A diversity of objects designed + prototyped
Client
Various Clients
Scope
Ideation, Design, 3D Model, Prototype Development,
Product Assembly, Finalizing before client delivery.
Discipline
Product Design (Objects),
Wood Workshop
Ramadan Gift Set:
Honoring Emirati Tradition
Designed at Aljoud Lootah Design Studio, this luxury gift set for Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center commemorates Ramadan with traditional Emirati flavors and craftsmanship. We cycled through various design directions, materials, and spice combinations to create an authentic and meaningful keepsake.
The selected design honors the seven Emirates with seven distinct spices: Arabic coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, saffron, and zaatar. This symbolic choice reflects the unity and cultural heritage of the UAE, creating a meaningful and unique gift set.
Each ergonomic terracotta pot was carefully crafted and sanded by skillful artisans. This process honored age-old techniques, merging tradition with the essence of UAE hospitality. The final gift set beautifully showcases the pots nestled in a wooden base, completed by a screen-printed logo and heartfelt concept note—a thoughtful homage to tradition and warmth.
Carpentry Workshop:
Bamboo Safekeeping
Challenged to create a functional object using the natural features of bamboo, I explored various woodworking techniques and machinery in the carpentry workshop. Initial concepts, like a bent bamboo footrest, proved too complex within the given timeframe.
Opting for a practical solution, I crafted a safekeeping box embracing the characteristics of bamboo culms. By selecting varying diameters and leveraging the node as a natural stopper, a functional container emerged—perfect for storing jewelry, glasses, or pens. This efficient design showcases the beauty and utility of bamboo in everyday objects.
To ensure stability, the larger bamboo culm's base was shaved. Over time, the untreated bamboo has gracefully developed a unique patina—a testament to the natural aging process.
Note: This bamboo safekeeping box has moved with me across several countries. If you would like to see it, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Teela: Luxury Prayer Beads
Inspired by the Dunes of the Arabian Desert
This limited edition, artisanal design is a luxury gift developed in collaboration with Insijam for a private client. The brief was to re-envision the traditional Misbaha, drawing inspiration from the UAE’s natural landscape.
We studied traditional Misbahas to understand their composition and philosophy. Then we looked at the Arabian Desert as the primary source of inspiration for both product design and packaging. Each glass bead was handcrafted with sand collected from all seven Emirates, symbolizing unity and the UAE's diverse landscapes.
We collaborated with a local jeweler to develop parametric dividers and a minaret. After multiple 3D printed iterations, the final pieces were created in 18K white gold. The handcrafted beads were meticulously arranged in an ascending order from smallest to largest, creating a visually appealing and harmonious transition throughout the design.
The result is Teela Prayer Beads—stunning meditation beads infused with sand from all seven Emirates—a testament to craftsmanship and heritage, capturing the essence of the UAE’s desert dunes in a luxurious prayer bead set.