clients across the Middle East and international markets. Its portfolio spans luxury residential,
hospitality, retail, and commercial projects, reflecting a commitment to creating spaces that balance
aesthetic appeal with purpose and practicality.
A Vision Beyond Aesthetics
In an industry often shaped by emerging trends and changing definitions of luxury, Melani believes
that the most meaningful spaces are those that tell a story. Rather than imposing a signature style,
she approaches each brief as an opportunity to understand the client’s personality, aspirations, and
lifestyle.
From contemporary sophistication to timeless classicism, every project is developed through a
collaborative process that allows its identity to emerge naturally. Materials, finishes, spatial planning,
and furnishings are carefully considered to ensure that the final environment feels cohesive and
personal.
This philosophy also informs Interspace’s approach to client relationships. Open communication,
transparency, and meticulous attention to detail remain central to the studio’s practice. By working
closely with clients throughout the design journey, Melani ensures that the original vision remains
central to every decision, from the initial concept to the final execution.
For her, luxury is not simply about expensive materials or striking visuals. It lies in the details that
make a space comfortable, purposeful, and uniquely suited to the people who inhabit it.Building a Design Practice Across Borders
Since its establishment in 2005, Interspace has developed an international portfolio, delivering
projects across the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, and the United States. The studio offers
end-to-end design and project delivery services, encompassing concept development, space
planning, procurement, fit-out, project management, quality control, and client representation.
Among its notable projects are the Emirates First Class Lounge, Emirates Training College Lounge, and
Emirates Headquarters Conference Centre. The studio has also undertaken hospitality design projects
associated with leading international brands, including Hilton and IHG.
These projects demonstrate the ability to translate a design vision into environments that respond to
complex operational requirements without compromising the user experience. Whether developing
a hospitality space or a private residence, Melani approaches each project with the same attention to
context, functionality, and detail.
Her experience across international markets has also reinforced the importance of adaptability.
Different clients, cultures, and environments bring distinct expectations, making it essential to
balance creative vision with a clear understanding of how each space will be used.
Championing Bespoke Craftsmanship
Melani’s commitment to personalisation extends beyond interiors into bespoke furniture design. At a
time when mass-produced furnishings dominate much of the market, she continues to advocate for
made-to-order pieces that complement the architecture and character of a space.
Working closely with clients, she develops custom furniture that reflects their preferences while
maintaining consistency with the wider design concept. Each piece becomes part of a carefully
considered environment rather than an independent decorative element.
Her work on luxury residential projects in the United States further illustrates this approach. For
these projects, furniture and materials are often designed and manufactured in the UAE before being
shipped overseas, demonstrating how regional design expertise can serve international clients.
Melani also sees considerable potential in India as a sourcing destination for the Middle East’s design
industry. With its established manufacturing capabilities, diverse materials, and rich craftsmanshiptraditions, India offers opportunities for studios seeking distinctive products and production
partnerships. She hopes to encourage greater exploration of this market among regional design
professionals.
Leadership Rooted in Collaboration
Beyond her design expertise, Melani’s journey reflects the value of building a business around
relationships and a clearly defined philosophy. Through Interspace, she has championed a
collaborative approach that brings clients, designers, consultants, craftsmen, and suppliers together
to achieve a shared vision.
Her leadership is grounded in the belief that successful projects depend on trust, communication,
and a willingness to understand different perspectives. This approach has helped shape a practice
that prioritises long-term relationships alongside creative and technical excellence.
As the definition of luxury continues to evolve, Melani remains committed to the principles that have
guided her career: individuality, thoughtful craftsmanship, and spaces designed around people.
Through Interspace, she continues to demonstrate that enduring design is not about following a
particular trend, but about creating environments that remain relevant and meaningful over time.
For Melani Sabhaney, the true measure of a space is not simply how it looks, but how it makes
people feel. It is this perspective that continues to define her work and the vision behind Interspace.