Interviews med Innovation Design Studio

Our approach in designing Downtown Makadi is centered on creating a spine’s experience by incorporating building blocks around the spiral spine, connecting the entire project with the main node. This strategy adds depth and enriches the town’s core by creating intimate piazzas between clusters, each with distinct characters and activities. Introducing the village fabric allows users to immerse themselves in the downtown from with- in the clusters, providing a diverse range of experiences.

A key aspect of our design is the extension of the central park. Additionally, we’ve introduced a green commercial spine overlooking the central park, fostering a deeper connection

with nature for residents and users. Our focus on well-being is paramount, aligning with principles promoting long-term health for building occupants. Research underscores the impact of architecture and urban design on psychological well-being, influ- encing overall health. Our commitment is reflected in prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals, considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on both building occupants and the surrounding communities. This commitment shapes the essence of our meticulously crafted master plan for downtown Makadi.

The embodiment of well-being is prominently displayed through its walkability. Prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, we’ve meticulously designed an environment that is alive with a joyful and vibrant atmosphere. Navigating through this space is not just a journey but an experience that evokes a sense of fun and happiness.

Nature is intricately woven into the fabric of the surround-

ings, creating a harmonious blend which fosters a serene and refreshing atmosphere, enhancing the overall well-being of those who engage with the space. Our commitment to creating a walkable, safe, lively, and nature-infused environment stands as a testament to the holistic approach embedded in the master plan’s design.

The wellbeing of the user! Creating a well-being centered design is of utmost importance as it plays a crucial role in promoting long-term health for building occupants. Extensive research has shown that architecture and urban design have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of individuals, hence influencing their overall health in the long term.

A good design should prioritize the health and well-being of all people, taking into account the physical, mental, and emotional effects on both the building occupants and the surrounding community.

We are delighted to let you know that they started field work and we cannot wait to see the project in real life, liveable and alive.

it took a month as it was required to be finished quickly for marketing purposes.

it was commissionedby the developer of Makadi Heights land, Orascom Development is one of the leading developers in Egypt and worldwide, mostly known for touristic destinations. And they have been our beloved client ever since the first project we did with them. We have worked with them in Gouna projects, Makadi Heights, Oman and recently in Senegale!

The developer are hiring a contractor for that job but they keep us on board to follow-up on the design and supervise the work on site.

We love that kind of projects where the architecture is highly impacting the urban fabric and vise-versa. it fulfills our passion of space making and influencing people's lives.

We definitely get inspired by other designers and projects during the design process.

Someone who loves to travel around, walk around and explore the beauty of cozy open spaces.

What makes this design unique from others resembling it is that it has it all with all oppositions! Openness yet closeness and coziness. Village fabric, yet large Central Park, water feature along the project, walkability, the allocation of the F&B that creates the right vibe for the project along the different spines and within the different clusters.

The developer is the one who came up with the name.

Sketches, Autcoad, SketchUp and 3D max

the village urban fabric and having different characters for the clusters yet all are in harmony and all have the same look & feel.

We worked with a structural design firm as well as an MEP firm to develop the IFC package of the project.

The use of AI for the marketing materials and introducing smart town, planning for the use of Electric vehicles only within the town.

Yes, all data and analysis we received from the client were put into consideration throughout the design process, as well as site analysis i.e. climate analysis, location and natural contou, land surrounding, road studies, the demography of the destination, opportunities and constraints.. etc..

The main challenge was the level difference within the land and how to absorb it smoothly throughout the project and how to make use of it.

Another challenge was to make this land free of vehicles safeguarding the pedestrian spine for optimal safety and convenience. Last but not least, the segregation between the service map and the users circulation.

We want to be recognized worldwide as we see our work has high standards and needs to be recognized, and our team are doing great in each and every project and we are excited to give them a hint of acknowledgment.

Teamwork has definitely improved throughout the process and the methods of translating the project to the client has improved as well.

The concept of dynamic and movement of buildings represent the evolution, motion, progress and continuous development of human beings physically and spiritually. Reflecting on the user, breaking monotony and boredom, spreading the spirit of vitality and excitement. The buildings turn from the state of stability to an active project where interactions between inside/out happen simultaneously - which is confirmed by introducing outdoor business terraces, open to sky courtyards for penthouse offices, irregular open spaces.

Creating a pleasant work space for the user, having enough open spaces, common workspaces, retail in the lower levels - anything that would make the employees happy to and excited to come to work which will impact their wellbeing and productivity.

We are looking forward to watch the project being built and operating the way we imagined it - they already started the construction phase.

The project is commissioned by The Ark Development and we were hired to come up with the Business district concept design.

The design was done for a specific Developer

Because we love architecture and it's very inspiring to work in a business/commercial complex

We used Autocad, Photoshop, 3D Max

Architecture Background from El Sherouk Academy, Cairo, Egypt.

As soon as I started drawing I knew I wanted to become a designer, someone that makes a visual impact on people.

No, I wasn't forced in the contrary it's my personal choice to become a designer.

We design lifestyle, we design destinations and user experience. We would like to focus more on mixed-use projects that have different function that would blend different users experiences.

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.

The great designer shall have enough understanding of the client requirements, and futuristic perspective.

A really good design should be considering the well-being of the user.

The value of the good design is how it impresses the user visually, physically and mentally.

Everyone has to invest in good designs to rank their products reaching to the optimum business model.

I would love to design public buildings/spaces for my country, Egypt, considering our culture and heritage.

A vertical city.

