My close college friend and talented interior designer Abboud Malak of Studio M

They say that the friends you make in college last a lifetime. A romantic notion that I certainly believe in. I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the work of one college friend of mine who has achieved success in his chosen field of interior design. His name is Abboud Malak and we met at Pepperdine University back in the early 90s. Although he moved to Dubai just a few years back, we have still retained our friendship albeit a distant one. Our design senses, our sense of humor, our taste in cars, watches, boats, have always been very similar with some minor exceptions.

I created Flat 6 Concepts, a boutique graphic design agency , (www.flat6concepts.com) and Abboud created Studio M, a high end interior design firm based in Dubai. (www.studiom.co)

His work has been featured in numerous magazines, editorials and books and has won numerous design awards as well, including one from the AIA. The other day he sent me his latest published work of a brand new project in Dubai he completed in just over 3 months. 3 MONTHS! Remarkable! The Pavilion in Downtown Dubai as the project is called makes extensive use of raw concrete and warm woods. In Dubai where the design sensibilities tend to gravitate to more ornate aesthetics, Abboud's design was certainly a pleasant surprise. The last time I was in Dubai a couple of years back, I never saw one single piece of exposed raw concrete in any interior space. Could it be the slowing down of the economy? Could it be the fact that people are just wanting more purity in design, having come a full circle from the macassar ebonies and high gloss finishes? No one can say for sure - however I know one thing-
Designers like Abboud do make a difference in the design landscape and aesthetics of places like Dubai and I just wanted to say bravo for a job well done and wish him continued success.

Photos courtesy of Commercial Interior Design Magazine March 2011