Do you travel often for work?
I travel frequently to meet with our craftsmen and makers around the world. It is one of the most meaningful parts of building this company. But this was my first time in Morocco, and it left a deep impression.
Where did you stay?
We stayed at Dar Al Kawa, a beautifully restored riad that feels more like a home than a hotel. It is quiet, considered, and deeply connected to its surroundings. It is exactly the kind of place that reminds you to slow down and pay attention.
What was on your agenda for this trip?
The core of the trip was spending time with our artisans, reviewing and refining our tagine. We worked closely on form, materials, and performance, making sure every detail honoured the tradition while meeting the standards of a modern kitchen. We also spent time with local partners, deepening relationships that are essential to how we build at Our Place. Just as importantly, we immersed ourselves in the cuisine and culture, learning directly from the source. We captured content along the way, not as an afterthought, but as a way to bring our community into the process with us.
Shiza in the Marrakesh
What was your impression of the city?
Marrakech is a constant source of inspiration. The city holds an incredible tension between history and modernity, and design is everywhere. In the architecture, in the markets, in the way objects are used and lived with over time. Wandering through the medina, visiting galleries, noticing textures, colours, and patina. It is the kind of place that sharpens your eye without you even trying.
Who was the most interesting person you met on this trip?
Valérie Barkowski. Her work is deeply rooted in Morocco, but interpreted through a contemporary, global lens. She has spent decades working with local artisans, building something that feels both timeless and distinctly her own. It was a reminder of what it looks like to engage with craft in a way that is respectful, long-term, and creatively ambitious.
