Interviewe mat Fahad Alhumaidi

I’ve spent years working across architecture, interior design, and creative direction, mainly focusing on residential, hospitality, and lifestyle-oriented projects. Through Fikrr Architects, I’ve worked on projects that explore the relationship between architecture, atmosphere, landscape, and everyday living, always aiming to create spaces that feel timeless and emotionally connected to their environment.

I became a designer through a natural passion for architecture, creativity, and observing spaces from an early age. I was always interested in how environments, proportions, light, and materials could influence the way people feel and experience everyday life.

My priorities in design are creating spaces that feel timeless, functional, emotionally connected, and naturally integrated with their environment. I focus a lot on atmosphere, proportions, natural light, materiality, and how people will experience the space in everyday life.

Designing is a mix of excitement, curiosity, and responsibility for me. I enjoy the process of transforming an idea into a real experience that people will live in and emotionally connect with.

Growing up in Kuwait had a strong influence on me, especially observing how traditional architecture responded intelligently to climate, privacy, light, and social living using simple materials and thoughtful spatial planning. That taught me to appreciate design beyond aesthetics alone.

My growth path has been built through continuous learning, hands-on experience, observation, and gradually refining my own design philosophy over time. Every project, travel experience, collaboration, and challenge helped shape the way I think about architecture and design today.

My advice to young designers is to stay curious, patient, and constantly observant. Don’t focus only on trends or visuals learn to understand people, atmosphere, materials, light, and how spaces actually make people feel.

I would encourage designers, artists, and architects to stay authentic to their vision and focus on creating meaningful work rather than chasing trends or quick recognition. Success in design comes from consistency, patience, curiosity, and continuously refining your craft over time.

My day usually moves between design development, meetings, site discussions, reviewing materials, and refining details across different projects.

I stay aware of design trends through travel, architecture publications, hospitality experiences, photography, and observing how people’s lifestyles and needs evolve over time. I think it’s important for designers to understand what’s happening in the industry and culture around them.

I believe a product or project is well designed when it feels natural, functional, timeless, and emotionally engaging at the same time. Good design solves problems clearly while also creating comfort, atmosphere, and a strong connection with the user.

I usually know a design is ready when everything feels balanced and natural

One of the most meaningful and important projects in my career has been Zen Villa by Fikrr Architects because it reflects many of the design principles I strongly believe in.

It’s difficult to choose only one, but I’ve always been deeply inspired by Tadao Ando because of the way he uses light, simplicity, concrete, and atmosphere to create emotional experiences through architecture.

Growing up in Kuwait also shaped my perspective, especially the values of privacy, hospitality, and climate-responsive living that are deeply rooted in the region’s architecture and culture. At the same time, traveling and experiencing different cities and lifestyles around the world expanded my understanding of atmosphere, simplicity, and timeless design.

My work culture is built around collaboration, attention to detail, and creating meaningful design with a long-term perspective.

I believe one of the most important contributions a designer can make is creating spaces that positively improve people’s daily lives and contribute to the quality of the built environment around them.

One of the most positive aspects of participating in the A' Design Award & Competition was the opportunity to connect with an international design community and see how different cultures and disciplines approach creativity and innovation.

I’m an architect and designer with a strong focus on hospitality, residential, and lifestyle-driven spaces. My background combines architecture, interior design, and visual storytelling, which has shaped the way I approach projects today. Over the years, I’ve worked on a range of projects through Fikrr Architects, with a particular interest in creating spaces that feel timeless, climate-responsive, and connected to their surroundings.

What motivates me most about design is the ability to shape how people feel within a space. I’ve always believed that architecture and design are not only about aesthetics, but about creating atmosphere, comfort, memory, and emotion.

I chose to become a designer because I was genuinely passionate about architecture, spaces, and creativity from an early age. It was always something I naturally connected with, not something I was forced into.

I mainly design residential, hospitality, and lifestyle-focused projects, ranging from villas and beach houses to salons and interior spaces. I enjoy projects that combine architecture, interiors, landscape, and atmosphere into one experience.

