A Foundation of Expertise
With over 20 years of experience in interior and architectural design across the Middle East, Abid Hussain has established himself as a trusted figure in the world of commercial interiors. He has spent the bulk of his career at Coral Supplies & Interiors L.L.C. (CSI), where he has led numerous projects spanning retail, offices, F&B, and customized kiosks. His work seamlessly blends visual elegance with practical utility, ensuring that spaces not only look great but function flawlessly.
Leadership That Builds People
Beyond his professional design work, Abid serves as an Area Director at Toast Master. In this role, he is more than a titleholder; he is a guide, mentor, and motivator to those around him. His leadership style is defined by accessibility and reliability. Whether it’s mentoring junior colleagues, advising peers, or stepping up to help resolve challenges, Abid’s presence is a constant source of support. His approach to leadership is grounded in service, focusing on enabling growth in others and building lasting relationships.
More Than Just Design: A Strategic Philosophy
Abid believes that design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about influencing behavior and enhancing human experience. One of his key philosophies is that well-designed environments can drive customer interaction and behavior. In retail design, for example, he emphasizes the importance of visibility and product placement. By placing items at the right eye level and positioning them strategically, he has helped clients increase engagement and impulse purchases.
He also stresses the importance of product availability before specification. In his words, a designer should always ensure the materials they envision are available, affordable, and durable. This practical, real-world thinking helps bridge the gap between creative vision and successful execution.
Championing Collaboration and Innovation
Abid is an active participant in industry events, using these platforms to connect with peers, discover new ideas, and explore emerging trends. Events like Design Middle East 2024 are not just opportunities for inspiration; they are venues for collaboration, discussion, and shared learning. His participation reflects a mindset of continuous improvement and professional development.
He often invites suppliers and collaborators to engage with him directly, reinforcing his reputation as a generous professional who believes in growing together. He is known for saying, “If you have a project where you need guidance, feel free to reach out,” and he genuinely means it.
Mentor, Speaker, and Community Builder
In addition to his professional and leadership roles, Abid also holds positions in Toastmasters International, serving as President of the PAD Toastmasters Club and Area Director. His involvement in Toastmasters showcases his dedication to personal growth, communication, and mentorship. He actively promotes soft skills, public speaking, and confidence-building, making him a well-rounded leader with a people-first attitude.
Real-World Impact: Projects That Make a Difference
Abid’s impact is visible across various sectors. In retail, his designs help businesses optimize space, encourage foot traffic, and improve customer flow. In corporate offices and hospitality environments, his focus shifts to ergonomics, flow, and ambiance, ensuring that each environment supports both productivity and comfort.
His expertise spans across concept development, fit-out design, joinery, and MEP coordination. Whether it’s building a custom kiosk or redesigning an entire retail outlet, Abid works with a hands-on approach that ensures quality and consistency at every stage.
Practical Wisdom for Everyday Design
One of Abid’s standout qualities is his ability to communicate design ideas in a way that is relatable and actionable. He shares stories and insights that highlight how simple design choices can have a profound impact. For instance, in one of his stories, he described how placing products at a child’s eye level led to spontaneous purchases by his kids, illustrating how subtle adjustments in placement can influence behavior.
These insights go beyond textbook design theory and into the realm of real human behavior. They reflect a deep understanding of how people interact with spaces and how design can quietly guide those interactions for better outcomes.
Building a Reputation Based on Integrity
Throughout his career, Abid has cultivated a reputation not just for excellence in design, but for integrity, professionalism, and authenticity. He believes in delivering value at every stage through smart planning, clear communication, and solid execution. His clients and colleagues respect his ability to balance creativity with discipline, and aesthetics with function.
He is also careful about sourcing materials and working with vendors. He regularly evaluates new products for availability and cost-effectiveness before including them in design proposals. This ensures that what’s promised can actually be delivered on time, on budget, and without compromise.
Toastmasters and Thought Leadership
Abid’s involvement in Toastmasters is not just a side activity; it is a core part of his professional identity. Through this platform, he mentors others in public speaking, presentation, and leadership. This aligns perfectly with his career, where being able to clearly communicate design concepts, project plans, and strategies is essential.
His leadership within Toastmasters also shows a passion for community building. Whether it’s nurturing a young speaker or organizing a regional meet, Abid contributes not just as a designer, but as a well-rounded professional deeply invested in the growth of those around him.
Values That Guide His Work
Everything Abid does is driven by a clear set of values:
- Empathy: He designs with people in mind, always considering how spaces affect mood, behavior, and function.
- Integrity: He commits only to what can be executed well, ensuring honesty in all business dealings.
- Service: Whether as a designer, mentor, or leader, he consistently looks for ways to help others.
- Excellence: From materials selection to final fit-out, quality is never compromised.
What Makes Abid Stand Out
There are many talented designers in the UAE, but what sets Abid apart is the blend of his skills and values. He is not just a creative thinker but a strategic problem solver. He understands budgets, timelines, and people. His designs are grounded in real-world functionality, and his leadership extends beyond projects to the development of people and teams.
He combines deep sector knowledge with practical insights. He engages with both suppliers and clients directly. And he’s equally comfortable presenting at events as he is on-site, checking on the smallest design details.
In an industry often driven by trends, Abid Hussain focuses on what truly matters: designs that work, leadership that uplifts, and relationships built on trust. His story is one of growth, service, and passion for better spaces and better people. Whether he is creating a standout retail experience or mentoring a young professional through Toastmasters, his impact is clear, consistent, and lasting.
Abid Hussain isn’t just designing interiors; he’s designing change, one project and one person at a time.
