When three talented interior design students from the American University in Dubai (AUD) stepped onto the global stage at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2025, they did more than showcase a project—they demonstrated how careful monitoring of design trends, user experience, and sustainable inspiration can lead to award‑winning innovation. Their collaborative work, titled “ETERNA,” claimed the top prize in the Interior Design – Hotel (Boutique) category, putting AUD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program on the map for excellence in hospitality design.
The Winning Project: ETERNA and Its Design Philosophy
ETERNA reimagines boutique hospitality as a living, evolving experience shaped by nature. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity and quiet strength of water, as well as the natural process of erosion, Cathlyn Nassif, Tania Khachek, and Leen Moussa created spaces that feel both timeless and constantly transforming. Rather than adhering to static hotel layouts, the team treated architecture as a process of continuous transformation, where each zone unfolds as a unique spatial journey.
Key aspects of ETERNA include:
- Organic Forms: Curvilinear walls and flowing ceilings mimic water currents, guiding guests through a sensory narrative.
- Material Palette: Natural stone, reclaimed wood, and textured plaster evoke the tactile qualities of eroded landscapes.
- Light as a Sculptor: Diffused daylight and programmable LED fixtures shift throughout the day, mirroring the changing tides.
- User‑Centric Adaptability: Movable partitions and modular furniture allow spaces to be reconfigured for different functions, from intimate lounges to vibrant social hubs.
The project’s narrative emphasizes that hospitality is not just about providing a room; it is about crafting an intimate, experiential retreat where the boundary between architecture and emotion blurs. This philosophy resonated strongly with the international jury, which evaluates entries on innovation, aesthetics, functionality, and overall impact.
Why the LIV Hospitality Design Awards Matter
Launched in 2020, the LIV Hospitality Design Awards have quickly become a benchmark for excellence in hotel and restaurant design worldwide. Open to both professionals and students, the competition attracts submissions from leading design firms and academic institutions across the globe. Winning an LIV award signals that a project meets the highest standards of creativity, technical execution, and guest‑experience thinking.
For students, receiving such recognition early in their careers offers several advantages:
- Visibility among industry leaders and potential employers.
- A concrete addition to portfolios that demonstrates ability to handle real‑world briefs.
- Validation of interdisciplinary skills—research, concept development, technical drawing, and presentation.
- Motivation to continue pushing boundaries in sustainable and human‑centered design.
How AUD’s Interior Design Program Prepares Students for Global Competitions
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the American University in Dubai combines rigorous academic coursework with hands‑on studio practice. Several program elements contributed directly to the success of the ETERNA team:
1. Integrated Design Studios
From the first year, students work on studio projects that simulate professional briefs, including hospitality, retail, and residential spaces. These studios emphasize iterative design processes, encouraging students to monitor their progress through regular critiques, peer reviews, and instructor feedback.
2. Sustainability and Material Innovation
AUD places a strong focus on sustainable design principles. Courses cover life‑cycle analysis, material sourcing, and low‑impact construction techniques. The ETERNA team leveraged this knowledge to select reclaimed and locally sourced materials, reducing the environmental footprint of their concept.
3. Access to Industry‑Standard Tools
The School of Architecture, Art & Design provides licenses for software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Proficiency in these tools allowed the students to produce high‑quality renderings and construction documents that impressed the jury.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Students frequently collaborate with peers from architecture, visual communication, and business programs. This cross‑pollination of ideas helped the ETERNA team think beyond pure aesthetics, considering operational feasibility, branding, and guest experience.
5. Exposure to Real‑World Competitions
AUD encourages participation in international design contests, offering guidance on submission requirements, presentation techniques, and deadline management. The faculty’s mentorship helped the team monitor timelines and refine their deliverables before the final submission.
Lessons for Aspiring Interior Designers
The victory of Cathlyn, Tania, and Leen offers actionable insights for anyone looking to excel in interior design, especially within the competitive hospitality sector:
Monitor Trends, But Stay Authentic
While it is essential to keep an eye on global design trends—such as biophilic design, immersive experiences, and sustainable materials—students should filter those trends through their own design voice. ETERNA succeeded because the team interpreted water‑inspired forms in a way that felt personal and site‑specific, rather than copying a generic motif.
Develop a Rigorous Feedback Loop
Regular monitoring of one’s work through critiques, self‑assessment, and mentor feedback prevents design drift and ensures that the concept remains aligned with the project brief. Setting weekly milestones and reviewing progress against those goals can make a substantial difference in the quality of the final submission.
Leverage University Resources
Make full use of campus facilities: the library’s material samples, the fabrication lab for prototyping, and the virtual campus tours for remote collaboration. AUD’s Campus 360 virtual tours, for example, allowed the team to present their concept to faculty and peers located in different time zones.
Tell a Story
Jury members often look for a compelling narrative that ties together research, concept, and execution. ETERNA’s story—water shaping space over time—gave judges a memorable framework to evaluate the design. Aspiring designers should invest time in crafting a clear, emotive storyline that can be communicated through sketches, renderings, and verbal presentations.
Prioritize Sustainability from the Start
Integrating sustainable considerations early in the design process not only meets growing industry expectations but also often leads to innovative material and spatial solutions. The ETERNA team’s choice of erosion‑inspired textures led them to explore reclaimed stone and low‑VOC finishes, adding depth to both the aesthetic and environmental performance of the project.
How to Join AUD’s Award‑Winning Interior Design Community
If you are inspired by the achievement of the ETERNA team and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the American University in Dubai, here are the next steps you can take:
- Explore the Program: Visit the Interior Design BFA page to review curriculum details, faculty profiles, and student work.
- Attend a Virtual Open House: AUD regularly hosts online information sessions where prospective students can ask questions about admissions, scholarships, and campus life. Check the Admissions portal for upcoming dates.
- Review Scholarship Opportunities: The university offers merit‑based and need‑based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs. See the Scholarships section for eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing sketching, technical drawing, and conceptual projects is essential for admission. Include work that demonstrates your interest in hospitality, sustainable design, or user‑centered spaces.
- Submit Your Application: Use the online application portal at https://applyonline.aud.edu/ to complete your submission. Be mindful of deadlines for the fall and spring intakes.
- Connect with Current Students: Reach out via the student clubs or the Career Services office to gain insights into student life and internship opportunities.
Conclusion: Monitoring Success Leads to Award‑Winning Design
The story of AUD’s interior design students winning the LIV Hospitality Design Award 2025 is more than a celebration of a single accolade—it is a testament to the power of deliberate monitoring, interdisciplinary learning, and a passion for sustainable, human‑focused design. By observing trends, gathering feedback, leveraging university resources, and telling a compelling story, Cathlyn Nassif, Tania Khachek, and Leen Moussa transformed a concept inspired by water into a globally recognized hospitality experience.
For prospective students, the takeaway is clear: success in design competitions—and ultimately in a professional career—comes from a disciplined approach to monitoring one’s progress, staying curious about emerging ideas, and having the courage to let nature and narrative guide the creative process. If you aspire to follow in their footsteps, the American University in Dubai offers the academic foundation, creative environment, and industry connections needed to turn your vision into award‑winning reality.
Ready to start your journey? Explore the Interior Design BFA program today and see how you can begin monitoring your own path to design excellence.
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Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] or leave a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts on hospitality design and the future of interior architecture.
