Nadine Mustafa The fields of design and architectural work are dynamic; trends change, technology develops, and difficulties arise. The renowned house of Dar Designs is a group of innovators and torchbearers whose work is creative, perceptive, and motivational.
They left their imprint on the map of excellence thanks to the qualities they incorporate into their projects, such as the sensory experiences they offer, the flair, color, and layout, in addition to the scale of the projects, and the awards they have won.
Eng. Mohamed El Abagy and Eng. Ibrahim Gomaa, winners of the SBID International Design Award, Arabian Property Awards, and The Buzz Awards amongst many awards, are well known for their skillful fusion of architecture, interior design, and accurate implementation. Their use of fine materials, elegant color palettes, and powerful silhouettes are hallmarks of their design aesthetic. Many of the top design accolades for the nation have been given to their House of Dar on both a national and foreign scale. Founded in 2007, the firm offers a full range of design services, including architectural design, programming, master planning, and residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality spaces.
In the most elegant mockup of their project, we sat, had tea, and listened to Eng. Mohamed El Abagy’s magnificent journey towards building the haute couture house of interior design.
What does Dar Designs strive to represent?
We strive to capture the essence of our client’s personalities and reflect them in the design. Like a storytelling process where each design holds a unique fingerprint to it that belongs to its owner. It goes down to more than just sketching and designing, it is a sincere process that takes us on a mission to fulfill the vision our clients have for their homes or creative spaces. We have to be attentive to every detail to surpass what they have in mind.
Have you always envisioned yourself in this field?
To a certain extent. Ever since I was a child, I had a passion for all things creative, art, interiors, and styling. I recall traveling constantly with my parents when I was young, and being in awe of all the places I have been to. The ecstatic feeling of staying at a hotel, roaming around the magnificent hallways, and seeing the tiniest details embedded in the designs never got old. The sense of wonder has stuck with me, wanting to create such luxury where we reside and make it accessible and reachable was a dream turned reality.
My father could tell I would become an engineer due to my love of art and assemble of things like G.I. Joe figures. He gave me the motivation, commitment, and courage to pursue my creative ambitions and do what I love most. I grasped the truth that sometimes we are permitted to be more than what the outside world demands of us.
It is an incredibly competitive business; how do you make sure Dar Designs stand out from the rest?
Most companies bring their clients to the company and show them designs in images and videos only, I like to bring the senses to life. As you can tell, we aim at giving the client the utmost realistic vivid experience, that’s how you can tell is at this mockup of a real functional residence. The client’s perception might not always match the designers. Everybody has a variety of distinctive situations that influence how we all perceive and take in information. This makes it necessary to presume that you must show, rather than tell.
It is possible to better meet the requirements of the specific clients who will be future homeowners in this manner. This mock-up apartment has a slightly altered interior decor. It better suits young people because of its bolder, more modern style. It is obvious that this is the ideal haven for Harley enthusiasts. There is only one bedroom and an open space between the living area and kitchen.
For the construction company to know if they fulfilled customer expectations, a mockup apartment is crucial. This makes it feasible to forecast the success of future customer sales and visions.
There is also a significant point that sheds the light on Dar Designs, we are not an outsourcing company, Dar Designs has its implementation in-house team. We aim to be a regional and worldwide leader in our field, introducing breakthroughs and revelations while also motivating others to place a higher worth on design. We have a group of vibrant, energetic designers as well as architects. Our ethics go a long way and we have faith in every member of our team. That’s why we have “Make with Love All What I do” in the story about us written all over.
Can you walk me through the specific method for bringing a design to life?
A phone consultation is usually the first step in the interior design process, during which we speak with the client about the objectives and specifications of the project. This is an important step because it enables us to understand the client’s preferences regarding style, expenditure, and any functional requirements that must be met. We usually offer three packages to the client to reach the perfect vision they have in mind, followed by all the details needed to include in the plan.
Following the initial consultation, we will frequently produce a conceptual design, mood board, or brief outlining the project’s parameters and any particular design components that will be used. Inclusions here could be furniture arrangements, floor designs, and a range of materials and finishes.
We prefer to closely collaborate with the client as the project develops to make any required alterations to the design plan. This could entail alterations to the design, the choice of materials and embellishments, or the introduction of brand-new components. We supervise the installation of all components, including furnishings and decorative items, after the design is finished. This step is very important because it makes sure that everything is in the right location and working as it should.
It’s crucial to keep our clients in the loop about any changes or updates to the plan and to communicate openly with them at all times. Additionally, it’s imperative to stick to any legal or regulatory requirements, as well as the predetermined budget and timetable.
We have a solid grasp of aesthetic appeal and design concepts regarding these functional considerations. This includes a grasp of color psychology, proportion, symmetry, and how to use every single corner and space.
What was it like for Dar Designs in the early days? What kind of mentality did you have by then?
We had the power to say “NO”. I believe one has to put unparalleled standards for themselves when starting, you don’t have to go with everything, every trend, or everyone. Remember that by saying it, you are reserving your time and effort for the things that truly demand it. Additionally, saying “NO” enables you to focus your limited resources, especially your time, on business possibilities that align with your original objective. Once you develop the ability to say “NO,” you will be liberated from the weight that comes with turning down requests, ideas, and missed chances. You’ll begin to feel as though you have more time and focus to work on what is truly essential to you.
Do you think getting acquainted with the client helps you understand their needs more?
We can discuss our clients’ ideas, listen carefully to what they have to say, and comprehend their needs whenever we visit with them in person. In the beginning, effective communication is vital for satisfying their requirements and ensuring their contentment with the design. It takes a long time to portray our client’s personalities and needs in the design.
Do you have a favorite section of design?
I used to like modern style. It has a lot of clean edges, natural materials, and neutral or earthy tones, all of which are timeless design elements that I liked for their simplicity and unadorned nature. Now I like contemporary design best. To create calming and serene interiors, modern design is straightforward, full of sleek lines with a few texture details, and it uses an incredible color range which I like to infuse in the design. It all comes down to creating the perfect harmony and atmosphere that get the client to feel at home and comfortable all the time.
What do you advise anyone who wants to settle on a design for their future home?
You have to keep an open mind, look for ideas on Pinterest, and see what you like best so you can have somewhere to start.
How does Dar Designs ensure the ultimate satisfaction of its clients?
We are the customer’s closest ally! We like to get familiar with our client’s needs and talk to them profoundly to better understand their unique requirements as part of our working process. The design is then polished by DAR Designs, who oversee its execution to guarantee the finest outcomes.
