Abu Dhabi University (ADU) recently celebrated the creative achievements of its graduating Interior Design students with a high-profile jury review and design exhibition held at its main campus. The event brought together industry experts, accomplished alumni, and academic leaders to evaluate 26 capstone design projects, marking a pivotal milestone in the students’ academic journey.
The jury panel featured eight senior professionals from leading regional firms, including Minotti, Bloomingdale’s Dubai, Aati, INSITE Contracting and Interiors, AECOM, Canadian University Dubai, and Amalya Decoration. Notably, several jury members were also ADU alumni, now established designers returning to mentor the next generation.
Dr. Ahmed Elshakhs, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Interior Design, praised the students’ forward-thinking work:
“Our students delivered projects that reflect a deep understanding of design trends and real-world application. Presenting to leading figures from the industry not only showcased their creativity, but also highlighted their readiness to contribute to the evolving design market.”
The showcased projects were diverse in theme and scope, ranging from a culinary institute to an engineering library and an ancient Egyptian museum. Each project demonstrated the students’ ability to integrate research, spatial planning, user-centered thinking, and advanced rendering techniques into cohesive, functional spaces.
The event also served as a networking opportunity, bridging students with professionals and potential employers. Alumni on the jury panel expressed pride in returning to ADU as mentors, applauding the professionalism, creativity, and innovation displayed by the current graduating class.
Alongside the juried review, the Department of Architecture and Interior Design hosted its annual Furniture Design Exhibition, showcasing over 60 student works. The exhibition featured full-scale furniture prototypes, design process posters, and student-authored publications. Students applied technical skills including joinery, laser cutting, and 3D printing, while exploring aesthetic styles such as Scandinavian, Minimalism, Bohemian, and Sustainability.
Dr. Ali Elamaireh, Associate Professor in the department, emphasized the value of hands-on learning:
“This exhibition is a celebration of innovation and skill. It encourages students to transform ideas into functional pieces, while learning deeply about materials, fabrication, and storytelling through design.”
Ms. Ayah Hamash, Teaching Assistant at ADU, added:
“Every year, we witness our students challenge norms with thoughtful experimentation. This year’s show reaffirms ADU’s commitment to a design education that is sustainable, market-relevant, and future-focused.”
Through both the jury presentations and the design exhibition, ADU underscored its dedication to industry-aligned education that prepares students to thrive in the creative economy, both locally and internationally.
