Interview with Mai Al Busairi

I became a designer because of my passion for creativity and problem-solving. Influential figures in my life encouraged my artistic pursuits. Pursued a Bachelor's in Architecture, gaining hands-on experience through internships

My priorities are functionality, innovation, and user experience. I integrate elements of sustainability and human-centric design into all my projects. I use a combination of digital tools and hands-on methods. I start by researching, collaborating, and iterating until the optimal solution is achieved

When designing, I feel a mix of excitement, focus, and satisfaction. The most exciting phase is the initial idea generation, followed closely by the journey of design and problem-solving. What I like most is the opportunity to create something meaningful and innovative. Designing fulfills me by allowing me to use my creativity to make a positive impact, which brings a sense of happiness and fulfillment. The pleasure I derive from designing comes from seeing my ideas come to life and knowing they can make a difference. Every project I am done with, I feel that I ama step forward to my ulimate vision as an architect

Valuable non-design skills for designers include communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration. These skills have been crucial in conveying ideas effectively, overcoming challenges, navigating project requirements, and working collaboratively with teams. Influential figures and experiences in my life, such as mentors and diverse projects, have shaped my design journey, contributing to my growth and development as an architect. And, the most important is my persistence

My growth path involves continuous learning, expanding my skill set, and seeking out new opportunities for creative expression. My future plans include furthering my education, exploring new design technologies, and collaborating on innovative projects that push the boundaries of design. My dream design project is to create sustainable, community-driven spaces that have a positive impact on people's lives. I aspire to be remembered as a designer who made meaningful contributions to society through thoughtful and innovative design solutions. In the future, I hope to design projects that prioritize social and environmental sustainability while fostering a sense of connection and well-being within communities.

My advice to young designers is to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Don't be afraid to take risks and push your creative boundaries. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and resources that inspire and challenge you. Stay curious and continuously seek out new knowledge and experiences to expand your expertise. Remember to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The best advice I've received is to stay true to your vision and never stop learning.

My suggestion to fellow designers, artists, and architects is to prioritize authenticity, innovation, and continuous improvement in your work. Stay true to your vision and values, while also remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. Embrace collaboration and surround yourself with a diverse network of peers and mentors who can offer guidance and support. Remember to always push the boundaries of creativity and challenge conventional thinking. And lastly, avoid being materialistic for sometimes and do stuff out of good intentions

My day typically starts with a cup of coffee and diving into my laptop to review emails and prioritize tasks for the day. I enjoy staying updated on design news and trends, which often inspires me for the day ahead. Throughout the day, I find joy in the small victories, such as solving a challenging design problem or receiving positive feedback from clients. I also make time for creative brainstorming sessions and collaboration with colleagues, which energizes me and keeps me motivated.

I stay informed about the latest design trends through industry publications, online resources, and attending design events and exhibitions. While I appreciate staying updated on current trends, I prioritize maintaining my own personal design style and vision. I draw inspiration from various sources, including nature, art, architecture, observations on human and everyday experiences, allowing me to create designs that are both timeless and innovative.

For me, good design is defined by its functionality, innovation, and ability to evoke emotion. I evaluate products and projects based on their effectiveness in meeting user needs, their originality and creativity, and their ability to create a meaningful experience. One particular aspect I look for is the balance between form and function, where every element serves a purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. Common mistakes to avoid include prioritizing style over substance, neglecting user experience, and failing to consider the broader context and impact of the design. Ultimately, a good design is one that resonates with people, solves a problem, and leaves a lasting impression.

I decide my design is ready when it effectively fulfills its purpose, meets the project requirements, and resonates with stakeholders. While there's always room for improvement, I reach a point where further iterations would not significantly enhance the design. I trust my instincts and experience to determine when it's time to move on to other projects. Success is measured by the positive impact and feedback received from users, clients, and the community.

In Africa, Tanzania, Mariam's Library stands as a testament to purpose-driven design, transcending mere aesthetics or materialism often seen in affluent nations. Its purpose is to plant a seed in the hearts of young students, inspiring them to become catalysts for positive change in their society and fostering a culture of learning.

I. M. Pei

My lifestyle is a blend of urban and natural environments. Barcelona is a favorite city for its culture and architecture. Music fuels my creativity. My culture influences craftsmanship and community engagement in my designs. Currently, I'm working on a mosque project in Tanzania. Good design enhances quality of life and promotes sustainability. Design has led to simplicity and mindfulness in my daily life.

My work culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and integrity. I believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. I work both independently and with partners, depending on the project requirements. When selecting business partners or hiring team members, I look for individuals who are passionate, skilled, and aligned with our values and vision.

In terms of corporate culture, transparency, communication, and mutual respect are paramount. Core challenges of the profession include balancing creativity with practicality, navigating client expectations, and staying updated on evolving design trends and technologies.

Job responsibilities include conceptualizing and executing design projects, collaborating with clients and stakeholders, and overseeing project management and delivery. Personal traits of a good designer, artist, or architect include creativity, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication.

