Rqitects Archives - identity

Winner’s Panel with IF Hub

Aneesha Rai — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:00:40 +0000

Does storytelling inform curation or the other way around? identity gathered for a conversation on ‘The Art of Design – Curation and Storytelling’ at IF Hub with some winners of the identity Design Awards on how architects and interior designers carefully select, layer, and harmonise materials, furnishings, and design elements to craft spaces that are both functional and narratively compelling.

On the panel, we had with us:

Sejal Patel, Design Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants

Kerem Cengiz, Managing Director – MENA at LWK + PARTNERS

Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Rqitects

Peter Caruso, Architect at Augusta

Watch the video here:

The post Winner’s Panel with IF Hub appeared first on identity.

Read ‘The Power Issue’ – Note from the editor

Aneesha Rai — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 07:29:21 +0000

When I set out to curate the id50 this year for our milestone 250^th issue, my goal was not to merely shine a spotlight on the most influential figures in the A+D industry but to delve into the philosophies that drive them. In speaking with these accomplished individuals whose work has already garnered widespread acclaim, I was interested in their past accolades, but more curious about their aspirations. What dream projects still spark their imagination? What challenges would they embrace if given the chance to shape their ideal vision?

This inquiry was driven by a dual purpose. First, I wanted identity to play its role in celebrating the incredible talent thriving in this region. Second, I wanted to highlight the foresight it takes to be a designer in today’s ever-evolving world. By capturing these dreams on paper, I hope they might resonate with the right entities who could help bring them to life. After all, designers aren’t just shaping spaces; they’re shaping societies, responding to the complexities of our time with ideas that are as thoughtful as they are transformative.

In this context, ‘power’ takes on a different meaning. It’s not about dominance or individual gain, which so often accompany the word, but about the ability to serve communities and create meaningful, enduring connections. This issue is special for this reason as well. On our website throughout this month, you’ll find candid conversations with the individuals on this year’s id50 list – leaders who are not only creative powerhouses but also mentors and role models for the next generation of design professionals. These insights reveal what drives them, what challenges them and what keeps their passion alive.

Beyond the id50, this issue also brings you a curated selection of great projects, from a stunning Palm Jumeirah home to a characterful apartment in Beirut. We also dive into the growing trend of nostalgia in design and explore luxury design as a focus.

In a world overwhelmed with information, perhaps this issue can help make sense of it all – offering you a curated look at the people, ideas and projects that truly matter. Together, we celebrate those that dare to dream.

Read our February 2025 issue here.

On the cover: Citadel of Cairo: Seat of Design Power for Gemma Ceramics designed by Dar Arafa Architecture as part of Cairo Design Week. Photo Credit: Nour El Refai

The post Read ‘The Power Issue’ – Note from the editor appeared first on identity.

‘Lights Out’ episode two: Crafting the future

Aneesha Rai — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:46:35 +0000

What does heritage mean to you?

In the latest episode of Lights Out, presented in collaboration with Casa Mia and Ghidini1961, identity delved into the concept of balancing heritage and contemporary design with a diverse panel of experts.

We spoke with Giuseppe, Sejal Patel, Design Director at Kristina Zanic Consultants, Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Rqitects, and Lamya Elshohdy, Senior Interior Designer at Swiss Bureau Interior Design (SBID) on exploring craftsmanship in design, recent projects, collectible versus custom design, and how sometimes resorting to industry-old methods can help inspire future generations.

Held at the Halm Collective, an industry networking event and tour of the Ghidini1961 collection along with rugs and products by the Fatma Bint Mubarak Initiative (FBMI) followed the panel.

Watch the video below

Have a look at episode 1 here.

The post ‘Lights Out’ episode two: Crafting the future appeared first on identity.

identity presents ‘Lights Out’

Aneesha Rai — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:32:28 +0000

In collaboration with Huda Lighting, identity brought together a panel of experts to discuss luxury residential design, exploring the latest trends, innovations, and challenges facing designers in this sector and lighting up these spaces as part of their new series ‘Lights Out’.

“Lights Out” is a new video series and panel discussion hosted at sunset, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere to encourage conversations to permeate and percolate and bring out a sense of conviviality. Set in an intimate setting, the panellists discussed the transformative power of lighting in luxury residential spaces, trends in lighting and the power of automation.

Meet the Panellists

The panel featured Mihir Sanganee , Co-Founder & Creative Director of Designsmith, Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of R.Qitects, and Giulia Quaglia, Senior Interior Designer at XBD Collective; joined by Yeghya Mardirossian , Division Head of retail and key projects at Huda Lighting.

Some of the key themes discussed included the evolving trends and challenges in luxury residential design, including the integration of smart technology, sustainability, and the critical role of lighting in enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

View the video below

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