Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah ("IMJ") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

IMJ : I have obtained BA in architecture form the university of Oklahoma back in 1988. Upon graduation I have worked in the State of Qatar Ministry of Urban Planning where I headed architecture department before acquiring AEB in 1991.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

IMJ : I have always been a curious individual, wanting to know how things work and how they are made. My childhood curiosity and keen interest in arts were the main reason I decided to pursue design education and profession.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

IMJ : The decision of becoming an architect was solely my choice.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

IMJ : We design many things; residential, urban planning; hospitality; retail…etc. We do a lot of cooperate buildings and hospitality. We would like to be designing more hotels.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

IMJ : They should work hard, be loyal to what they do and have a vision of what they want to accomplish.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

IMJ : A good designer is one who succeeds in producing few good examples; while a great designer creates an impact even beyond their living time.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

IMJ : A good design blends into its environment and reflects its purpose.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

IMJ : As an investment, a good design is functional and aesthetically appealing that is what makes it hold on to its value throughout the years.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

IMJ : I would design an ecofriendly touristic project in the desert.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

IMJ : A house for myself in the desert oasis.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

IMJ : The design has to go beyond the aesthetics. It should be properly engineered and properly built.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

IMJ : The traditional masons who built our older buildings; from the west, Philip Jonson and Michael Graves.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

IMJ : I am fascinated by older religious buildings; mosques and churches like the Duomo. I like about them how creative these people were to build things in big scale that impacts the visitor regardless of their belief.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

IMJ : My favorite is Al Shaqab. I think what makes special is its scale and proportion and the impact it had on that style of architecture in our country (as it was printed on the 100 Qatari Riyal bill).

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

IMJ : You have to listen to other people’s opinion and learn from others. Widen your vision and do not become arrogant.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

IMJ : I would have been a photographer for National Geographic traveling the jungles and the deserts.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

IMJ : Design is to create an object that serves a function that will sometimes go beyond obvious use.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

IMJ : My mother was my greatest support.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

IMJ : I wouldn’t claim that I am a great designer. I would like history judge that. But what helped me to become a successful designer is my great team and wonderful clients who trusted me with their buildings.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

IMJ : The greatest challenge is to find the opportunity.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

IMJ : You should always show your passion towards it.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

IMJ : An important stadium that would reflect the local identity in a contemporary way.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

IMJ : To make an impact for the generation to come.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

IMJ : They expect me to impress and exceed their expectations.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

IMJ : A design should never ignore the culture and the behavior of the people. By respecting that, you achieve the hidden purpose of a building. You give people a sense of belonging.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

IMJ : An important stadium for Fifa World Cup 2022, that would reflect the local identity in a contemporary way.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

IMJ : The themed hospitality projects because it allows you the chance to understand and reflect a culture.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

IMJ : I would like to see more response to the people and their environment and the culture and less imposed structures.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

IMJ : I see it going towards more eco-friendly and sustainability oriented structures; or at least I hope so.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

IMJ : It depends on its complexity.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

IMJ : The first step would be brainstorming session with my team.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

IMJ : It is important to keep in mind that your designs affect others and their lives.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

IMJ : This is the difference between lead designers and those who follow. The designs of the leading designers set the trends, of course.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

IMJ : We live in the 21st century; the design software programs are the backbone of the work of any company.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

IMJ : In architecture we rely a lot on computer generated images to convey our ides, so photoshop and 5Dmax are important. In order to realize our ideas we rely on Revit and BIM.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

IMJ : Colors, materials and ambient reflect moods; therefore, they are extremely important in building establishing the feeling you want the people to get inside the building.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

IMJ : I don’t think I want them to ask more than what they already ask which is: “what inspired you?”

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

IMJ : I always think of the designer which produced it and how creative he is.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

IMJ : I very much believe in it. I have wonderful architects working with me. I was also honored to work with internationally recognized architects and companies like Arata Isozaki.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

IMJ : Few of my clients have influenced my perception and design.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

IMJ : I, generally, feel that it’s good to be inspired by a diverse source like architectural magazines more than books that are unifocal.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

IMJ : Through practice.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

IMJ : I believe Leonardo Da Vinci.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

IMJ : It’s humbling. These awards make want to work harder. It makes you feel responsible towards the society.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

IMJ : My favorite color is blue; place is the sea in Marbella; season is the spring season, object is pens; and brand is Mont Blanc.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

IMJ : I could write a book about the funny encounters that happens with client, co-workers and on site.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

IMJ : A great day is a day when you get a new commission or win an award. I motivate myself with positive thinking.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

IMJ : I had the dream to do so; but I can’t really tell if it was obvious or not to others.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

IMJ : It will be an interesting era for design where you design building to be used in outer space.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

IMJ : Be inspired. You have to believe that you can get there.