Mai Wahdan

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mai Wahdan ("MW") 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?

MW : I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, earned in 2008. My academic foundation, combined with real-world experience and continuous learning, shaped my approach to creating meaningful, balanced spaces.

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

MW : Design allows me to turn emotions, stories, and visions into real, living spaces. I became a designer because I believe spaces have the power to shape how we feel, live, and connect — and creating that impact has always been my passion.

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

MW : I chose it—completely. Even though I started my career in another field, design was always calling me. It wasn’t a forced path; it was a return to who I’ve always been.

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

MW : I currently design interior spaces and furniture pieces, focusing on creating meaningful and elegant environments. Moving forward, I wish to design more highly personalized spaces and statement furniture pieces that tell stories, reflect individuality, and connect deeply with nature — blending luxury, authenticity, and sustainability.

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

MW : Stay true to your passion, stay patient with your journey, and never stop learning. Focus on building depth, not just chasing trends. Real greatness comes from consistency, authenticity, and designing with heart — not just with skill. Legends are made by those who keep creating, even when no one is watching.

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

MW : A good designer creates beautiful work. A great designer creates work that feels — designs that tell stories, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. It’s not just about how things look, but about how they connect with people on a deeper level.

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

MW : A really good design goes beyond aesthetics—it solves a problem, tells a story, and evokes emotion. It feels effortless yet intentional. I evaluate good design based on its clarity of concept, harmony between form and function, material honesty, and how it connects with people on a deeper level.

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

MW : Good design shapes how we live, feel, and connect with our surroundings. It’s not just about beauty — it’s about creating spaces and objects that enhance everyday life, bring comfort, inspire emotions, and add lasting value. Investing in good design is investing in a better quality of life, in spaces that nurture well-being and leave a meaningful impression over time.

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

MW : I would love to design a cultural center that merges art, heritage, and architecture—something rooted in Arab identity. Ideally for a foundation or initiative that promotes cultural preservation.

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

MW : Designing a boutique hotel or retreat in a natural landscape, where every interior element is custom-designed and tells a story.

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

MW : Depth—whether it’s in concept, material, or meaning. I don’t design for looks only; I always ask “why” and “how it connects to the user.”

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

MW : I admire Kelly Wearstler for her fearless eclecticism and bold interiors, and Ferris Rafauli for his masterful detailing and luxurious architectural vision. Their work shows how design can be both artistic and powerful.

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

MW : I love Kelly Wearstler’s furniture pieces—they’re bold, sculptural, and full of character. I’m especially inspired by how she designed her Malibu house and the Proper Hotel in LA—each space tells a layered story with texture, art, and emotion.

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

MW : The Tura Table. It blends ancient Egyptian inspiration with a contemporary feel and thoughtful material research. It’s not just aesthetic—it carries meaning and innovation.

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

MW : Stay curious. I constantly research, observe, and revisit my own work with a critical eye. I also surround myself with different disciplines—art, architecture, even science.

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

MW : I would’ve stayed in the educational field, where I held a leadership role—but deep down, I always knew I’d return to design. It’s where I truly belong.

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

MW : Design is storytelling through space, form, and material. It’s a way of connecting people emotionally to their environments.

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

MW : My husband, Ahmed Habib. He’s not only my partner in life but also in architecture and design. We push each other to grow and challenge boundaries.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MW : Curiosity, persistence, and staying authentic. I never follow trends blindly—I focus on meaning, context, and timelessness.

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

MW : Transitioning from a different career path and proving myself in a new field. Also, working in a competitive industry while staying true to my identity.

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

MW : With clarity, depth, and intention. Every visual or verbal presentation should reflect the concept, not just the surface aesthetics.

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

MW : I’m working on an artistic horse stable and lounge in Oman that fuses culture, color, and architecture. I’m also preparing to showcase my work at Milan Design Week next year.

