Pioneering Privacy and Luxury in Design: A Conversation with DV8 Design
In the bustling metropolis of Dubai, where luxury and privacy are prized above all, DV8 Design has carved out a niche as the go-to boutique architecture and interior design firm for the rich and famous. Today, we sit down with founders AJ and Becky to delve into their secretive, client-focused approach that combines cutting-edge design with exclusivity.
Interview:
D|A: AJ and Becky, thank you for joining us. To start off, could you tell us what inspired DV8 Design’s unique business model?
AJ: Thank you for having us. When we started DV8, we wanted to create something radically different. The idea was to focus on a more personalized and discreet service, especially catering to those whose lives are constantly in the spotlight. I think our clients appreciate our approach because it respects their privacy while delivering unparalleled design excellence.
Becky: Exactly. We’ve always believed in quality over quantity. Keeping our operations boutique-sized allows us to maintain high standards and foster close relationships with our clients, which is really the cornerstone of everything we do.
D|A: The fingerprint logo is quite distinctive. Can you tell us more?
AJ: The fingerprint represents our philosophy of personalization and individuality in every project. Each client’s space is as unique as their own fingerprint—no two designs are the same. This logo reflects our commitment to crafting bespoke environments that are distinctly tailored to the individual preferences and lifestyles of our clients.
D|A: How do you manage to keep your projects under wraps in such a high-profile market?
Becky: It’s all about trust and respecting our clients’ wishes. We offer them the option to share their spaces on their terms via social media or other platforms if they choose. This approach has actually become a selling point for us; it reassures clients that their sanctuaries remain private and exclusive.
AJ: Technically, we ensure confidentiality from the start. From non-disclosure agreements to careful project management, we safeguard our clients’ privacy throughout the design process.
D|A: Your team has international designers and specialists. How does this diversity influence your projects?
AJ: It’s pivotal. Our team’s diverse backgrounds and expertise allow us to approach design from multiple angles. Whether it’s the intricacies of textile selection or the specific hues in our color vibration techniques, our team’s broad skill set brings richness and depth to our projects.
Becky: Our Agile methodology also plays a key role here. It’s dynamic and involves our clients as much or as little as they prefer, which means ideas and feedback flow freely, and improvements are continuous.
D|A: From your website, what is biogeometry?
AJ: Biogeometry is a design concept that focuses on using geometric shapes and spatial relationships to enhance living environments and improve the well-being of inhabitants. It’s based on the premise that specific geometric designs can create energetic effects that positively influence biological systems. We design with the intention of creating good energy and cultivating the energy into a project. Everything you make has an energy signature, so we give a project a frequency of health, wealth, family, happiness, or whatever the client wants. At the same time, with biogeometry, you utilize the frequency of the site to create positive “chi” like in feng shui—but better.
D|A: Amazing; tell me more about your design philosophy.
Becky: Our methodology transcends traditional architecture by rooting itself in the principles of bio-geometry and Vastu. We understand that every creation emits its own energy signature, which is why we design with intention, meticulously crafting spaces to cultivate specific energetic frequencies that align with our client’s aspirations—like AJ said, be it health, wealth, or family. So, for example, if the client wants to have a family home, we will design it with the specific intention of creating a happy family. If a client wants to have a residence they can relax and feel calm in, we design and put that intention into the project. It’s more than just creating a space with the right colors or textiles; it’s a unique approach that not only considers the energy of our designs but also harmonizes with the intrinsic frequency of the site, enhancing the positive ‘chi’ similar to Feng Shui, yet with a more scientifically nuanced application. This fusion of site-specific frequencies with our client’s desired outcomes allows us to create spaces that are not just visually stunning but are also vibrational sanctuaries that support and uplift those who inhabit them. You could say we are holistic designers!
D|A: Who would you say is your target client? What do they typically look for when they come to you?
Becky: Our typical clients are those who value privacy, exclusivity, and sustainable luxury but also understand how energy and intention work, which is really important. They are typically well-traveled, culturally sophisticated, and looking for innovative design solutions that not only enhance their lifestyle but also reflect their personal values and aspirations. They come to us not just for a design but for a comprehensive, bespoke service that respects their need for discretion.
D|A: With your selective project acceptance, do you have a waiting list or not?
