A Word From Our Founders

Curated, not decorated.

A message from Camille Hallacq and Shahid Mehmood, Co-Founders of Illesha Design.

Founders’ Message

The best interiors are not decorated, but curated.

Illesha Design was born from a simple belief: that the best interiors are not decorated, but curated.

Between us, we bring over ten years of international experience across leading art consultancy and interior design agencies — one of us shaped by art, the other by the craft of bringing it safely into place. Founding Illesha Design in 2025 was our answer to a gap we kept seeing: studios that design beautifully, and studios that handle art carefully, rarely being the same studio.

We wanted to close that gap. Every project we take on begins with art and extends to space — sourcing bespoke pieces, working alongside the world’s finest interior architects, and seeing each installation through to the last fitting ourselves.

From private residences to five-star hospitality, our promise stays the same: spaces with meaning, built on craftsmanship, and finished with care.

Camille Hallacq & Shahid Mehmood

Co-Founders, Illesha Design

Meet the founders

Two disciplines. One studio.

Camille Hallacq

Co-Founder · Manager · Interior Designer & Art Consultant

Camille leads the studio’s art concept, spatial design and curatorial direction, drawing on eight years managing high-end art collections, luxury interiors and hotel art programmes in France and internationally. She is fluent in French and English and acts as art project manager on every Illesha project.

+971 56 36 31 208 · French · English

Shahid Mehmood

Co-Founder · Manager · Logistics, Installations & Fittings

Shahid leads the studio’s art logistics practice, with over 11 years of experience in Dubai in art handling, professional installation, logistics management and end-to-end project coordination. He is fluent in Urdu and English and acts as logistics project manager.

+971 55 63 00 172 · Urdu · English

“Bringing together two cultures, shared passion for art, and extensive experience in the luxury sector, we formed a unique and complementary duo in Dubai, connecting France, Pakistan, and the UAE.”

Dubai as the heart