Winner interviews

Nora Bens: Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Interior Design

Nora Bens: Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Interior Design

In the heart of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, an extraordinary project by LivHoli Interior Design, led by the esteemed Nora Bens, stands as an exemplar of sustainable and luxurious interior design. The Sustainable Villa, a standout example of eco-friendly luxury, heralds a new chapter in the industry. Nora Bens has carefully combined every element of this project, creating a home that exemplifies her commitment to environmentally conscious design.

Portrait of Nora Bens, a professional interior designer
Portrait of Nora Bens

The Project: Harmonizing Luxury and Sustainability

The Sustainable Villa, under Nora Bens’s expert guidance, emerges as more than just a residence; it is a holistic experience. Featuring reclaimed wood accents, advanced smart home technology, and a custom-designed gym area, the project is a testament to the possibility of merging luxury with environmental responsibility.

Elegant and eco-friendly living room inside the Sustainable Villa
The Sustainable Villa

Exclusive Interview with Nora Bens

1. How has winning the INT Award in the Residential category influenced your perspective on your creative journey and business?

Nora Bens: Winning the INT Award has been a pivotal moment for us. It reaffirmed our dedication to innovation and design excellence. This recognition not only boosted our team’s morale but also expanded our professional network, opening doors to new and exciting projects. Importantly, it has underscored our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly design practices.

2. What were the standout moments, challenges, or surprises you faced during the INT Awards submission and evaluation?

Nora Bens: The submission process was a mix of reward and challenge. Key moments included our team’s collaborative effort and the anticipation of results. Presenting our project’s depth within submission constraints was challenging. 

Our project distinguished itself with innovative space usage, sustainable design elements, and creative material utilization.

3. What inspires your creativity, and how do you approach the creative process in interior design?

Nora Bens: Inspiration for me comes from nature, art, and travel. I value open-mindedness and collaborative brainstorming to nurture innovative design ideas. We stay creatively charged through design exhibitions, trend-watching, and embracing new technologies. 

A fun fact: a client’s love for cats led us to integrate a unique cat house into our design, showcasing our focus on personalization.

4. How do you expect the INT Award to impact your credibility and reputation in the interior design industry?

Nora Bens: The INT Award has significantly elevated our credibility and reputation. It has instilled trust in our clients and enhanced our media presence. We plan to leverage this recognition to further enhance our brand, focusing on sustainability and maintaining a client-centric approach.

5. As an INT Award winner, what aspects of the experience do you find most valuable, and would you recommend it to fellow interior designers?

Nora Bens: The INT Award has boosted our industry credibility, visibility, and network. It’s a valuable platform for recognition and collaboration. I would absolutely recommend it to fellow designers. It reinforces our dedication to innovation and sustainability.

6. Do you plan to apply for the next edition of the INT Awards?

Nora Bens: Yes, we plan to submit a commercial project in the next edition. We are motivated by the opportunity to showcase our work, learn, network, and gain further recognition. Participating in the INT Awards continues to expose us to industry trends and fosters our pursuit of excellence.

Spacious gym area inside the Sustainable Villa
A Gym inside the Sustainable Villa

Nora Bens: Redefining Interior Design

Nora Bens, through her inspired work on the Sustainable Villa and her success in the INT Awards, has established herself as a leading figure in the realm of interior design. Her commitment to integrating sustainability and client-focused design continuously shapes the future of the industry. 

As designers and enthusiasts from around the globe look to Nora Bens for inspiration, her influence continues to redefine the concepts of luxury and sustainability in interior design.

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