SALALAH: In Salalah, interior design is more than just arranging furniture and colours; it is an art form that captures the identity and culture of a place, influencing daily lives. This philosophy drives entrepreneur and engineer Samou bint Amer Tabuk, who has turned her passion for interior design and architecture into a thriving business.
In an interview with ONA, Engineer Tabuk shared, “My passion for design led me to study the field academically, building a strong foundation for a professional career grounded in scientific principles. This dream, nurtured since my school days, culminated in the establishment of ‘Sumou Design Studio’ in 2019 under the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA).
The inspiration for the studio arose from the growing demand for innovative and sustainable design solutions that cater to both individuals and institutions.
Samou aims to positively influence the field and contribute to the evolution of the architectural landscape in the Sultanate.
The studio began by working on smaller projects to gain experience and build a customer base. Over time, guided by a clear vision and specific objectives, the team expanded to include experienced designers and architects. Their efforts led to notable successes, including large-scale commercial projects and residential designs, alongside garden landscaping.
Since its inception, Sumou Design Studio has experienced significant growth, with the client base expanding by 30 per cent annually over the past two years. Positive client feedback further reflects the studio's success and the rising demand for its services.
Samou acknowledges the vital support from various government agencies in Oman, which provided essential facilities that accelerated the studio’s growth.
Looking ahead, she aspires to extend her services across the GCC countries, offering innovative design solutions regionally and incorporating sustainable technologies into future projects. Samou also plans to form strategic partnerships with leading companies and institutions in the field.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed many projects, Samou’s persistence enabled her to adapt and continue operations remotely.
She emphasises that the fields of interior design and architecture offer vast opportunities for creativity and professional growth, particularly for Omani youth, who are encouraged to develop their skills, embrace educational and training opportunities, and think innovatively. For those with creativity and vision, the potential in this field is boundless. - ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
