In this special conversation, World Luxury Chamber of Commerce President Alexander Chetchikov speaks with Fawzi Al Gareb – the founder and driving force behind Valika Interior Design. Fawzi opens up about his philosophy, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and the passion that fuels his work. Fresh off the win for Best Luxury Public Services Architecture for the Jordan Youth Hub from Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he shares how he brings the same intensity, vision, and attention to detail to every project, whether it’s a government landmark or a private luxury villa.

Alexander Chetchikov: Mr. Al Gareb, you’ve just won a global award for the Jordan Youth Hub project. What do you think makes this public space feel luxurious, even though it serves a civic function?

Fawzi Al Gareb: For me, luxury is a mindset. It’s not about who can afford it – it’s about creating spaces that make people feel valued and inspired. I don’t believe in a ‘public standard’ and a ‘private standard.’ Everything I design carries the same DNA: precision in detail, proportion, and atmosphere. The Jordan Youth Hub was treated like any high-profile private commission – because young people deserve nothing less.

AC: In your opinion, how has the definition of luxury evolved in architectural design over the past decade?

FAG: Luxury has become more personal. It’s no longer about showing off wealth – it’s about living well, feeling comfortable, and surrounding yourself with quality that stands the test of time. I’ve always designed for how people experience a space, not just how it looks in a photograph. That’s the shift I see – and it’s the way I’ve always approached my work.

AC: What inspires you most in your work?

FAG: I’m inspired by the challenge of creating something that didn’t exist before – something that reflects the people who will use it, yet surprises them with possibilities they hadn’t imagined. I’m passionate about merging beauty and practicality, about making spaces that feel like they belong to their environment but also raise the standard for what’s possible.

AC: How do you balance creating high-end design experiences with ensuring accessibility, especially in a youth-centered public project like this one?

FAG: I never water down a design because of the audience. Instead, I focus on smart material choices, durable finishes, and flexible layouts that still deliver a premium look and feel. Accessibility comes from understanding how people will use the space every day – and then making sure the experience is just as inspiring for them as it would be for a VIP guest in a luxury hotel.

AC: From a technical perspective, what was the most complex challenge in designing the Jordan Youth Hub?

FAG: Integrating so many functions into a single, fluid design was the toughest part. Each zone had its own needs – acoustics, lighting, climate control – but I wanted it to all feel like one seamless journey. That’s where my experience with complex, multi-use luxury projects made the difference.

AC: You’ve worked in multiple countries. What sets Jordan’s youth initiative apart from other public sector work?

FAG: This project had a soul from the beginning. Everyone involved believed in creating something meaningful – not just a building, but a place young people could be proud of. That kind of shared vision is rare, and it’s what pushed me to make the design as impactful as possible.

AC: How does Valika integrate sustainability into its core design approach, beyond meeting standard requirements?

FAG: For me, sustainability is about designing something worth keeping. If a building still feels fresh, relevant, and loved in 20 years, then we’ve succeeded. I choose materials that age gracefully, design layouts that can adapt over time, and make sure the systems we use are efficient without compromising the user experience.

AC: What advice would you give to architects working on future-focused public projects for young communities?

FAG: Don’t design down to the audience. Aim higher than they expect, because when you give people the best, they rise to it. Listen, understand their ambitions, and then create something that will fuel those ambitions for years to come.

We extend our thanks to Fawzi Al Gareb for sharing his insights and perspectives. His leadership at Valika Interior Design continues to shape impactful, intelligent spaces across the region.

Discover more about Valika Interior Design’s award-winning projects at https://valika.ae/.