Excellence Awards 2025: Priyaa Telavvane designs dream spaces

From rearranging furniture at the age of nine to becoming one of the influential names in interior design, Priyaa Telavvane has carved a path uniquely her own. As the founder of 361° Design Solutions, a Dubai-based design and build firm, Priyaa blends artistry with functionality, creating spaces that reflect identity, innovation, and soul.

“I was never the child who played with toys,” she says. “I was the one rearranging the room to make it look better. Even on vacations, I was more interested in the hotel interiors than the destination itself.” That early fascination with space, balance and aesthetics led her to architecture, an intuitive extension of her creative spirit. Eventually, she found her true calling in interior design, which allowed her to not only imagine but also execute immersive environments. No wonder she's the winner of Gulf News and BeingShe's Excellence in Arts – Best in Interior Design award.

Priyaa founded 361° Design Solutions in 2010 with a vision to offer a holistic design-to-build experience. “I saw a major gap between concept and execution—great designs were often lost due to poor coordination, budget constraints, or lack of sustainability awareness,” she explains. “I wanted to bridge that gap and create a one-stop solution for clients. That’s how 361DDS was born.”

Her entrepreneurial journey came with its fair share of trials. “Being on project sites where all workers are male, managing odd hours, dealing with language barriers—it was all very challenging 15 years ago,” Priyaa recalls. “But I’ve always believed that knowledge and expertise demand respect. I never took no for an answer.”

Today, Priyaa is not only respected in her field, she’s celebrated. Her achievements span far beyond stunning interiors. Her client list includes government institutions, and her firm has become synonymous with reliability and results. “The biggest reward for me is when clients think of us when they need a complete solution—from concept to completion, approvals included, even within impossible timelines. That’s success.”

Her accolades echo her commitment. From being named one of the 100 Women of Influence in Dubai to receiving the GCC Woman Leader Award and being a finalist at Filmfare Middle East Business Influencer Awards 2024, Priyaa’s recognition reflects both talent and tenacity. She’s also a trained actor and dancer, with performances in films, web series, and theatre, adding another creative layer to her multifaceted life.

For aspiring women professionals, Priyaa offers candid advice: “Listen to your heart more and make fewer excuses. Step out of your comfort zone and learn something new every six months. And don’t forget wellness—make time for yourself.”

As for the future, Priyaa envisions 361DDS as a global name in bespoke design. “I want to be remembered as an architect and interior designer with a story and a significant body of work in Dubai. We aim to collaborate with designer brands, curate exclusive product lines, and expand to new markets through strategic partnerships. Growth and sustainability are our focus.”

In every space 361DDS designs, Priyaa leaves a signature—a blend of discipline and dreams, precision and poetry.