Faculty

Marco Modena is a seasoned digital artist and designer with over a decade of experience in 3D modeling, architectural visualization, and virtual reality. With a background in Graphic Design and Multimedia, he excels in previsualization, interior design, and product design, bringing a blend of creativity and technical expertise to Cindrebay Dubai.

Paolo Emilio Cassandro is a seasoned architect and educator with extensive experience in residential architecture, hospitality, and exhibitions. He has taught at renowned institutions like Florence Design Academy, specializing in Eco Design and Interior Architecture. With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Florence, Paolo brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to his role as a Graphic Design faculty member at our Interior Design School.

Rachele Sughi is a highly accomplished Art History teacher, licensed Florence Tour Guide, and graphic designer. Educated in Brisbane and Florence, she graduated with top honors in Graphic Design and later earned a degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Rachele has over two decades of experience, beginning with design work at Atelier Riccardo Sarti and expanding into teaching roles at prestigious art schools like Florence Design Academy. Specialized in teaching Art History in English to international students, she also contributes to art reviews and has been a licensed tour guide since 2017. Rachele’s extensive background in art, design, and education makes her a valuable addition to Cindrebay Dubai, where she will bring her passion and expertise to the Interior Design courses.

Farzad Shojaei is an accomplished interior designer with over 15 years of professional experience, specializing in retail, exhibition, and residential spaces. Based in Florence, he operates his own design studio and has worked in four different countries, which has honed his strong collaborative skills and international perspective. Farzad has held significant roles such as CEO and Co-founder of APLUS Design Consulting in Vietnam and Senior Interior Designer at Studio A in Florence. His teaching experience spans from being an Adjunct Professor at Florence Design Academy to lecturing at the European School of Economics. His diverse expertise and commitment to education make him a valuable addition to Cindrebay School of Interior Design in Dubai​.

Enrico Taranta is a distinguished interior designer and architect specializing in luxury interiors with over a decade of experience across Rome, Shanghai, and Dubai. As the founder of Taranta Creations, Enrico has led prestigious projects, including luxury villas, hotels, and immersive cultural spaces globally. His expertise encompasses sustainable design, advanced AI applications in architecture, and high-end interiors. Enrico holds a degree in Architecture from the Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, graduating with distinction. He has also taught at renowned institutions like Raffles Design Institute, sharing his knowledge of green and luxury interior design. At Cindrebay Dubai, Enrico offers a blend of technical excellence and creative vision, making him an ideal mentor for students pursuing luxury interior design.

Bledi Skora is a seasoned interior architect with over a decade of experience in designing functional and innovative spaces, ranging from luxury retail to residential projects. He holds a Master’s in Interior Design from Florence, Italy, where he graduated with honors, receiving prestigious awards for his outstanding academic performance. Bledi has also gained extensive experience in scenography and costumography, enhancing his skills in visual storytelling and artistic direction. His professional journey includes roles as an Interior Architect and Property Master, where he successfully managed various projects across Europe, North America, and Asia, consistently delivering exceptional results that exceed client expectations. Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in various design software, Bledi is committed to sustainability and collaboration, making him a valuable addition to the Cindrebay School of Interior Design in Dubai​.

Debora Florio is a dynamic professional with a strong background in fashion and sustainable design. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Fashion from Polimoda in Florence and has also studied Creative Business Leadership at SCAD University. Debora has extensive experience as an Area Manager for renowned fashion brands like Twinset Milano, Mango, and Zara, where she honed her skills in visual coordination and team leadership. As the founder of Bio Fashion Lab, Debora is passionate about driving change in the fashion industry. Her expertise and innovative approach make her an excellent addition to the Interior Design faculty at Cindrebay Dubai​.

Fabio Arangio is a seasoned graphic designer and educator with over 25 years of experience in UX development, branding, and content creation. He has taught over 1,500 students at renowned institutions like Florence Design Academy and brings a wealth of expertise in visual communication and design pedagogy to Cindrebay’s Interior Design School.

With almost 2 decades of rich experience in product, industrial, & furniture design, Olga Litvinova holds a Master’s Degree in Interior Design (Florence).Passionate about “all things design”,Olga loves sharing her knowledge & expertise in furniture design, ergonomics, & sketching with design enthusiasts worldwide. Her motto, “Think outside the box” drives her & her students to transform their ideas & concepts into powerful tangible products that change the way we perceive design.

