Each member of our team brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and experience and it is the collection of these individuals that makes desert INK not just a design firm, but a movement. Our collective imagination is our compass, leading us to push boundaries and redefine places. Not one of our projects could have been created anywhere else or for any other client. Each one represents our team’s specific response to a unique set of conditions. It's this philosophy that weaves through our projects, making our work impossible to categorize, yet leaving a signature that is distinctly desert INK.
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our
team
Our team is composed of a diverse range of individuals from different places, disciplines, and viewpoints, yet bound by a shared inquisitive nature, commitment to the environment, and our boundless creativity. We refuse to copy and paste our way through our commissions; each project is different, and each solution is different. These working philosophies demand a highly creative and adaptable team that embraces challenges, knowing that these challenges push us to innovate, and these innovations define us.
creative
collaborators
With a career spanning over 20 years, Duncan stands as a visionary in the field of landscape architecture, having led countless monumental projects across Africa, Asia, Europe and USA.
As a UK chartered, award winning landscape architect, Duncan is driven by a philosophy that marries intelligent design with environmental consciousness. His expertise lies in finding innovative solutions which not only excite and delight, but also reduce costs and environmental impacts, reflecting equal commitment to his clients and the environment.
founder & managing director
BA(Hons), DipLA, CMLI
duncan
denley
As the Group CEO of Desert Group, Michael exemplifies leadership with his diverse experience in sectors including retail, distribution, construction, manufacturing, and financial services.
An alumnus of Saïd Business School and a certified member at Hawkamah, his strategic vision focuses on enhancing shareholder value through sustainable growth. Michael's expertise lies in steering the company towards new heights with an emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and long-term business success.
group CEO
FCA, MBA & CIA
michael mascarenhas
Giorgio Ceola, with a rich background in Landscape Architecture from the University of Genova, Italy, serves as the Operations Manager at desert INK. He is celebrated for his innovative approach in landscape design, marked by his pivotal role in projects like the Expo 2020 Singapore and Italy Pavilions.
As a chartered member of the Landscape Institute AIAPP and the Architects Institute in Italy, Giorgio expertly blends artistic vision with sustainable practices, driving desert INK's ethos of environmental stewardship and creative solutions.
operations manager
B.Arch, MLA
giorgio
ceola
A seasoned landscape professional with over two decades of experience, Ullas is revered for his comprehensive expertise across the Middle East. His portfolio spans an impressive array from intimate villa gardens to expansive multi-level structures, lush parks, luxury resorts, academic institutions, and world-class golf courses.
His leadership is characterized by his fervent embrace of evolving technologies and software, ensuring his team consistently delivers superior results. His commitment to sustainability forms the cornerstone of his design philosophy. This is evidenced by his judicious selection of indigenous plant life, implementation of cutting-edge water-saving irrigation technologies, and strategic use of local materials.
technical manager
Dip. Civil, LEED AP
ullas
fernandes
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our
studio
creative collaboration
the desert INK studio is our hub of creativity. Located in the dubai design district, the open plan space fosters collaborative working and idea sharing between individuals and departments.
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INKsters