Mai Al Busairi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mai Al Busairi ("MAB") 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?

MAB : I am an architect, and I believe that the profession and expertise we are in could contribute more to the world. I have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, studied in Kuwait, Barcelona, Spain, and Los Angeles, California, USA.

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

MAB : I see my purpose in life as supporting and helping people in need through design and architecture. Design evokes emotions and tells stories.

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

MAB : I chose my profession

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

MAB : I design based on human physiology and need, every project is different than the other in terms of aesthetic and form. I would love to design more of spaces for the poor people all around the world

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

MAB : Believe in their purpose in life, and we must persist in this world to get our message across. Lastly NEVER GIVEUP

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

MAB : Good designer think of the aesthetic of the final product and a great designer think of the purpose

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

MAB : The attention of human use details

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

MAB : Long lasting

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

MAB : More libraries, shelters, mosques, hospitals for the people in actual need

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

MAB : Don’t know in the mean time

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

MAB : sincerity & honesty

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

MAB : I. M. Pei

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

MAB : Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar

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

MAB : Mariam's Library, my design team were the sun, wind and rain

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

MAB : Travel the world

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

MAB : A tool to deliver a purpose

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

MAB : My failures

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

MAB : I don’t know

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

MAB : It is a personal preference

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

MAB : A library for the blinds

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

MAB : Serve the nation

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

MAB : I don’t like expectations, it limits my next moves

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MAB : By designing truly for their needs

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

MAB : A mosque in Africa and a library in Jordan

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

MAB : Mariam's Library in Africa, Tanzania. I designed for a true reason not only aesthetic nor materialism, usualy what we do the in rich countries. The reason is to have a seed in the young students hear's to become an added value in their society and encourage them to study.

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

MAB : Less material waste, less pollution. Kind design less selfishness

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

MAB : Sustainability, hopefully

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

MAB : It depends, on the design complexity

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

MAB : Asking the clients about a key words outside the design world, this gives my an indication of his need. Avoiding direct design inspiration

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MAB : “What is the essence of life without a meaningful mission”

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

MAB : Design set the trends

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

MAB : In the design development phase

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

MAB : Rhino and Grasshopper

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

MAB : So effective, colors, space heights, materials and so can make you gloomy or happy

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

MAB : Why you design that way

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

MAB : "Bravo"

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

MAB : The people in actual need

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

MAB : Digital Research, on site observation. Questions ;asking the client or the community we are designing for

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

MAB : Zaha Hadid, how she challenged herself and the world to cross her message

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

MAB : I believed in you do something about of kindness and honesty people and platforms comes to you not the opposite

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

MAB : Black with monochrome colors, Zanzibar, seafood and staircases

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

MAB : Look at the sky

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

MAB : Absolutely, I was so nosy when my dad was constructing our house and among my sisters I was always with him supervising

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

MAB : A beautiful one, and I can't wait to share it with my grandkids. Full of challenges, persistence and recognitions

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

MAB : NEVER GIVEUP on anything in life