Tristan Auer: the art of reinventing icons

Few designers have the opportunity to reimagine some of the world's most recognisable landmarks. French interior architect Tristan Auer is among them. Known for his sophisticated approach to luxury interiors, Auer is currently leading the restoration of Dubai's Burj Al Arab, bringing his distinctive design philosophy to one of the city's most celebrated architectural icons. This November, Auer will take centre stage as the opening keynote speaker at The Forum during Downtown Design 2026, held from November 4 to 8 at Dubai Design District (d3). His talk will explore the delicate balance between preserving architectural heritage and adapting iconic spaces to contemporary lifestyles.

With more than two decades of experience, Auer has developed an approach rooted in individuality, craftsmanship and the emotional connection between people and spaces. His signature sur-mesure, or made-to-measure, philosophy moves beyond traditional notions of luxury, focusing instead on creating interiors that reflect the character of their surroundings and the people who inhabit them. Having trained under two influential figures in design, Philippe Starck and Christian Liaigre, before establishing his own studio in 2002, Auer has built an international reputation for interiors that seamlessly blend eras, influences and materials.

Among his most celebrated projects is the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, where historical grandeur meets contemporary elegance. His upcoming work on the Burj Al Arab represents another opportunity to reinterpret an architectural landmark while respecting the identity that has made it internationally renowned. For Auer, thoughtful design is not simply about visual impact. It is about creating experiences, understanding a building's history and allowing craftsmanship to shape spaces that remain relevant across generations.

His participation at Downtown Design also reflects the fair's growing role as a meeting point for international creative voices and the region's evolving design community. Through The Forum, the fair continues to encourage conversations around architecture, interiors, creativity and the future of design. As Dubai continues to redefine its architectural landscape, Auer's perspective offers a timely reminder that true luxury lies not only in creating something new, but in knowing how to give an existing icon another chapter.