In this edition of Media Matters, Fublis features an inspiring conversation with Dima Stouhi, a designer, editor, and creative visionary with roots in Beirut. As a key figure at DAAily Platforms, Dima contributes to reshaping how architecture and design are communicated and understood globally.
With an approach that intersects architecture, design, lifestyle, and innovation, DAAily Platforms stands out for its commitment to diversity and interdisciplinary perspectives. Through her editorial work, Dima ensures that these intersections are explored meaningfully, creating content that resonates with both industry professionals and wider audiences.
In this insightful interview, Dima shares her creative journey, the impact of her cultural roots, and her vision for a more inclusive and innovative future in architecture and design. Her dedication to fostering connections between disciplines and empowering emerging voices is a testament to her role as a changemaker in the industry.
What sets DAAily Platforms apart from the other digital platforms in the architecture and design space?
Dima Stouhi: Although all three platforms within DAAily fall under the architecture and design umbrella, each platform maintains its unique language and focus, which helps us reach a very wide audience. We have a very holistic approach by exploring the intersections of architecture, design, lifestyle, technology, and innovation, so we are always keeping a close eye on global themes and trends and how they impact people and the built environment. In parallel, we recognize the importance of the history of architecture and design, so we make sure to prioritize it just as much as we prioritize contemporary themes.
I also believe our international team brings a broad perspective and open-mindedness to all projects. Our ages range from early 20’s to late 50’s and 60’s, and we are based all across the world so we have a conglomerate of expertise and backgrounds which help us diversify our content and communication style.
Architecture and design often intersect with other disciplines, like sociology and urban planning. How does DAAily Platforms integrate these interdisciplinary elements into its content?
Dima Stouhi: The entire team believes it’s essential to look beyond the basics of architecture and design, and explore its layers and intersections with other disciplines. From ArchDaily’s editorial perspective for example, we make sure to highlight diverse topics and themes, such as urban policies and environmental challenges, to provide a broader understanding of architecture’s role in society and how people respond to it. We also collaborate with experts in these fields and offer them our platform as a space to share their insights and knowledge with our community.
As a designer from Beirut, in what ways do your cultural roots shape your work and creative approach?
Dima Stouhi: That will be a very unbiased and sentimental answer from my side. I think Beirut’s dynamic and explorative nature is clearly found in all of us who grew up there. I spent almost 27 years of my life in Beirut so I am deeply rooted in the city and the city is deeply rooted within me. It has a little bit of everything, it doesn’t have a clearly-defined identity or environment and I
believe that same trait can be found in all of us: we are very enthusiastic and explorative, we don’t like to limit ourselves to just one discipline, we are always keen to learn more and do
more. Beirut is also the city of rebirth, so it’s very common to see people in their 40’s and 50’s learning something new and starting again. So in general this reflects on my work and creative approach, I always tend to have an open mind and look beyond what is “expected”. As cliche as it sounds but I’m always “thinking outside the box”. I don’t mind experimenting with new stuff even if it means making mistakes and starting again 10 times.
Can you share a bit about your creative process when starting a new project?
Dima Stouhi: I make sure to keep an open mind and look for solutions beyond what’s expected. I like to find inspiration elsewhere. But it’s very important to pay attention to who we are creating this project for; their habits, their interests. At the end of the day you need to make sure you are creating something that is relevant to your audience and that speaks their language as effortlessly as possible. Observation and attention to detail is key throughout the project. Even with feedback, you have to keep an open mind even if you are so adamant about your ideas.
What strategies do you employ to develop content that resonates with both industry professionals and a wider audience?
Dima Stouhi: Speak their language – and I don’t mean that in the literal sense. Our community ranges from students who have just started their architecture and design education, to professors and well-established architects. We also have a very big community of architecture and design enthusiasts who don’t know the technicalities of the industry, so we try to communicate our topics in a way that resonates with everyone, but at the same time provides the knowledge and information that everyone is looking for. This is one of the reasons why we try to diversify our content as much as possible to be able to cater to our diverse audience.
In your opinion, what are some pressing issues that architects and designers face today?
Dima Stouhi: One of the pressing issues architects and designers face today, in my opinion, is the lack of accessibility to resources, particularly when it comes to innovation, which often remains exclusive to a very niche class. The industry is evolving at a very fast pace, and due to this exclusivity, a big group of architects and designers who have incredible potential, fall short in keeping up with the advancements of the industry. There is also a significant gap in the education system, where students are not adequately prepared for the practical realities of the industry. There is a very clear disconnect between academic life and professional practice, and fresh graduates are often very surprised when they start their careers- kind of like an “expectation vs reality” situation.
What are some exciting trends that you have noticed within the contemporary design scene?
Dima Stouhi: So many new voices and talents from areas that were often under the radar are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. I’m also seeing a lot more experimentation with materials in unconventional ways so that’s always exciting to see. Experimentation, in my opinion, is the most exciting part of our industry so it’s always nice to see how inventive people get.
Are there any specific cities or regions you find inspiring when it comes to architecture and design? What makes them stand out to you?
Dima Stouhi: Again, a very unbiased answer, but I’m incredibly proud of the Arab region in general, and rightfully so. Over the past couple of years, many interesting projects have been launched here, especially those that focus on extracting natural resources and transforming them into architecture and design elements.
If you could influence one major change in the architecture and design industry, what would it be and why?
Dima Stouhi: I would start by changing the education system. I don’t want to generalize, but the majority of universities still have a very rigid curriculum. We’re still largely tied to the same education system we’ve had for decades, with only minor improvements. In some cases, contemporary topics and courses are offered as electives rather than core subjects. I believe architecture and design degrees should be much more open to expanding beyond the traditional teachings and embracing a broader, more innovative approach.
What are some future projects or goals you’re excited to pursue at DAAily Platforms or in your career in general?
Dima Stouhi: We have a lot of exciting projects coming up this year. We’re reinventing the way we deliver content and expanding our topics, so I’m really excited to see how we evolve and keep up with the times. Personally, I’m just going with the flow and letting life take me wherever it leads, which is also very exciting to see what’s in store for me.
