Amina El-Sayed

Columnist, Design & Spaces

Born in Cairo and educated in Copenhagen, Amina's global perspective informs her unique design philosophy. After working as a lead architect on several award-winning residential and hospitality projects, she turned to writing to champion a more thoughtful approach to the spaces we inhabit. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Wallpaper*, where she is celebrated for her clean prose and insightful commentary. Amina believes that good design is not just about aesthetics, but about enhancing human well-being and our connection to the environment.

Expertise

Minimalist ArchitectureScandinavian and Japanese DesignSustainable MaterialsInterior Design TheoryResidential ArchitectureProduct DesignBiophilic Design

Coverage Areas

Sustainable Architecture
Minimalist Interior Design
Designer and Architect Profiles
The Psychology of Space

Latest Articles

A courtroom projection of a Swatch watch face design next to a Samsung smartwatch, symbolizing the intellectual property dispute and legal infringement case.
The Portfolio

Swatch sues Samsung for $170M over alleged watch face design infringement

After a London High Court found Samsung liable for trademark infringement in 2022, Swatch is now seeking a staggering $170 million in damages over digital watch face replicas.

Jun 27, 2026 · 4 min read

A cinematic view of Central Park Tower, NYC's tallest residential building, at sunset, highlighting its height and luxury.
The Portfolio

NYC's Tallest Residential Building: Units on Market

A 2,649-square-foot unit in New York City's tallest residential building, Central Park Tower, is now on the market for $11.

Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read

Luxurious 2.7-acre coastal estate in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, featuring a main house, guest house, pool, tennis court, and ocean access.
The Portfolio

Taylor Swift's Neighbor House Listed for $23.5M

A sprawling 2.7-acre estate in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, has hit the market for $23.5 million, offering the rare chance to become a direct neighbor to pop superstar Taylor Swift. While the broader hou

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Exterior view of Al Horford's sprawling 13,200-square-foot Brookline mansion listed for $15 million.
The Portfolio

Al Horford Lists Boston-Area Mansion for $15 Million

Just a year after purchasing a sprawling 13,200-square-foot Brookline mansion for $14.

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

A worn and stained rug from the movie 'The Big Lebowski,' used by Jeff Bridges, is displayed under auction lights.
The Portfolio

Jeff Bridges' 'Big Lebowski' rugs head to auction

A stained, frayed rug, once casually walked upon by Jeff Bridges in 'The Big Lebowski,' has already seen bids climb to $27,000 at auction, according to Robb Report .

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

A stunning example of sustainable luxury architecture, showcasing a modern mansion harmoniously integrated with a vibrant, natural environment, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and design.
Design & Spaces

Sustainable luxury architecture is an ethical imperative.

Despite the construction industry accounting for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, according to the UN Environment Programme , many luxury developments still prioritize imported exotic materials and

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Exterior view of Cristiano Ronaldo's sprawling, modern mansion in Madrid's prestigious La Finca neighborhood, showcasing its luxurious architecture and grounds.
The Portfolio

Cristiano Ronaldo's Madrid Mansion in La Finca

One of the world's highest-paid athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo, incurred over $10 million in losses from just two luxury property sales.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

The exclusive Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition, a rare collector's car, displayed in a luxurious private garage setting.
The Portfolio

Porsche Unveils Exclusive 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition

For a staggering £251,951, only 51 collectors worldwide will acquire the new Porsche 911 GT3 Earls Court 51 Edition, a car designed more for heritage display than track performance.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Exterior view of Katy Perry's former Beverly Hills guesthouse, a modern luxury property with elegant lighting, listed for $8.5 million.
The Portfolio

Katy Perry's guesthouse relists for $8.5 million

Katy Perry sold her Beverly Hills guesthouse for a mere $25,000 profit in 2021, but it's now back on the market for $8.5 million.

Jun 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Fragmented holographic globe in a futuristic control room, representing the challenges of global AI governance and risk management.
The Portfolio

Fragmented Global AI Governance Efforts Focus on Risks

In October 2023, the White House mandated safety standards for AI systems.

Jun 15, 2026 · 4 min read

A classic Porsche 911 with its headlights on, parked on a scenic mountain road at sunset, representing the brand's commitment to combustion engines for the iconic model.
The Portfolio

Porsche CEO confirms no electric 911 for the foreseeable future

Porsche CEO Michael Leiters confirmed the company has no intention of releasing a fully electric version of the 911, a stark contrast to its successful Taycan EV line and the broader industry shift, a

Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read

A rare bottle of Elijah Craig 21 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon, a highly sought-after aged whiskey, displayed on a bar.
The Portfolio

Elijah Craig 21 Year Old Bourbon Returns After Decade Hiatus

After a decade-long hiatus, Heaven Hill is releasing just 1,789 bottles of its Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon, priced at $299.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read

Modern L-shaped Venice mansion with sleek architecture and expansive glass windows, set against a sunset.
The Portfolio

Jesse Bochco's Custom L Home in Venice Lists for $14.95M

Jesse Bochco's custom-built Venice mansion, completed just two years ago, is now on the market for $14.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read

A visual representation of the UK economy facing challenges, with signs indicating slower growth and rising unemployment amidst a foggy London skyline.
Journeys

CBI Warns of Slower UK Economic Growth

The Confederation of British Industry projects UK unemployment could rise to 4.

Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Interior of Jaylen Brown's Boston penthouse, showcasing modern design, city views, and luxury furnishings.
The Portfolio

Jaylen Brown Lists Boston Penthouse for $5 Million

Jaylen Brown's Boston penthouse is on the market for $5 million, but the exact asking price and included features vary across major news outlets.

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Knicks fans looking disappointed as police shut down an outdoor watch party near Madison Square Garden due to Donald Trump's security.
The Portfolio

Knicks Watch Party Canceled Near MSG Due to Trump Security

Thousands of Knicks fans, eager to celebrate Game 3 of the NBA Finals near Madison Square Garden, saw their watch party plans abruptly scuttled by police.

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Winemakers in a modern cellar, passionately discussing and examining innovative wine blends, symbolizing a break from tradition.
The Portfolio

Winemakers craft innovative wine blends breaking tradition

Maggie Harrison, a winemaker known for her unconventional blends, is dazzling diners and critics alike, proving that rule-breaking wines are gaining serious traction.

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Luxury lodge with organic architectural forms blending into a savanna landscape, inspired by Maasai principles and sustainable design.
Design & Spaces

Sustainable Luxury Living Embraces Adaptive Architecture Trends

Opening in June 2026, Kitirua Plains Lodge was meticulously designed to follow the contours of the land, its soft, organic forms directly inspired by Maasai principles, signaling a profound shift in l

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

A serene and luxurious living room showcasing intentional negative space, bathed in natural light, embodying sophisticated minimalism and tranquility.
Design & Spaces

What is intentional negative space in luxury interior design?

In a world where luxury often equates to abundance, some of the most impactful and serene interior designs are achieved by deliberately removing elements.

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

An empty, elegantly set dining room in Tom Colicchio's Craft restaurant, bathed in soft light, symbolizing the end of its 25-year run.
The Portfolio

Tom Colicchio Closes Acclaimed Restaurant Craft After 25 Years

Craft will offer all wines at 50% off through its final month of service, a stark invitation to experience its legacy one last time according to Bergen Record .

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read