Kristina Zanic

CEO Kristina Zanic Consultants

Interior designer, business entrepreneur, global traveler, and art lover

Kristina is a prominent figure in the world of interior design. A seasoned designer, and successful business leader and entrepreneur, she has 35 years of experience in projects in over 20 countries. She has lived in 5 countries and has been based in Dubai for the past decade, working with prominent international brands and local companies. Early in her career, Kristina co-founded Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP), and for the following two decades led it to global recognition, growing it to 450 staff in 14 offices.

She then established her signature design studio in Dubai in 2012, and what was meant to be a boutique firm has grown to a team of 100 staff, with additional offices in Riyadh and Bangkok.

Her eye-catching designs, relentless enthusiasm and personalized service have won the company many prestigious assignments in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as several international awards.

She has also received personal recognition for her leadership abilities, having been chosen in 2021 as Leader of the Year at the Index Dubai awards and as one of the top most influential designers in the Middle East by Commercial Interior Design magazine.

Talented and respected, she has the skill to blend the desirable and attractive with the viable and functional. She creates timeless design that both looks and feels good to the user. Her work is often inspired by a passion for travel and exploring different cultures, having been to 75 countries and often seeking places off the beaten track.

Kristina is personally committed to developing young talent in the interior design industry and regularly takes time from her busy schedule to participate in educational and mentoring programs. One example is her partnership with paint company Jotun to deliver training workshops to interior design students around the Middle East, Africa and India region.

As a mentor, she is extremely approachable and casual in her style, and always keeps an open mind. She likes to take a fresh approach to things, and often questions ideas to get others thinking and exploring new possibilities.

Spontaneously creative, she is never short of new ideas and suggestions. She loves seeing young designers challenge themselves and take risks, and in an era of copycat design, she pushes for original ideas and a unique point of view.

With her extensive experience in running successful businesses, creating beautiful interiors, and developing a large multicultural team, Kristina has a wealth of knowledge to share with young designers.