about

my story

My name is Agata Pilip and I am a Polish architect, designer and artist based in Dubai, UAE. I have lived, worked and studied in Germany, Netherlands, the UK and currently the UAE.

Driven by my passion for cultures and languages, I describe myself as a cultural translator, and the region I live in attracted me with its richness of cultural codes.

my process

Arts and craftsmanship has always been a source of inspiration to me. Ceramics, painting, weaving, horsemanship - yes, I consider it an art - have trained me to pay attention to detail, material, place and the stories they carry.

My work explores the dialogue between cultural heritage and contemporary life, and how art, design and innovation can help preserve traditions while finding new ways to keep them relevant.

experience

With over 18 years of experience as a designer and architect across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, I have led projects for world-renowned brands while developing my practice around cultural heritage, storytelling and experience design through fieldwork, research and cultural contributions.

    • Women, Craft, and Cultural Survival Sikka Speaks talk during Sikka Festival powered by Dubai Culture (2026)

    • Frame Magazine Awards Judge in categories: Single-Brand Store, Multi-Brand Store, Best Use of Materials (2021)

    • Brno Design Days - keynote speaker (2020)

    • World Retail Award -Outstanding Store Design for Missguided Store, Bluewater Shopping Centre (2018)

    • Graduate of the Year - Association of Polish Architects (2007)

    • Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts adrea.ae Abu Dhabi - series of watercolours inspired by the concept of furusiyya, part of ADREA art collection and New Years communication (2025)

    • Collaboration at Ceramic Studio Pansa www.studiopansa.com , Amsterdam – hands-on creative practice and collaborations with local ceramicists (2019-2022)

    • Traditional Ceramics Residency, Aïn Bouchrik, Morocco – a week of exploring heritage craft and merging it with contemporary design, led by www.ardartisans.com (2021)

    • New Life Charity Exhibition, House of Commons, London (2016)

    • Marcel Wanders x LG Hausys, Exhibition Design, Superstudio Piu, Salone del Mobile, Milan (2015)

    • Graduation Exhibition, MRAID Piet Zwaar, Roodkaapje Rotterdam (2012)

    • Architecture for 1 Euro – experimental design on architects’ societal value, with Alisson Killing / Killing Architects (2011)

    • Doctrine Amsterdam - personal project and ceramics brand, focusing on enhancing the role of crafts in our daily lives;

    • Nike – GCC+Egypt - Retail Projects - leading and managing store design initiatives, consulting brand marketing initiatives, embedding sustainability and cultural relevance into Nike’s brand experiences across the GCC. Integrating local identity with global brand storytelling, enhancing cultural resonance in the region.

    • Nike House of Innovation (HOI), Paris, France (2018-2020) - design of the first European Nike flagship retail hub in Champs Elysees, led by future-ready sustainability principles and innovative brand expression, focusing on materiality and visual storytelling.

    • Mondrian Doha – 5* Hotel, Doha, Qatar (2012-2013) - collaborated with Marcel Wanders Studio to celebrate Qatari heritage through contemporary design narratives, creating an iconic hospitality destination contributing to Qatar’s cultural tourism identity.

    • Kameha Grand Zurich - 5* Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland (2012-2018) - in collaboration with Marcel Wanders Studio, blended Swiss heritage motifs with modern luxury design, enhancing Zurich’s positioning as a design-forward destination.

    • Private Villa - Qatari Royal Family, near Cannes, France (2014-2015) - in collaboration with Marcel Wanders Studio, designed a landmark residence merging Qatari cultural values with provencal heritage traditions, exemplifying cross-cultural design diplomacy.

    • Kigali Convention Centre and Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda (2007-2009) - in collaboration with Spacial Solutions Munich, designed the most prominent landmark in the modern Rwanda’s capital. The architecture was strongly rooted in local culture and the theme of reconciliation.

  • Master in Tourism & Hospitality Management - Rome Business School, Italy - elective in Cultural Institution Management / Heritage-led experience design (2026)

    MDes in Architecture & Interior Design – Piet Zwart Institute - WDKA Rotterdam, the Netherlands (2012)

    MA / BA in Architecture and Urban Planning - Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland and Technical University Munich, Germany (2007)

    Registered Architect (NL) – Bureau Architectenregister, Registration Nr. 1.100401.003