Amritha Menon is a versatile architect and interior designer with extensive experience across leading organisations. Holding a Post-Graduate Diploma in Industrial Design from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor of Architecture from NIT Calicut, she has shaped spaces and minds alike. Amritha has served in key roles such as Creative Director at The Other Side, Bangalore, Community Manager at Livspace, and Design Manager at Homelane, driving innovation and excellence in each. Her global exposure includes designing luxury retail spaces in Italy with Grottini Retail Environments. A former Assistant Professor at M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology and visiting faculty at NID Bangalore, she has a strong academic foundation. Amritha is also an artist, having exhibited her paintings, showcasing her multifaceted creativity. Her work embodies a blend of artistry, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence in design.

Asad Firdosy is a visionary architect and designer with over 30 years of experience, leading Asad Firdosy Designs, a multidisciplinary studio pushing the boundaries of design. He is renowned for his innovative work in furniture design, including 250 unique pieces and 36 internationally recognized Biomimicry designs. Asad’s work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions globally, including the London Design Festival and Miami. His approach combines traditional construction techniques with modern abstractions, aiming to create timeless, contextually sensitive designs that redefine vernacular modernism.

Afra Safa is a distinguished writer, curator, and cultural consultant with extensive experience in the global art and design industry. Holding a Master of Arts in Management of Creative Industries from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, she has contributed to platforms like STIRWorld and Duchamp’s Socks, publishing articles on design, architecture, and contemporary art. Afra has curated exhibitions at renowned galleries such as A Plus A in Venice and worked with prominent institutions like Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Her work reflects a deep understanding of art theory, regional trends, and creative project management.

Fatima Basharat is a talented architect and a passionate educator with a strong background in both architecture and interior design. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and brings a wealth of experience in sustainable design, smart spatial planning, and resource-efficient interiors. Fatima has worked on a range of projects, from urban developments to detailed interior spaces, integrating modern design principles with environmentally conscious solutions. As an educator, she excels in guiding students through the intricacies of interior design, blending technical proficiency with creative problem-solving. Her approachable teaching style and in-depth industry knowledge make her an ideal mentor for aspiring interior designers.

İpek Özmen is a highly skilled lighting designer and interior architect with advanced expertise in lighting design, having earned her Master of Science in Lighting Design and LED Technologies from Politecnico di Milano. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Building Science – Light and Colour from Bilkent University, further enriching her technical and artistic understanding of space and illumination. İpek’s career spans various key roles, including brand manager and project manager positions at leading lighting firms in Dubai. With experience in both practical project management and academic teaching, she combines her technical know-how with a passion for research and education, mentoring students as a part-time instructor at Bilkent University. Her critical thinking, creativity, and technical expertise make her an invaluable resource for interior design students aiming to specialize in innovative and sustainable lighting solutions.

Antoinette Nammour is an accomplished interior designer, FF&E specialist, and educator with over two decades of experience in academia and industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design (with distinction) from Excelsior College, New York, via the Lebanese American University. Antoinette has initiated and coordinated the FF&E diploma at LAU, focusing on furniture, finishes, and equipment. Her diverse teaching portfolio includes courses in material finishes, building codes, and CAD applications across prominent universities in Lebanon and Dubai. With hands-on experience in high-profile international projects, she brings a wealth of practical insights to her role at Cindrebay, making her an ideal mentor for interior design students.

Navneet Kumar is an Industrial Designer with expertise in automotive, transportation, and product design. He holds a Master’s Degree in Transportation & Car Design from Scuola Politecnica di Design, Milano, and has over six years of experience in academia and industry.

He is currently a Visiting Faculty at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India and has previously taught at Unitedworld Institute of Design, India and Parul Institute of Design, India. His industry experience includes design projects with Lamborghini, Genesis Motor, Ducati, and Tata Motors.

Navneet specialises in digital sketching, visualization, packaging design, and vehicle concept development, actively contributing to design education through lectures, workshops, and jury panels.

