CEO Insights Magazine

As the saying goes, "Architecture is not building; it is enhancing how people live their lives." Many infrastructures, often works of art, go beyond brick and stone; they are spaces that alter the meaning of living and community development.

This philosophy has played a pivotal role in the paradigm shifts hosted by MERED, a Dubai-based developer. A strong advocate of this approach is Anna Lukonskaia, the Product Director of MERED.

Anna has over 15 years of experience in the European and Middle East markets, specializing in the development of real estate projects. Driven by the question, "How can design and strategy create better cities and improve lives?" Anna has elevated real estate by leading multidisciplinary teams on over seventy complex projects, each focused more on cultural impact than mere construction.

Today, as part of MERED, Anna is busy with the largest international projects, including the Iconic Residences at Dubai Internet City, which reflects accuracy, quality, and lifelong value - the translation of concepts into dwellings that convey meaning and beauty.

To Anna and the team of MERED, a project is more than a building; it is a statement of teamwork, skill, and the fact that property can enable future generations to live and thrive. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Anna, who takes us through her leadership style and vision.

What quality control measures do you implement to ensure the highest standards in products and services?

Quality is incorporated in our philosophy since the initial sketch. We use a three-tier system for strategic alignment. All decisions must be evaluated against market standards and customer requirements. Design integrity is ensured through internal design reviews and collaboration with global consultants, as well as execution oversight with cross-functional validation at each project phase.

This approach has been at the core of the success of our projects, such as Riviera Residence on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi and the Pininfarina-designed Iconic Residences in Dubai, as we are determined to bring both beauty and performance into our projects.

How do you ensure your product roadmap aligns with the company’s overall business goals and ambitions?

The process of alignment begins with close collaboration among finance, sales, marketing, and technical teams. At MERED, the product roadmap encompasses all phases of a project, from plot acquisition to development and operations.

Each concept is evaluated for commercial potential, operational logic, and design distinctiveness using a triangular model that balances market relevance, architectural excellence, and long-term asset value, ensuring the project supports strategic objectives while reinforcing our design identity and investor confidence.

What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?

I view leadership as a form of design, which involves building structures that facilitate consultation and in­novation. My approach is guided by three principles: clarity of vision, which provides each team member with a clear understanding of the consequences of their decisions; empowerment, which offers struc­ture while allowing for creative freedom; and mutual respect, which fosters excellence through collabora­tion and mutual understanding. Confident leadership unites diverse disciplines around a shared goal, turn­ing complexity into progress.

How do you stay updated on current industry trends?

To stay ahead of trends in sustainability, digital inno­vation, and lifestyle design, I remain closely connect­ed with global design networks, leading hospitality innovators, and forward-thinking material suppliers. These insights are then applied to our projects, which incorporate wellness principles, adaptable residential typologies, contemporary architecture, and high-quality hospitality experiences. For me, innovation means ensuring that developments remain relevant environmentally, socially, and emotionally, not simply pursuing novelty.

What is your envisioned professional roadmap for the next five years?

In the next five years, I aim to work with the world’s leading companies and products. I plan to continue strengthening a product-driven culture, mentoring emerging leaders, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and making our work a standard of intelligent and human-centered development on a global scale. In my case, success is not merely about growth, but a legacy.

What is your advice for the upcoming leaders in the industry?

In real estate development, it is always about people, developing buildings of high quality, purpose, and a clear future vision.

Anna Lukonskaia, Product Director, MERED

A visionary real estate development leader with over 15 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Anna combines design excellence with strategic insight, driving innovation and long-term value creation through MERED.

Hobbies: Traveling, Design and Architecture

Favorite Cuisine: Mediterranean

Favorite Book: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Favorite Travel Destination: Italian Riviera

Awards and Recognitions:

Recognized for excellence in real estate development and design leadership