We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ahmed Habib ("AH").
One of the top Egyptian Architects, ranked #58 Worldwide in 2021 by DAC with 6 Global Awards, 4x A Design Awards Winner and 2x World Architecture Festival SL.
Ahmed Habib Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ahmed Habib.
Ahmed Habib Design - Monolithic House Private Villa
Ahmed Habib Design - Next Hub Mixed Use
Ahmed Habib Design - Al Majlis Traditional Restaurant
Designer Interview of Ahmed Habib:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
AH : I have always wanted to be a designer. I remember drawing my first architecture plan sketch for our new house when I was 10 years old. Art & Music are my major passion since I was child. I came from a background were my father was a structural engineer, he always guided me to see things differently in my own way. I got my Architecture degree from Egypt where I learned how to integrate art & engineering, so when I design a project I think about how to combine all factors to help creating better environment.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AH : For me design is the beginning of everything, it’s the foundation of life and architecture is all about creating a good quality environment and I believe it has a direct impact on human psychology. Space, form, materials, colors, lighting, acoustics and many more architectural elements play a big role on the psychology and behavior of an individual. Architecture is the art that can change the world around us.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AH : Architecture, Urban, Landscape and Interior Design
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AH : There are lots of them.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AH : Mosque Exterior Facade
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AH : Although there are new materials introduced daily, I prefer using Natural materials with the integration of new technologies.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AH : For me, the design process is like a meditation. Mid nights or early mornings are the best when I have a peaceful environment around me.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AH : When I design anything I always try to create a project that is functional, environmental, cultural & sustainable.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AH : Actually each part in the design process has its beauty and unique feeling however, when I catch a new idea in my mind is the most exciting moment....
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AH : I feel proud and happy.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AH : A design is most successful when it serves the purpose for which it was designed while showing its own personality and characteristics.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AH : Functionality, Creativity and Sustainability
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AH : Design has a direct impact on human psychology which effects everything around us. Environmentally, I believe that the use of eco friendly, bio degradable, recycled materials is the need of time and future. At the same time, we need to adapt modern technology and latest design directions to stay in tune. As designers, we should be able to balance all aspects without compromising on function.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AH : My advise to young designers is to be curious about all details, keep practicing and do not fear failure.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AH : "Believe your self and your vision"
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AH : Talent, patience and hard-working
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AH : My Sketchbook is my best friend then I develop the idea using softwares like AutoCAD, Sketchup, 3ds Max and Photoshop
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AH : Managing my time takes time, at the beginning of any project I always start by planning the project time-line which make it much easier to manage the design process time later on.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AH : It depends, for example If it is an Urban Project with huge scale it might take up to 6 months excluding the needed time for technical details and drawings, but if it is an interior design project for a small space it might take 4 to 6 weeks.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AH : "How did you manage to do it?" or "How did you think about this idea?"
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AH : Mostly High end residential and commercial clients
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AH : Currently I am focusing to establish a strong network over places to exchange experience and design ideas.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AH : It depends, sometimes I design the full concept and then handover to my assistants for further development other-times; we design a project as a team from the beginning.
DI: How can people contact you?
AH : People can contact me through my Email: ahabibx.86@gmail.com, Phone: +96550566442 or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ahmed.Sherif.Habib