For Maud Ferrand, interior design is more than a profession - it’s a story of personalization, artistry and expertise. More than just a designer, she is an ‘Ensemblier’ – a curator of sophisticated lifestyles. With a career that has taken her from New York to Singapore and Paris, the French designer has perfected the art of creating spaces that are as distinctive as they are elegant. Now, with the launch of Maud Interiors in Dubai, she brings her signature fusion of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural sensitivity to the city’s luxury landscape. In this exclusive conversation, Ferrand shares how she translates individuality into interiors, the global influences that shape her work, and what sets her vision apart in the world of luxury living.
Delna Mistry Anand: What has influenced your design philosophy, and how do you plan to weave Dubai’s unique cultural and architectural identity into your projects?
Maud Ferrand: My design philosophy is shaped by over 25 years of experience living and designing across Asia, the United States, and Europe, with time spent in dynamic cities like Singapore, New York, and various parts of Europe.
The demographic of Singapore in 2001 mirrors that of Dubai today — both cities are vibrant melting pots, home to a large population of high-net-worth individuals who are pioneering new chapters in foreign lands. This shared profile of cosmopolitan clientele, who seek innovation and exclusivity, has been a defining characteristic of my work. For over 12 years in Singapore, I catered to this discerning audience, and now, I bring the same level of design excellence to Dubai.
My French heritage and design sensibility provide a distinct perspective, allowing me to blend cultural insight, refined taste, and timeless sophistication into every project. This global approach ensures that each space is thoughtfully curated to resonate with an international clientele.
My Design DNA: Global Sourcing & Exclusive Partnerships: I have access to a diverse network of vendors spanning Asia (Bali, Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, and China), Europe (France, Italy, and Great Britain), and the U.S. (New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles). This extensive reach allows me to source the finest materials, craftsmanship, and design influences from around the world.
One-of-a-Kind Interiors: Whether residential or commercial, my approach is to create bespoke spaces that not only reflect my clients’ expectations but also elevate their lifestyle through curated design.
A Glamorous Fashion Edge: With a background in fashion, my team brings an added layer of sophistication and glamour to interiors when needed, ensuring that every project is as stylish as it is functional.
Dubai’s cultural richness and bold architectural landscape serve as an inspiring backdrop for my work. I aim to integrate its dynamic energy, craftsmanship, and heritage into my designs while maintaining the refined elegance that defines my brand.
Your design ethos, the "Magic of Reality," focuses on creating spaces that reflect individuality and lifestyle. Can you elaborate on how you translate a client's personality and aspirations into luxurious and meaningful interiors?
As a designer, I believe that psychology plays a significant role in the creative process — 20-30% of my work is based on understanding and interpreting my client's personality and needs. This understanding allows me to deliver designs that resonate deeply with who they are, using my extensive network of global suppliers to bring their vision to life.
The process begins with a thorough analysis of the client's needs, lifestyle, personality, and expectations — essentially, what they want to feel in the space. From there, I select from my range of world-class vendors to curate the perfect combination of elements that will embody their unique profile.
To ensure this level of precision, I rely on the Maud Interiors Client Survey, a tool I have used for the past 20 years. This questionnaire allows me to gain invaluable insights into my clients' desires and expectations. With this knowledge, I can carefully choose the best suppliers and products that align with their lifestyle and vision. In some cases, I even surprise them by anticipating needs they hadn't yet articulated, delivering results that exceed their expectations.
You’ve worked with renowned artisans like Hervé Van Der Straeten and Mathieu Lehanneur. How do these collaborations elevate your projects, and what importance do you place on craftsmanship in luxury interior design?
The integration of unique art and design pieces is what truly elevates a space, giving it depth and character. It's about blending these distinctive elements seamlessly with high-quality, mainstream products from my extensive network of global suppliers. The result is a home with a soul — not a standardized interior or a showroom. This approach adds a level of strength and standout value to every project.
Dubai, much like New York City, is a place where anything is possible. This offers me the exciting opportunity to leverage my years of experience, exclusive relationships with top-tier vendors worldwide, and the ability to start each project with a clean slate. It's my passion to infuse a sense of individuality and soul into Dubai’s interiors, creating spaces that are as unique and dynamic as the city itself.
With Dubai emerging as a global design capital, how do you see Maud Interiors contributing to its luxury design landscape, and what excites you most about designing for the region’s elite clientele?
I am bringing 25 years of experience, a global network of trusted vendors, and a rich international perspective to Dubai — a city that offers a unique opportunity to craft truly bespoke stories. While Dubai is a dynamic new frontier, with its rich blend of cultures and boundless potential, much of its interior design remains standardized and impersonal.
What can we expect from Maud Interiors in the coming years, both globally and in Dubai?
My approach is to instill each space with a soul, transforming it into an authentic, one-of-a-kind home that reflects the unique personality of its owner. By leveraging my expertise and long-standing relationships with top-tier suppliers worldwide, I aim to elevate Dubai's design landscape, creating interiors that stand apart — rich in warmth, individuality, and timeless sophistication.
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