Travels that Inspire: Favourite Destinations from Designers, Architects and Lighting Experts

Denizens of Design is a studio specialising in commercial and hospitality interiors, celebrated for its culturally sensitive approach—rooted in each project’s identity and historical context.

Trained in fine arts and design, Dyonne Fashina is a seasoned traveller, always eager to explore new parts of the world. Although she has already visited Italy twice, the country continues to draw her in. “From the quiet majesty of the Dolomites to the timeless presence of the Roman Forum, Italy continues to reveal itself to me with every visit,” she shares. She loves wandering through Verona to take in Carlo Scarpa’s refined work, staying at the vintage-style G-Rough apartments in Rome, and visiting Milan’s Villa Necchi Campiglio.

A content creator, photographer and visual director specialised in design, interiors and architecture, Nuel Puig has led communication campaigns and created visual content for brands and studios in the creative industry. He also collaborates with MANERA magazine.

A destination that deeply marked him was the Scottish Highlands. “I can’t recall another trip that brought me such a profound sense of peace and connection with history and nature,” he reflects. Crumbling castles, simple village life, local wool and cashmere shops, breathtaking valleys like Glen Coe, ancient forests and tranquil lochs—every detail shapes an experience he recommends beginning in Edinburgh, a city wrapped in romantic atmosphere and gothic architecture.

With over 15 years of experience in architectural and industrial lighting, Lama Arouri combines deep expertise with a thoughtful and holistic design approach. She champions an inclusive way of designing with light—one that enhances well-being and the user’s experience. From her Dubai-based consultancy, she leads creative projects that balance functionality and beauty.

Her recommendation is Franschhoek in South Africa—a charming town just outside Cape Town, nestled among vineyards and mountains. Time slows down there, and beauty lives in the details: lush landscapes, Cape Dutch architecture and a rich culinary culture.

An electronics engineer with a focus on automation and a background in lighting design, César Ortiz leads projects where technology, design and spatial sensitivity merge to create unique emotional experiences through light. He firmly believes light has the power to transform, connect and bring life to a space.

His favourite destination is Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta, Colombia. A place of untouched beaches and immersive silence, it offered him deep reconnection. To get there, you must walk through long forest trails in a warm, humid climate—and then, everything changes. “The sea is clear, the sand is soft, and the landscape looks like a film set. There’s no noise. Just you, the sea, and the sound of nature,” he recalls. He hopes to return with his wife and young daughter, so they too can feel the calm and happiness he found there.

A passionate advocate for interiors, Anastasia Leshchenko curates Spazi Belli, an Italian platform showcasing outstanding architecture and interior design projects, offering inspiration for living spaces across the country. She also teaches Digital Communication at Bologna Business School.

“When we travel, we love to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place: one of the best ways to do this is to take part in lunches or dinners hosted in real homes—where food, design and history naturally converge,” she shares. One of her most memorable experiences took place during the Spazi Belli Open House, held in a vintage home by Lake Como that once belonged to the daughter of artist Alvaro Molteni. This house-atelier, filled with design treasures by the likes of Vico Magistretti and Achille Castiglioni, welcomes guests through digital platforms, offering seasonal menus and traditional cooking classes.

With a background in interior design and international experience shaped by living and working across several countries, Kristina Rosenfeld brings a broad, multicultural perspective to her work. She is Vibia’s commercial partner in Bavaria and was behind the launch of a German design retail chain.

She enthusiastically recommends Singapore—a city where lush greenery weaves into the urban fabric, creating something uniquely vibrant and alive. For her, it’s a place that shows how urban development and nature can coexist harmoniously, offering not just visual beauty but a sustainable model for future design.

Based in Oslo, Nina Haeg is an interior architect and furniture designer who creates public and private spaces with a strong sense of identity. Her approach combines function and sustainability with a deep sensitivity to context, crafting environments that tell meaningful stories.

She suggests exploring the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece—a place rich in history, natural beauty and cultural authenticity. From ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus to seaside towns and crystal-clear beaches, the region offers a quiet, soulful alternative to more touristic areas.