Young designers should stay curious, observe the world carefully, and focus on understanding people, not only aesthetics. Good design comes from experience, travel, culture, mistakes, and constantly refining your eye over time.

A good designer can create something visually appealing and functional. A great designer goes beyond that they create spaces or designs that make people feel something emotionally and naturally connect with their environment, purpose, and users.

A really good design feels natural, timeless, and effortless. It solves problems clearly while also creating emotion, comfort, and a strong connection between people and the space or object.

Good design improves the quality of everyday life. It affects how people feel, move, work, rest, and experience their surroundings. Beyond aesthetics, good design creates comfort, efficiency, identity, and long-term value.

If I had unlimited time, I would love to design meaningful hospitality and cultural projects places like retreat resorts, seaside villas, boutique hotels, and public spaces that people emotionally connect with and remember for years.

One of my dream projects would be designing a destination retreat or boutique resort that fully integrates architecture, landscape, wellness, and hospitality into one timeless experience. I’m especially interested in creating something located near the sea or within nature, where the design responds quietly and naturally to the environment, climate, and lifestyle.

I think the secret ingredient is observation and consistency. I pay close attention to how people live, move, feel, and interact with spaces, while continuously refining details over time.

I’m inspired by designers and architects who created timeless work with a strong sense of atmosphere and simplicity. Architects like Tadao Ando, Peter Zumthor, and John Pawson have influenced the way I think about light, materiality, and emotion in architecture.

I’m drawn to designs that feel timeless, calm, and emotionally powerful rather than overly complicated. One project I deeply admire is the Church of the Light by Tadao Ando because of how simple materials and natural light create such a strong emotional atmosphere.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Zen Villa by Fikrr Architects because it represents many of the values I believe in as a designer simplicity, atmosphere, connection to climate, and timeless living.

I think becoming a better designer starts with learning how to observe the world carefully. Travel, photography, culture, nature, and everyday life all teach you something about proportions, atmosphere, materials, and human behavior.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I think I would have pursued something connected to visual storytelling, travel, or aviation. I’ve always been passionate about photography, atmosphere, movement, and how experiences are created, so I would probably still end up in a creative field in one way or another.

For me, design is the balance between function, emotion, and experience. It’s not only about how something looks, but how it feels, works, and connects with people over time.

My biggest support has always been the people who believed in my vision from the beginning especially my family, close friends, and the team around me. Their trust and encouragement gave me the confidence to keep growing and pushing forward creatively.

What helped me most was staying curious and constantly observing the world around me. Travel, real-life experiences, architecture, photography, nature, and even aviation all influenced the way I understand atmosphere, proportions, movement, and detail.

Like most designers, one of the biggest challenges was learning how to stay patient and trust the process. In the beginning, it takes time for people to fully understand your vision and design language, especially when you’re trying to create something timeless rather than simply following trends.

Designers should present their work in a clear, honest, and emotional way. A presentation shouldn’t only show the final visuals, but also communicate the story, atmosphere, intention, and experience behind the design.

I’m continuing to focus on projects that combine architecture, interiors, landscape, and lifestyle into one complete experience. In the future, you can expect more work that explores calm, timeless spaces with a strong connection to nature, climate, and atmosphere.

My ultimate goal as a designer is to create timeless spaces that people emotionally connect with and remember for years.

I think people expect honesty, vision, and consistency. Beyond creating beautiful designs, they expect a designer to understand their lifestyle, emotions, and needs while delivering something thoughtful and lasting.

Design helps create a better society by improving the way people live, interact, and experience their surroundings every day. Thoughtful design can make spaces more comfortable, functional, sustainable, and emotionally positive for people and communities.

I’m currently focused on projects that explore the relationship between architecture, landscape, and atmosphere in a more refined and timeless way.

Residential and hospitality projects are often the most rewarding for me because they allow for a deeper emotional connection and attention to detail. Seeing people truly enjoy and emotionally connect with a space after it’s built is one of the most satisfying parts of being a designer.

I would like to see the design industry move more toward timeless, human-centered, and environmentally responsive design instead of constantly chasing short-term trends and visual attention.

