Images By Dia Mrad
Following “What Remains of Summer,” the Emerging Designers Exhibition explores mouneh through contemporary object design. Inspired by preservation rituals, tools, materials, and gestures across Lebanon and the Mediterranean, emerging designers reinterpret mouneh for today through objects, vessels, systems, and functional pieces.
CLAUDIA SKAFF
Curator
GALAL MAHMOUD
Curator
KARIM CHAYA
Curator
BIOGRAPHIES
CLAUDIA SKAFF
Claudia Skaff is based in London, she is an interior designer and the London partner for Mariagroup Architects.
She is passionate about mixing styles, color and craft, achieving seamless interiors that flow easily.
GALAL MAHMOUD
Galal Mahmoud is the founder of GM Architects, a multidisciplinary design studio guided by his belief in the power of architecture and design to shape experiences and enhance well-being. With offices in Beirut and Abu Dhabi, the studio brings a holistic and sensitive approach to projects across architecture and interior design. Its work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, connecting interior and exterior spaces while responding thoughtfully to each project’s context. GM Architects places strong emphasis on respecting both natural and built environments, creating spaces that balance functionality, aesthetics, and a sense of place. This philosophy is reflected throughout the studio’s diverse portfolio of award-winning projects, demonstrating a consistent commitment to thoughtful, contextual, and enduring design across different scales and locations around the world.
KARIM CHAYA
After graduating in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, Beirut-born Karim Chaya co-founded Abillama Chaya Industrial Design (ACID) in 1997, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of architectural detailing worldwide. In 2001, he founded spockdesign, a studio dedicated to furniture, product, and “stuff” design. Chaya also contributes to Blatt Chaya, his family’s traditional colored-cement tile company, founded in the 19th century, and teaches fifth-year Industrial Design at the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at 100% Design in London and Maison & Objet in Paris, and has appeared in publications such as Le Figaro, L’Officiel Design, Monocle, Interior Design, Interni, and other leading international design and cultural publications.