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Aamer Qaisiyah

KuwaitArchitecture

Interviews with Aamer Qaisiyah

Read the interviews with Aamer Qaisiyah: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Design Interview

Basalt House · 20 questions

The main idea and principle in my design is to combine ancient Roman architecture and modern architecture to create a new urban culture based on simplicity and comfort in addition to luxury and beauty.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The main idea and principle in my design is to combine ancient Roman architecture and modern architecture to create a new urban culture based on simplicity and comfort in addition to luxury and beauty.

What inspired me the most was the ancient houses that were built in my area during the era of the Roman Empire.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

My focus has been more on simplicity and comfort, as it is my principle that “less is more” which I focused on in my project with simplicity of designing. In my opinion, in our current time many designs are complex and incomprehensible and disturbing. Therefore, my primary goal is to create a creative design that is comfortable and simple and to spread this culture globally.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

My future plan is to implement this project and to see it built in reality, and of course my aim is to try to spread this design and this culture as much as possible.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

It took nearly 3 months to design this project, ranging from researching and studying the idea to preparing maps and drawings, then making 3D design and producing work.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

I designed this particular concept since I have always liked the Roman’s houses built in my hometown.

I pursued my own inspiration.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

The project has not yet been implemented, but we are preparing to implement it for one of our customers and very soon the construction process will begin to see the light.

What made you design this particular type of work?

I wanted to combine the uniqueness of both the old and the new century’s architectures providing comfort, luxury at the same time simplicity.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

No, the design for this project was from my own motivation and inspiration, in addition to some support and encouragement from family and friends.

Who is the target customer for his design?

The target customer is anyone who’s looking for a dream house that combines simplicity, luxury, and lots of comfort.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

What distinguishes this design is the combination of simplicity and luxury, between aesthetics and comfort, which are usually a rare combination to find

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

Basalt is a black volcanic stone. The design will It be built in a very solid area of Basalt rocks land in addition to the exterior cladding of the house.

The houses that were built in the ancient Roman era in the region of Southern Syria, inspired me to do this project which were from Basalt stones as well.

Therefore, the name Basalt was the most suitable name for this project.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

The research was done by using the internet and observing firsthand the designs built in my hometown in Southern Syria.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

This house combines both past and present architecture, with its simple exterior, sharp angles and unique combination of distinct material. Blending ancient architecture using Basalt and Oak wood with renewed creative ideas merging from this historical era.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

I designed this project on my own without from any assistance from anyone, but of course, like any architectural project, I needed some input for technical aspects, such as electrical plans, sanitary, civil works, and some technological systems in this project.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

This design is fully equipped and fully comforted with a unique automation system which allows the owner to have control to many things in this distinguished house such as; lighting, rolling shutters, boilers, heating and air-conditioning, and security system.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

No, my design was not influenced by any data or analytical research in any way. I watched houses in my old home town.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

The hardest part that I had to face was combining the popular architecture built in Southern Syria under the Roman Empire with today's simple comfortable creative design, using the latest technology yet keeping it elegant and interesting to viewers.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I decided to nominate my project for this competition, because in my opinion, this architectural culture we’ve talked about should be spread globally. We need comfortable and attractive homes.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I've learned to work hard, because competing in a world full of creative architects is very difficult.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I would just like to thank A' Design Award for giving me the chance to share my inspiration and to present my design to the world.

Designer Interview

40 questions

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.

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?

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.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

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.

What is "design" for you?

Design is my everyday passion.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Residential projects.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

I love comfortable modern designs that improve the human standards of living.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was a Private villa.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I always like to use natural materials like stone, marble, and wood

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel creative most of the time.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

My main focus is on design being practical and comfortable.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I feel proud.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

A feeling an absolute happiness.

What makes a design successful?

The creativity of a smart designer.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Comfort and logic.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

The responsibility of the designer is to improve people's standards of living and to provide them with comfort and happiness for their request.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

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.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last exhibition was in Lebanon few years ago. I hope to have a permanent exhibition, and the place does not matter.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

I always take inspiration and thoughts from everything around me.

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?

My style of design is always simple and logical, keeping pace with the requirements of our time, and my approach is "less is more".

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?

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.

How do you work with companies?

With respect and trust, Teamwork.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

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.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

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.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

My favorite design items are the Coffee table, T.V unit, the Sofa from Menotti and the chair from Baker.

Can you describe a day in your life?

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.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Work on yourself and improve yourself, let your eyes be filled with beauty and let your feeling satiate with art.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

Design is art and nothing bad about art. Beautiful art fills your heart with happiness.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Design with passion and love.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Creativity.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Stationery tools, and AutoCAD, 3Ds Max and Photoshop

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

Work hard, set an accurate schedule for my appointments, and always look for tools and programs that save time.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

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.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

People usually ask about the best design style, and my answer is always the best is what you love.

What was your most important job experience?

Design and execute of residential buildings.

Who are some of your clients?

Home owners, business man, different individuals from the community.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy a lot of interior design, and I am more than happy when I see happiness and joy on the customer's face.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I have no limits to my ambition, I will develop myself and achieve more success as long as I can.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I make sure I take care of my clients myself, but sometimes I need someone’s help.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

I am currently working on a number of very distinctive housing projects in Kuwait.

How can people contact you?

People may contact me on Instagram @UniDesign.kw, Email: unidesign-aq@hotmail.com or by phone +96599180100

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

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.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Aamer Qaisiyah regarding Basalt House comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.