We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Innovation Design Studio ("IDS").
An award-winning design firm specializing in architecture, master planning & interior design. Operating in Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, INNOVATION Studio led recognized multi-cultural designs for diverse buildings and destinations. We aim to create value throughout our operational and business chain and provide integrated services varying from concept designs to technical illustrations and project implementations, inclusive of all master-planning, architecture, and interior design. We design for WELLNESS! Relying on well-being architecture, inspired by the art and science of designing built environments with socially mindful arrangements to promote the harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and mental well-being while restoring the natural environment. Throughout its 10 years journey, INNOVATION Design Studio, worked with key market players and developers in Egypt and the Middle East, in designing commercial, residential and business complexes including – but not limited to – Orascom Development, SODIC, The Ark Development, and Marakez in Egypt, in addition to partnering regional iconic developers such as, Emaar KSA and Orascom Oman.
Innovation Design Studio Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Innovation Design Studio.
Innovation Design Studio Design - The Ark Business District Commercial Complex
Innovation Design Studio Design - MTown Makadi Heights Downtown
Designer Interview of Innovation Design Studio:
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?
IDS : I love all types of art ever since I was young which led me to Architecture School. Art is life, Art is nature, the base of everything, of business and culture. In a way or another it's related to Real Estate. As soon as I started drawing I knew I wanted to be a designer, someone that makes a visual impact on people.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IDS : Innovation design studio for architectural services has been rapidly growing, its involvement ranges from purely consultative to the complete delivery of high-end architectural design projects in the Egyptian market. Now Innovation design studio is responsible for a large portfolio of diverse projects in various market sectors including private villas, residential, commercial, multi-complex buildings, master planning, as well as Interior Design. Our designs are based on an informed use of technology and materials, combining a commitment to the spirit of the new with a strong awareness of context. Our approach is based on the establishment of a clear brief of the clients’ requirements from the earliest stages of project.
DI: What is "design" for you?
IDS : Design for quality of life, for the best user experience.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IDS : Mixed-use projects and design full destinations.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IDS : Aboutig Hill is our most iconic project in El Gouna, Egypt. Harnessing a new wave of coastal living, surrounded by turquoise views, a sense of freedom and space invitingly opens before you Nestled between El Gouna’s two famed marinas, and positioned on a graciously elevated hill, this peaceful of haven presents opportunities for life redefined. Each luxurious residence possesses stunning views overlooking the shimmering Red Sea.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IDS : Residential compound "Family Home" Masterplan and architecture
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
IDS : We love all natural materials i.e. stone, wood... As for the platform we love ArchDaily; it gives an insight of the dated trends and the Augmented Reality technology as my Masters degree was digging deeper through this subject.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IDS : when I'm hooked in a challenging project in terms of time and typology required by the client.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IDS : User experience, Efficiency, functionality and descent esthetic.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IDS : Euphoria, excitment, curiosity but nothing compares to when I see the design being built and feel pride of bringing it to life.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IDS : Pride yet impatient and eager to do more designs.
DI: What makes a design successful?
IDS : The design is successful when it meets the brief set by the client, yet it's noticeable and well operating. People feel good when they visit or dwell within the project.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IDS : Maximizing the joy and wellbeing of the user, the aesthetic, efficiency.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IDS : The Designer is setting the mood of the space, wether its an installation, an apartment or a public space, the designer responsibility is to create a space/thing promoting the well-being of the user and people observing the design.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IDS : The future of the design is the designer getting the best benefits out of the technology.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
IDS : Most of our projects have been done for clients that exhibited our designs in different Real Estate exhibitions around the world like CityScape etc..
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
IDS : We get inspired by the user feedback on our livable projects, by the studies and analysis for the surrounding context of every single project subsequently the constrains and opportunities in every project. Our creativity is fed by reading international articles related to design issues and trends.
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?
IDS : Every single project has its our character and style based on its own concept. We usually prefer minimal architecture and sleek lines. Our approach to design is achieving the wellbeing of the user and the observer of the 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?
IDS : We live in Cairo, Egypt. Of course the cultural heritage of our country is affecting our designs by introducing Environmental treatments, dominant Architectural elements, the effect also appears in the internal layouts and the use of the natural materials and colors. However all of these segments are being adapted in a contemporary look and feel to match our project approach.
DI: How do you work with companies?
IDS : By meeting the development requirements and achieving the most and optimum of their brief by creating unique and different concepts designs for each project.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
IDS : We think the companies need to be more open to new innovative ideas and take the initiative to work out-of-the common market criteria so the company become a trendsetter. By checking the designer and achievements and the user feedback on their previous projects.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
IDS : We start by understanding the client brief and requirements, study and analyze the piece of land, the constrains and opportunities and start the journey of finding a unique concept.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
IDS : The TV unit, my sleek home desk, the openness of the house experienced within the open kitchen towards the living space blending the living activities, the lounge chair where I love to read and get inspired.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
IDS : I start my day by jogging early morning, then meet the team to socialize and discuss the design business industry, then brainstorm over our projects. I work from 6 to 8 hours a day, then go back home to spend time with my small family which is the main delight of the day.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
IDS : My suggestions is to have the most exposure they could get, to observe everything around them, to dedicate their time and effort to what they love, and always always, design with a concept base.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
IDS : Th positive side is that I get to create and explore the world and spaces with a different perspective. The negative aspect is that my mind is always occupied by the on-going designs even in week-ends and vacations. Designing is a mental exercise that does not stop automatically.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
IDS : Less is more.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
IDS : Flexible, open minded, Communication and presentation skills.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
IDS : AutoCad, Revit, Photoshop and InDesign, sketchUp and 3D max. ArchDaily, Architizer, DesignBoom, concepts.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
IDS : We enjoy this time consumption as we really love what we do and the euphoria of reaching the optimum design. We delegate the work within the team members.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
IDS : It really depends on the project scale and size.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
IDS : I'm always asked about my favorite design style.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
IDS : Communication and presentation skills.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
IDS : Real Estate developers such as EMAAR KSA, ORASCOM DEVELOPMENT, MURIYA Oman , SODIC, MARAKEZ, The Ark Development.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
IDS : Coastal destinations, as it's usually considering the surrounding landscape and outdoor spaces, blending the inside and outside, it is where the user really enjoys the space and spends a good time.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
IDS : My future plan is to expand the design firm world wide and we are open for international joint venture.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
IDS : We definitely work as a team, brainstorming and discussing the ideas of designs together to get the optimum concepts for the projects.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
IDS : We're working now on a coastal destination in Makadi Heights, We love the project as the main concept is to provide a good view along with a nice experience during the usage of the house spaces and to blur the boundaries between indoor spaces and outdoor living through out the daily activities.
DI: How can people contact you?
IDS : Through our website, instagram page or via email: info@innovationstudio-eg.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
IDS : We think the questions were covering almost everything and we hope the interview would add value to the designers and the design industry.