Shewekar
Shewekar Design Studio has been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Founder and Lead Designer Shewekar Elgharably below:
Name: Shewekar Elgharably
Company: Shewekar
Position within company: Founder and Lead Designer
Website: www.shewekar.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
After concluding my BA in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo, I wanted to pursue my true passion; architecture and design. I was living in Miami at the time and decided to study for my second BA in Interior Design from Miami International University of Art and Design, Florida. Upon returning to Egypt in 2002 with renewed inspiration and vigour, I established my own studio to transform what I had learned into experiential work in residential and commercial projects. In 2017 I expanded to furniture design and launched Shewekar, my signature luxury furniture line and showroom in Cairo and online.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Eclectic, multi-layering of contemporary and vintage, and mixing geometric lines with organic forms, to curate unique experiences in the spaces I design. I also have a vivid love for craftsmanship and intricate, delicate designs, which I always try to incorporate in any of my pieces or projects.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from my passion for everything that surrounds me; nature, heritage, history, culture and art, whether it is inside Egypt or during my travels.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel design both globally and locally is moving towards more inclusion, bolder designs, integration of statement pieces/ installations, thinking outside the box, and creating experiential spaces.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
Sustainability, design for health and wellness, collaborations, integrating local with global, and timeless lasting designs.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Researching and thinking about how to ensure that your design is timeless, meaning it is beautiful and cohesive today but will still remain unique and relevant for years to come.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is always important to get your work critiqued by industry leaders and to connect with other designers around the world. It is also important to aspire to have your work included in top awards such as The International Design & Architecture Awards (one of the oldest out there and with a unique voting process) so one would always aim to learn, grow and improve.
What projects are you currently working on?
One of the key projects we are currently working on is a leading local F&B enterprise where we are completely renovating their design across all their café branches, with a unique twist for their flagship store. Other projects include a total renovation for a major hotel in the resort town of Sharm Elsheikh by the Red Sea, as well as multiple residential projects in Cairo, the North Coast and Athens, Greece.
In terms of furniture design, we are working on expanding internationally and on launching two new collections.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
One of my favourite projects I worked on was a residential apartment for a newly-wed couple in the Four Seasons Residence in the heart of Cairo. The whole studio here loved working on this project because the owners were open to fresh ideas and had a genuine passion for art and collectables. Work on this project seemed to flow seamlessly and the final product was lovely, unique and heartfelt.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
The most challenging by far was a project of two chalets on the North Coast where we designed, implemented and furnished both units within 3 months.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
It is as basic as tracing paper. Everything else comes and goes.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Expanding our furniture line globally. On the personal/ professional level, I am also seeking new inspirations so this year I would like to attend an amazing course in Islamic patterns given by Adam Williamson in Morocco.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My art that I have collected over the years.
Your favourite holiday destination? Sailing in the Mediterranean.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Viceroy Hotels by Kelly Wearstler, Coya in London, Hemingway in Barcelona.
Your favourite book, film & song? Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, March of the Penguins, and all Abba songs.
Your favourite food and drink? Seafood and any green juice.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Meeting up with people I love and just laugh
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I truly believe in enjoying a holistic lifestyle, which is one of the reasons I became a certified nutritionist and health coach. I also love to cook and to host friends and family. Both these passions lead me to co-author a healthy Middle Eastern cookbook with my sister, title “Bilhana” (which means Bon Apetit in Arabic).
Shewekar Design Studio has been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.
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