I am an experienced and visionary Interior Design Director with 20 years of expertise leading creative direction, design strategy, and execution across large-scale Residential, Commercial, Retail, Mixed-Use, Heritage, and Hospitality projects in the UAE and GCC. I have a track record of shaping distinctive design identities that mix innovation, functionality, and the highest standards of quality, from concept through completion. I excel at cross-functional collaboration with architecture, development, and construction teams, guiding brand guidelines, value engineering, and sustainable solutions while maintaining fiscal discipline. I lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor talent, and drive design excellence across markets in the UAE and GCC.

Ilie Cebotari

I am an experienced and visionary Interior Design Director with 20 years of expertise leading creative direction, design strategy, and execution across large-scale Residential, Commercial, Retail, Mixed-Use, Heritage, and Hospitality projects in the UAE and GCC. I have a track record of shaping distinctive design identities that mix innovation, functionality, and the highest standards of quality, from concept through completion. I excel at cross-functional collaboration with architecture, development, and construction teams, guiding brand guidelines, value engineering, and sustainable solutions while maintaining fiscal discipline. I lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor talent, and drive design excellence across markets in the UAE and GCC.

Available to hire

I am an experienced and visionary Interior Design Director with 20 years of expertise leading creative direction, design strategy, and execution across large-scale Residential, Commercial, Retail, Mixed-Use, Heritage, and Hospitality projects in the UAE and GCC. I have a track record of shaping distinctive design identities that mix innovation, functionality, and the highest standards of quality, from concept through completion.

I excel at cross-functional collaboration with architecture, development, and construction teams, guiding brand guidelines, value engineering, and sustainable solutions while maintaining fiscal discipline. I lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor talent, and drive design excellence across markets in the UAE and GCC.

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Language

English
Fluent
Romanian, Moldavian, Moldovan
Fluent
Russian
Fluent
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Head of Interior Design at Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau (MSCEB)
November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026
Led the interior design vision and strategy across a prestigious governmental and institutional portfolio valued at over $16B, spanning Workspace, Mixed Use, Residential, F&B, Wellness, and hospitality spaces. Defined universal design standards, mentored a high-performing team, collaborated with commercial and procurement to drive value engineering, and ensured compliance with Local Building Codes, NFPA, ADA, and LEED standards, overseeing BIM coordination and external consultants.
Senior Interior Designer at KEO International Consultants
January 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Spearheaded Concept Design and technical execution for AKALA Residence by ARADA and Mosque and Office Tower complex for Emaar HQ. Reviewed and approved comprehensive design packages, detailed drawings, material selections, and high-value FF&E specifications to ensure design excellence. Coordinated with architecture, development, and operators to safeguard design intent, while leading teams to meet brand identity and budget targets.
Head of Interior Design at Arab Engineering Bureau
March 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025
Mentored a department of 13 interior design professionals, delivering large-scale developments including heritage-driven Diriyah Gates, the Ministry of Commerce HQ, and Qatar Energy Medical Facility. Served as key liaison to senior government stakeholders, presenting design concepts and securing rapid approvals; implemented QA/QC processes and ensured integration within architectural master plans.
Independent Design Consultant & Project Lead at Various Elite Consultancies & Developers
March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Retained by top-tier firms to lead critical project phases, stakeholder coordination, and technical documentation. Acted as primary client-side liaison between architects, operators, and developers to ensure seamless spatial integration and master-plan alignment; delivered robust design delivery and BIM coordination.
Senior Interior Design Manager at Gharnata Consultant Engineers
April 1, 2021 - February 28, 2023
Managed full interior design delivery, site supervision, PMC duties, and commercial monitoring for high-profile national assets (Qatar National Archive, Amiri Diwan, Hampton by Hilton). Achieved ~20% FF&E cost savings through optimized sourcing while maintaining premium quality.
Lead Interior Designer at Omrania & Associates
December 1, 2019 - February 28, 2021
Led interior design development, coordination, and QA for multibillion-dollar developments aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Standardized materials libraries and FF&E control books; pitched design briefs to senior leadership and coordinated with consultants.
Founder and Mentor at Design Academy, Chisinau
March 1, 2019 - Present
Founded and mentored design education initiatives, fostering talent and industry connections in Moldova.
Senior Project Manager at Moldovan Design Week
January 1, 2018 - July 31, 2018
Led project management and event delivery for Moldova’s design week, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
CEO at MADLAB (by AB+Partners)
October 1, 2016 - April 30, 2019
Executive leadership role overseeing design practice and project delivery, driving creative strategy and business development.
Senior Interior Design Manager at AB+Partner
July 1, 2016 - April 30, 2019
Senior leadership in interior design delivery, governance, recruitment, and brand stewardship across Moldova projects.
Founder/Design Director at OKKO Studio
March 1, 2012 - November 30, 2016
Founded and directed a Moldova-based design studio delivering interior design outcomes across multiple sectors.
Co-Founder/Design Director at Marron Design
August 1, 2009 - March 31, 2012
Co-founded Moldova-based design firm, leading interior design projects and creative direction.
Interior Designer at Trabeco Design
August 1, 2006 - August 31, 2009
Contributed to interior design projects across Moldova, supporting concept development and detailing.
Furniture Designer at Edmax Com
April 1, 2003 - February 28, 2006
Designed furniture products and components, contributing to product development and fabrication.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design at Academy of Arts, Moldova
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Hotel Design and Development
February 1, 2026 - June 13, 2026
LEED Green Associate
January 1, 2021 - June 13, 2026
LEED AP
May 1, 2026 - June 13, 2026
LEED Project Manager
May 1, 2026 - June 13, 2026
PMP Certification
January 11, 2030 - June 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Government, Healthcare, Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Retail