IRD Design Studio Creates a Vibrant and Energy-Efficient Retail Space

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an impressive retail design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, IRD Design Studio.

IRD Design was commissioned by RAK properties to refurbish the Julphar Mall Avenues. The were monotonous finishes carried from outside to inside The task was to ensure a solution which would require the least downtime. The team preserved and enhanced by cladding original railings in timber, concealing steel trusses with lighting. Weber pour-on flooring was applied over existing tiles, minimizing waste. Lift walls were refreshed with 3M vinyl. False columns were removed, ceilings raised, and lighting reimagined to create vibrant, energy-efficient spaces. The project demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can transform aging infrastructure into a modern, sustainable destination for today’s consumers.

What was the client's brief?

The project intent was to create a showstopping space that creates the best first impression with the right ambience and lighting!

What inspired the design of the project?

This is not a typical upgrade. Julphar Avenue Mall was brought back to life through design. When RAK Properties set out to refresh this under performing space, their vision was clear: elevate outlet visibility, create a cool and clean interior, and reimagine the customer journey. IRD answered with an experiential design strategy rooted in Ras Al Khaimah’s dual identity, with the sea on one side and mountain ranges on the other. The outcome? IRD delivered a complete reimagination, turning the mall into a destination that reflects the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah while strengthening its commercial and cultural appeal. Through design intervention alone, it demonstrates retail design’s power to revive not just spaces, but entire communities.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The biggest challenge was not having as-built drawings, so an intensive site survey was required. This also meant that to do any structural changes or understanding loading patterns, a specialist structural survey had to be undertaken. The rest were taken as the unknown, some design changes were made as demolition took place including discovery a new skylight under a false ceiling.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team’s highlight was to build an actual model of building and constantly adapt this model to show the stake-holders the impact of design changes. Click here for Julphar's BIMx Presentation.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a well known Awards platform which has credibility in the design world. We wanted to showcase our ability to transform spaces. Our philosophy of re-use, re-purpose and rejuvenate as the basis of sustainable living is on full display in this project.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Although the business is 20 years and has an international presence, this award will help us receive acclaim, recognition and publicity for the good work we do. We understand design as core to wellbeing in human society rather than a make-over. This recognition confirms that we are on the correct path.

Questions answered by Indu Varanasi, Design Director of IRD Design Studio.