Nada Debs explores ‘East & East’ design concept

Born in Lebanon, raised in Japan, educated and trained in the United States, and with work experience in the United Kingdom — interior designer Nada Debs is quite a global citizen. Her creations are as unique and eclectic as the designer herself. Her mission is to celebrate Eastern craftsmanship in contemporary design.

From early recollections of growing up in an Arab household within a Japanese society in the 60s and struggling to reconcile her understanding of the two cultures, Nada Debs began her formal journey down the design path in the late 1980s when she graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor in Interior Architecture. Armed with her newfound technical know-how of contemporary American design and her Far East upbringing Nada Debs moved to London. There she was exposed to the British tradition of quality antique craftsmanship, a complete contrast to the more puritanical form follows function approach to design in the US at that time.

We met with the multicultural designer and talked about her passion for design, furniture and her brand

What first got you interested in design and interior architecture?
I went to see a show in New York in the 80s and got fascinated by designing furniture. I started to make furniture for myself on weekends.

Tell us about your company.
I started working in Beirut in 2000 and opened my showroom in 2004. That is when my company was established and I started the brand Nada Debs. We design, manufacture and sell furniture and home accessories made in Lebanon.

How would you describe your approach to design?
I was intrigued by the crafts of the Middle East, namely the mother of pearl inlay, hand carving and perforation. I tried to find ways to apply the different techniques in contemporary furniture. I called the concept East & East — fusing Middle Eastern craft with Far Eastern minimalism.

Original article by Rima Al Mukhtar

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Nada Debs explores ‘East & East’ design concept