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

MW : To create timeless designs that carry meaning and emotion—pieces and spaces that leave a lasting impact, culturally and experientially. I also dream of designing something that gives back to the community and enhances people’s lives on a deeper level.

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

MW : Originality, depth, and consistency. Clients expect me to bring bold ideas while staying grounded in functionality and elegance.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MW : Good design enhances well-being, encourages interaction, and reflects identity. It shapes how people live, feel, and connect with their surroundings.

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

MW : The horse stable and lounge project in Oman—it blends vibrant culture with contemporary architecture. I’m also developing new furniture pieces that explore material storytelling.

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

MW : The Tura Table gave me the most satisfaction—it’s deeply symbolic, material-driven, and reflects my passion for merging heritage with innovation. It was also my first internationally awarded furniture piece, which made it even more meaningful.

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

MW : More recognition for regional voices and cultural narratives. I’d love to see a shift from global sameness to local authenticity.

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

MW : Toward emotional and sensory design—spaces and products that not only look good but feel personal and meaningful.

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

MW : It depends on the complexity. A furniture piece usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from concept to prototype, although some prototypes can take several months. Interior projects vary widely and can also extend over several months, especially when they involve custom details and full execution.

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

MW : I start with listening—understanding the client’s needs, the context, and the emotional story behind the project. Then I build a concept that connects those elements into a cohesive narrative.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MW : Design with meaning, build with care, and always leave a lasting impression.

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

MW : Good design sets the trends. Trends may come and go, but true design leads by vision, not by following.

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

MW : Technology is a tool, not the end goal. It helps me visualize, refine, and bring ideas to life, but the essence always starts with a strong concept.

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

MW : I use a combination of SketchUp, AutoCAD, and 3ds Max for visuals. For prototyping and development, I work closely with fabricators and engineers using CNC, 3D printing, and manual modeling.

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

MW : They are everything—they set the tone, evoke emotion, and give depth to a space or object. I always select them with intention and cultural sensitivity.

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

MW : I wish they’d ask about the story behind it—what inspired it, why I chose certain materials, and how it connects to the user’s experience.

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

MW : I immediately want to understand the process behind it—what drove the idea, what materials were used, and what challenge it solves or emotion it evokes.

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

MW : My ideal partner is someone who complements my thinking—strategic, open-minded, and detail-oriented. And yes, I strongly believe in co-design. Collaboration always enriches the outcome.

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

MW : My husband Ahmed Habib has been the most influential—his architectural approach and conceptual thinking constantly push my boundaries and broaden my perspective.

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

MW : Books on architectural theory, materiality, color psychology, and cultural heritage have deeply influenced me. They shaped the way I think about space, atmosphere, and the emotional impact of design.

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

MW : Through hands-on experience, constant learning, and pushing myself beyond comfort zones. Every project was a lesson in concept, detail, and execution.

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

MW : I’d love to sit with Zaha Hadid—her boldness, her vision, and how she transformed boundaries in architecture would be a dream to explore in conversation.

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

MW : The recognition is humbling—it validates the effort and vision. But fame is not the goal. What matters most is staying grounded and continuing to create with integrity.

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

MW : Color: Earthy green Place: Luxor, Hurghada, Cairo, and the Maldives Food: Anything with fresh herbs and citrus Season: Fall Thing: My sketchbook Brand: Any brand that is locally made and custom crafted

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

MW : Seeing ideas come to life—whether it’s a sketch turning into a prototype or a mood board shaping a space. That transformation fuels me.

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

MW : Looking back, yes. I was always rearranging furniture, collecting fabric scraps, and sketching buildings—I just didn’t know it was called “design” yet.

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

MW : I believe design will become even more human-centered—deeply responsive to emotion, nature, and sustainability. Hopefully, we’ll be more connected to the essence of living well, not just living smart.

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

MW : Every piece I create comes from a place of meaning and emotion. I don’t design for trends—I design to tell a story, to honor heritage, and to bring beauty into everyday life.