We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Aamer Qaisiyah ("AQ").
Many successful people usually emerge from privileged backgrounds or a comfortable financial situation. Some social problems keep many people from having a chance at success, but not this ambitious and talented young man from Syria named Aamer Qaisiyah. This young architect had faced many struggles in his early years until the present time; from losing his mother at a young age, changing countries and adjusting to rejections on jobs due to the disposition of Syrians in the world, in addition to dealing with prejudice people. However, that did not discourage him from pursuing his goals and ambitions. He persevered toward success and rose above adversity. In high school Aamer’s teacher believed in his abilities, talents and saw a successful and determined student, who will accomplish his goals in life. She once told him” you will achieve high accomplishments in your life beyond your own intentions, but never give up”. In college he exceeded his professors’ expectations with his designs and creativity which made him stand out from the rest. Back in his homeland Aamer Qaisiyah, surrounded by war and tragedies, opened a small office named it “UniDesign”, and persisted on following his dream work as an Architect. He started making designs for his demolished country and neighboring countries such as Lebanon and others. He encourages architectural college students by offering classes and supporting them with new refreshing ideas and techniques. His designs were very unique and exquisite ranging from architectural to interior designs. He became a role model for young architects in his city, and his work became an inspiration to many. His extraordinary designs have expanded to other countries ranging from Kuwait, Lebanon, Greece, UAE, and more proposals for projects are pending. Currently providing his best designs from his office in Kuwait, and his company “UniDesign” became one of the most famous design and contracting companies in Kuwait. New and compelling ideas have distinguished Aamer and UniDesign from the rest of Architects in the region. This determined person always strives to present the best designs to the world.
Aamer Qaisiyah Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Aamer Qaisiyah.
Aamer Qaisiyah Design - Basalt House
Designer Interview of Aamer Qaisiyah:
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?
AQ : I am an architect who graduated with excellence from the university, I adored art since my childhood, and I found that architecture and design have a wide field to fulfill my dreams.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
AQ : Unidesign is a company that specializes in the design and contracting. In recent years, the company has proven its presence strongly in the Kuwaiti market.
DI: What is "design" for you?
AQ : Design is my everyday passion.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
AQ : Residential projects.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
AQ : I love comfortable modern designs that improve the human standards of living.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
AQ : It was a Private villa.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
AQ : I always like to use natural materials like stone, marble, and wood
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
AQ : I feel creative most of the time.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
AQ : My main focus is on design being practical and comfortable.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
AQ : I feel proud.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
AQ : A feeling an absolute happiness.
DI: What makes a design successful?
AQ : The creativity of a smart designer.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
AQ : Comfort and logic.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
AQ : The responsibility of the designer is to improve people's standards of living and to provide them with comfort and happiness for their request.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
AQ : Everything in life is dependent on design No successful thing can be done without a successful design The future of design is in infinite development.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
AQ : My last exhibition was in Lebanon few years ago. I hope to have a permanent exhibition, and the place does not matter.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
AQ : I always take inspiration and thoughts from everything around me.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
AQ : My style of design is always simple and logical, keeping pace with the requirements of our time, and my approach is "less is more".
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
AQ : I am from Syria and I live in Kuwait, I was really affected by the ancient architecture of my home country It was amazing and great architecture, but in Kuwait the architectural culture restricts the dreams of the designer.
DI: How do you work with companies?
AQ : With respect and trust, Teamwork.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
AQ : I believe companies should work with the designer as a team to come up with the best results. Companies can select a good designer who is creative and thinks out of the box.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
AQ : The design process is a long process and needs a clear mind. First, a lot of research must be done to form an initial conception of design, then ideas must be arranged well before beginning the design process.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
AQ : My favorite design items are the Coffee table, T.V unit, the Sofa from Menotti and the chair from Baker.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
AQ : Wake up, have a cup of dark coffee, go to oversee the sites and then come back to the office to take care of design matters and develop myself in spare time.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
AQ : Work on yourself and improve yourself, let your eyes be filled with beauty and let your feeling satiate with art.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
AQ : Design is art and nothing bad about art. Beautiful art fills your heart with happiness.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
AQ : Design with passion and love.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
AQ : Creativity.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
AQ : Stationery tools, and AutoCAD, 3Ds Max and Photoshop
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
AQ : Work hard, set an accurate schedule for my appointments, and always look for tools and programs that save time.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
AQ : If we are talking about designing a house, it takes at least 2 months, starting with the plan and ending with the last touches of design.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
AQ : People usually ask about the best design style, and my answer is always the best is what you love.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
AQ : Design and execute of residential buildings.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
AQ : Home owners, business man, different individuals from the community.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
AQ : I enjoy a lot of interior design, and I am more than happy when I see happiness and joy on the customer's face.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
AQ : I have no limits to my ambition, I will develop myself and achieve more success as long as I can.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
AQ : I make sure I take care of my clients myself, but sometimes I need someone’s help.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
AQ : I am currently working on a number of very distinctive housing projects in Kuwait.
DI: How can people contact you?
AQ : People may contact me on Instagram @UniDesign.kw, Email: unidesign-aq@hotmail.com or by phone +96599180100
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
AQ : A person should in my opinion pursue his dreams, overcome obstacles and strive towards success. What might not be good for others could be great for you. Dream big and achieve.