interior decor

Life

by Camille Macawili
41 seconds ago

This week, Emirates Man speaks to Mateen Shah, founder of Assembly, a well-curated vintage concept store of rare furniture, decor, and collectibles located in Al Quoz that will satisfy all interior desires.
Welcome to the Emirates Man weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Here, Mateen shares how he’s spent his early career before eventually pivoting his passion in curation and eye for design into opening Assembly.

Mateen Shah, founder of Assembly

What was your favorite subject at school?
Business, economics, and history were my favorites. I’ve always been fascinated by how markets evolve, how industries shape culture, and how history influences design and consumer behavior. Understanding economic trends and historical movements has played a huge role in how I approach sourcing, curating, and growing Assembly Vintage.
What was your first job?
My first job was in retail—I started working in department stores in sales at the age of 12 or 13 to earn extra pocket money. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the world of storytelling and the art of selling beautifully crafted, aesthetically appreciated products. That early experience shaped my passion for curation and design-driven retail.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
Moving from New York was not an easy decision, but Dubai’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature drew me in. It’s a city that embraces creativity, innovation, and new ideas while maintaining a strong connection to tradition. The growing appreciation for design and interiors here made it the perfect place to bring Assembly Vintage to life. That said, my journey wasn’t immediate—I spent my initial years in a corporate role before fully embracing entrepreneurship and carving out my space in the design world.
What inspired you to enter the retail/interior design space and launch Assembly?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for design that tells a story—pieces that have lived a life before they reach you. The idea for Assembly Vintage came from a desire to make unique, high-quality vintage and collectible design more accessible in the GCC. There was a gap in the market for a curated, design-driven vintage concept, and I wanted to create a space that brought together people who share that appreciation.

What are the key elements of your role?
A bit of everything! From sourcing pieces from around the world to curating collections, working on store activations, and connecting with collectors and designers. A big part of my role is storytelling—each piece at Assembly has history, and it’s my job to bring that to life for our audience.
Talk us through your daily routine.
No two days are the same, but typically, my mornings start with reviewing new inventory or checking in on sourcing opportunities. I spend a lot of time curating the showroom, working on digital content, and collaborating with designers and collectors. Afternoons might involve client meetings, styling consultations, or brainstorming new activations. In between, I’m always on the lookout for unique finds.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Buy with intention.” Whether it’s in business or in life, every decision should be made with purpose. It’s easy to chase trends, but true design—and true success—comes from curating with a clear vision.
And what is the worst?
That you have to follow a set path to succeed. I don’t believe in rigid formulas—sometimes, taking an unconventional route leads to the most exciting opportunities.

Tell us more about the offerings at Assembly – is there a favourite piece you like?
Assembly Vintage is all about sourcing timeless, design-forward pieces—from mid-century modern furniture to rare collectibles and unique decorative objects. One of my favorite pieces right now is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman—an absolute icon that blends comfort and elegance effortlessly. Another standout is the Praying Mantis Sculptural Floor Lamp, a truly artistic lighting piece with incredible presence.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Building awareness around the value of vintage in a market that’s still catching on to it. Many people associate “new” with better, but vintage isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about sustainability, craftsmanship, and design that lasts. Educating customers and shifting that mindset has been both a challenge and a rewarding part of the journey.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Follow your instincts, but also do your research. The vintage and collectible space requires deep knowledge of design history, authenticity, and sourcing. And most importantly, be patient—great pieces (and great businesses) take time to find and build.
What are your goals for the future?
To expand Assembly Vintage into a curated global platform for collectors and design lovers—a space where rare, high-quality vintage pieces are accessible, celebrated, and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. I also want to continue building unique collaborations, immersive retail experiences, and a community that appreciates the artistry and history behind each piece.
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