Architecture in Saudi Arabia: trends and outlook in an Exclusive Interview with Eng. Khwlah Ibrahim AlSultan

Interview with Eng. Khwlah Ibrahim AlSultan, Founder and CEO of Design by Khwlah

What is your overview of the architecture and design sector in both Saudi Arabia and the region?

The architecture and design sector in the Arabian Peninsula has adapted to the region’s geography and climate and reflects the uniqueness of Arabian culture. The architecture and design sector has dramatically changed and evolved over the years in KSA. Modern architecture provides a perfect combination of function and design while reducing cost. King Salman’s Charter for Architecture and Urbanism inspired industry not only here in Saudi Arabia but also globally. We at Design by Khwlah inspire our works by applying the core values of the Charter which represent authenticity, continuity, human centricity, livability, innovation, and sustainability. From a personal perspective, I am proud to be considered as one of the Charter’s ambassadors.

What are the main products and services that you offer at Design by Khwlah?

Our core activities include visualizing and sketching design plans according to client goals, sourcing products and materials, determining costs, and inspecting construction to ensure that alignment with design specifications are met. Our philosophy relies on key elements like space, line, forms, light, colour, texture, and pattern, as well as the local culture; and keeping all these aspects balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing interior.
Our core business is design and architecture in commercial, offices, and residential projects. We provide other supporting services related to design like marketing and business solutions, particularly in the real estate sector.

What makes you different from the competitors in the industry? What are your competitive advantages?

Our competitive advantages are simply based on realistic and doable designs with new features and fast delivery. At Design by Khwlah, we believe what differentiates us from others is our seamless process, our unique style, and our selling proposition and ability to tell a story. However, our audience is the main differentiator as well as the customer experience.

Our focus is mainly on the GCC market, primarily Saudi Arabia. However, we have started exploring global opportunities and talents recently to form a global consortium. This will unify the local style with international standards and will give a unique blend. Additionally, synergizing these efforts will grant us a bigger opportunity to participate in mega projects everywhere.

 What are some of your proudest success stories and achievements?

On a personal level, I was awarded a Guinness certificate at the very young age of 11 years old when I represented KSA in an international competition in art. I pursued my passion in design until I graduated from architectural design school with a bachelor’s degree. I have established many successful companies in KSA, one of them being registered trademark in Saudi Arabia called Design by Khwlah. In addition, in business we trust that our success is truly represented in the moment that we see the smiles on our clients’ faces.

What challenges does Design by Khwlah face and what have you done to overcome them?

We believe challenges exist in each and every industry. However, we are used to being adaptable to these changes and we address them professionally with alternative solutions. The pandemic has affected nearly all ongoing and planned design, development, and construction projects. Public health news, safety legislations, and OHS laws are in constant flux, and with them, so too are the needs of our clients.

What is your medium-term, three to five years, vision for the company?

We are currently at the stage of expanding our multidisciplinary team and our footprint by collaboration with global firms. Our vision is to be a trustworthy, feasible, and sustainable design firm within a global marketplace, providing inventive designs and superior finishing quality. Vision 2030 and its related projects have provided great opportunities for designers, particularly Saudi designers, to be more innovative and collaborative and to be able to deliver unique projects.

What is your inspiration personally? What drives you to do what you do?

There are hundreds of resources designers can take inspiration from and they are different from one to another. Exploring new cultures, people, civilizations, and experiences by immersing ourselves in an area that is far from our home forces us to break out of our comfort zone and open our eyes to new possibilities in our creative projects. I believe in the concept of “biomimetics” which drives us to create design products by reverse engineering nature. Simply put, it helps us study natural phenomena to obtain ideas from nature and apply them to solve real world design and architectural challenges. It encompasses the way we live and change our planet to the best when planned and designed in alignment with our ecosystem.

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