NKEY Architects on the rising demand for design and architecture expertise

Oleksandr Melnyk, Co-founder and CEO of NKEY Architects, discusses the firm’s UAE growth, demand for unique homes, and how this market is raising expectations around design quality 

1. NKEY Architects recently announced relocation of its HQ to the UAE. Can you tell us more about some of your latest developments here?

The UAE has become the centre of our next phase of growth, making the establishment of Dubai as our global HQ a natural step. Today, we are managing more than 250 active projects across the UAE. Our work spans Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, with particularly strong demand in premium residential locations such as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Dubai Hills, Al Barari, and La Mer.

At the same time, we continue to expand our full-cycle model, covering architecture, interiors, turnkey delivery, and supervision.

In response to client demand, we have also expanded our service offering to include the development of marketing strategies for market entry from identity and branding to building visibility through communication channels.

Beyond the Middle East, we are also seeing growing interest from clients seeking UAE-level quality standards, including those from the United States, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, and Australia. 

2. What are the latest trends in design & architecture in this market?

We are seeing a clear shift from decoration towards pure architectural form and the exploration of shape, alongside a stronger focus on the lived experience of a space rather than only its visual impact.

At the same time, there is increasing emphasis on the integration of architecture and landscape as one unified environment, as well as a preference for more open floor plans that reflect contemporary lifestyles. There is also growing interest in durable and authentic solutions. Even large-scale projects are now increasingly approached as cohesive wholes, built around a unified stylistic concept where each zone retains its own distinct character while remaining part of a single architectural vision.

3. How does NKEY help clients create homes that truly fit their personality?

At the heart of NKEY’s philosophy is Unlock your inner self , the idea of revealing the inner “self” through space. We see architecture and design as a tool to uncover and express the client’s deepest desires and aspirations.

For us, design is not simply about aesthetics or technical execution; it is a deeply personalised process. Every project begins with a dialogue, where we study habits, life scenarios, and attitudes towards privacy, light, and materials. From this foundation, we develop the architectural logic of the project.

We do not work with templates. Even when starting conditions appear similar, every solution is unique. We carefully consider the context of the site, work thoughtfully with natural light and proportions, and select materials that create the intended feeling rather than merely visual impact.

In the UAE market, particularly in Dubai, where the ultra-luxury segment continues to emerge, clients increasingly view design as an investment in quality of life. They are seeking spaces that feel personal, intentional, and fully aligned with their lifestyle. Our role is to translate this vision with precision into architecture and interiors.

4. You are seeing growing interest from both local and international clients. What is the current demand on the market?

Demand is emerging across multiple segments. We see consistent activity in residential projects as well as commercial projects, including hospitality, retail, business centers, restaurants, and mixed-use complexes.

Clients are placing greater emphasis on design quality, customization, and reliable execution. Commercial segments tend to respond more quickly to economic dynamics, so a structured and strategic approach is particularly important in these areas.

At the same time, the residential segment remains one of the most resilient, especially in the premium and luxury categories. Today, homes are perceived not just as assets but as part of a lifestyle and long-term value. This includes private villas, apartments, and large-scale residential complexes. 

5. What can we expect from NKEY Architects in the near future?   

We continue to actively expand the geographic scope of our projects and are already working in countries such as the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and Morocco.

We are particularly interested in regions with a strong natural context, where architecture becomes an extension of the landscape. Increasingly, our work involves complex terrain, the use of local materials, and climatic conditions that directly influence the architectural language.

In the near future, we plan to present several private villa projects where the main focus is the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding environment, creating a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

At the same time, we are actively developing our commercial portfolio through work on restaurants and community complexes. This allows us to demonstrate that our approach is applicable not only to private architecture but also to business and hospitality projects.