Neoclassicism and flexibility. Tradition and evolution. Made in Italy and international scenarios. But above all, the client.
We met Matteo Gentili, from the architecture and design studio Casa&Casa in Dubai, and together we traveled through the Middle East—exploring encounters, projects, collaborations, and visions that express his idea of versatile, tailor-made design.
Profile and Background
Graduating in Urban and Landscape Design from La Sapienza University in Rome, with a Master's in Interior Design from IED Rome and another in Landscape Architecture from the University of Miami, Matteo Gentili moved to Egypt in 2009. For two years, he undertook various design projects there, including numerous private residences and commercial spaces in Cairo and Alexandria, alongside developing various hotel suite prototypes for the Faraana Reef Resort in Sharm el Sheikh.
In 2011, he returned to Rome to bring his expertise to his family's construction business, enhancing its processes and efficiency. However, his Italian interlude was short-lived: in 2013, he ventured abroad once more, choosing Dubai.
Matteo, why choose Cairo for your early professional years, and Dubai as your current base?
«Having attended an international program at university, I was surrounded from a young age by friends and classmates of various nationalities. In fact, both destinations share a common link: a former Egyptian classmate with whom I spent most of my university days—a friend I chose to follow even after completing my studies in Rome.
Together, we opened a design studio based in Cairo: an experience that lasted two years, during which I had the opportunity not only to challenge myself professionally across retail, public, and residential spaces, but also to gain a deep understanding of countries like Egypt, Morocco, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates. I learned to speak Arabic and significantly expanded my international network.
After Cairo, I returned to Rome to manage the family business. However, nine years ago, a single message from my former Egyptian partner—who had since relocated to Dubai—was all it took to take flight again, this time to carry out a major private project for an Indian client. From there, it was a short step to moving permanently, eventually becoming a partner in 2019 at Casa&Casa, a studio founded in 2010, where I continue to practice today.
Generally speaking, I am acutely aware that in these regions—especially the Middle East—the value of work by Italian architects and designers is far more appreciated than at home. Living and working in a part of the world where the global community is present in full force allows you to open your mind and push your boundaries: that is how I was able to express and showcase my talent. Regrettably, I am convinced that in Italy I could never have brought to life some of the projects that have seen the light of day in Dubai.»
How has your perspective on interior design evolved over the years, and how significantly have international experiences influenced your style?
«They have influenced it in the sense that in Dubai, for example, you work with clients from all over the world, not just the Arab region: my clients are Indian, Russian, European, which has allowed me to focus increasingly on creative and structural flexibility, making my work extremely versatile and custom-tailored.
Personally, I define myself as a multi-talented architect, as I believe a designer's role is to interpret each client's desires and needs, adapting them seamlessly to the project and space. I don't favor a single style, though as an Italian—and a Roman—I feel deeply connected to neoclassicism, an element that frequently reemerges in my work.
In any case, in this part of the world, not imposing a rigid personal style is an added asset. Every client wishes to express their own taste and identity, often shaped or influenced by their cultural heritage. Therefore, the ability to interpret and immerse oneself in a different context every time makes all the difference. And in this regard, I believe CIAM and I share a very similar mindset.»
Speaking of CIAM: from the Pompi pastry chain in Rome to Pavlova in the Dubai Mall, CIAM’s technology and design are a constant presence. What do you value most in a refrigeration design company?
«Designing spaces for the Pompi chain provided my first introduction to CIAM, through Lazio account manager Paolo Scopetti: a true discovery that met and exceeded my expectations. I immediately developed a deep admiration for their products and technology. I traveled to see and touch everything firsthand, as experiencing what I recommend is essential to me. Recommending CIAM first to Pompi, and later to Pavlova, added immense value to both projects.
What I appreciated then—and continue to appreciate now—is clear: in terms of product quality, technology, after-sales service, and the ability to tailor projects precisely to client needs, CIAM is second to none. This is proven by their growing presence and achievements on major international stages. They are an advanced company in terms of technical expertise and innovation, yet they have maintained the reliability, creativity, and passion of a small family business—making them exceptionally close to every client.»
Looking ahead, what focus areas, tools, or design languages will define international design over the next decade?
«Contemporary design, in the sense of extreme minimalism, is constantly evolving. It is difficult to predict where it will head in the near future: what is considered modern today might be completely obsolete in five years in terms of taste.
However, what will never change—and will always remain the foundation for proposing new solutions and approaches—are certain elements intrinsic to classical Italian architecture. Eternal lines, as I call them: from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, there are details, motifs, and architectural elements that never die. They can be continually reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, enriched by new materials stemming from the ongoing research and technological innovation shaping our world today.»
