Aljoud Lootah is a multidisciplinary designer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with work exploring the realms of product design and personalised corporate gifts.

She composes her creations by mixing traditional silhouettes & concepts with modern elements. Patterns, folds and geometric shapes are at the heart of her inspiration. Her creative drive comes from a passion for detail, aesthetics, and experimental approaches to materials and techniques.

Tell us a little about your self?

I’m a multidisciplinary designer from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with work exploring the realms of product design and personalized corporate gifts.

What inspires you to create the design and the geometric style that you are using?

I have keen interest in the idea of contrasts in form and function. I often compose my creations by mixing traditional silhouettes & concepts with modern elements. Patterns, folds and geometric shapes are at the heart of my inspiration.

Is there something specific you look for when you’re choosing your next upcoming deign? And if so, what is it? 

I often focus on experimental approaches to materials and techniques. I enjoy exploring new materials which I haven’t worked with before and check how they would adapt when shaping them in the complex geometries which my designs often consist of.

Tell me about your most favourite design you’ve done? 

Its quite hard to choose a single design. I believe each collection of products or the corporate projects I’ve worked on has its own special place in my heart and has its own set of exciting aspects.

You have quite a mixture of designs that shows some of the Islamic geometric plus modern style , do you think it’s become the aljoud signature style in Dubai?

I believe its more of using geometry in general that became my signature style.

What challenges have you faces while building up your business? A business that is definitely rare in the region mixing design and furniture. 

As a designer I face a plethora of challenges. We’re limited with the number of manufacturing facilities that produce limited quantities with high quality. Most of the facilities have a specific mindset in which they are used to mass production. In terms of setting up a business in general, I think the main challenge is keeping the business sustainable in terms of projects commissioned and income.

Plus you just opened you own studio tell us about that experience? 

Its quite exciting! I’ve recently set the studio up at Dubai Design District after being home-based for a couple of years. I think taking this step was crucial as I want to expand the business and grow in the next 3 years inshAllah.

You don’t just design the pieces, but you actively go to the factories and carpenters to ensure the work is being created to the finest quality as we see you share this journey online.  Tell me more about this and why is it essential you are actively engaged with the process. 

Its very important to overlook the production of the designs since my pieces are always very complex and the craftsmen or manufacturers aren’t quite used to producing such designs. Its important to maintain the high quality of the designs and ensure that the details patch the initial design.

Connect us with a few of your favourite Artists or instagram accounts at the moment.

In terms of designers, I am fond of the style of Patricia Urquiola

What’s next for you and your business? 

I’m preparing for my next participation at Design Days Dubai in 2017 inshAllah.

Lastly how do you reconnect to your culture and/or Identity?

I am often inspired by the elements from the Emirati culture and heritage. I find the patterns, materials and colors used in the traditional crafts very inspiring and I try to incorporate them within my designs in a very modern form.