14th October 2025 | IN DESIGN ADVICE | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Alena Bulataya, Founder of AB DESIGN BURO, has given her insights into the industry. AB DESIGN BURO AB DESIGN BURO Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? I chose interior design because it combines creativity, psychology, and craftsmanship in a tangible way. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to art — painting, music, choreography — all forms of creative expression that taught me harmony, rhythm, and composition. At the same time, I’ve always been deeply interested in psychology — in observing people, their reactions, and how surroundings influence their emotions and state of mind. One day I realized that all of this is connected: the environment we live in directly shapes how we feel, think, and interact with the world. AB DESIGN BURO Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? That understanding naturally led me to interior design, where I could merge these interests into one creative profession. I love the process of turning abstract ideas into spaces that influence how people feel, think, and behave. Balancing light, materials, and proportion — creating a dialogue between texture and form — allows me to build environments that evoke emotion and meaning. The most fulfilling moment is when a concept finally comes to life: when marble meets wood, when fabric softens geometry, when light reveals the soul of the space, and I see people respond to it emotionally. AB DESIGN BURO AB DESIGN BURO What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? The highlight of the past year was my collaboration with the world-renowned Swiss luxury watch brand Franck Muller, developing design concepts for two signature restaurant formats to be launched in the Middle East, with plans for global franchise expansion. Working with such an iconic brand was both an honor and a responsibility — every detail had to reflect its precision, heritage, and exclusivity. This year also marked the launch of my own modular soft furniture collection, INCLINE, presented at two international design exhibitions. Soon after, I completed the design of a luxury aesthetic clinic and beauty salon in The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping destination in the world — a project that demanded refined detailing, innovation, and brand sensitivity. Additionally, I created the concept for a restaurant in Qatar within one of the region’s most ambitious new lifestyle destinations and developed designs for public spaces and private apartments for Layan Verde, one of the largest luxury developments in Phuket, Thailand. AB DESIGN BURO What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I especially enjoy working on hospitality and residential projects. Hospitality allows me to create immersive experiences for many people, while private residences are deeply personal and emotional. Both require sensitivity, innovation, and attention to detail, which make the creative process both challenging and rewarding. AB DESIGN BURO AB DESIGN BURO What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? The most challenging aspect is aligning all stakeholders — clients, contractors, suppliers — while maintaining design integrity. Interior design requires constant negotiation between vision, budget, and technical constraints. Balancing creativity with practicality is demanding, but it ultimately defines the success of a project. AB DESIGN BURO What do you wish you knew before working in the field? I wish I had known how much of interior design is about people — communication, coordination, and trust — not just creativity. Early in my career, I believed a designer should do everything alone to maintain control and quality. Over time, I realized that true mastery lies in collaboration. Building a strong team of like-minded professionals, each an expert in their field, allows you to focus on the essence of design — the concept, the atmosphere, the emotional message. Delegation, communication, and leadership are as important as artistic vision. The ability to unite talented people around one idea and guide them toward a common goal is what truly defines a successful designer. AB DESIGN BURO AB DESIGN BURO If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Stay curious and never stop learning. Interior design is a constantly evolving profession influenced by technology, sustainability, and cultural shifts. Embrace change, refine your personal style, but always remain flexible to the needs of each project and client. AB DESIGN BURO How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? Design is rapidly moving toward sustainability and technology. Artificial intelligence will handle routine tasks, giving designers more space for creativity. The focus is on sustainability, digital integration, and human well-being. AB DESIGN BURO Alena Bulataya, Founder and Art Director of AB DESIGN BURO What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? Being accredited by SBID is a recognition of my professional achievements and an opportunity to be part of an inspiring global community of designers. It strengthens my credibility with international clients and motivates me to contribute to the advancement of our profession — across different cultures and continents. About AB Design BURO Alena Bulataya is the founder and creative director of AB Design BURO, an internationally recognized interior designer celebrated for her bold, authorial style and innovative approach to luxury spaces. With over 15 years of experience, Alena has completed more than 350 projects across Belarus, the UAE, Qatar, the USA, and Europe, earning prestigious awards and features in leading publications such as AD, SALON Interior, Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, Elle Decoration, American Daily Post, and many others. Beyond interiors, Alena is also an accomplished product designer, creating unique furniture and lifestyle collections that reflect her vision and influence on the global design industry. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.