Mudasir Ali Shah brings over two decades of leadership experience across global markets, having successfully led ventures in diverse countries worldwide, including Dubai. His career, spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, has given him a unique perspective on building and scaling businesses. As Chief Operating Officer at The Location Interiors, Mudasir now channels this wealth of experience into transforming how clients engage with real estate and design services. In this candid conversation, Mudasir shares how The Location is reshaping Dubai’s real estate landscape by dismantling traditional industry silos. From the company’s evolution into a comprehensive design and development powerhouse to its innovative approach in delivering bespoke solutions, Mudasir shares insights into creating spaces that don’t just meet market demands but truly transform how people live and work.

1. Can you share how The Location was founded and the inspiration behind integrating interior design, development consultancy, and real estate brokerage under one brand?

The Location was born out of a desire to simplify and elevate the real estate experience. We realized that clients often face unnecessary complexity when dealing with multiple service providers for design, development, and brokerage. By integrating these disciplines, we’ve created a one-stop solution that ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion. Our goal is to not only deliver exceptional spaces but also to manage every aspect of the process with precision and care.

Our multidisciplinary approach eliminates the silos that often complicate real estate projects. By bringing design, development, and brokerage under one roof, we streamline communication, accelerate decision-making, and ensure cohesive execution. This unified process not only saves time and resources but also ensures that every detail aligns seamlessly with the client’s vision and market demands.

2. What drives the vision and mission of The Location, and how do these principles shape your approach to interior design and real estate?

Our vision is to redefine luxury and functionality in real estate by placing innovation, sustainability, and well-being at the forefront. We believe that great design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that inspire, connect, and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. Our mission is to be a trusted partner in transforming ideas into reality, driven by integrity, a commitment to excellence, and a focus on delivering lasting value.

Our design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that seamlessly blend functionality, beauty, and well-being. Each project reflects our core values of innovation, sustainability, and attention to detail. We strive to craft environments that not only captivate but also enrich the lives of their inhabitants.

Rooted in integrity, we prioritize transparency and trust with every decision. Innovation ensures we stay ahead of trends, delivering forward-thinking solutions. Excellence inspires us to continually exceed expectations, producing results that stand the test of time.

3. How has The Location grown and evolved, and what do you believe sets your company apart in a competitive market like Dubai?

Over the years, The Location has evolved from a boutique design studio into a dynamic, multidisciplinary powerhouse. By expanding our services to include comprehensive development consultancy and real estate brokerage, we’ve established a fully integrated approach to managing projects. Our unique ability to blend creative innovation with deep market expertise sets us apart, delivering tailored solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

We don’t just design spaces—we understand the market, anticipate client needs, and assess the long-term potential of every property. Our designs are thoughtfully crafted to align with current market trends while maintaining a timeless appeal, seamlessly combining aesthetic excellence with practical value.

Our extensive network of trusted developers, contractors, and suppliers gives us access to top-tier resources and valuable market insights. These relationships enable us to negotiate favorable terms, optimize processes, and deliver exclusive opportunities beyond what’s typically available to our clients.

4. What role does customization play in your design process, and how do you ensure each project reflects your client’s unique personality and vision?

Customization is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every space should reflect the unique identity of its owner, which is why we invest time in deeply understanding our clients’ needs, lifestyles, and aspirations. This in-depth exploration forms the foundation of a collaborative process, where we work hand-in-hand with clients to translate their vision into a bespoke design that goes beyond the ordinary.

By integrating their values and preferences with our expertise, we create spaces that are not just functional but deeply personal and inspiring. Every design detail is carefully crafted to enhance both the practical and emotional experience of the space, ensuring it resonates with the client on a deeper level. Our commitment to customization means that each project becomes an extension of the client’s individuality, transforming their vision into a living, breathing reality that enriches their day-to-day life.

5. What does the client journey look like when they work with The Location for interior design or real estate services?

Our process starts with a thorough consultation to understand the client’s vision and requirements. From there, we create a tailored roadmap, managing every detail with transparency and collaboration. Clients are involved at key milestones, ensuring their input shapes the outcome while we seamlessly handle the complexities.

Open communication and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Regular updates, design presentations, and feedback sessions keep clients engaged throughout the process. This commitment to listening and adapting ensures that the final result not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

6. The Location is much more than an interior design firm. How do your development consultancy and brokerage services complement your design expertise?

Our development consultancy ensures that every project is financially and strategically sound, while our brokerage services connect clients with the best opportunities in the market. Together, these services enhance our design offerings, ensuring that every project is not only beautiful but also commercially viable and aligned with market demands.

Our brokerage experience gives us valuable insights into what buyers and investors seek, allowing us to design spaces that resonate with the market. This understanding enhances resale value and rental demand. Every design decision is made with a careful balance of aesthetic appeal and financial return.

7. Could you share a few standout projects that exemplify your company’s unique expertise in design and development?

Our portfolio features several standout projects, each showcasing our comprehensive capabilities. One notable example is a villa in Al Barari, where we managed every aspect, from site selection to design and development. The home captures natural light from every angle while prioritizing energy efficiency. Thoughtful space planning blends comfort with sustainability, setting a new benchmark for luxury living.

In Business Bay, we transformed a commercial space into a dynamic mixed-use development, balancing sophisticated design with practical features to attract high-value tenants and investors.

Another memorable project involved revitalizing a dated penthouse in Downtown Dubai, turning it into a modern, luxurious sanctuary. The client envisioned a space that fused contemporary elegance with cultural elements. We brought this vision to life by integrating custom designs, smart technology, and curated art pieces that honored their heritage.

8. What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design and real estate in Dubai, and how is The Location preparing to lead in these areas?

Sustainability, wellness, and smart technology are at the forefront of real estate and design. We are committed to investing in these areas, ensuring our projects meet global standards while addressing the evolving needs of buyers and investors.

At the Location, we prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and biophilic design elements to create spaces that are both sustainable and health-enhancing. From maximizing natural light to designing environments that promote mental and physical well-being, we ensure our projects are aligned with the highest sustainability standards.

9. Looking ahead, what exciting projects, innovations, or plans do you have for The Location in the coming years?

We are expanding our portfolio to include more eco-conscious developments and innovative white-label solutions. By leveraging technology, we aim to enhance the client experience while exploring opportunities to bring our expertise to international markets. We aim to continue shaping the future of real estate and design, both in Dubai and globally.