Architectural space design is currently gaining traction in the Middle East. As we become more aware of how our environments affect our emotions and well-being, the spaces we inhabit and utilize are increasingly seen as fundamental to our daily lives. An architectural designer not only focuses on aesthetics but also on the functionality of spaces, blending science and art to create impeccable spaces tailored to individual tastes and preferences.
Khulood Bawa believes that architects and designers have never been more crucial. They understand the profound connection between individuals and their surroundings. A well-designed space can soothe, energize, inspire, and uplift its occupants, serving not just as a physical sanctuary but also as a psychological one.
Khulood Bawa, a young, dynamic, and exceptionally talented designer, recounts her journey from collaborating with renowned architects to establishing her own business. With degrees from the Indus School of Arts and Architecture and Kingston University in the UK, Bawa returned to her home country and worked at a prestigious architectural firm in Karachi. After three years, she ventured out to start her own studio, Bawa Design Studio, which flourished even during the solitude of the Covid years.
Architectural space design involves the art of utilizing and aesthetically enhancing spaces, regardless of their size. Interior architecture, a field that bridges interior design and pure architecture, often involves adaptive reuse and remodeling of existing buildings. This discipline merges art and science to create, restore, or adapt the interiors of buildings, homes, offices, or other spaces.
Bawa and her team recently completed a project in Dubai, transforming an old vintage car warehouse in Al Quoz into a virtual Mario game-inspired Go karting arena. This project, largely managed online with minimal on-site visits, highlighted the potential of technology in overcoming geographical challenges.
Bawa's high level of professionalism and artistic flair have made her one of the most sought-after architectural designers in both Pakistan and the UAE. Her experience in Dubai, a city known for its innovative and experimental design approach, was particularly enriching.
Irtiqa Hassan, another graduate of Indus School of Art and Architecture, has built a significant presence in the interior design and architecture industry. Her company, IHI, celebrates local craftsmanship and has expanded its reach internationally, with projects in South Asia and the UAE.
Architectural design primarily focuses on the form and structure of buildings, considering spatial layout and initial concept development, while interior design concentrates on the aesthetic and functional aspects of internal spaces. For Hassan, design is a language that connects deeply with the heart and soul, shaping lifestyles and environments.
Hassan leads a team of 70 skilled professionals, maintaining a strong dedication to her vision and design philosophy. Her work in Dubai, a multicultural city, allows her to engage with diverse clients, ranging from contemporary minimalistic to modern luxury aesthetics.
Hassan's artistic skills and aesthetic sensitivity are evident in her firm's logo, which she designed with clean geometry to symbolize endless possibilities.
