Shining a spotlight on the ID Awards 2023 shortlist: Jade Daniel

A conversation with Jade Daniel, Lead Designer + Founding Partner of Shell+Core

How long have you been working in the industry and what sectors (if any) do you specialize in?

About 6 years, mainly commercial spaces (fnb, retail, hospitality)

What are some of your key achievements from the past year? (both personal and professional)

Hiring new members and growing our team. The handing over of projects that we are really proud of. Becoming a mother.

What are some of the key learnings you received being part of the industry that you did not know before you joined?

Design is a form of self expression, which can be daunting when presenting ideas. Clients with a strong vision tend to be more difficult to please but result in projects that are very engaging and push you past your boundaries. Working with a good contractor is key, a final design is only as good as it’s finishing.

Any specific projects (completed) you would have liked to been part of?

To be honest, we are grateful for all our past and current projects. They have shaped us as a team, and have been pivotal  in forming our design narrative. Couldn’t really ask for more.

Who do you consider as a mentor in your career space?

The pea to my pod and founding partner, Ghalia. I believe our strength lies in how we collaborate, and our work is a result of a shared vision and our complimentary skills.

What branches of design would you like to explore next?

Design is endless. There is so much to explore, the difficulty lies in narrowing down what to do next. For the short term, perhaps doing some more full-scale architecture projects, and diving into more multi-disciplinary approaches to architecture and the user experience.

In two lines, what’s your take on the current design industry?

It’s an exciting time to be part of the design scene here, we feel the shift and appreciation for thoughtful design. The UAE’s design language is coming together with the help of everyone involved.