We wanted to build a “Riad” in the Medina of Marrakech, a typical Arab home, and make it a “maison d’hotes”, a kind of guest house. The important thing was that the hotel retained a domestic dimension, a place where tourists could be welcomed by a “family” without just being another tourist among hundreds of others. Finding land that had the necessary specifications for a building of this type was not easy, but we found the perfect spot in the heart of the old town, near the monuments and tourist attractions, and soon after, I began to draw the design. Thanks to my decades of experience working in Marrakech and the enthusiasm for the work, the design took shape almost spontaneously. The months of gestation enabled me to consider and define in my head the geometry, the spaces, the shapes, the colours and the materials, and so I put it…

After the complex bureaucratic procedure to obtain all the authorisations and permits required, construction could finally begin. I had already had many similar experiences but “laying the first stone” is always an exciting moment for me. The atmosphere of the Medina is special: it is like going back to ancient times. Its inhabitants spend their days mostly engaged in the round of traditional religion and customs that are thousands of years old in a vivid and surreal ambience. The entire construction was built by hand, without the aid of construction machinery, making use of the typical methods of Moroccan labour. So carts pulled by mules were used to transport the construction material along the narrow little streets of the old city and manual execution techniques were used, skilled Arab labour based on centuries of expertise.  I decided to give fundamental importance to the use of construction materials, finishes and furnishings…

Special attention was paid to the installation of the technical equipment: in this area, attempts were made to minimise the environmental impact of the structure and keep consumption low while always keeping an eye on comfort and safety.Solar panels have been installed along with state of the art systems areas. In place of gas, due to the danger it presents in enclosed spaces, petrol was chosen, which also solved the problem of resupply.

Almost all the furnishings were made by local craftsman. In fact, most of the items were made exclusively for the Riad. It should be remembered that in no other city of the world can such a concentration of craftsmanship be found as exists in Marrakech. The souq is an open-air shop window where inspiration can be sought for handmade textiles or cloth imported from the east, iron lamps and shades in various metals, candles, ceramics, inlaid and decorated tables, mirrors framed in precious wood embellished with ebony or stone inlay, leather goods, an infinite variety of carpets and much, much more. In the city and the industrial zone, there are also artists, painters and craftsmen selling their works, Moroccan by inspiration but reworked in a modern style.

The Riad Nashira opened its doors in April, 2012; after so much hard work, it was a very exciting moment as all the ideas and designs came together in concrete form as we had imagined.  At this point, however, another challenge awaited us, different from the previous one but complementary: management, that is, being able to offer clients a unique experience that meets their expectations with a complete, exemplary service. In brief, to see the place well occupied and our dreams fulfilled.We can say that we are satisfied and that we look to the future with optimism, well aware that the challenge and commitment must be there every day.

Fatima Benbrahim: my historical assistant, who has not spared herself in all these years and, without whom, all I have done in Marrakech would not have been possible. Unique and precious. Nezha Boufsi: surveyor and site technician, he has been for many year a stalwart of the construction business. His seriousness and expertise have always been vital (I remember with pleasure how we chose the beautiful colour green of the Spa together).  Abderzak Taoussi: site foreman and director of works, we have built many Riads together. He has always stood out for his infinite professionalism, seriousness and knowledge of his profession. A friend. Abderrahim Boukricha: I have never found anyone more competent that Aberrahim in the ted lakt process, an ancient, very complicated technique of finishing walls.  Patient, always alert and attentive to his team. Claudio Di Giusto: he has been the company's designer for many years, very reserved and serious but equally precise…

- Ines Mosconi: Ms. Poppi  , upholstery ,curtains, sofas, armchairs, woven fabrics- Aide Service: Mr.Mohamed and Mr.Abderrahim Essaguer, plumbing, swimming pools, air conditioning, electricity, fire-fighting- BLM Cucine: Mr.Massimiliano,  supply kitchen, bar, restaurant- Fanimar sarl : Mr.Youssef, marbre- Abdellatif Amkour : painter- Art Abdou sarl : lamps and abat-jours- Excel Compta: Mr.Rachid, business consultant- Sergheni Céramique: Mr. Younes: traditional ceramics- Mr.Hassouane Said : smith and ironwork- Mr.Mohamed Mouatakid : carpenter  - Zadem sarl : woodworking- Maison du Blanc: bedding, mattresses and sheets- Si tu veux on peux : computer and video surveillance