DUBAI: The Tunisian interior designer and founder of Maya Luxury, discusses her AlUla Design Award-winning piece “Heritage Incense Collection,” created in response to a brief that asked for ‘cultural retail’ objects inspired by “the heritage, landscape and artistic legacies of AlUla.” Ever since I made a trip to Jordan, one of my dreams has been to create some kind of homage to the Nabatean civilization. I wanted to develop my brand, Maya Luxury, in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. And I found out about the AlUla Design Award. I saw it as a chance to create this homage. I chose to make an incense holder, because in Nabataean times the economy was focused on incense. And burning incense is a kind of ritual, even now, for good energy. It’s a symbolic and very strong way to express our creativity. I wanted the capsule to have very clear and modern lines, but then I started to think about the ornamentation. I’ve never been to AlUla, but I love the imagery and the landscapes there. My team and I found this motif in the rocks of Hegra that we could reproduce in our Heritage Collection. So we decided to engrave this motif into the capsule. When I was at the Expo in Dubai, a Saudi designer asked me where I’d found this motif. I told her, “In the rock.” She told me, “No. This is on the windows in the old town in AlUla.” I was so proud. I’ve never been there, but I found this. It’s a good story for me. My brand focuses on creating unique pieces that respect the environment. I try to ensure zero waste in the manufacturing process — I’ll develop other products with any waste. This project was the first time that we’ve used bamboo wood in a 3D printer. We mixed engraving with technology. I think this is why I won the award: use of technology and respect for the environment — not only for design. The challenge now is to find a method of production to meet the demand. We’re also thinking of more products inspired by this. We want to create a brand with this Heritage Collection: candles, lighting… The adventure is just beginning!