Our Team

After completing his architectural studies at the Polytechnic University of Milan and at the Pomona Polytechnic University in Los Angeles in 1994, Davide started his career in Indonesia.  At the age of just 25, he gained international recognition for the design of PSP bank headquarters - one of the tallest skyscrapers in Jakarta.

In 1998 he moved to London and joined Design International. Embracing the company’s ethos to tailor unique, commercially viable projects, Davide has pushed the design boundaries in every project undertaken.  He rose rapidly within the company, becoming a Partner in 2002 and Chief Executive Officer in 2006.

Committed to constantly setting new benchmark designs that are both financially sustainable and aesthetically strong, Davide has been Project Principal on many ground-breaking developments, including Odysseum in Montpellier (2009), Morocco Mall in Casablanca (2011), Nave de Vero in Marghera (2014), Il Centro in Arese (2016).  These, and many other Design International projects have been recipients of some of the most coveted industry Awards, including ICSC, Mapic, Mipim, RLI, a Guinness World Records™ and over 30 other International Property Awards across four continents.

Davide retains a hands-on, listening approach, working closely with colleagues and guiding teams to deliver projects that are meticulously crafted and tell their own unique story.  Under his leadership, Design International has grown into a globally-recognised practice.

Paul is the Founding Partner of Design international and was responsible for setting up the London office in 1982. Responsible for the overall global business development of Design International, Paul is closely involved in the design and development of all categories of projects including retail, hospitality and mixed-use.

Qualified at Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, Paul has overseen major projects throughout the world, from Sandton to Singapore, Miami to Milan. His experience and knowledge of retail architecture and design is unparalleled, built up over many years’ involvement in retail and mixed-use developments in North America, Europe and Asia.

Lucio’s extensive design experience began with PFP Architects in Hamburg, Germany, where he successfully won numerous architectural design competitions. Lucio joined Design International in 2003 and, among his many projects with the practice, successfully completed Centro Commerciale Campania, the largest commercial project near Naples, South Italy. Lucio’s outstanding creativity quickly took the practice to new heights.

He became the design director for commercial projects in 2007 and was appointed Partner and Chief Operating Officer in 2009.

In this role, he oversees all aspects of the practice’s operations world-wide. He remains strongly involved in design, leading and inspiring teams to develop innovative, creative designs whilst also ensuring that the needs and expectations of both clients and end-users are fully met.

Chiara joined Design International in 2017. Before this, she had developed her career leading a range of projects in a variety of different sectors across the world including, most recently in South Africa. Her knowledge and skills span retail, residential, commercial, education, faith, hotel, mixed-use, refurbishments and large urban projects.

As project manager, she is responsible for coordinating and supervising the design concept and implementation, from early stages of the project through to the completion of the building. Her natural energy and empathy helps her understanding the customer’s expectations, while her outstanding skills and know-how ensure the design quality, smooth project administration and efficient coordination with all key parties, in close collaboration with the client.

Hearan began her career in London and joined Design International in 2010. Among her experience in the practice, successfully led many high profile projects throughout different regions across the world, including Livat Changsha in China for INGKA Group, Sharjah Central in UAE for Lulu Group International and IKEA MEGA Belaya Dacha in Moscow, largest scale retail refurbishment project for INGKA Group. Based on wide range of her experience in retail, mix-use and masterplan, Hearan leads a studio of talented teams who is delivering quality projects in creative mind based on her extensive knowledge of the industry. Hearan has had many experiences in large schemes with full design services including coordination and design lead.

With 12 years experience as an Interior Designer, Francesca Menga has gained her experience working in Milan and Cagliari before moving to London.

Francesca is from Cagliari, Italy. She graduated with a Master of Interior Design from the Politecnico di Milano and she also holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Universitá degli Studi di Cagliari. In addition to her studies, she also has teaching experience in the Politecnico di Milano in the Interior Design Department.

Since joining Design International in 2014, Francesca has played an integral role in several projects, form conception through to development. Having a strong attention to detail, she also has a unique style and approach to interior design which makes each of Francesca projects different.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in 1992, Berna started her career as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a reputable firm in Manila and was promoted as an HR Executive soon after.

Following the completion of two decades of working in the Philippines, she decided to move to the UAE, and first worked at a flourishing retail company as the CEO’s Executive Assistant and the company’s Office Manager for 6 years, and later joined on board with Design International.

