Home may be where the heart is, but for Assembly founder Mateen Shah, it is also where history-rich collectables and handcrafted furniture should take pride of place. "I love combining clean, modern lines with vintage pieces that bring warmth and personality to a space," Shah tells MOJEH. "I gravitate toward textural contrasts, muted tones and timeless silhouettes, creating interiors that feel both refined and lived-in."
Assembly is a vintage concept store that sources rare furniture, collectables and antiques from around the world, and its brand-new showroom brings its curation to Al Quoz, Dubai for in-person perusal. “Opening a showroom was about creating a physical space for people to experience Assembly’s curated pieces firsthand," he explains. "Online shopping is great for accessibility, but there’s something irreplaceable about seeing, touching and understanding the history behind a vintage piece in person.”
Shah launched Assembly with the aim of celebrating artistry and highlighting the history behind some of the world's most intriguing, and luxurious, finds. His appreciation for design began in childhood and has only intensified throughout his twenty-year career. "My passion for design and antiques began at a young age, influenced by a fascination with objects that tell stories. I was drawn to pieces that had a sense of history - trunks, Persian rugs and handcrafted furniture that had aged beautifully over time." His most exciting find? "A rare Ottoman-period love chair with a beautifully patinated finish. It’s a striking example of craftsmanship that blends function and artistry, and it tells a story of the era it came from.”
It's gems like these that fill the Al Quoz showroom, with everything from Yasu Sasamoto mirrors to sculptural Rispal lamps dotted throughout the space. "One of my favourite 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."
Assembly shares the showroom with Klekktic, a homegrown design brand founded by Heba El Habashy, that offers affordable, customisable furniture for indoor and outdoor spaces. The Al Quoz showroom brings together both Klekktic’s and Assembly’s visions into one cohesive space. “Klekktic and Assembly share a commitment to thoughtful design, blending customisable, modern furniture with rare vintage pieces. The showroom reflects this synergy - it’s a space where clean-lined contemporary designs sit alongside storied, collectible pieces, creating a dynamic contrast that feels curated yet effortless,” says Shah. Discover the collections
