Zainab Zayed, or "Zaina" as she prefers to be called, is a Senior Interior Designer at XBD Collective, where she brings her artistic perspective and international experience to the firm’s luxury residential and commercial projects. Zaina’s career began with a degree in Interior Design from the American University of Sharjah, where she earned a place on the Dean’s List in 2015. Since then, she has built a diverse portfolio, working with renowned firms like Bia Architecture, Cambridge Design & Build, RH Columbus, and Studio DG Columbus.
Her journey led her back to Dubai, where she initially joined CAI Architects as a partner but soon found her perfect fit at XBD Collective. Zaina thrives in collaborative environments, where her keen eye for detail, creativity, and technical knowledge allow her to lead complex design projects from concept to completion.
Her talent for integrating art and design ensures that each project she touches is both aesthetically appealing and functionally superior. Zaina’s ability to tailor designs to reflect the unique personalities and aspirations of her clients makes her work stand out. She is committed to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly personalised, ensuring client satisfaction at every stage of the project.
Bachelor’s in Interior Design, American University of Sharjah (AUS), Dean’s List, 2015
- Confidential Villa Project, Hills Grove, Dubai Hills, Dubai, UAE
- Confidential Villa Project, Emirates Hills, Dubai, UAE
- Two Confidential Villa Projects, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
- Panel Discussion – NGC Nafees Design Talks: Presented on “Creating Opulent and Luxurious Interiors”
Zaina has a deep passion for art and interior design. Known for her creative innovation, she enjoys blending artistic elements into her designs, making them stand out in the industry. Her ability to translate her love for doodle art into her work is a distinctive part of her design identity. As a cat mum and Pilates enthusiast, Zaina enjoys balancing her personal and professional life, finding inspiration in both.
She has relocated multiple times in her career, but always seeks out opportunities that align with her passion for design and creativity. Zaina is dedicated to continuous learning and growth, with a particular focus on personalisation in design, FF&E, colour theory, and lighting. You can follow her artistic journey on Instagram at @zainabzayedish.
