DSA Architects International have been shortlisted in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023. Read more about Design Principal, Maher Fleifel below:

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Name: Maher Fleifel

Company: DSA Architects International

Position within company: Design Principal

Website: www.dsa-arch.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

With a Masters Degree in Architecture, I had the opportunity to start my carrier with a bespoke architect, who is behind the most unique and avant-gardist architecture of his times. Working with him I started forming my design ethos. 

My carrier took a path focusing on hospitality projects which form a complex interface between the luxury aspect and the back support. The planning complexity and the focus on design evolved together to meet in one fluent design process, with adaptation to the current trends and market needs. 

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Purity in the design, reflecting honest materials combined elegantly, a fine-tuned interface, result in a timeless architecture. Architecture and interior are one. In my view, a successful design is the one that would provide a flowing experience that follows the journey from outside, through the inside and back out. It’s a five-dimensional experience, encompassing the five senses, through the three-dimensional experiences, adding along the time and the most importantly the emotions. 

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Materials are inspiring, mostly when appreciated in their environment. The way the different materials can age, and the result of time applied to them has been a big inspiration. A timeless design is the one that ages well, and gain value with time. Usually, a good selection of material is the one extracted from its environment, blending easily into the scene, and holding well to the elements. This is also a sustainable approach that our ancestors were following. 

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

In a good way, the environmental challenges are leading designers to look harder towards a design that requires the least resources to build, but also to operate and maintain. Albeit the globalisation factors in terms of exposure and influence to trends and taste, there’s a great realisation of value in the genuine designs that react and fit naturally within their environment. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

1- “Emotions”: create memorable emotions 

2- “Environment”: a natural environment promotes positive emotions.

3- “Resources and Materials”: use those that blend within their environment and that are generated from it. 

4- “Operation and maintenance”: will naturally and easily flow with the minimal resources and good material selection.

5- “Ageing”: aim to see the design ageing gracefully 

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

Tell a story through the journey, a story that is pleasant to hear and tell, again and again… 

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Apart from the recognition of talent and achievement, the International Hotel & Property Awards are an important forum to stimulate and display design excellence. They raise the standards higher every year. 

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently developing the project that reflects the maturity of all the previous projects and experiences, knowing that it’ll only be the new benchmark for the next project of my carrier. 

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Every project has a passionate story, that is how I remember my projects. 

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Teamwork makes a successful design. products and services are only tools, but an excellent team can make an excellent design with any tool available. 

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To complete the next excellent design. 

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

A watch my father received from his father, and still ticking. 

Your favourite holiday destination?

Exploring nature, mountain, beach or snow… 

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Keep changing depending on how they are experienced, the company and the mood. 

Your favourite food and drink?

A good ambiance makes food and drinks taste good. 

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

In my garden, around the fire pit. 

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I would be nothing; I can’t really think of anything other than a designer… 

DSA Architects International

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design et al only work with the world’s leading design companies working in the Hospitality design industry.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Hotel & Property Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

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