Elie Riachi

Elie Riachi is an architect and multidisciplinary designer based between London and Beirut. His practice is driven by an enduring interest in the ways spaces shape human experience and how architecture, objects, and narratives come together to create a sense of place and belonging.

He is the founder of ELRI – Elie Riachi Design, a studio through which he works across residential architecture, interiors, bespoke furniture, and product design. Central to his approach is a belief in collaboration, viewing clients, consultants, and craftspeople as creative partners in the design process. His work seeks to move beyond aesthetics, creating spaces and objects with a strong narrative, emotional resonance, and a distinct sense of identity.

Over the course of his career, Riachi has worked on a diverse range of projects across London, Beirut, and Dubai, building an extensive international network of professionals, suppliers, and artisans throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. These relationships inform his practice and support the delivery of projects characterised by care, precision, and a commitment to quality.

For Riachi, design is ultimately a form of storytelling. Whether through architecture, interiors, or furniture, he aims to create thoughtful and human-centred experiences that foster connection, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them.

The Interview

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
My passion for aesthetic and spaces.

How does your cultural or regional context influence your design work?
It is a great source of inspiration from the aesthetic part to the heritage and the craftsmanship.

What is your design philosophy or approach to creative problem-solving?
Make it happen to the desired outcome whatever it takes.

Describe a project you're most proud of and why it's meaningful to you.
It is a private residence in London. This project means alot to me because the client gave me a green card to be able to choose and curate the space the way I wanted. It has really allowed me to venture and dive into combining different aesthetics and languages in one space from new pieces, to collectibles, to even vintage pieces from flee markets. This project really opened my eyes and gave me the confidence that I need to solidify my own style.

Who are your design influences or mentors, and how have they shaped your work?
I am a huge fan of brutalist architecture. It has shaped my approach in design to be very focused on the beauty of the architecture, structure and space of the project I am working on whether it be an actual space or a furniture piece. I love to highlight the bones and material.

What role do you think design plays in shaping communities and culture in the MENASA region?
Design has a big role in shaping communities and culture as it could be a force of reconciliation or divide. This is something I learned during my masters in Urban Design, and have my thesis back then based on. Through my professional journey I always have a natural instinct of creating a design that exudes warmth and comfort.

How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve your creative practice?
I always like to expose myself to exhibitions, art, architecture and definitely admiring and learning from fellow colleagues. It is a constant eye opener and learning experience.

What are the biggest challenges facing designers in the MENASA region today?
This is a tricky yet simple question. I feel there are two main challenges, one is straight forward which is a financial challenge to be able to develop our designs and business, and the second I feel that there is still a lack in the appreciation and sensitivity of the perception of design in our region but over the past few years this is becoming better and better.

Works

Website
www.elieriachi.com
Socials
@elieriachidesign