VSHD Design Makes Pizza-Making the Star at Memphis-Inspired Moonslice.

At Moonslice’s third location, VSHD Design placed the pizza-making theatre at the centre of a vibrant, pattern-rich interior that celebrates both craft and colour. The Dubai-based studio’s approach transforms the traditional pizzeria experience through clever spatial planning and inspired material choices.

The concept revolves around what Rania Hamed, VSHD Design’s Creative Director, calls the ‘Pizza Gallery’. “The brief was straightforward: put the pizza oven right at the heart of the space,” she explains. “The idea was to showcase the craft of pizza-making and let guests experience it up close. Everything else in the layout grew from that.”

This central focus naturally informed the two-level configuration. The lower seating area opens directly onto the street, creating an animated connection with the neighbourhood, while three steps lead to an elevated dining level where guests can observe the pizza-making process. The layout creates what Hamed describes as a “dynamic flow throughout the space.”

Child Studio Transforms 1960s London Post Office into a Japanese Restaurant.

The Japanese references are subtle, presenting themselves through the choice of materials, the play of geometric patterns and the hand-crafted woodwork detailing.

Material selection draws inspiration from postmodern design legends, particularly Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis movement. Rather than limiting patterned veneers to furniture pieces, VSHD applied layered veneers throughout the entire interior, extending to graphic vinyl flooring and bespoke splattered fabrics created with Venezuelan textile artist Fernanda Mogna. “We looked a lot at Ettore Sottsass’ use of veneer in pieces like the Tartar console,” Hamed notes. “Instead of just using that idea on furniture, we decided to bring it into the whole space.” These Pollock-inspired fabrics introduce playful vintage energy while maintaining contemporary relevance.

Hamed highlights one of the project’s most successful moments: “One of our favourite things is the low-level entrance, all finished in the burl veneer. The way the sunlight interacts with it creates a warm, golden glow—almost like the kind of light you imagine during meditation, flowing gently through you.”

Furniture selection follows the principle of complementing rather than competing with the architectural shell. Key pieces include Matteo Grassi MG5 leather chairs, classic Eames plastic chairs from Vitra, and lighting from Louis Poulsen, Hay, and other respected manufacturers. Bespoke tables and stools complete the custom approach.

Culinary Worlds Collide: Juno Restaurant in Doha by Rawan Muqaddas and Selma Akkari.

Drawing inspiration from the timeless Italian establishment and the iconic American diner, Juno evokes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that combines materials and elements reminiscent of two culinary worlds.

When asked about design challenges, Hamed explains that the biggest one was managing multiple patterns and textures across the two levels. “There was a risk the space could feel disconnected, so we focused on creating seamless transitions,” she says.

This project pushed VSHD into new territory—mixing veneers and graphics in ways they hadn’t tried before. The result shows how a pizzeria can be both simple and visually exciting, celebrating good food and bold design in equal measure.

When looking at VSHD Design’s body of work (so far), this project clearly stands apart—pushing the team well outside their comfort zone. Hamed reflects on this journey: “It was unfamiliar territory and at times uncomfortable, but the process was exciting, and the result exceeded our expectations. This project, in particular, opened up a new layer in our design philosophy.”

It’s exactly these kinds of creative experiments that generate growth and can prove pivotal in a studio’s design trajectory. We’ll be watching their future work with keen interest.

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Orijins Coffee Shop Dubai by VSHD Design.

VSHD approached the design of this coffee shop as an interior with sanctitude, one that celebrates nature and calls attention to living in tune with the landscape.

[Images courtesy of VSHD Design. Photography by Oculis Project.]