Meet the Team: Ninna

    Meet the Team: Ninna

    From growing up in Dubai to studying interior design in Florence, Ninna’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. She moved out at just 16 to chase her dreams (bold move, right?) and even wrapped up her master’s degree by 20.

    Now, she’s making her mark at drawdeck, working on projects that bring spaces to life. But beyond the designs and deadlines, Ninna’s a certified beach babe, a sunset chaser at the Palm, and the kind of person who makes any place feel like home. Let’s get to know her a little better!

    1. You left home at 16 to study—what was that experience like for you?


    Leaving home at 16 was a huge shift for me. Growing up in Dubai, I felt sheltered and comfortably nestled in what I only knew. Moving to a new country at such a young age felt like a true adventure. I was excited to explore, chase my dreams, and dive into the world of design specially being in a place where creativity thrived and there was so much to discover.

    It also became clear to me during then that true growth happens when you step outside your familiar surroundings and immerse yourself in an environment that challenges you.

    2. Studying in Florence sounds like a dream! What’s one lesson you learned there that still sticks with you?

    Studying in Florence truly was a dream, and one lesson that’s stuck with me is the concept of “il dolce far niente,” or the sweetness of doing nothing—something you might recognize from Eat, Pray, Love. Living like a local gave me the chance to see how people there truly prioritize having a break, even amidst their busy lives. Whether it’s sitting in

    a piazza, sipping wine, or simply observing the world go by at sunset, it’s a beautiful reminder to slow down. Even now, back in the hustle and bustle of Dubai, I struggle to incorporate this into my own life, but I’ve come to realize how important it is to take a step back and just be, instead of constantly being on the go.

    3. What made you switch from interior design to art consultancy, and how do the two fields differ in your experience?


    After 6 years working as an interior designer, I noticed a gap—art was often treated as an afterthought in many projects I’ve worked on, squeezed in at the end with little attention. However, I’ve always believed that art is just as essential as any piece of furniture, like a coffee table or light fixture. It adds depth, character, and emotion to a space. This realization led me to shift into art consultancy.

    Art consultancy is far more complex and detail-oriented. While interior design focuses on materials, finishes, and furniture, art consultancy involves deep research, creating one-of-a-kind pieces, and collaborating closely with artists to craft unique narratives tailored specifically to each space. It’s not about following trends or just selecting from catalogs or mass produced pieces —it’s about understanding the space's story, purpose, and vision, and creating customised art that elevates it emotionally and conceptually.

    In short, art consultancy is a far more intricate, customized process that goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about curating an experience and shaping the soul of a space through meaningful, original art.

    4. Master’s at 20? Spill the secret—how did you pull that off?


    It was definitely a mix of determination and a bit of hustle! Balancing double-credit work and the pressure of intense coursework meant many sleepless nights. But being in a city that constantly inspired me with its rich history in art and design—where creativity was in the air—was a huge motivator. I was also surrounded by people who shared that same level of grit and ambition.

    When you’re surrounded by the right energy and like-minded people it helps you keep pushing forward.

    "True growth happens when you step outside your familiar surroundings and immerse yourself in an environment that challenges you."

    5. You’ve worked on some incredible projects at drawdeck—any favorites that hold a special place in your heart?


    I think the Palace DCH – it was my very first major project that I managed from start to finish. I was brought on during my first six months as an Art Consultant at drawdeck, so it was a huge learning experience. There was so much discovery along the way—from visiting new art manufacturers and meeting incredible artists to hunting down unique antique pieces. It was a lot of hard work but seeing it all come together after a year of effort made it incredibly rewarding. It taught me a lot about the process and gave me a deep sense of pride in what we were able to create.

    6. What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to invest in art?

    For individuals: Buy art, that you genuinely connect with, rather than focusing on trends or potential resale value. Explore different artists, styles, and mediums to find pieces that resonate with you personally. Art is an emotional investment— if something that has meaning to you, it becomes far more rewarding, regardless of its financial appreciation over time.

    For brands: It’s crucial to find an art consultant that will truly capture and understand your space, reflect its values, atmosphere, and culture you want to communicate.

    "Art isn’t just décor—it’s a way to express identity, evoke emotions, and create a lasting atmosphere."

    7. What’s one thing people always get wrong about choosing art for their space?


    Finding something generic or just choosing whatever is the current trend; Focusing too much on trends might lead to a lack of authenticity. Art should be personal and it’s a way to express identity, evoke emotions, and create a lasting atmosphere.

    8. How do you approach curating the perfect artwork for a project?


    For every project we handle, A lot of research goes into uncovering authentic and meaningful historical context and a strong understanding the purpose of the space, the emotions we want to evoke, and the narrative we aim to tell. 

    9. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?

    It would be Ash Holmes from Sydney. I’m drawn to her technique—she blends layers of texture and movement in a way that feels both raw and refined.

    The way she uses color is a reflection of deep emotion and energy, which resonates with me. Her abstract approach to art allows for personal interpretation.

    10. What’s a recent art trend you’re loving right now?


    I’m not really into following art trends—what I truly enjoy is the organic process of exploring and discovering art. I prefer to connect with pieces and artists on a more personal level. If an artist’s work resonates with me or aligns with a project I’m working on, that’s when I bring it into the fold.

    11. How do you balance art and interior design to make a space feel complete?


    As an interior designer turned art consultant, I believe the FF&E (forms the foundation of a great space— it establishes the functional and aesthetic framework. Art, on the other hand, is the sprinkle on top that elevates and completes the design.

    I start with identifying the areas where art can create focal points, spark conversation, intrigue and evoke emotion. I also consider how the art pieces interact with the furniture, lighting, and architecture. 

    12. What’s the most rewarding part of working as an art consultant?

    Seeing everything come to life after months of careful planning and collaboration. When the artwork is finally installed, and you witness how it seamlessly complements the space, it’s incredibly fulfilling. There’s something special about watching a vision turn into reality.

    The cherry on top is receiving positive feedback from the client—knowing that the work we’ve done resonates with them and brings their vision to life in a way they hadn’t imagined. It’s that perfect moment of validation and connection.

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