1. To start, tell us about yourself. What’s your journey in the industry, and how did you land your new role at Swiss Bureau Interior Design & Build?
Ćao! I’m Ilija, and my journey in the design and build industry has been both dynamic and deeply rewarding. I hold a Master’s in Architecture, which provided the foundation for my career. Over time, I transitioned from architecture and interior design to project management, eventually taking on the role of Project Director at Swiss Bureau over five years ago.

What initially drew me to Swiss Bureau was its unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and a client-centric approach—values that perfectly align with my own!! Recently, I was honoured to step into the role of General Manager. I’m incredibly excited to lead Swiss Bureau into its next chapter by expanding into new sectors, staying ahead of industry trends, and, most importantly, continuing to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with our clients.

2. How and why did you get into the industry to begin with?
I started my career in 2008, with an initial passion for modern interior design. Over time, I realized that while I loved the creative process, I was also drawn to planning and improvement of delivery. And as the projects I was involved in began to take shape on-site, I discovered a deep passion for managing projects, overseeing the transformation of ideas into tangible spaces. The ability to guide projects from concept to completion gave me a sense of fulfilment and sparked my interest in leadership and collaboration.
Looking back, I’m more certain than ever, that what drew me into this industry and kept me there for all these years was the potential to combine creativity with strategic thinking to build environments that improve businesses and ultimately: people’s lives. Today, I find joy in not only being part of the industry that pushes boundaries and sets new standards for people’s everyday experiences, but also leading teams, streamlining processes, and delivering exceptional projects that resonate with both clients and communities.

3. If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be?
Tough question! I’d still want to be in a space where I can make an impact and working closely with people – perhaps in a leadership or consultancy role where I can help businesses evolve, drive growth, and unlock their true potential. I’ve always loved the challenge of balancing strategic thinking with tangible results… so probably yes – something in business management or innovation.

4. Tell us how any previous roles have helped get you where you are today.
Each role I’ve had has been an opportunity to build a broader perspective on design and business. From early roles in 2011, I’ve gained experience in everything from leading teams to streamlining operations and managing client relationships. The real breakthrough came when I shifted my focus to a more customer-centric, strategic approach. It’s about more than just delivering a great design—it’s about ensuring that design aligns with the client’s business objectives, making sure the process is smooth, and creating a space that serves them for years to come.

5. Have there been any mentors in your career so far? Tell us about them and the impact they’ve had on your career.
I’ve been fortunate to have a few key mentors along the way, each of whom offered a unique perspective. One of my mentors taught me the importance of client relationships—how building trust and understanding is the foundation of any successful project. Another pushed me to think beyond the project delivery process and focus on operational efficiency. These lessons have helped me take a more holistic approach to leadership.
To me, mentorship is about learning to ask the right questions, and I’ve always made it a point to be open to learning, no matter where I am in my career.

6. What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
“True success takes time, patience and consistency “and “With every challenge comes the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed”. These two pieces of advice have stuck with me and guided me throughout my career. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about being present and consistent in your efforts, inspiring others to believe in the vision you created, creating a culture of excellence, and holding yourself accountable to the same standards you set for your team.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the results—it’s about the process and how we get there together as a team at Swiss Bureau!

8. Describe your dream project and dream client. What would that look like?
Great question…Certainly, my dream project would be a space that challenges the norms, pushes boundaries, and takes an innovative approach – I love projects that have a bold vision and a strong sense of purpose.

9. What excites you the most about your new role?
What excites me most is the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that Swiss Bureau has already established in the region and beyond and take it to the next level. The company has an incredible potential and track record of delivering high-quality projects – our returning clients are a testament to our exceptional work!

10. What role does tech play in your architectural designs?
Technology plays a huge role in the way we approach project delivery at Swiss Bureau. From utilizing advanced 3D modelling, rendering and 3D scanning solutions to implementing smart systems and sustainable technologies, tech enables us to improve accuracy and transparency in delivery process and produce more innovative and efficient designs. It also helps us collaborate more effectively with clients, allowing them to visualize and interact with designs whilst and before they’re built.
As the industry evolves, staying ahead of the curve in tech is essential to ensuring that we offer solutions that are not only creative but also functional and future-proof while brining additional benefits to our clients!

11. What will you bring to the table at the brand that no one else could?
With my 8 years of experience in Swiss Bureau and deep understanding of almost every aspect of the business, I bring to the table a balanced mix of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to client relationships. My focus is always on aligning department objectives with our business goals, streamlining operations to improve efficiency, and driving revenue growth. I also have a passion for building a culture of excellence and collaboration, where every team member feels valued and motivated to do their best work.
And that’s where I believe is how you create long-term success: building a strong team, putting the right processes in place and always keeping the client at the centre of everything we do!

12. Tell us about any upcoming projects you’re excited to be working on, or any recently completed ones that you’re particularly proud of.
There are several exciting projects on the horizon for Swiss Bureau that I’m looking forward to. We’re currently working on some ambitious commercial projects that will really showcase our design & build expertise. I’m especially excited about a new hospitality project based in Dubai Creek that is just about to be finalised as we are expanding our hospitality portfolio. Also, we are proud to be involve in development of Abu Dhabi based healthcare facility, that incorporates both cutting-edge technology and state of the art patient-centric design.
Ultimately, witnessing our projects come to life and creating meaningful impact for our clients remains the most rewarding aspect of my work – it’s what continually fuels my passion, drives me to embrace new challenges, and inspires me to push boundaries further on this incredible journey.

Read the original interview on Commercial Interior Design here.