Understanding the design brief, developing and enhancing the design along the project timeline.

Riccardo Legorreta, Philip Starck, OMA

We love all the designs done by Gensler Architects. They usually feed their designs by on-ground researchers.

So far our greatest design is The Ark Business district. it considers the well-being of the user and the journey they are going to have in their daily life.

Being flexible, open minded and have enough Communication and presentation skills.

I don't see myself anything else but designer, even if I hadn't become an architect I would have become a product designer.

Design is life... creating the experience and vibes.

I wouldn't have gone all this way without my team and the support of my family.

My background and work experience in different categories within architecture starting by the academic field passing through consultancy offices and real estate developers which gave me a full perspective to establish Innovation Design Studio

At first it wasn't easy to reach out to the A class developers in Egypt but now we sustain working with our clients for many years in different projects. Now that we are well established the clients are the ones targeting to work with us based on our portfolio.

A good design speaks for itself, it doesn't really need the artist to present it specially if it has a strong concept base and clarified with a design concept diagrams.

My future plan is to expand the design firm world wide and we are open for international joint venture.

To have an impact on peoples lives and find my designs realized and lifting the well-being of their users.

people would expect great designs that would give them a pleasant experience that lifts-up their spirit while observing/living within the project.

By combining creativity and knowledge of design principles, designers have the power to create meaningful solutions for social issues that can help make a lasting impact on society.

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 pleasant experience during the usage of the house spaces and to blur the boundaries between indoor spaces and outdoor living through out the daily activities.

The Ledge Flair in Makadi Heights - a coastal single and multiple family destination - is the most satisfying project we worked on in terms of openness, blurring the boundaries between indoor spaces and outdoor living through out the daily activities.

I hope to see the people honoring the design industry and designers as it's a very demanding field that requires a non-stop mental effort.

The design field should utilize the most updated technologies during the design process.

It really depends on the project scale, size and the client timeline.

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.

"Wabi Sabi" is naturalness; it's about things in their natural, most authentic state.

Of course the designs are setting the trends! The trend is the reward of an excellent design.

Technology is just a helping tool, but still the design process always start with a sketches and mental practice.

AutoCad, Revit, Photoshop and InDesign, sketchUp and 3D max.

Colors and materials have a great impact on the design, affecting the ambient and vibes of the project. It differs based on the project location and function. in some projects a specific finish material is considered the hero within the project; it's what gives the project a signature.

The question we're always looking for is "Who is the designer?"

It motivates me for the next challenge to explore new ideas and concepts.

I already have a partner "Alaa Abdel Hamid" and I definitely find him the ideal design partner. Of course we believe in co-design as our visions complement each other's.

There's no specific group of people influencing my work but the different people I interact with in my daily life are the most inspiring my designs.

Based on the quick pace of our lifestyle nowadays I prefer to read articles and informative newsletters than reading books.

Developing our design skills by reading international articles related to design issues and trends, learning new technologies and I always focus on developing my interpersonal skills.

I would have loved to meet Mies Van de Rohe and discuss the spark of modernism.

First of all I want to express how I'm honored to be awarded and recognized by prestigious awards.

I feel more responsible for creating special designs for the society which is challenging and raise up my standard of a great design.

My favorite color is black. My favorite place is the Mediterranean coast. I love Oriental food.

Favorite season is definitely summer.

My favorite thing is Architecture and buildings.

My favorite brand is Rolex

Innovation Design Studio environment is based on a family atmosphere, so some of the employees Brin their kids to the office enjoying the design spirit within the office and everyone around are being very friendly with them by giving them toys, and colors to scribble and draw which build the design sense inside them.

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.

As a child I always loved crafts and building physical models, coloring and using simple materials for crafting.

I believe people will be able to move to other places within the spaces, outside our planet. The way of living will be totally different with different aspects that we don't know yet.

I love design, I believe that every single aspect in life needs to be designed and planned.

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.

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.

Design for quality of life, for the best user experience.

Mixed-use projects and design full destinations.

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.

Residential compound "Family Home" Masterplan and architecture

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.

when I'm hooked in a challenging project in terms of time and typology required by the client.

User experience, Efficiency, functionality and descent esthetic.

Euphoria, excitment, curiosity but nothing compares to when I see the design being built and feel pride of bringing it to life.

Pride yet impatient and eager to do more designs.

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.

Maximizing the joy and wellbeing of the user, the aesthetic, efficiency.

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.

The future of the design is the designer getting the best benefits out of the technology.

Most of our projects have been done for clients that exhibited our designs in different Real Estate exhibitions around the world like CityScape etc..

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.

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.

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.

By meeting the development requirements and achieving the most and optimum of their brief by creating unique and different concepts designs for each project.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Less is more.

Flexible, open minded, Communication and presentation skills.

AutoCad, Revit, Photoshop and InDesign, sketchUp and 3D max.

ArchDaily, Architizer, DesignBoom, concepts.

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.

It really depends on the project scale and size.

I'm always asked about my favorite design style.

Communication and presentation skills.

Real Estate developers such as EMAAR KSA, ORASCOM DEVELOPMENT, MURIYA Oman , SODIC, MARAKEZ, The Ark Development.

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.

My future plan is to expand the design firm world wide and we are open for international joint venture.

We definitely work as a team, brainstorming and discussing the ideas of designs together to get the optimum concepts for the projects.

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.

Through our website, instagram page or via email: info@innovationstudio-eg.com

We think the questions were covering almost everything and we hope the interview would add value to the designers and the design industry.