The “G” behind G Design Group:TARIQ GHAZZAWI
Design Magazine took the opportunity to meet with architect Tariq Ghazzawi,founder of G Design Group. Weenjoyed a dialogue not only discussingdesign, but also its progression andfuture in the Middle East as we makeour mark in the modern era.
How have you evolved as a designer?
I’ve gone through several stages. My first phase was during my college experience at RISD (Rhode IslandSchool of Design). I like to call it “the period of tabularasa (blank slate).” It was a learning experience thatstripped its apprentices from any predispositionsor bias when approaching design problem solving.The second stage were my years in New York City; aperiod of development. It was where I found myself asa designer and architect.
I began to understand mystrengths, weaknesses, skills and in due course, what Iwanted to do.
Moreover, my experience in New Yorkguided me to professionally venture to this part of theworld. The third stage has been my journey within theMiddle East; a period of performance. I was facedwith a challenge to inject
new ideas and concepts toimprove the quality of life and standard of living.
What is the most important factor when designing?
There are several factors to consider that depend on the nature of the project; God is in the details, as Miesvan der Rohe once said. At G Design Group we pay attentionto detail and minute specifics. Nonetheless, ourmost important factor when designing is function. Wewon’t sacrifice function for aesthetics. Failure in designmeans you failed in achieving the purpose a programrequires within the given space it encompasses.
What does your project scope entail?
We design a project all the way from its initial conceptual stages to turnkey delivery. Our scope of workincludes architecture, interior architecture and design,lighting design, and furniture design. At G DesignGroup we have our own execution department wherewe construct structures, manufacture furniture, andcompletely furnish our designs to the last.
What type of projects do you pursue?
Although I have done several retail projects in the past,which is quite rewarding in terms of publicity, frankly I leantowards very selective residential projects, as well as publicinstitutions such as museums and academic institutions.
As long as a project is challenging and demands a creative edge, then our team is fueled-up to take it on.
What do you consider has been a benchmark project in your career?
It makes it tricky to single out a project that measures such a turning point. Over the past ten years, our team hasworked on a considerable number of projects ranging frompalaces, hotels and urban developments, to villas, apartmentsand retail stores.
Each project uniquely possesses distinctive features that demonstrate a sense of our team’sdesign progress and evolution.
I recall however developing an eyewear identity chain in Jeddah that had an impact on the degree of design significanceintroduced to enhance the eyewear shopping experience.
The flagship boutique won an international design award for Best Eyewear Boutique design that year. Hence,that project set a standard for other eyewear boutiques inSaudi Arabia compelling them to upgrade their image andidentity.
You referred to lighting on several occasions while describing yourwork. How important is lighting?
As water is to life, light is to design. Without light you have nothing, for it is everything, whether natural or artificial.Lighting makes or breaks a space. Imagine a cubic roomwith nothing in it; you can furnish it completely with light.With natural light, at every moment you’re creating a newfinish and mood, and as designers, we attempt to mimic thatexperience with artificial light as well…
Do cultural factors have to be taken into consideration when designingin Saudi Arabia for instance ?
Cultural habits and traditional ideals significantly influence the way I conceptualize a project anywhere.
From the initialstages, it sets the foundations for the development of anidea.
I take the cultural values and living program componentsas a basic building block, and from there I strive tomodify or improve them to suit our contemporary lifestyle.
How would you describe the evolutionof design in the SaudiMarket?
The Saudi market is remarkably dynamic and is growing at a tremendouslyfast pace.
My observation leads meto believe that many developers anddesigners follow the domino effect.
Asin various fields, one introduces a newidea, building material, product orfinish, the next day everyone automaticallyadopts it and it becomes thetrend.
That is not necessarily negative,it just lacks creativity and inventiveness.On another note, competitionseems to be the most effective meansto motivate clients to raise their design.
What is the purpose of the existence of designers?
Our job is not to decorate; it is to improve the quality of life. We draw ourinspiration from nature and what bettercanvas to draw your ideas from?By providing a functional aestheticwithin a given space, while pleasingto the eye and comforting the soul,we nurture the well being of urbaninhabitants.
Designers emerged for that sole purpose. From an industrial designer whodevelops a remote control to the urbanarchitects who create cities, design isthere to improve our cultural environmentand enhance every living moment.Ultimately, a fine designer candesign anything and create somethingfrom nothing; we are precisely here to do just that.