I had no idea at the time, but in February 2011 I took what would be my last visit to Syria; the following month, after my return, the Arab Spring had fully bloomed.

I met with what is now only a small group of artisans, largely based in Damascus, to design one-of-a-kind pieces formy clients. Their work, often marked by intricately carved patterns inlaid with mother-of-pearl, has long been a personal favorite.

I was delighted to see their craftsmanship celebrated in the march 2016 issue of Architectural Digest, which highlighted renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s work on Khloe Kardashian’s California home. He designed a modern take on the traditional Middle Eastern and Moroccan aesthetic, accentedbyside tables inlaid with mother-of-pearl, hanging daybeds, an arched niche and, my favorite, a tented living room with an ornate Levantine mirror.

While the future of Syria is still unknown, I hope articles like this one in AD are a subtle reminder that behind the headlines there are talented people creating extraordinary things.