Crafting Character: Inside the World of Ghayth Maatouk Studio
people • MAKERS
Ghayth Maatouk is a renowned architect and interior designer whose Dubai-based studio specialises in high-end residential and commercial interior design across the GCC and beyond—rooted in a passion for Levant architecture. His design philosophy centres on creating visually compelling spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. From his studio in Dubai, he approaches each project as a story waiting to be told, a delicate balance between refined aesthetics and meaningful design.
Raised in a world where art and craftsmanship were ever-present, Ghayth brings a unique sensibility to his work, layering influences from his travels, heritage, and a profound love for authenticity. His interiors do more than impress visually; they connect, evoke, and endure. In this interview, we explore the ideas, experiences, and inspirations behind his distinctive creative vision.
Words: designeers
MAY 2025
WEBSITE: ghaythmaatouk.com
INSTAGRAM: @ghaythmaatouk
DESIGNEERS
Can you tell us about the story behind founding your design studio in Dubai and the guiding principles that inspired you?
Ghayth Maatouk
From the early days of my studies in London, I knew Dubai was where I wanted to establish my design practice. The city’s dynamic and cosmopolitan spirit, combined with its openness to innovation and diversity in design, offered the perfect environment to grow creatively and professionally. Dubai’s fast-paced nature, along with a clientele that is both discerning and adventurous, allows for an exciting freedom to explore evolving trends without limitations. These qualities continue to inspire my approach, creating designs that are timeless, versatile, and deeply connected to the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.
DESIGNEERS
In the "Dubai Hills" project, you transformed the living space by expanding the area and integrating an open island kitchen. What were the main challenges of this project, and how did you overcome them?
Ghayth Maatouk
With new developments offering increasingly compact spaces, one of our main goals is to create a sense of openness while maintaining full functionality. In the Dubai Hills project, the client’s priority was to maximise the openness of the living area to better accommodate their frequent gatherings. While Dubai Hills is a private residence, lessons from our commercial interior design work — from efficient back-of-house planning and smooth guest flow to material durability — shaped many of the solutions. The primary challenge, however, was that integrating an open kitchen into the living space raised concerns about food preparation and post-event cleanup disrupting the flow of the space. To resolve this, we designed a versatile, fully equipped dirty kitchen that is discreetly accessible from both the main kitchen and the outdoor area, ensuring practicality without compromising the openness and elegance of the main living space.
DESIGNEERS
Your design philosophy is defined by a minimalist yet warm aesthetic, using natural materials and earthy colour palettes. How do you strike the right balance between minimalism and warmth in your spaces?
Ghayth Maatouk
We achieve our minimalist design language using clean lines, strong axes, and carefully considered spatial arrangements. The colour palettes and material schemes are often inspired by the project's location and its surrounding environment, ensuring a natural sense of harmony. To infuse warmth and character, we incorporate elements that reflect the client’s personality and story, making each project feel truly personal and lived in.
Our palette leans toward earthy colours — warm clays, soft sands — and the careful selection of art plays a vital role in bringing soul to the space, adding depth and emotion without compromising its clarity or simplicity.
DESIGNEERS
You often incorporate works by emerging artists into your projects. How do you select these artists, and what role do their pieces play in enhancing your spaces?
Ghayth Maatouk
Art is what brings soul, depth, and character to every space we design. We thoughtfully select works by emerging artists, often from the region or from backgrounds that resonate with the client’s story, as a way of both enriching the space and supporting creative talents. By placing their work within carefully curated environments, we not only give these artists a platform but also ensure that the spaces we design feel authentic, personal, and culturally connected— a visual dialogue enriched by a textured patina of earthy colours.
“I believe every project should feature a vintage piece, whether it’s an object the client already owns or something we find and reimagine. These pieces add a sense of history and uniqueness to the design, grounding the space in a narrative that connects the past with the present.”
Ghayth Maatouk
DESIGNEERS
Which current interior design trends do you find most exciting, and how do you integrate them while maintaining a timeless aesthetic?
Ghayth Maatouk
One trend I find particularly inspiring is the rise of Japandi — a beautiful fusion of Scandinavian functionality and boldness with Japanese design philosophies and aesthetics. I enjoy working within this style because it reflects a balance of simplicity, warmth, and intentionality, values that resonate deeply with my own approach. While I draw inspiration from these Asian aesthetics, I always reinterpret them through my own lens, ensuring that each project feels timeless, personal, and thoughtfully tailored to its context.
DESIGNEERS
Colour plays a key role in shaping the perception of spaces. Is there a colour palette you particularly favour, or one that best represents your aesthetic?
Ghayth Maatouk
Earthy hues are typically my go-to palette, as they create a sense of warmth, calm, and timelessness in any space. That said, I enjoy incorporating a pop of colour to create a focal point in each project. This accent colour is always chosen with intention, often reflecting a particular narrative or theme that resonates with the project’s story or the client’s vision. It’s about striking a balance between subtlety and vibrancy, creating a harmonious and engaging environment.
DESIGNEERS
What is your favourite hotel and why?
Ghayth Maatouk
There are many hotels around the world that I admire, but one that recently stood out to me is the 7132 Hotel in Switzerland. Located in a serene mountainous village, far from the noise of daily life, it offers a truly unique experience. The hotel is designed with the vision of four of my favourite architects: Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Thom Mayne. Each room provides a completely different experience, reflecting the distinctive architectural styles of these masters. It’s a perfect blend of tranquillity, innovation, and artistry, making it a source of inspiration for me.
DESIGNEERS
If you could create a project anywhere in the world with no budget limitations, where would it be, and what would you design?
Ghayth Maatouk
My dream project would be to transform one of the historical Damascene houses into a modern, luxurious hotel that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Damascus. The design would honour the intricate traditions of the region while introducing contemporary luxury and comfort. It would be a space where history and modernity coexist, offering guests an immersive experience that connects them to both the past and the present.
DESIGNEERS
What are your favourite art galleries, and what fascinates you about these spaces?
Ghayth Maatouk
It’s hard to pinpoint just one favourite art gallery, but in Dubai, The Third Line stands out. What I find fascinating about this gallery is its dynamic and diverse selection. They showcase both emerging and well-established artists, with a strong focus on contemporary art from the region as well as international voices. The gallery’s ability to create a platform for both established and new talent makes it a vibrant and inspiring space that I always look forward to visiting.