I think the design field is moving toward more meaningful, experience-driven, and environmentally conscious spaces. People are becoming more interested in simplicity, wellness, natural materials, and spaces that create emotional comfort rather than just visual impact.

It really depends on the scale and complexity of the project. Some projects can take a few weeks to develop conceptually, while larger architectural projects may take several months from concept to finalized design.

I usually start by understanding the site, the lifestyle of the client, and the feeling the project should create. I like to study the context, climate, light, movement, and how people will experience the space emotionally and functionally.

My motto as a designer is to create spaces that feel timeless, natural, and emotionally connected to people and their environment.

Technology plays an important role in helping visualize, refine, and communicate ideas more efficiently throughout the design process. It allows us to study proportions, lighting, materials, and spatial experiences with much greater precision before a project is built.

I use a combination of architectural modeling, visualization, and graphic presentation tools throughout the design process. Programs like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3ds Max are important for developing and visualizing projects, while rendering tools help communicate atmosphere, lighting, and materials realistically.

Color, materials, and atmosphere are some of the most important elements in design because they shape how people emotionally experience a space. They influence mood, comfort, warmth, calmness, and even the perception of scale and light.

I wish people would ask more about how a space feels rather than only how it looks. For me, the emotional experience, atmosphere, light, proportions, and connection to lifestyle are the most important parts of design.

When I see a great design or product, I immediately start thinking about the thought process behind it why certain decisions were made, how the proportions, materials, and details were resolved, and how it makes people feel.

My ideal design partner is someone who shares the same passion for quality, simplicity, and thoughtful design while also bringing a different perspective and expertise to the process. I value collaboration with people who understand both the creative and human side of design.

Many people influenced my design perspective in different ways, from mentors and collaborators to clients and craftsmen I worked with over the years. I’ve learned a lot from people who deeply understand materials, construction, detail, and the emotional side of spaces.

Books focused on architecture, minimalism, atmosphere, and spatial experience had the biggest impact on me. I’ve always been drawn to works that explore light, materials, proportions, and the emotional side of architecture rather than only technical aspects.

I developed my skills through a combination of continuous observation, hands-on experience, and constantly refining my eye over time. Every project, mistake, travel experience, and real space I encountered taught me something valuable about proportion, atmosphere, materials, and human experience.

I would love to sit and speak with people like Tadao Ando, Luis Barragán, and Zaha Hadid because each of them transformed architecture in completely different ways while staying true to their own vision and identity.

I’m grateful for the recognition and appreciation because it reflects the impact the work has on people and the industry. Awards and recognition are encouraging, but for me they were never the main goal.

My favorite colors are natural and timeless tones earthy neutrals, warm whites, deep blacks, and muted materials inspired by nature and architecture.

One funny thing I’ve learned as a designer is that sometimes the smallest detail in a project ends up becoming the biggest discussion on-site. You can spend months developing an entire architectural concept, and then suddenly everyone is intensely debating the exact position of one light fixture or a few centimeters in a material joint.

What makes my day great is seeing an idea slowly become reality

At the time, I may not have fully realized it would lead me into design and architecture professionally, but the curiosity and passion for creating meaningful spaces was definitely there from the beginning.

I think the future will become much more connected through technology, AI, and innovation, but at the same time people will continue searching for more human, emotional, and meaningful experiences. No matter how advanced the world becomes, I believe people will always value nature, culture, beauty, and spaces that make them feel calm and connected.

I would want people to know that my approach to design has always been deeply personal and driven by emotion, atmosphere, and timelessness rather than trends. I believe the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel natural, calm, and quietly connected to the people who experience them.

Since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated with constructing things. Playing around with woodworking and designing with LEGO sparked my passion for building and design. These early experiences made me fall in love with creating structures and ultimately led me to pursue a career in architecture and design.

Here's the revised version with the inclusion of farmhouses and horse stables:

FIKRR Architects was founded in 2009, starting with small-scale projects such as fountains, kiosks, and other minor designs. Over time, we have grown and expanded our portfolio to include designing beach houses, commercial buildings, office interiors, farmhouses, and horse stables. Our journey from small objects to large-scale projects showcases our commitment to quality and innovation in architecture and design.