Nidhi Billoray is a Senior Graphic and Visual Designer with 7+ years of experience in brand identity, publication design, typography, and digital media. She has worked on high-profile projects with Simone Micheli Architectural Hero, Italy, including Milan Design Week and Sia Hospitality Design. A passionate educator, she has been a visiting faculty at top design institutions.

With a Master’s in Visual & Communication Design from SPD, Milan, and multiple awards, including the Late Shri Ravjibhai Nathabhai Patel Gold Medal, Nidhi combines creativity with precision to craft impactful visual experiences.

Michele Coen Pirani is an Interior Designer and 3D Artist based in Milan. He specializes in interior design, 3D modeling, renderings, and animations for architecture and master plans. Currently, he is a Teaching Support and Subject Matter Expert at Politecnico di Milano, contributing to the Metaproject course.

His professional experience includes collaborations with Simone Micheli Architectural Hero, where he worked on residential and hospitality design and led design workshops. With a background in Transportation Design from the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Torino, he has also contributed to notable projects like the Suzuki Misano concept car.

Abeer Fathima is the Lead Interior Designer at Designaware, Partner at Designaware Dubai, and Founder of Eclipse, a signature wearables brand. A Bachelor’s Degree holder in Interior Design from Raffles College of Design & Commerce, she specialises in accessible and universal design. Notable projects include the Micro Mosque, Melting Moments Ice Creamery, and Ribbon House, featured in Designboom and the India Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023. She has designed installations for Dubai Design Week and Hyderabad Design Week and received awards like Surfaces Reporter Rising Star (2017) and IGen 2024. Abeer has delivered keynotes at Apple Dubai, Zayed University, and the UIA World Congress.

Lucas Cestari Alonso Gonzalez is an Architect, Interior Designer, and Product Designer based in Milan, Italy. He is currently working as an Architect at Simone Micheli Architectural Hero and previously held an internship at the same firm. Lucas has also worked as an Architecture Professor at Colégio ARBOS and an Architect at Roberto Migotto Arquitetura e Interiores in Brazil.

He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano (2023-2025) and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (2018-2022). Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Italian, his expertise includes architectural lighting, project planning, and interior design.

Jorge Rangel is a Spanish Architect Interior designer and has been working in different projects of home renovation and furniture design. He did his studies in Architecture and a master in Interior Design as well in Fine Arts. He has lived in Sao Paulo – Brazil, Amsterdam – Netherlands, Barcelona, Spain and Dubai became his home town for the last 10 years. His studio brings architecture, interior design and art to mainly private projects of home renovation. He has also being teaching Geometry and Perspective at IDED – Barcelona, Art and Architecture for Turisme de Barcelona and lectures and workshops in different subjects related to interior design at Canadian University in Dubai

Paola Careno is a Creative Director at Diorama SRL with expertise in digital architecture, 3D design, and material research. She holds a Master’s in Digital Architecture from IUAV, Venice,Italy and has worked as a lecturer at LABA Florence. Skilled in 3D modeling, visualization, and architectural technology, she is proficient in 3ds Max, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite. Paola blends artistic vision with technological innovation in architecture and design.

Architect, entrepreneur, and artistic director, Gilberto Bonelli is the founder of Diorama SRL. With a degree in architecture from Politecnico di Milano, he has led projects in 3D architecture, digital couture, and experiential design for major brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. He has collaborated with global firms such as OMA, Zaha Hadid, and Jean Nouvel. Bonelli is also a lecturer at LISAA Paris and LABA Florence and a mentor at Central Saint Martins, specializing in digital communication, immersive experiences, and mixed reality.

With 22+ years of experience in Dubai and the GCC, Widad Jaafari specializes in high-end residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial projects. She excels in interior design, project management, space planning, and technical engineering. Skilled in AutoCAD, SketchUp, V-Ray, and Adobe Creative Suite, she leads multi-disciplinary teams and delivers exceptional design solutions. Fluent in Arabic and English, she is passionate about innovation and detail-driven execution.

With over 20 years of industry experience and 15 years in academia, Aditi Deshpande is a passionate architect, designer, and educator dedicated to shaping the future of design. Holding a PhD in Design and multiple degrees in architecture, she has contributed significantly to curriculum development, research, and strategic international collaborations. Her expertise spans architectural and interior design, product design, sustainable design, and design thinking. A recognized speaker and jury member, she actively engages in research, publications, and social impact projects, including cognitive enhancement toy design and inclusive spaces.

