Nadine Mustafa Overnight accomplishment is unusual in the design business field. Most thriving and successful interior designers have worked significant hours with clients, expanded their product lines portfolio, and established their brands through ceaseless attempts and efforts. Building a platform in design demands hustle and a good deal of smart press coverage. Merging culture, history and modern designs, Mohamed Abou Samra is the mastermind and founder of Abou Samra Designs group. He built his firm right after graduating to be a useful extension to his family’s real estate business. He is arguably one of the most sought-after interior designers for those looking for the smartest, most-exclusive styles. We sat down with him to talk more about his journey and future projects.
You’ve created quite the career in such a short period. How did you start your journey, and what determined your passion for this field?
As soon as I graduated, I started my own business aside from my family’s. Although, later on, we joined forces and worked together. My passion and determination grew side by side over the years. It went from an aspiration to be creative and innovative in this field to real steps that apply these notions in my journey. I really enjoyed the thought of breathing new life into a room.
Aside from your studies and experience, how did you develop your philosophy in the profession?
My travels contributed to shaping my principles within this industry, as I learned from each country I visited new concepts and different takings on design. Slowly, I started establishing my own standpoint, what I wanted to fulfill and what I aimed to learn. To put it simply, my entire philosophy mainly aims to achieve the personal needs of every client so they are able to view their identity in the space around them.
What field of design are you most interested in?
Luckily, I’m doing what I love the most, which is interior design. Since the client spends most of their time in, it’s better to make it as comfortable and desirable as possible. The idea of creating a space to retreat and rejuvenate after a long exhausting day is incomparable – that’s why I pursued it.
What drives your design decisions? Can you share what inspires your designs?
If I choose a word, it’ll be individuality. My motivation in any project comes from the notion of oneness and uniqueness. I try as much as possible to achieve the best results while being different – different in visualizing, planning and executing. To make that happen, we create a specified questionnaire for every client to get to know their personalities, mood, what they need and truly desire. Then we take the data and build all the details upon it from head to toe. Anything aesthetically pleasing would inspire me; it could be a city, a building or even a texture.
Do you believe that aestheticism is more important than functionality or is it the other way around?
On the contrary, they both complete and complement each other. Both of these factors have a vital presence in any home or space, in general. A good interior designer should have the capability to harmonize between the two whenever possible. You should also be sure to keep an eye on applicants whose initial focus is aestheticism. No matter how the final alterations will look, it is necessary to prioritize the functionality of the results, as well.
Would you consider design to be art or science?
It is, without a doubt, a combination of both worlds. To come up with a design abstraction is an art. Accordingly, determining the themes, altitudes, floor plans, numbers and finance estimations is the science aspect of it. All in all, it’s the need to achieve the client’s satisfaction.
Do you have a signature mark on your projects?
I am always trying not to restrict myself with the usual, by pleasing the client and surpassing their expectations. Yet, I don’t look for leaving a noticeable move that determines my work. Instead, I like my work to speak for me and my imprint in this industry.
If you had limitless resources, what would you create?
We get numerous clients who offer such a thing and give endless resources. However, each is different, and that’s why my creations don’t depend entirely on the resources. We could use the finest highest materials as per our usual, like marble or mosaic, and we incorporate high-end brands for the perfect results.
What advice would you have for young architects who want to take up this profession?
To stand out in this field, you need to have passion, perseverance and discipline. It’s always good to study well, gain experience early-on and observe how this industry works.
Lastly, what do you see in the future of design?
Interior design is getting familiar and popular now more than ever. It’s becoming a necessity more than a luxury aspect. It will most probably be thriving from here on out, regardless of the current circumstances.
