We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Drew Gilbert ("DG").
Drew Gilbert is an American multi-award winning Architect, Urbanist and Futurist. Graduated with his Master’s degree in Architecture from the United States. He embodies a comprehensive and naturalistic design process, benefiting the individual and supporting the evolution of the communities with significant contributions to humanity responding to the climatic, ecological and social emergencies of our time. Gilbert was selected Top 30 Architects Powerlist 4 times in a row, and was awarded multiple international awards. In 2023 he was awarded the A’design Award for Best Architecture project and the Luxury life style award for best Luxurious residence, as well the Architizer award. In 2022, Gilbert was awarded the Architecture Leaders Awards Young Architect HC Award and Best public building by the 3rd International Art and Architecture award. Along to being awarded the Sustainability Champion and Rising Star Awards 3 times. He has been a jury member for multiple international awards and a speaker at both regional and international conferences.
Drew Gilbert Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Drew Gilbert.
Drew Gilbert Design - Albadoor Villa Private Residence
Drew Gilbert Design - Zen House Private Residence
Drew Gilbert Design - Villa Estelle Private Residence
Drew Gilbert Design - Alhammadi Haus Private Residence
Designer Interview of Drew Gilbert:
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?
DG : From as early as I can remember, art and design were innate parts of my identity. I was painting in oils at the age of three, captivated by the ability to capture and refine details. As I grew, my fascination evolved into a desire not only to depict but to enhance, to refine, to transform. This instinct led me to Photoshop at 13, followed by 3D modeling at 16, where I discovered the limitless potential of digital design. For me, design has always been about shaping the world around me, about refining the fabric of reality to align with a vision. It was never a question of becoming a designer, it was a natural evolution.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DG : Drew Gilbert Design is my laboratory—a space where ideas are pushed to their limits, where boundaries are questioned, and where design solutions are pursued without compromise. It is a small, agile studio that thrives on freedom and flexibility, allowing each project to be approached with complete creative control. The goal is to distill every design problem down to its essence and craft the most refined, innovative, and tailored solution possible.
DI: What is "design" for you?
DG : Design is the ultimate act of problem-solving, an intricate dance between form and function, between constraint and creativity. It is both a science and an art, requiring rigorous analysis and an unyielding pursuit of beauty. While design is subjective, one truth remains: the more time and thought invested, the better the outcome.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DG : Private residences, particularly villas, hold a special place in my practice. The scale is ideal—not so vast that the essence of the project gets diluted, yet large enough to explore depth and complexity. Residential architecture is deeply personal; it is a dialogue between designer and client, between space and inhabitant. It allows for a degree of freedom that is often missing in larger, more bureaucratic projects.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
DG : My favorite design is always the next one. Every project is a step forward, a refinement of thought, a further honing of my craft. The completion of a work is not an endpoint but a launching pad for the next exploration.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
DG : The first project that felt truly mine was a G+23 Residential Tower in Abu Dhabi. That project reaffirmed my belief in the power of architecture to shape experiences and enhance lives.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
DG : 3D modeling is my preferred medium. There is something profoundly meditative about conjuring space from nothing, sculpting a vision into existence with precision and fluidity. It allows an immediacy of exploration that sketches or physical models cannot replicate.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
DG : Late at night, when the world quiets and distractions fade. Music fuels the process, and there is something about the nocturnal hours—the darkness, the solitude—that sharpens focus and heightens imagination.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DG : I prioritize design excellence, spatial experience, material composition, and sustainability. Each project is an opportunity to push the boundaries—whether in form, function, or execution. The goal is always to achieve an elegant synthesis of innovation and timelessness.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
DG : The design process is a rollercoaster, oscillating between deep frustration and absolute euphoria. The initial phase is often overwhelming, with a multitude of challenges to solve. But as the ideas crystallize, there is a rush, a flow state where time dissolves and everything aligns seamlessly.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
DG : A deep sense of accomplishment, tempered by the inevitable realization that every project is a stepping stone to the next. The joy comes not from the completion itself but from seeing how a space is inhabited, how it enriches daily life.
DI: What makes a design successful?
DG : A successful design is one that fully resolves its challenges—contextually, functionally, aesthetically. It must respond to its surroundings, respect the natural environment, align with the client’s needs, and be executed with precision and integrity.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
DG : Proportion is the foundation of all great design. Beyond that, I evaluate contextual response, material composition, construction quality, and innovation.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DG : Architecture is a lasting legacy, often outliving its creator. As such, architects bear immense responsibility. Our work shapes not only individual lives but entire communities. We must build with foresight, ensuring that what we create enhances rather than depletes the environment, and that it serves not just the present but the future.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
DG : Design is being profoundly reshaped by artificial intelligence. AI is revolutionizing how we analyze, iterate, and optimize, enabling unprecedented levels of precision and exploration. The future belongs to those who harness technology while retaining the irreplaceable human touch.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DG : As an Architect, I don't hold exhibitions.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
DG : Inspiration comes from a deep engagement with context—both physical and human. Listening to clients, understanding their aspirations, absorbing the nuances of a site. Creativity is fueled by curiosity, by constant exploration, by an openness to seeing the world differently.
