The Markup #19

This Month, Curated

Author

Alan George
August 31, 2026

🎙️Hello aFormers!🎙️

August brought fresh ideas and new chapters across the region, from the revival of Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Island to new visions for Palm Jebel Ali.

It was also a month of reflection as we said goodbye to Roger Nickells, a respected leader in the built environment whose influence will be felt across the industry.

As summer draws to a close, we look at the people, projects and ideas shaping design today. Here’s to another month of good design and inspiring stories.

— The Markup Team

Melani Sabhaney, Co-Founder and Design Director of Interspace, shares her people-centric approach to creating purposeful, memorable spaces and shaping the practice’s multidisciplinary design philosophy. 

Atousa Aslaminezhad, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, explores the intersection of sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment, offering a research-led perspective on the future of our cities and buildings. 

BSH Walls & Floors brings texture, character, and performance to interiors through premium flooring and wall-covering solutions. From bespoke rugs and carpets to custom wall murals, carpet tiles, LVT, and commercial wallcoverings, their collection is designed for both visual impact and everyday performance.

Tailored for hospitality, commercial, and residential projects, BSH combines quality materials with customisation, project support, and a focus on sustainability. Their solutions give designers and architects the freedom to create spaces that feel distinctive, considered, and built to last.

With a portfolio spanning landmark projects across the UAE, BSH Walls & Floors offers a complete approach from material selection to project delivery — helping bring every surface, detail, and design vision to life

Click here to connect with the team!

// Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Island gets a new lease on life with a major waterfront revamp.

// Spotlighting Firas’ Foyer — a thoughtful redesign of the digital inbox, where every request has a door and every guest gets seen. (https://foyerstudio.ae/about)

// Dubai’s cityscape expands with 24,000 new homes .

// 44 new villas bring a fresh architectural chapter to Palm Jebal Ali.

// A new 102-metre bridge brings a fresh connection to Mushrif National Park.

// Design, music, culture — Duette+ rethinks the mall experience.

Need an office playlist? Or do you need to plug-in and disconnect from the studio? We got you! We have put together hours of a an eclectic mix of down-tempo, ethereal & dance music tracks designed in keep you in a state-of-flo! Crafted for those deep design dives & studio vibes!

If this newsletter adds value to you, please share it with like-minded designers.

#StayInspired