For me, design is fluid and ever-changing. Nothing is fixed; everything can be transformed and adapted. Design is about embracing flexibility and innovation to create solutions that evolve with time and context.

I think I enjoy designing residential projects the most. There's something incredibly rewarding about creating homes where people can live, relax, and make memories. Residential projects allow me to blend creativity with functionality to craft spaces that truly enhance people's lives.

I don't have one particular favorite design. I have genuinely enjoyed every project I've been involved with. Each design has its unique challenges and rewards, and I find fulfillment in the creative process and the outcome of every project I undertake.

The first thing I designed for a company was a small fountain with a water feature. Although it was a modest project, it exposed me to the complexities of dealing with electrical and plumbing work. This experience was invaluable, as it taught me the importance of integrating various technical aspects into the design process.

My favorite materials to work with are wood and concrete. I appreciate the natural beauty and versatility of wood, as well as the strength and modern aesthetic that concrete offers. Both materials allow for a wide range of creative possibilities in my designs.

I feel the most creative when I'm providing design solutions to overcome issues related to structure or mechanical design. These challenges push me to think outside the box and innovate, which is both stimulating and rewarding.

When designing, I focus on integrating the design with nature as much as possible. I strive to create harmony between the built environment and the natural surroundings, and I prioritize incorporating extensive landscaping to enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.

When I design, I experience a mix of emotions, primarily feeling challenged and creative. Overcoming design obstacles and finding innovative solutions fuels my passion and drives my creativity.

When my designs are realized, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Seeing my vision come to life and knowing that my work will have a lasting impact.

A design is successful when both the architect and the client are happy.

When judging a design as good or bad, I first consider the simplicity of the design, how well it adapts to its location, and its impact on energy saving. A successful design should be elegant in its simplicity, contextually appropriate, and environmentally sustainable.

From my point of view, a designer has the responsibility to educate clients on how design choices impact society and the environment. This includes explaining how the location of windows and the selection of materials can significantly affect energy efficiency and sustainability.

I think the design field is evolving towards greater integration with nature and a stronger focus on sustainability.

I haven't exhibited my work yet.

Exploring the internet, reading books, and keeping up with the latest articles in design.

I would describe my design style as centered on simplicity.

Memory updated

Here's a refined version of your response:

I live in Kuwait, and I believe the cultural heritage of my country significantly influences my designs. Kuwait's old houses were built in a very smart way, adapting to the environmental challenges of the time without electricity. They utilized locally available materials, such as mud for walls and palms for roofing systems. This traditional approach to construction, which emphasized sustainability and environmental adaptation, inspires me to incorporate similar principles in my modern designs.

I work with companies by closely communicating with them to understand their needs and providing design solutions.

My suggestion to companies for working with a designer is to ensure that their values align with those of the designer. When the company's values and the designer's values match, it creates a strong foundation for successful collaboration.

My design process begins with understanding the client's needs and vision. I start by conducting thorough research and gathering information about the project, including the site's context, environmental factors, and the client's specific requirements.

Fireplace, Bookshelves, Coffee Table, Lounge chairs, Paintings

A typical day in my life involves a balance of work, family time, and exercise.

My advice is to explore as much as possible. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different styles, materials, and techniques.

Positives: Creativity, Problem-Solving, Variety of Work, Impact.

Design should enhance its surroundings, meet the needs of the clients, and contribute positively to the environment.

Designers must be able to identify challenges and find practical, aesthetically pleasing solutions.

I rely on a variety of tools and resources to bring my concepts to life. SketchUp is a great tool for initial designing and testing ideas, while AutoCAD is essential for translating those designs into detailed technical drawings that can be used in construction. Recently, I have been using Lumion to create high-quality renderings and visualizations that showcase the designs beautifully.

Designing can indeed be a time-consuming task, and managing time effectively is crucial. I ensure commitment to deadlines by setting clear, realistic goals and breaking down the design process into manageable tasks.

The time it takes to design an object can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Sometimes, it can be completed in a matter of hours if the design is straightforward and the requirements are clear. Other times, it may take several days or even longer, especially for more intricate designs that require detailed planning, and research.

