Bridging Academia and Industry in Retail Design
Altavia ODG, industry leader in retail design consultancy, has partnered with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to inspire and mentor senior-year Interior Design students. This exclusive collaboration, led by Chadi El Tabbah, Associate Professor of Interior Design, integrates Altavia ODG’s expertise into the IDES491 Studio VII course, Comprehensive Design, during Fall 2024.
Altavia ODG’s team, including Design Director Robin Rossi and Creative Director Talar Bardakjian, delivered insightful lectures on retail design’s practical applications, including storytelling, space planning, materiality, and customer psychology. Students explored how to transform spaces into immersive customer journeys, crafting retail and café concepts
Prof. Chadi El Tabbah praised the collaboration, stating, “Collaborating with Altavia ODG on our retail design lectures has been a truly enriching experience. Altavia ODG’s industry expertise and passion for design have provided our students with invaluable insights into the practical applications of retail design. Their engaging approach, hands-on guidance, and real-world examples have significantly elevated the learning experience for our senior year Interior Design students.”
Altavia ODG continues to foster a creative environment where students can explore new ideas and receive constructive feedback, preparing them for successful careers in the ever-evolving world of design. This collaboration exemplifies Altavia ODG’s commitment to education and innovation in the retail industry.
