Designer of the Day: Khaled El Mays

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.

Age: 36

Occupation: Designer and architect.

Instagram: @khaledelmays

Hometown: Beirut

Studio location: Beirut.

Describe what you make: I make furniture with a soul.

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I always run away from these questions, but if I want to mention a design that got a lot of attention and appreciation, it would be the wall unit from the Palmea series for Nilufar Gallery. 

Describe the problem your work solves: It only solves problems that I create. I create for the sake of beauty and sustainability of human crafts. I hope that the little I do is keeping some hands at work.

Describe the project you are working on now: I’m working on a new series introducing a material I haven’t used in my work yet. The project is being produced in Mexico City with great craftsmen. This city is one of my latest great discoveries. The project is a new angle and interpretation of a very specific period of design infused with some contemporary nodes and of course a playfulness that I always try to allow to exist in what I do. It’s an ongoing exploration and most importantly related to Mexico City, where it’s being produced and where I did and will spend much more time.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: The Jungle Show at Nilufar Gallery (Depot), a series of 12 pieces debuting on Sept. 6.

What you absolutely must have in your studio: Snacks for sure.

What you do when you’re not working: There’s a part of me that’s always working but in the few times when I’m not, I have to be either sleeping or with the good company of friends or family.

Sources of creative envy: Very interesting! I don’t have envy in me, however if I want to discuss appreciation I would say Charlotte Perriand, Andrée Putman, the Campana Brothers, and Ron Arad. 

The distraction you want to eliminate: I love my distraction—they’re my source of creativity. I learned how to use them with time so well.

Concrete or marble? Concrete.

High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.

Remember or forget? Forget.

Aliens or ghosts? Aliens.

Dark or light? Light.