Shaikha Al-Sulaiti Prepares To Take The Global Stage With Her Debut Furniture Collection
By marrying Qatari heritage with ethical design practices, the designer is rethinking what it means to fuse together tradition with a distinctively contemporary aesthetic
With more than a decade of work and collaborations on high-end projects together with some of the design industry’s most renowned individuals, Shaikha Al-Sulaiti has been making waves with one of her more personal projects, which is driven by culture, sustainably and up-scale design.
“I wanted to create pieces that not only celebrated my Qatari heritage but also advocated for ethical and sustainable design practices, reflecting a harmonious coexistence of luxury and environmental responsibility,” the designer says of her new product line, named Imagining Utopia. The collection brings together contemporary design with Qatari traditions, paying homage to the Gulf nation and its rich history.
The founder of Qatar-based agency Casa Lujo Interiors has worked across the ongoing realisation of the expanding Doha Design District, lending her extensive expertise to enhancing the district design strategy across her decades-long career. With the release of the latest collection, she delved deeper into local design techniques with culturally relevant and ethically sourced pieces.
“My journey in design began with a deep appreciation for architecture and interior design, and I further honed my skills by actively overseeing construction sites to ensure that my vision was realised with the highest standards of quality,” she says. “In terms of my design studio, it’s been an incredible journey, pushing the boundaries of traditional design practices while embracing sustainability.”
The collection includes the Nur table lamp, which is crafted with a glass bubbled shade which mirrors the patterns of traditional fishing nets and is adorned with a precious onyx stone as a nod to Qatar’s pearl diving heritage. Another intricate piece, the Sadu chair, reinterprets traditional Al Sadu weaving by incorporating bouclé tweed within a contemporary design.
A newer piece to the collection, the Carrom game table, features brass inlay adorned with delicate mother-of-pearl accents that honour the craftsmanship of Qatari jewellers, specifically the Hilaliya. Crafted with strict attention to detail, the table is supported by a solid walnut frame and legs, marrying cultural aesthetics and a modern design. “This piece represents my vision of seamlessly blending Qatar’s cultural heritage with contemporary elegance, making it a notable addition to my product line,” the designer shares.
Shaikha Al-Sulaiti is also unveiling a new piece in the Imagining Utopia collection, which will be showcased at a private event at this year’s Milan Design Week. The Tetris table (a working title) draws inspiration from the unique features of Qatari traditional houses, where the typical stained glass windows serve as the muse for its design through the choice of materials and colours. The tabletop features a recess, adding an extra layer of modularity, and allows users to personalise their space with cushions or trays – yet another nod to Qatari design principles.
“The collection has been showcased at prestigious exhibitions, and my work has received recognition from esteemed design authorities as well,” she adds. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands and design figures, nurturing a dialogue that transcends borders and inspires collective creativity.”
For the near future, the designer intends on collaborating further with local artisans in her upcoming projects, and is venturing into creating more sustainable designs that align with her passion for ethical practices. She adds, “Imagining Utopia has been met with critical acclaim, and it’s truly gratifying to see these pieces resonate with a global audience.”
For more information, visit shaikhaalsulaiti.com
Images courtesy of Shaikha Al-Sulaiti
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Interiors Spring 2024 Issue