AJ: We had never had a waiting list before, and we struggled to stay afloat for many years, so it has literally been mind-blowing to us, but now it’s about six months long. Demand has snowballed, mainly as our reputation for privacy and unique design solutions has spread. We’re careful to manage our client’s projects well so that every project receives the attention it deserves without compromising the quality and personalization that we’re known for. We both worked for big organizations before and while the experience was good, it taught us that a more personalized approach was needed. We actually care about our clients and the work we do for them because we give them a little bit of our soul in every project.
D|A: Turning down work seems counterintuitive in business. Can you explain why you chose to do so?
AJ: Simply, it’s about alignment. Each project we take on needs to resonate with our ethos—especially our commitment to sustainable design. If a project doesn’t fit, it won’t bring out the best in us or provide the value our client deserves. This approach, which we have used from the beginning, has inadvertently built a more targeted client base.
Becky: Absolutely. But it’s not really about being selective; it’s about being purposeful. At DV8, we see our role as more than just designers; we are custodians of our client’s well-being and the environment. This responsibility informs every decision we make. It kind of goes to the Seven Generations Principle. Our refusal to take on projects that don’t align with our core principles of sustainable and bio-geometric design is also a commitment to our clients. We want to ensure that the spaces we design are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as conduits for positive energy and harmony.
By integrating the fingerprint methodology, we design spaces that resonate with specific energetic frequencies—tailored to each client’s desires, whether it’s fostering health, prosperity, or overall well-being. These aren’t just spaces; they’re ecosystems designed to enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit them. When a potential project doesn’t allow us to utilize these principles to their fullest potential, it’s a disservice to our ethos and the client’s experience, and we want every client to have a long-lasting positive experience even after the project is done.
Our approach helps educate our clients on the profound impact that design can have on their everyday lives. By understanding the significance of frequency and energetic signatures, our clients can appreciate the more profound value of what we offer beyond conventional design services. This deeper understanding is critical, as it aligns our clients with our vision of transforming living and working environments into places that not only look beautiful but also feel right and sustainably support the Earth.
D|A: Can you give me an example?
Absolutely, we have a particularly touching story about a couple who came to us with a dream of having a family, which, despite many medical interventions over 7 years, hadn’t been possible. They were building a house for themselves. But the wife really wanted a family room to accommodate their hoped-for children and a nursery that would look out into the garden. So, we approached this project not just as a design challenge but as an opportunity to infuse the space with intentions of fertility and new beginnings.
Using our “fingerprint” methodology, we crafted spaces that were harmonious and serene, with a focus on colors, materials, and spatial arrangements that promoted health and well-being. The nursery was positioned to receive the morning light and offered calming views of the garden, creating a nurturing environment, while on the other side of the house was the bedroom – so we made an invisible triangle of intention – right? Exactly, I mean precisely, nine months after they moved into their new home, they had twin boys. This wasn’t just a coincidence for us; it was a profound validation of our mission. There are many client stories like this that fuel our passion and commitment to designing spaces that do more than meet the eye—they transform lives. This is the intentional and purpose-driven design we strive to achieve for every client.
D|A: Looking ahead, where do you see DV8 Design going in the next few years?
AJ: Our primary goal is to continue refining our craft and possibly explore more innovative technologies in sustainable design. We are always looking forward, but our core will remain the same—exclusive, bespoke, and thoroughly private.
Becky: And while expansion isn’t our main focus, we are open to collaborating on projects that promise to redefine architectural norms and push the envelope in sustainable living.
D|A: Rumor has it that you provide a special gift to your clients at the end of each project. Could you share what this gift typically is?
Becky: Yes, I don’t know how you know that, but it’s true. We always gift our clients something that reflects the essence of their newly designed space. It’s not just a token of appreciation from our team and a reminder of the transformation we’ve embarked on together but something that has long-lasting meaning. It is always bespoke and often made by local artists or artisans.
D|A: AJ, Becky, thank you for your insights and for sharing your vision with Dubai Architect.
Becky: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss DV8 we had a great time.
AJ: Thanks so much
DV8 Design is a boutique architecture and interior design firm for those seeking an amalgamation of luxury, sustainability, and utmost discretion in design. As they continue to shape private havens for the world’s elite, their commitment to exclusivity and client-centered service only grows more potent, setting them apart in this bustling landscape of architectural innovation.
