Nazmira Goga

Co- Founder and Interior Designer at Refive Design House

I am the co- founder and interior designer at Refive Design House. I’ve been in Dubai for almost 8 years since moving from my home country, South Africa

My interior design journey began at The Designers’ Studio, because of my captivation for the art of creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enhance the lives of those who inhabit them.

We enjoy creating spaces that are practical, beautiful and functional all whilst minimising environmental impact.

We are active on social media and believe that it is an invaluable tool to promote my business. Follow me @refivedesign house and take a peek into my world.

INSTAGRAM: @refivedesignhouse

What do you love about being an interior designer?

There are so many great things I could say about working in the field of interior design – the creative outlet and being so spoilt for choice here in Dubai. Apart from that, nothing beats the human connection you get to have in your daily interaction with clients. The ability to touch and transform lives through my design process and having the chance to interact with people on such a personal level is by far the most rewarding.

Why did you like learning interior design with The Designers Studio?

My time at the designer studio was my “me time”. I used it to relax and focus on what i loved the most. Spending time surrounded by like minded creatives fuelled my ideas and passion.

Accessible, motivating, helpful, inspirational tutors offered guidance and support throughout my journey.The Designers’ Studio is a wonderful community to be a part of.

Tell us a little about your featured project:

Our Springs project was a complete home renovation project, including furniture selection and styling. The villa was extremely dated with multiple internal walls, creating a very dark and claustrophobic environment. Our brief was to create a very natural, minimalistic, open, airy space. We achieved this by redefined the layout of the ground floor almost entirely. We had broken down almost every internal wall which helped in allowing a lot of natural light to flow through, in turn making the space look and feel so much larger.

Refreshing the bathrooms with new fixtures and sanitary ware, fitting the closets and doors with a new look, as well as reflooring and repainting the villa definitely livened the space

Elegant furnishings and some signature lighting helped to finish it all off, turning a dated out old into a modern age home

What advice would you give to current students?

Don’t worry about what the next person is doing – focus on yourself and try to understand how you can bring your best forward. There is space for everyone.

What is your signature style?

I love a “less is more” approach to design – understated, uncomplicated and timeless!

I enjoy working with a neutral colour pallet and throwing in one conversational, statement piece, be it a light fixture, piece of art or interesting armchair that immediately grabs your attention and makes you go “wow”.

What does a typical day look like ?

After l’ve done the school drop off, my morning is spent between checking in on existing project sites, meeting with new and existing clients and very often meeting with my business partner, Yusra, to touch base and run through various aspects of our ongoing and future projects. After the school pickup, I usually work from home on project designs, proposals and also quite importantly, keeping on top of the administrative side of the business

Fast four

I can’t live without… My husband, who’s been the most supportive throughout this journey, who gives me the push and confidence I need when I’m reluctant to take that first step. And my kids who keep me grounded and connected to the little things that really matter in life..

I’m passionate about…Travel! Experiencing new places, cultures and food! If I get a slight culture shock upon arrival, all the better! Haha

Words to live by…Give it your all, then let it go – if its good for you, it will come to you. If it doesn’t, make room for something better

I’m listening to…Amy Winehouse, Back to Black. On repeat!

Nazmira Goga

Co- Founder and Interior Designer at Refive Design House

What do you love about being an interior designer?

Why did you like learning interior design with The Designers Studio?

Tell us a little about your featured project:

What advice would you give to current students?

What is your signature style?

What does a typical day look like ?

Fast four

ABOUT US

INFORMATION

LINKS

CONTACT US