A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience showcasing her agility in dealing with people, carrying out administration and operational activities, and efficiently coordinating with teams — Berna has been managing Design International’s Dubai office since its opening in March 2018. 

Giorgia Borrelli has graduated from the University Federico II in Naples in 2009, and in 2011 she obtained a master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture from the Polytechnic of Milan. She has gained experience working in difference offices, always with a particular focus on the environment and a new approach to sustainability, in which the landscape may play a primary role.

Giorgia joined the Landscape department of Design International in 2015, where she deals with the development of European and International projects. She is responsible for the landscaping design for the exterior and the interior of shopping centres both for national and international projects.

She worked on many projects in many different countries such as Silicon Central - Dubai, Silicon Central - Sharjah, Maximall Pompeii , Caselle Designer Village - Turin, Il Centro - Arese, Cleopatra Mall - Cairo, Aura Valle Aurelia - Rome. These are some of the projects carried out always with the focus on the environment and a new approach to sustainability, in which the landscape as strong element of identity plays a very important role.

Alessandra graduated in Industrial Design from the Politecnico of Milan. She started her professional career as a lighting designer. Since the early years of her career, she has always cultivated a passion for lighting design. Over the years she has therefore accumulated considerable experience in this field in various aspects: from the development of lighting concepts to lighting analysis according to current regulations, to the presentation of the product through graphic development and photo retouching, up to commercial management of the project itself. Alessandra joined Design International Milan in 2018, she works in different projects all over the world, like Caselle Open Mall - Turin, Pompeii Mall, Fiumicino Torre 3, Ikea Noida, Dnipro, Tunis Garden City. Working daily in a team has led her to increase relational, communicative and problem-solving skills.

An accomplished architect with extensive international experience, Stefano has been instrumental in delivering many large scale and complex projects around the world. With seventeen years’ experience as technical architect, he has led schemes from inception through to completion, coordinating the design development, tender documents, construction documentation and administration, as well as site inspections on projects of various scales and different building types. With this background, he is well used to handling pressurised situations working with production teams to ensure that projects are fulfilled efficiently.

His excellent knowledge of products, materials and construction methods, particularly in African and European countries, and his focus on sustainable design means he is able to expertly manage the use of non-renewable resources, to minimize waste and create healthy environments.

With many years of working in retail design, including over 30 years at Design International, David is one of the most experienced retail designers and planners in the industry.

Over the course of his long career David has built an impressive track record and has been involved in the construction and completion of more than sixty commercial and leisure projects in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

His experience covers all aspects of design and planning; from masterplan, to tenant’s coordination. He is truly a versatile designer who, through his keen interest in lighting design, graphic design and latest technologies available to the retail industry, enable him to bring a unique perspective to every project.

Born in Milan in 1962, after graduating in Marketing, he began working internationally, playing the role of Marketing and International Relations Director of Fiera Milano International for over 9 years (1990-1999). In this period, he created a representative network of over 70 offices worldwide and managed the positioning and internationalisation strategy activities of the main trade fairs both in Italy and abroad.

After completing his experience at Fiera Milano, he was in charge of directing the marketing and development offices of Lingotto Fiera and the Fiera di Bari. In 2003, he became Marketing, Commercial and Development Director of the CIS Interporto Campano Group, where he remained for 5 years; in this period he represented the Group in all Confindustria missions organised under the aegis of the then President of the Lawyer Montezemolo, being part of the restricted selection of companies expressing Made in Italy in the world.

He left the CIS Interporto Group in 2008 to move to Bombay (India), where he received

the position of COO of a listed Indian company, Arshyia International, engaged in the construction of a complex integrated system of freight villages and free zones distributed between India (5 hubs connected by private railway), Oman and JAFZA Dubai.

Back in Italy, he worked on architecture projects and international development activities as a business consultant, having carried out projects in different parts of the world and for several prestigious clients during this period, starting to collaborate from 2009-2010 with Design International for Marketing, PR and Development activities.

He is currently Head of Marketing and Communication of Design International, as well as the President of Design International Foundation — a project dedicated to the creation of Scholarships in collaboration with prestigious foreign universities for the dissemination of a specific Decalogue dedicated to sustainability in the context of innovative architectural projects.

