INDEX | Advisory Board

Shaping the future of design together

At INDEX, we believe the most impactful ideas emerge when industry leaders come together to challenge convention, share expertise, and inspire progress. Our Advisory Board brings together a distinguished group of architects, interior designers, developers, procurement leaders, and design innovators who help shape the conversations driving the industry forward.

More than advisors, they are active contributors to the evolution of the interiors and fit-out sector, providing valuable insights into emerging trends, market opportunities, sustainability, technology, and the changing needs of clients and end users. Their collective expertise helps ensure that INDEX remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering meaningful content, valuable connections, and a platform that reflects the future of design.

Our 2026 Advisory Board Members

Adriana Graur — Adriana Graur

Design Director,

dwp

Agata Kurzela — Agata Kurzela

Founder,

Agata Kurzela Studio

Angelica Romanazzi — Angelica Romanazzi

Vice President FF&E Design,

Sobha Realty

Bruce Fraser — Bruce Fraser

Vice President, Design Services Middle East & Africa,

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

David Thomson — David Thomson

Senior VP Development,

The First Group Hospitality

Diane Tabet — Diane Tabet

Director of Interior Design,

Accor

Esra Lemmens — Esra Lemmens

Design Strategist,

The Esra Lemmens Agency

Gilbert Boustany — Gilbert Boustany

VP Projects Delivery,

Chalhoub Group

Hani Asfour — Hani Asfour

Vice President, Innovation and Institutional Partnerships,

Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

Himank Goswami — Himank Goswami

Senior Director - Head of Design and Capital Planning,

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Indu Varanasi — Indu Varanasi

Design Director,

IRD Design

Janus Rostock — Janus Rostock

Regional MD Buildings,

AECOM

Leali Ezzat — Leali Ezzat

Founder and Design Director,

ELE Interior Design

Mahsa Gholizadeh — Mahsa Gholizadeh

Founder,

DBM Studio

Martin Louis du Plessis — Martin Louis du Plessis

Senior Director of Development,

DAMAC Properties

Mustafa Khamash — Mustafa Khamash

Founder,

Kart Group

Nadia Shafiq — Nadia Shafiq

Director of Interior Design,

Omniyat

Olly Bradley-Barnard — Olly Bradley-Barnard

Director,

Chapman Taylor

Prem Thakur — Prem Thakur

Vice President and Head of Design & Technical Services,

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

Rabah Saeid — Rabah Saeid

Founder,

STYLED HABITAT

Rim Guirari — Rim Guirari

CEO,

Mustard & Linen

Sandra Woodall — Sandra Woodall

RIBA GULF Chapter Committee - UAE Country Representative,

Design Principal Tangram MENA

Tristan du Plessis — Tristan du Plessis

Founder,

Tristan du Plessis Studio

OUR 2026 ADVISORY BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

What will matter most in 2026

Luxury, branding and lifestyle

Design storytelling and emotions now shape how brands express identity and value through space.

Sustainability, wellness and social impact

Sustainability now centers on well-being, community, and creating spaces that endure in impact and intention.

Hospitality and destination design

Destination‑led design and experiential storytelling are redefining modern placemaking.

Technology and future innovation

AI, immersive tools and smart materials are speeding up creative workflows, linking imagination to execution.

Business and global leadership

Design thrives on collaboration and strategy, where creativity meets entrepreneurial drive.

2026 INDEX Advisory Board at a glance

Three shows. One destination.

Where MENA’s design, hospitality and workplace communities come to source, connect and do business.

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