As a designer, the most frequently asked questions from clients typically revolve around the price and timeline of a project.

One of my most important job experiences was construction supervision. This role allowed me to oversee the implementation of my designs, ensuring that every detail was executed according to the plans.

Most of my clients are private individuals

I enjoy designing residential villas the most. There is something uniquely satisfying about creating homes that provide comfort and shelter.

My future plans involve expanding my work to include real estate development.

It depends on the project. Some designs I develop myself, while others are a collaborative effort with my team.

Yes, I'm currently working on a waterfront villa projects that I'm particularly excited about.

Through website or email

Thank you

Our goal was to make the space work harder than its size suggests. Every element was designed to serve multiple functions, creating a café experience that feels open, dynamic, and comfortable despite the limited footprint.

The material palette was inspired by the balance between warmth and sophistication. Oak wood in a herringbone pattern adds texture, craftsmanship, and a sense of timelessness, while the brass dividers introduce a refined contemporary accent.Together, these materials reflect GRND Coffee Cafe's identity modern, welcoming, and detail-oriented—creating a memorable space that feels both elegant and comfortable.

The existing building's walls were structurally weak and unable to support additional loads, which led us to develop an independent steel structure. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, we used it as an opportunity to create a flexible architectural framework that defines the space without relying on the original structure.This approach reflects our philosophy toward adaptive reuse respecting the existing building while introducing contemporary interventions that enhance functionality, longevity, and spatial character. The steel structure became both a technical solution and a key design feature that contributes to the café's identity.

The client's journey played an important role in shaping the design. We wanted the coffee-making process and equipment to become part of the customer experience, celebrating the passion and dedication behind the brand.By exposing the coffee machines and preparation area, we transformed the café into a space that tells the story of its evolution from a simple French press to a professional specialty coffee destination while creating transparency, authenticity, and a stronger connection between the baristas and customers.

The material selection was guided by the desire to create a space that feels both authentic and refined. Industrial elements, such as the exposed steel structure, express the building's honesty and functionality, while marble and polished brass introduce warmth, elegance, and a sense of craftsmanship.The contrast between these materials creates a balanced atmosphere that reflects GRND Coffee Cafe's identity simple, contemporary, and premium without being overly formal.

In a compact space, materials and patterns play an important role in creating visual depth. The terrazzo flooring was chosen for its durability and timeless character, while the brass spacers establish a subtle geometric rhythm that complements the brass details throughout the café.The wooden walls add warmth and texture, creating a balanced contrast with the terrazzo. Together, these elements guide movement through the space and make the interior feel richer and more spacious without overwhelming its scale.

With a three-month timeline, the most critical decision was to establish a clear design direction from the outset and focus on materials and construction methods that could be executed efficiently without compromising quality.We prioritized early coordination with contractors and suppliers, simplified details where possible, and concentrated on a few strong design elements such as the independent steel structure, material palette, and open coffee bar. This approach allowed us to maintain the original design vision while delivering the project on schedule.

In a 30-square-meter café, every square meter must serve a purpose. Our strategy was to maximize functionality through a flexible layout, integrated seating, and efficient circulation while keeping the design visually clean and uncluttered.By carefully selecting materials, using a cohesive palette, and emphasizing a few key architectural elements, we created a space that feels larger than its actual size. The result is an environment that is both highly efficient and aesthetically refined, providing a comfortable experience for customers without compromising the design vision.

The clients' passion for coffee culture was instrumental in shaping the café's functionality. Their hands-on experience helped us understand the workflow, equipment requirements, and customer interaction points that are essential to a specialty coffee environment.This collaboration led to an open and efficient layout where the coffee-making process becomes part of the customer experience. By combining their operational knowledge with our design approach, we created a space that is both highly functional and reflective of the brand's story and values.

Receiving international recognition through the Silver A' Design Award reinforced our belief that small spaces can have a strong architectural impact when every design decision is intentional.The project encouraged us to continue exploring how flexibility, materiality, and clear spatial organization can transform compact retail environments into memorable experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on creating efficient, human-centered spaces that deliver both functional value and a strong sense of identity, regardless of their size.