Design Division Studio (DD Studio) – a separate business unit within Design Division – aims to be a much-sought-after name in a growing segment of the emirate’s market that is looking for purely design services.

“Given the booming construction sector in Dubai, clients are looking for design-only services so that they can float tenders and benefit from the freedom of choice that this procurement method offers,” says Fergus Duncan, design studio manager.
The company is currently working on the interior design of the new Emirates Operations Centre at the Dubai International Airport. It is also engaged in numerous other commercial, private residential and hospitality project across Dubai and further afield.
DD Studio holds credit for having undertaken the interior design work for landmarks such as the Emirates Towers hotel, Dusit Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
Efficient and friendly customer service, a desire to make a quality statement and provide the customers with “in budget” innovative design solutions are the hallmarks of DD Studio, whose offices on Shaikh Zayed Road are a testimony to its interior designing skills.
This purpose-built contemporary design studio contains an extensive library of fabrics, tiles and finishing materials sourced from all parts of the globe.
Before launching design work, DD Studio collates all the information about the project, analyses the client’s requirements; programme and budget; and the resources available.
Its multinational team offers a wide range of interior design services, ranging from design development, final design, tender invitation to site supervision.
“We strive to exceed the expectations of our clients,” says Duncan. “DD Studio does not stick to a prevailing style but each design is tailored to the client’s individual requirements.”
Commenting on the market, Simon Ireson, interior designer says: “The Gulf market has, in the past, been slow to embrace innovative design.  Dubai has broken out by becoming a leader in the use of new technology and a patron of innovative design.
“Clients now are more open to new ideas from magazines rather than opting for the tried and tested route.
“Glass has become a prominent design feature and so has stone.  In addition, there is a greater awareness of the use of materials that are environment friendly and by implications are generally new to the market.”
DD Studio’s scope of works covers interior design, space planning, lighting, furniture and graphic design.
It strives for excellence through professional teamwork.  Its multi-disciplined staff include creative designers, experienced specifiers, highly-skilled computer visualisers, freehand artists and CAD draftsmen.
“To assist in concept and design development, visualisers generate virtual reality images and 3-D ‘walk-throughs’, resulting in precise interpretation of the client’s brief and gaining the client’s full appreciation of the proposal,” explains Duncan.  “The client can view the design proposals online, and if required, modifications can be made and presented to the client in real time.
“Once approved, digital transmission, from designer to CAD draftsmen ensures the accurate generation of layout plans and working drawings.  In the case of remote projects, the presentations and drawings are posted on a secure extranet site for viewing by the client, project management team and contractors,” he adds.