ZUMA’s journey has never been defined by a single breakthrough moment. Instead, it has been
built steadily through consistency, clarity of vision, and a design language that gradually became
recognisable within the industry. What began as a focused design practice evolved into a
multidisciplinary studio known for bespoke carpets, furniture, and interiors that balance
architectural precision with emotional depth.

Founded by Zubin Rao and Mallika Rao, the studio developed around the idea that design
should feel both intentional and personal. As the company became involved in larger projects
across the region, including royal residences, hospitality spaces, and cultural developments, its
work began attracting attention not only from clients but from the wider design community.

For Zubin, the growth of ZUMA came through progression rather than sudden visibility. Over
time, the studio’s carpets, furniture pieces, and interiors began standing out for their detailing,
material composition, and strong visual identity. There was a discipline behind the work that
people started to recognise. The designs felt structured yet expressive, modern yet rooted in
craftsmanship.

Mallika experienced that recognition in a different way. As ZUMA’s collections gained visibility,
elements of the studio’s work began appearing elsewhere in the market. Designers and
suppliers started referencing similar textures, layouts, and compositions. What initially felt
frustrating eventually became validation that the company had established a design language
strong enough to influence the industry around it.

At the centre of ZUMA is the balance between two contrasting approaches. Zubin’s perspective
is grounded in architecture, geometry, and technical precision. He approaches spaces through
structure, proportion, and functionality. Mallika introduces softness and intuition into the process,
focusing on atmosphere, visual balance, and emotional connection. Together, their collaboration
creates a dialogue between discipline and warmth, something that has become one of the
defining characteristics of the brand.

This balance carries through every aspect of the studio’s work. Whether designing carpets for
large scale projects or developing furniture collections, the process always begins with
understanding how a space functions before deciding how it should feel. The goal is not simply
to create visually impressive interiors, but spaces that feel natural, enduring, and connected to
their environment.

Although ZUMA became widely recognised for bespoke carpets, the company was always
envisioned as a complete design consultancy. Carpets became the strongest expression of the
studio’s identity because they allowed architecture, materiality, movement, and storytelling to
come together in a single form. Zubin’s early exposure to FF&E and custom carpet
manufacturing played a major role in shaping this direction, particularly his interest in translating
architectural concepts into tactile surfaces.

Many of ZUMA’s collections emerge from direct observation and lived experience. Some are
inspired by landscapes and natural formations, while others reflect movement, migration, and
cultural memory. Collections such as Dunes were developed through studying the movement
and fluidity of desert terrain, observing how sand shifts and gathers across the landscape. Other
works draw influence from coastlines, geological textures, and regional architecture, translating
these references into layered compositions and materials.

Rather than following trends, the studio focuses on creating timeless pieces that can exist
across different cultures and environments. Travel and exposure to global design perspectives
continue to shape the founders’ approach. They describe their process as one rooted in
observation, constantly absorbing details from architecture, craftsmanship, materials, and
human behaviour encountered across different regions.

Sustainability at ZUMA is approached through longevity and craftsmanship rather than surface
level narratives. The company works closely with artisans and production partners to preserve
traditional techniques while refining manufacturing processes to minimise waste and improve
material efficiency. The emphasis remains on creating products that are durable, relevant, and
intended to last beyond changing design cycles.

Today, ZUMA operates across the UAE and international markets, collaborating with architects,
interior designers, hospitality groups, and private clients worldwide. Despite its growth, the
studio continues to remain grounded in the same principles that shaped it from the beginning:
precision, authenticity, material exploration, and a deep understanding of how design can
influence the way spaces are experienced.