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?
DG : Simple yet complex. I prioritize problem-solving over ego, ensuring that the design serves the project rather than the designer’s self-expression. The result is work that is deeply personal to each client, rather than a signature style imposed on every project.
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?
DG : I live and work in Dubai, a city that is a melting pot of ideas and innovation. The flexibility here allows for the exploration of possibilities that might not be feasible elsewhere. Compared to where I’m from, Dubai offers a vast range of resources and a forward-thinking design culture that continually challenges convention.
DI: How do you work with companies?
DG : I focus exclusively on design, surrounding myself with trusted technical collaborators who handle execution. This ensures that my clients receive both a visionary approach and a streamlined process.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DG : answer this question separately: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
DG : It begins with understanding—deeply listening to the client, their lifestyle, their aspirations. From there, the concept 'cooks' in my mind before taking shape through narrative-driven presentations, site analysis, and spatial explorations. Unlike many, I prioritize early 3D development, as space is best understood three-dimensionally.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
DG : 1. A high-performance mechanical keyboard, 2. An ergonomic chair, 3. A well-calibrated monitor, 4. Sketchpad and fine-tip pen, 5. A custom-built PC.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
DG : A typical workday starts with a quiet moment and a cup of tea, followed by immersing myself in ongoing projects. I begin where I left off the night before, refining details, iterating designs, and exploring possibilities. Meetings and discussions with clients or collaborators punctuate the day, ensuring alignment between vision and execution. Late evenings are often the most creative—when distractions fade, and design can flow uninterrupted.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
DG : The more you do, the better you get. Mastery is a product of repetition, refinement, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Design is not about imposing your will but about deeply understanding the problem and crafting the best possible solution. Never stop learning—each project is an opportunity to evolve.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
DG : The greatest joy is changing lives through design. The challenge is the subjectivity of the field—design is never truly 'finished,' and success often depends on external forces beyond one’s control.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
DG : Proportion. If the proportions are wrong, nothing else will save the design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
DG : Adaptability is paramount. The world of design is in constant flux, with new technologies, materials, and methodologies emerging rapidly. A designer must possess a keen eye for proportion, an intuitive understanding of space and materiality, and the ability to critically solve problems. Equally important is the capacity to listen—to clients, to context, to constraints—and translate that information into thoughtful design solutions.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
DG : My toolbox is a hybrid of digital and traditional methods: 3D modeling software (Rhino, SketchUp, and Revit) for spatial exploration. Rendering engines (Lumion, V-Ray, and AI-assisted tools) to visualize. BIM for integration and coordination. AI-powered design tools for optioneering and rapid iteration. A sketchpad and pencil for quick ideation and concept generation.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
DG : I work until I feel the design has reached its next milestone. I don’t rush creativity but allow the process to unfold naturally. Since I enjoy what I do, time becomes fluid—I push as far as I can each day before fatigue sets in. The key is knowing when to step away, recharge, and return with fresh eyes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
DG : It depends entirely on complexity. Some designs take days, others weeks. A residence, for instance, might take several weeks to fully conceptualize and refine, while a smaller project could be resolved in a matter of days. The goal is never speed—it’s depth of thought and quality of execution.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
DG : The answer: efficiency, discipline, and an unwavering passion for design. When you truly love what you do, the work finds its rhythm.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
DG : Realizing that within a firm, design is a collaborative effort, often requiring compromise. While collaboration is valuable, I sought an avenue where I could maintain creative control over the final product, leading me to establish my own design practice.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
DG : I’ve had the privilege of designing private residences for individuals at the highest levels, including world leaders. The goal is always the same—crafting spaces that reflect their unique personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
DG : Private villas. They provide an ideal balance between scale, complexity, and creative freedom. The process is intimate, the design solutions highly customized, and the turnaround is fast enough to maintain momentum and excitement. The challenge of distilling a client’s aspirations into a tangible form is one I deeply enjoy.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
DG : To continue crafting high-quality private residences while expanding my explorations in design technology.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
DG : I develop the designs myself. Having full control over the vision ensures that the final outcome is cohesive, uncompromised, and true to its original intent. For technical execution, I collaborate with trusted specialists who bring precision and expertise to the detailing and construction phases.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
DG : Currently, I’m working on a project with a particularly complex site and a demanding program. It’s still in its early phases, but the client is highly engaged, allowing the process to unfold naturally. These are the types of projects that excite me most—ones that require a deep level of problem-solving and innovation to arrive at a solution that feels both inevitable and unexpected.
DI: How can people contact you?
DG : Instagram: @drewgilbert_
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
DG : Design is an evolving discipline, shaped by new technologies, cultural shifts, and emerging challenges. As AI and computational design continue to advance, I believe the role of the designer will shift from pure form-making to curating and refining complex systems of solutions. The ability to synthesize multiple layers of data while maintaining a human-centered approach will define the next generation of great design. Ultimately, design is not just about buildings or objects—it’s about the experiences they create and the lives they shap