Q&A with Syed Azaz Mustafa – Senior Designer at Elementa
At Elementa, our designers are involved right from the discovery phase, which takes place at the start of our journey with clients. Here, our experienced Senior Designer Syed Azaz Mustafa talks about the project process and what excites him most about the world of interior design.
Before a project kicks off, what are the first things you do?
Curiosity is key. I question, and question further. I work to understand the client’s sense of style and their daily routine, so I know how a space needs to function to make life smoother. For residential projects, I look at the family structure and how they live their life. A lot of our design requirements are tailored to people’s hobbies and daily habits. We ask questions such as, how do they like to wake up in the morning? Do they socialise a lot? What is on their wish list? Then, with the given resources, we strive to conceive a concept that will translate all their needs into actual physical spaces.
How do you implement the concept of ‘simplicity’ into residential projects in the UAE?
It’s not just about simplicity, it’s the art of striking a balance between adding design touches while keeping an element of restraint. No one wants to live in a concrete box; hence we create spaces that embody the personality of the client rather than going for simplicity solely. Designing a home that reflects a client’s individuality is a very personal journey. Designs are bespoke and when discovering a person’s preferences and style we often call this process ‘unlayering.’
Art plays a crucial role in the design phase, and it can really show a client’s personality. What are the most unique art objects in your opinion?
Art has the power of adding personality and pieces that speak for themselves. Implementing them into the environment can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a space. For one of our villa projects, a unique approach was taken; a client from Saudi Arabia wanted a special art piece for their main area. We commissioned a local artist to create a work featuring a poem written by the Saudi king and given to the ruler of the UAE. This poem was printed in a metallic finish on a large slab, symbolising the connection between the two lands, and was prominently displayed in their formal living area. The piece was truly unique and knowing the story behind it made it really special. I feel very excited and grateful to be part of my clients’ unique stories.
