Meet Suzanne Sam | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suzanne Sam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suzanne, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk is like working with negative space—it’s what you don’t fill in that holds potential. As a designer, I’ve learned that staying too safe often leads to forgettable work. The most defining moments in my career happened when I chose the unexpected path: pitching ideas that felt too ambitious, blending cultural influences that hadn’t met before, or saying no to projects that didn’t align with my values. Risk doesn’t just add edge to the outcome, it adds soul.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since childhood, art and design have shaped the way I connect with the world. I spent hours sketching, coloring, and studying design magazines, fascinated by how visuals could tell stories and evoke emotion. That early passion led me to pursue a degree in Interior Design at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), one of the top design institutions in the region. There, I learned that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about people, place, and purpose.

A defining moment in my journey came during my undergraduate years, when I co-led the design and build of a student lounge at American University of Sharjah, with the guidance of Professor Ammar Kalo, faculty of the design department as well as my interior design team. It was a full-circle experience—from concept to construction—and it taught me the power of collaborative, human-centered design. That space went on to win three international accolades: the 2024 Architecture MasterPrize, the BLT Built Design Award, and the AIA Middle East Award. That recognition wasn’t just validating—it confirmed my belief that thoughtful, user-driven spaces can make a real impact.

Currently, I’m pursuing my Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, a school I had long admired. My design philosophy has since evolved to focus on transformation, innovation, and sensory engagement. I approach each space as a story—blending research, emotional cues, and experiential layering to create environments that people don’t just see, but truly feel.

Hospitality design, in particular, excites me the most. It challenges me to think across cultures, emotions, and functions all at once. From luxury hotels to dynamic restaurants, these spaces demand a unique balance of atmosphere and efficiency, mood and movement. Every project becomes a canvas to craft meaningful experiences.

Of course, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Relocating from Dubai to a new country, adapting to different cultures in the United States of America, and navigating tough critiques have all pushed me to grow. I’ve learned to turn challenges into stepping stones, and to embrace feedback as fuel for refinement. Each experience—from winning a graphic design competition at AUS to working on a real-world SCADpro project for RJ Young’s Experience Center—has deepened my confidence and design voice.

What I want the world to know about my story is this: I design with purpose. My work is rooted in empathy, driven by curiosity, and shaped by a desire to create transformative, multi-sensory spaces. My ultimate goal is to build a studio that leads with innovation and heart—designing environments that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional imprint.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Atlanta for a week, I’d plan a trip that captures the city’s vibrant mix of culture, food, art, and nature. We’d start with a relaxing picnic at Piedmont Park, enjoying skyline views, live events, and a stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Next, we’d dive into the colorful energy of the Atlanta BeltLine; exploring street art, grabbing food from Ponce City Market, and watching the sunset from the rooftop at 9 Mile Station. One day would be dedicated to The Battery Atlanta, where we’d catch a Braves game or just soak in the electric atmosphere, shop, and enjoy Southern bites at Superica or drinks at the Garden & Gun Club. I’d definitely take them to the Museum of Design Atlanta for creative inspiration, then to the Old Fourth Ward to experience its murals, historic charm, and elevated dining at spots like Staplehouse. Midweek, we’d escape to nature, hiking at Arabia Mountain or Sweetwater Creek, followed by a hearty meal at Busy Bee Café or South City Kitchen. One evening would be all about the arts: gallery hopping in Castleberry Hill or Westside, followed by live music at Terminal West or jazz at St. James Live. On the last day, we’d keep it mellow with brunch at Sun in My Belly and a final walk through Inman Park or Krog Street Market. We’d wrap up the trip with a golden-hour view from Jackson Street Bridge, because nothing says goodbye to Atlanta like its skyline.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My progressive career is all thanks to God, my parents, friends and of course, American University of Sharjah, Savannah College of Art and Design as well as ADAC Atlanta.

Instagram: @suz.anneee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-sam-3032951a7

Other: https://issuu.com/suzannesam/docs/resume