The 50 Masters of Design 2026

Kristina Zanic has had a distinguished career as an international designer for over 35 years, working on projects in over 20 countries. At age 26, she founded an interior design firm and grew it to a multinational presence within two decades.

In 2012, she launched her eponymous studio in Dubai, a venture that has since grown into an award-winning interior design consultancy with a team of 200 across Dubai, London, Riyadh, Bangkok, and the Philippines.

Collaborating with prominent developers, international hospitality brands, and VIP clients, Kristina and her team specialize in crafting bespoke luxury interiors for hospitality, dining, wellness, and residential spaces across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In addition to winning numerous prestigious awards for its work over the years, the firm has consistently been recognised as the leading interior design company in the Middle East through various awards. Kristina has been a trailblazer in her own right, regularly featuring on top designer lists by Architectural Design Middle East, Commercial Interior Design, and Identity magazines.

She is a frequent speaker at industry events and often serves as a judge for prestigious design awards such as World Architecture Festival in Singapore, in addition to chairing the judging committee of the Ahead awards for the Middle East region in 2023 and 2024.

Kristina’s work is inspired by a love of travel and exploring different cultures. Croatian by origin and Australian by birth, Kristina has lived in 5 countries and travelled to almost 80, often seeking places off the beaten track. She has a passion for art and champions its role in interior design. Kristina is also committed to nurturing new talent and is actively involved in training and mentoring students and young designers.

Flagship projects include St Regis Red Sea, St Regis Riyadh, Gerbou, Intercontinental The Red Sea, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, St Regis Kuwait, Ritz-Carlton Baku, Ritz-Carlton Limassol, and Domes Miramare Resort Corfu.

Kristina Zanic Consultants approaches design with a balance of creativity, functionality, and innovation, underpinned by a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. Their philosophy centers on crafting spaces that are visually compelling, practical, and designed around human experience. Each project combines imaginative narratives, precise execution, thoughtful material selection, and sustainable strategies, supported by LEED-aligned practices and ISO 9001 quality management, resulting in interiors that are timeless and distinct.