As a designer, I believe in giving back to the community through pro bono design work and philanthropic initiatives. I have volunteered my design services for various humanitarian projects, contributing to the betterment of society. I am passionate about supporting young designers through mentorship, workshops, and involvement in design events and conferences. Providing opportunities for growth and development for designers, artists, and architects is essential in nurturing talent and fostering innovation within the industry.

The main benefits of participating in design awards and competitions include gaining visibility within the industry, receiving feedback and validation from experts, and showcasing your talent to a global audience. These competitions contribute to career advancement by boosting credibility, expanding professional networks, and fostering personal growth and development. Design competitions are important as they inspire creativity, encourage innovation, and elevate design standards. Being recognized as the Designer of the Day is a humbling honor and reinforces my commitment to excellence in design.

I see my purpose in life as supporting and helping people in need through design and architecture. Design evokes emotions and tells stories.

I chose my profession

I design based on human physiology and need, every project is different than the other in terms of aesthetic and form. I would love to design more of spaces for the poor people all around the world

Believe in their purpose in life, and we must persist in this world to get our message across. Lastly NEVER GIVEUP

Good designer think of the aesthetic of the final product and a great designer think of the purpose

The attention of human use details

Long lasting

More libraries, shelters, mosques, hospitals for the people in actual need

Don’t know in the mean time

sincerity & honesty

I. M. Pei

Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar

Mariam's Library, my design team were the sun, wind and rain

Travel the world

A tool to deliver a purpose

My failures

I don’t know

It is a personal preference

A library for the blinds

Serve the nation

I don’t like expectations, it limits my next moves

By designing truly for their needs

A mosque in Africa and a library in Jordan

Mariam's Library in Africa, Tanzania. I designed for a true reason not only aesthetic nor materialism, usualy what we do the in rich countries. The reason is to have a seed in the young students hear's to become an added value in their society and encourage them to study.

Less material waste, less pollution. Kind design less selfishness

Sustainability, hopefully

It depends, on the design complexity

Asking the clients about a key words outside the design world, this gives my an indication of his need. Avoiding direct design inspiration

“What is the essence of life without a meaningful mission”

Design set the trends

In the design development phase

Rhino and Grasshopper

So effective, colors, space heights, materials and so can make you gloomy or happy

Why you design that way

The people in actual need

Digital Research, on site observation. Questions ;asking the client or the community we are designing for

Zaha Hadid, how she challenged herself and the world to cross her message

I believed in you do something about of kindness and honesty people and platforms comes to you not the opposite

Black with monochrome colors, Zanzibar, seafood and staircases

Look at the sky

Absolutely, I was so nosy when my dad was constructing our house and among my sisters I was always with him supervising

A beautiful one, and I can't wait to share it with my grandkids. Full of challenges, persistence and recognitions

NEVER GIVEUP on anything in life

Parallel Studio is a driven architects’ firm, based in Kuwait with a multi-cultural context. The team comes from a variety of backgrounds, yet working in parallel; bringing together our ideologies and methods to the edge. We design based on statements from fundamentals and re-construct the presence by exploration and exploitation of the project. Parallel Studio immerses with a diversity of scales in the spectrum of architecture, art, and design. Not limited to restrictions, but by understanding the characteristic that morphs designs, programs, and aesthetics as a parallel principle.

Architecture, Art, & Design ubiquitously functions in parallel.

A tool to deliver a purpose

Project that area meaningful and fill a need

In Africa, Tanzania, Mariam's Library stands as a testament to purpose-driven design, transcending mere aesthetics or materialism often seen in affluent nations. Its purpose is to plant a seed in the hearts of young students, inspiring them to become catalysts for positive change in their society and fostering a culture of learning.

It was a pavilion

Monochromatic materials, using the logic of Grasshopper to design and built as fast as possible

Initiating the concept through a raw sketch

Butterflies

Excitement

Honesty and filling a human gap

Functionality

We should all be responsible for our societies and even the world. Avoid consumption and go travel to discover the need of the people especially the poor countries and try to initiate as least with the minimum

I can see the orientation to sustainable architecture

Qatar museums in Qatar, 2022

It comes from observations. Question mainly asking

I don't have a style, and I like it that way. I believe that a "Style" limits the creative soul. Every project is different than the other, this is due to the reason of design based on human physiology and need, every project is different than the other in terms of aesthetic and form.

Word of mouth

Don't limit the designer

I design based on human physiology and need, every project is different than the other in terms of aesthetic and form. I would love to design more of spaces for the poor people all around the world

Staircase
Staircase
Staircase
Staircase
Staircase

Wake up, coffee, jump to the laptop, dive into the tasks

“What is the essence of life without a meaningful mission”

Positive: You are able to deliver your messages and values through designing.
Negative: Controlling client

Dig into questions to know the exact need

Waring different hats

Sketch book, rhino and grasshopper

Having a proper deadlines

It depends on the complexity of the design and the tasks

Whay do you do what you do!

Qatar Museums
Amiri Diwan of Kuwait

Charity projects because it is selfless and kind

A library for blind people in Jordan and a mosque in Tanzania, Africa

The Concept design by myself, project development and handover with my team

A mosque in Tnazania, Africa, we are in the designing phase

Email: mai@para-llel.com
Contact Number: +96597879031
Instagram: @mb8s_

No, Thank you.