FAJ Studio: Contemporary Arabic Interior Design & Architecture

Merging geometric precision with minimalist restraint. We create residential and commercial spaces that honor Arab architectural identity through modern functionalism.

Design Methodology: The Arabic-Minimalist Synthesis

Our practice moves beyond ornamental pastiche to analyze the structural roots of Arabic design – privacy, light manipulation, and geometry – and to reinterpret them for contemporary living. This approach prioritizes spatial volume and material authenticity over decoration.

Core Design Principles

  • Modern Mashrabiya: Utilizing parametric design to create passive cooling screens that regulate natural light without compromising minimalist aesthetics.
  • Spatial Zoning (Majlis 2.0): Reconfiguring traditional communal seating layouts to suit modern social dynamics, focusing on modularity and conversation flow.
  • Material Honest: Sourcing regionally relevant materials such as Travertine, limestone, and walnut, finished to highlight natural grain rather than concealing it.
  • Geometric Abstraction: Reducing complex arabesque patterns to their linear foundations, creating subtle relief work on walls and joinery.

Service Architecture

We provide end-to-end design consultancy for clients seeking distinct cultural resonance within modern frameworks. Our rigorous process aligns with standards set by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ).

Service VerticalTarget ApplicationKey Deliverables
Residential FusionPrivate Villas, Penthouses, Urban Apartments
  • Custom Majlis reconfiguration
  • Privacy-oriented layout optimization
  • Smart-home integration with hidden interfaces
Commercial & HospitalityBoutique Hotels, Executive Offices, Cultural Centers
  • Brand identity spatial translation
  • Acoustic engineering for high-traffic zones
  • Durability specifications for contract-grade furniture
Bespoke FabricationCustom Furniture, Lighting, Architectural Joinery
  • Parametric Mashrabiya screens
  • Hand-knotted rugs with deconstructed geometric motifs
  • Sculptural lighting focusing on shadow play

Portfolio Highlights

Our work demonstrates the viability of heritage elements within LEED-certified and sustainable frameworks.

Project Alpha: The Dune Villa

Location: Palm Jumeirah | Scope: Full Renovation

Replaced heavy drapery and ornate molding with floor-to-ceiling thermal glass and automated shading systems. The central courtyard was revitalized with a drought-resistant xeriscape, in line with USGBC LEED sustainability principles. Interior walls feature rammed-earth textures that reference desert topography.

Project Beta: Executive Diwan

Location: Riyadh Financial District | Scope: Commercial Office

Designed for high-level diplomacy, this space utilizes a monochromatic palette of greige and charcoal. The focal point is a floating conference table crafted from a single slab of olive wood, surrounded by acoustic panels featuring abstract Kufic calligraphy relief.

Philosophy: Light as Material

In Arabic architecture, light is not merely illumination; it is a structural element. We employ Noor (light) and Zill (shadow) to define volume. By calculating solar angles, we design fenestration that creates dynamic, shifting patterns throughout the day, eliminating the need for excessive artificial lighting and reducing energy consumption.

We adhere to the ethical codes of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), ensuring every project prioritizes occupant health, safety, and welfare alongside aesthetic value.

Principal Architect

Layla Al-Fayed, NCIDQ, AIA Associate

With 15 years of experience spanning Dubai, London, and New York, Layla specializes in deconstructing Orientalism. Her research focuses on the intersection of algorithmic design and traditional Islamic geometry. She serves as a visiting critic at architectural faculties and advocates for preserving craft through technological innovation.

Initiate a Consultation

To discuss the feasibility of your project or to review our technical specifications, contact our studio directly.

Email: [email protected]

Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) | Licensed & Insured

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