An interview with Serendipity
Dubai: A Canvas for Architectural Dreams
As an Irish architect who has lived in Dubai for the past 25 years, Rebecca Gernon has had the extraordinary privilege of witnessing the city’s architectural transformation firsthand. We sit with her (via Zoom) as she waits in the Emirates lounge at Brisbane airport.
DA: Hi Rebecca where are you today?
RG: I am in Brisbane, Australia, on my way home.
DA: Hopefully, you got some good downtime while you were there.
RG: Unfortunately all my travel is worked related right now. I’ve just been looking at sites for a client doing a major project here.
DA: Great, shall we begin before you get called for your flight?
RG: Yes, that’s probably a good idea. Can you hear me, okay?
DA: What do you think of Dubai today?
RG: Amazing! Even after all this time I still love Dubai. I’ve seen it grow from its humble beginnings and evolve into a global stage where the boundaries of design are constantly challenged and redefined. It is still a fantastic place to live, work, and play.
DA: How did you start in Dubai?
RG: My journey began at University College Dublin, where I earned my degree in Architecture and joined the Royal Irish Architects Institute (RIAI). I worked in London and Paris and then moved to Dubai to work at Wilkins, where I began working on the Bur Jal Arab with Tom. I then took a position as the managing director at Décorpoint and further honed my skills before I ventured into establishing my firm, Serendipity by Design.
DA: Why have you stayed in Dubai?
RG: Dubai, with its ambitious spirit and openness to experimentation, offered a fertile ground for my creative expression. I’ve been humbled and honored to work on many projects, including landmark projects for royal families across the Middle East, with many of the established developers and clients I have had over the years. These opportunities allowed me to marry my European heritage with the rich cultural tapestry of the region, resulting in awe-inspiring designs that reflect both tradition and modernity.
DA: Is there anything you love to work on?
RG: I am a creative soul, so if it involves architecture, interior design, or master planning, I am all over it.
DA: What was the most favorite project you worked on?
I can’t really discuss my favorite one, but there is something special about each design project I can take away. I love spaces that highlight the human experience or where people come together. What I mean by that is hotels, restaurants, clubhouses, and even villa courtyards.
DA: Tell me 5 things you love about Dubai.
Oh boy, there’s so much, but that’s not fair. Okay, let’s see: the people, Talise Spa, Patchi chocolates, Zerzura books, Alserkal Avenue, and the old city.
DA: Where do you see planning and design going in the future
Dubai’s hospitality scene has served as my playground, allowing me to explore bold concepts and incorporate luxurious details. However, the trend for the next decade looks like it will be health and wellness for our industry. We were recently asked to collaborate on three projects with two European firms and an American firm on some wellness projects I can’t discuss right now. So, I have been to London, Los Angeles, and Monaco a lot recently, working on those. It was inspiring, and the people leading them were involved and very well-known.
DA: How many projects? And who?
Honestly, I can’t tell you who right now, but we’ll let you know once the clients announce the project publicly.
DA: Are they famous?
I can’t say <laughs>.
DA: Back to Dubai! What about innovation and creativity here?
What I find most extraordinary about Dubai is the freedom it allows architects and designers. Unlike more established cities with strict building codes and historical restrictions, Dubai encourages pushing the envelope. The city is not afraid of the unconventional; in fact, it thrives on it. My designs, often influenced by a seamless blend of local and modern aesthetics, have found a very receptive audience here, one that appreciates innovation and values the creation of spaces that stand apart from the norm.
DA: Where do you find your inspiration for your unique style?
Dubai is a city with endless inspiration. Its cosmopolitan nature, the fusion of cultures from all over the world, drives progress and provides a constant source of fresh ideas. I witness this not only in the projects that define Dubai’s skyline but also in the smaller-scale developments that add character and charm to various neighborhoods.
DA: I heard you opened up a new company in LA. Is that true? Are you leaving Dubai?
Never! Dubai is home. As the city continues to evolve, I remain excited to be a part of its architectural narrative. I believe the city is a center of design excellence, setting the standard for the rest of the world to follow. While many consider places like Rome or New York to be hubs of architectural innovation, I can confidently say that Dubai holds the keys to unlocking a truly unique and exciting architectural future. Yes, I have opened a wellness-related firm in LA focused on wellness consulting for brand companies. But that’s all I am saying right now <laughs>.