Manuela Tedino is a design specialist with expertise in brand communication, industrial design, and strategic design thinking. Holding a Master’s Degree from Politecnico di Milano, Manuela has a multidisciplinary approach, merging theory with hands-on experience. She serves as a Designer & Strategist and University Coordinator & Educator. Manuela has delivered masterclasses at prestigious institutions and brings her expertise to Cindrebay, offering students a dynamic learning experience that prepares them for the evolving design landscape.

Natalia Zwardon is an architect and interior designer with over a decade of experience in spatial design and education. As the founder of NZ Studio, she specialises in immersive environments, community-driven projects, and sustainable design, with work spanning residential and commercial interiors, public installations, and exhibitions.

Alongside her practice, Natalia is Head of Digital Design at UAL’s BA Interior Design program, where she integrates emerging technologies into design education. Her research explores the impact of live projects on student engagement and industry collaboration, bridging academia and professional practice. She is passionate about the future of architectural education and the role of technology in shaping design processes.

Sania Gulzar is a passionate design educator and practitioner with extensive experience in teaching Interior Design, Art, and Design History at reputed institutions such as Superior University and Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore. She holds a Master’s in Interior Design with distinction from the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, and a UK-accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), enabling her to teach globally with strong pedagogical grounding.

Her approach integrates design thinking, innovation, and experiential learning, fostering industry-ready skills and creative problem-solving. Sania’s academic interests span digital design, sustainable design, instructional design, and curriculum development.

She is particularly engaged with the role of generative AI in design practice and education, mentoring students to blend emerging technologies with conceptual and technical proficiency.

Currently a faculty member at Cindrebay School of Design, Sania is committed to nurturing future designers through a balanced, forward-thinking approach rooted in core design principles and contemporary relevance.

Irma Yasir believes design is not just about spaces—but about stories, emotions, and the people who live them. With over nine years of experience in architecture, interiors, landscaping, and commercial design, her work blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities, rooted in purpose and sustainability. Teaching, for Irma, is a calling. Trained under esteemed PhD mentors, she has mentored young designers to think freely, create boldly, and solve problems with empathy. Her classrooms are spaces of dialogue, discovery, and growth.

As Creative Director at Furbysh Studio, she leads research and product development, translating bold ideas into meaningful designs. Whether guiding a studio project or reviewing a student’s concept sketch, she bridges the gap between theory and practice with insight and care.

At Cindrebay Dubai, Irma brings her warmth, creativity, and rich professional experience into every session—helping students not just learn design, but live it.

Nagham Naddour is an experienced academic and architectural professional with over 14 years in education and practice across architecture, interior design, urban planning, and sustainability. She teaches a range of courses in Architecture, Building Engineering, and Construction Management, including Architectural Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Heritage Studies.

She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture from Damascus University, with research focused on the environmental impact of adaptive reuse in heritage buildings. Her teaching is rooted in a practice-oriented, environmentally conscious, and context-sensitive approach.

Nagham has taught at institutions such as Damascus University, Qasyoun Private University, and Politecnico di Bari, Italy. She has also led urban and architectural projects in firms like JOHNNY Group and CHATTA Group.

A published researcher and active member of the Syrian Architects and Engineers Associations, she regularly conducts workshops and exhibitions to foster creativity and professional growth among her students.

Maria Grammenou is a seasoned FF&E Interior Designer with over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, high-end residential, and F&B interiors. Currently FF&E Director at Wells International, Dubai, she leads design teams and delivers concept-to-completion solutions across global projects.

Her previous roles at Kristina Zanic Consultants, Sagrada (UK), and Land Union (Soho) have taken her across London, Miami, Istanbul, and Dubai. Maria holds a degree in Interior & 3D Design from the University of Greenwich and brings a refined sense of aesthetics to every project.

Known for her elegant, natural palettes and meticulous detailing, she balances creativity with practical precision. Fluent in English and Greek, she has also taught interior design, sharing her passion for space, form, and atmosphere.

Maria designs spaces that don’t just look beautiful—they feel beautiful. Her work consistently blends comfort, luxury, and emotional resonance.