Zoran has worked with Design International since 2002 and was appointed Head of Graphic Design in 2011. He is responsible for all graphics at Design International and oversees all branding and visual identity communications, including signage and wayfinding schemes.

Zoran has worked on branding and marketing projects for numerous companies and clients, and has extensive experience of working on projects across the globe. He was the creative designer behind the branding for Nave de Vero in Venice, one of the most successful developments in the region, which opened to the public in 2014. Zoran is expert at creating unique brand identities, tailored to each project and the local market.

Paul began his career in 1984 working for the finance department of a Lloyds of London insurance broker, eventually to lead the team as Financial Controller. During his early years Paul completed an NVQ national diploma in business and finance as well as going on to gain membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians.

Since joining Design International in January 2015, Paul has been responsible for all financial reporting for the D.I group of companies, overseeing all aspects of finances needed to assure our commercial expansion. He is also responsible for managing key support teams in our London headquarters, including Human Resources and IT.

Derick joined Design International in 2019 following interim roles at Gensler Europe, Zaha Hadid, Woods Bagot and Turner & Townsend where he was the Global lead for People & Performance. A Middlesex University MA graduate in HRM, Derick has a passion for mentoring emerging talent, advocating the value of corporate social responsibility and sustainability in shaping future leaders.

Derick supports all parts of the business with its employee experience, and employer and leadership brand. He loves being first point of contact for all people related enquiries.

Roberto Sibiano joined Design International in 2007 and, shortly after joining the firm, was tasked with setting up our office in Milan. In his capacity as Studio Director and Head of the Milan office, Roberto oversees the work of all teams there, and is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of a wide range of large retail and mixed-use developments.

Prior to joining Design International, Roberto was involved in a number of different projects for other firms, including working as Architect in charge of the coordinating a large retail Development in Campania.

Kuncara began his career in London, working on international commercial projects including hotels, high-rise office buildings and airports for KPF London. After joining Design International in 2006, he was instrumental in several renowned projects by the practice including the award winning and influential Morocco Mall. With his passion for design and his use of research to drive innovation, Kuncara brings unique insight and leadership to all his projects.  His work has also been featured in the London Festival of Architecture.

In 2013, he became Design Director for the group. He was subsequently tasked with opening the practice’s office in Shanghai and has been Director there since 2015.

Kollin began his career at one of the largest engineering and architecture practice in Indonesia, where he was involved in many important commercial buildings, including offices and mixed-use. He moved to London in 2003 to complete his studies, after which he joined Design International in 2004.

As Studio Director, Kollin leads a team of talented designers and guides them on all aspects of the projects. Recognised for his strength in design, Kollin has had many successes translating the design brief into innovative and striking concepts for our clients.

Kollin is currently responsible for managing the set-up of our newest office in Dubai.

After his graduation, and Masters at Polytechnic University in Milan, Alessandro began his career in Italy. He has many years’ experience working in London, Bahrain, and Dubai, for award-winning international architectural practices, and this has given Alessandro a genuine understanding of international design.

Alessandro joined Design International in 2014 and has since led many high-profile projects, including the winning design for the Kingdom City Mall competition. He is also currently working on Avenues Mall, Silicon Oasis for Lulu Group International, which is set to be a new landmark in Dubai.  Other projects in which his studio has been involved include Reem 2, which will set a new sky line in Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh Promenade. 

Alessandro’s creative skills and ambition has enabled him to progress to the role of Studio Director where he works closely with a team of architects and designers, creating projects in many parts of the world including the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Paolo has 16 years of experience working on large scale projects across a variety of sectors. At the beginning of his career, Paolo worked for Renzo Piano Building Workshop where he had a particular focus on the construction documentation of the projects. He then moved to PFP-Architekten in Hamburg to assist with the schematic design and design development of a school complex in Genoa.

Since he joined the Design International in 2003, Paolo has done masterplans and designs for more than 500,000 sqm GBA of retail projects around the world. His experience in retail planning, together with his natural ability to identify client’s needs and objectives has contributed to some of Design International’s most successful projects, including Morocco Mall, in Casablanca, and Nave de Vero.

His enthusiasm for leading young creative teams allied with his extensive knowledge of the industry allows him not only to deliver projects on time and on budget, but also to be a trusted partner for clients and project stakeholders.