BEYOND THE PORTAL

• date
  October 24 2025
• publication
  Marie Claire Maison
• author
  Ayesha Shehmir-Shaikh
• ORIGINAL CONTENT
  EXTERNAL LINK

Design as a doorway to memory and vision

“THE MOST POWERFUL DESIGNS ARE BORN WHEN YOU CREATE FROM A PLACE OF HONESTY – WHEN YOUR WORK REFLECTS BOTH WHERE YOU COME FROM AND WHAT YOU DREAM OF”

In the ever-unfolding tapestry of global design, Her Royal Highness Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal bin Saud stands as a luminous visionary, shaping the fabric of Saudi creativity with quiet authority and poetic sensibility. As the creative force behind A Interiors, she has reimagined design as a language – a vessel for memory, culture, and imagination – one that bridges past and future, tradition and modernity, elegance and meaning. Her work illuminates a cultural renaissance, creating spaces where heritage is not merely preserved, but allowed to breathe, evolve, and speak anew.

“For me, balancing heritage and modern design begins with respect – not replication. I believe traditions carry a kind of quiet wisdom that doesn’t need to be reinterpreted through trends to stay relevant,” she explains, revealing the philosophy that underpins every project. Heritage, in her hands, is never static. “The goal is to understand the spirit behind the craft, the symbolism, and the intention, and then give those elements space to exist within a modern context. When we integrate Saudi traditions into contemporary design, it’s not about contrast, but continuity.”

Every line, surface, and texture in her work carries the imprint of this continuity. “Ultimately, honouring heritage means letting it evolve without losing its soul. When you design from that place of respect and curiosity, modernity becomes a bridge rather than a break,” she reflects. In her practice, spaces become stories, objects evolve into narratives, and interiors transform into portals through which culture, memory, and imagination converge.
Nowhere is this vision more vividly expressed than in Beyond the Portal, her presentation at the ongoing Venice Biennale (10 May until 23 November 2025), the world stage where art and design’s most influential voices converge. “Being part of the Venice Biennale, a space that celebrates the diversity and depth of global creativity, is an incredible honour, and one I carry with a deep sense of pride and responsibility,” she shares. The exhibition is more than a showcase; it is a cultural statement, a testament to the richness, depth, and evolving dynamism of Saudi design.

“The idea behind Beyond the Portal really captures what we believe in as a studio – storytelling through space. For us, design is never just about form; it’s about emotion, memory, and the dialogue between what was and what’s yet to come. The portal became our central metaphor because it represents transition – a passage between past and present, between heritage and imagination.” Each portal invites visitors to encounter Saudi traditions reimagined with sensitivity and vision. Tradition, she reminds us, is alive, adaptable, and profoundly human.
Design, for Princess Anoud, is always a language. “For me, design has always been a language – a way to tell stories that words alone can’t express. Beyond the Portal was built around that belief. Every material, texture, and form was chosen not just for its aesthetic quality, but for the story it carries — the traditions it echoes, and the future it points toward.” In a world increasingly attuned to the universal instinct to preserve, express, and belong, her work affirms that design is a bridge – connecting cultures, generations, and ideas.

At the core of her practice lies craftsmanship, the heartbeat and soul of meaningful design. “Craftsmanship has always been at the heart of meaningful design. In Saudi Arabia, we’re seeing a renewed appreciation for the artisan – not just as a maker, but as a storyteller and custodian of culture. Their work carries generations of knowledge, and that continuity gives design its soul!” Through A Interiors, she nurtures these traditions, integrating them into contemporary contexts without compromising authenticity. The result is a design language that is at once distinctly Saudi and universally resonant.

Equally vital is the empowerment of women in design. “One of the most inspiring shifts in Saudi Arabia’s landscape has been the increasing visibility and leadership of women across the creative industries. Female designers, entrepreneurs, and the curators are not only finding their voices – they’re shaping the conversations.”  She celebrates their ability to reinterpret heritage through a contemporary lens, demonstrating that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces but complementary ones. Through mentorship, collaboration, and education, she envisions a future in which Saudi women lead boldly, contributing their unique perspectives to the global creative dialogue.

Looking ahead, Princess Anoud is optimistic about the trajectory of Saudi design. “Saudi design is in a moment of extraordinary growth – one defined by openness, exploration, and a deep respect for heritage. I see the next decade as a time of refinement and discovery, where designers continue to shape a uniquely Saudi design language that feels both authentic and forward-looking.” Her hope is to contribute to this evolution, crafting spaces and experiences that honour the past while engaging meaningfully with the world Her guidance to emerging creatives captures the essence of her philosophy: “My advice to young designers would be to stay deeply curious and unapologetically authentic. Every creative journey begins with observation – paying attention to what moves you, what surrounds you, and what stories you want to tell. Don’t rush to define your style too early; allow it to evolve naturally through experience, collaboration, and even imperfection. Stepping through your own ‘portal’ means trusting that your perspective has value. Honour your heritage, but don’t be afraid to reimagine it. The most powerful designs are born when you create from a place of honesty – when your work reflects both where you come from and what you dream of.”

For Princess Anoud, design transcends profession; it is a cultural dialogue, a bridge between generations, and a medium through which Saudi Arabia’s heritage converses with the world. Through her work, elegance arises not merely from beauty but from meaning; innovation flourishes when rooted in respect; legacy endures when tradition is allowed to evolve. As the Kingdom continues to redefine its cultural identity, Princess Anoud Khalid Mishaal bin Saud stands as a proud believer in its potential, guiding Saudi design into a future that is at once reverent of its past and fearless in imagination. Beyond the Portal is not simply an exhibition; it is an invitation – a threshold where heritage, creativity, and aspiration converge, opening new doors for a nation and its storytellers.
In her hands, the portals of tradition and modernity are not barriers but bridges — and through them, the world glimpses a Saudi design legacy that is timeless, dynamic, and profoundly human.