In a special episode of the Terminal T podcast, Motti Mor hosts interior designer David Zylbermann for a personal conversation about the life journey that led him into the world of interior design and inspired his distinctive Jerusalem design language.
David arrived in Jerusalem with his family as a child after leaving Paris—a large, vibrant city where everything felt alive and open. The transition to Jerusalem at that time was dramatic: it was a smaller, quieter city, with a completely different character, pace, and light. Over the years, this encounter between Parisian culture and Jerusalem life became an important part of his identity and a source of inspiration in his work.
From a Parisian Childhood to Life in Jerusalem
David’s first encounter with Jerusalem was more than a move between two cities—it was a transition between two different worlds. Paris gave him memories of culture, aesthetics, and urban movement, while Jerusalem introduced him to history, distinctive materials, ancient buildings, and a unique mix of people and lifestyles.
The connection between these worlds can also be seen in his approach to design: elegance, precision, and aesthetic thinking on one side, combined with warmth, humanity, and a deep understanding of how people live in their homes on the other.
The Journey into Interior Design
During the conversation, David explains how he entered the field of interior design and how his professional path developed. Over several decades, he has guided the planning, renovation, and transformation of apartments in Jerusalem, often working with complex buildings, unconventional spaces, and changing residential needs.
For David, interior design does not begin with choosing colors or furniture. It begins with listening: Who will live in the home? What does their daily life look like? What is missing from the existing space? What atmosphere do they want to create?
Only after understanding the residents’ story can the process of designing a precise and meaningful home truly begin.
Jerusalem Interior Design: Connecting the Old with the New
Designing homes in Jerusalem requires particular sensitivity. The city combines older apartments, stone walls, historic buildings, and planning limitations with the desire for modern, comfortable, and functional living.
The challenge is to preserve the home’s original character while adapting it to contemporary life. Through thoughtful planning, intelligent use of space, and careful attention to detail, even a complicated apartment can become a more comfortable, spacious, and accurate home—without erasing its history.
Every Home Tells a Human Story
The podcast conversation introduces the person behind the projects. It connects David’s childhood in Paris, his family’s move to Israel, his first experiences of Jerusalem, and the professional knowledge he has built over the years.
It is a story about design, but also about memory, identity, and belonging. It reflects the ability to look at an existing space, recognize its potential, and create a home that respects its past while supporting the life taking place within it today.
Watch the full Terminal T podcast episode featuring David Zylbermann:
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