We are delighted to present an interview with Shadi Abdelsalam, a well-experienced architect, entrepreneur, and the Design Director and Co-Founder of Q3 Architects. With over 20 years of expertise in the design and construction industry, Shadi has established himself as a visionary leader focused on the growth and success of his company.
Meet Shadi Abdelsalam, the Design Director and Co-Founder of Q3 Architects, a renowned architectural firm with offices in Dubai, Cairo, and soon Damascus. With a strong focus on the education sector, Shadi leads a highly skilled team specializing in diverse structures, including mixed-use and residential projects, as well as the hospitality sector. Through our interview with Shadi Abdelsalam, you will gain valuable insights into his design philosophy, his approach to creating exceptional architectural solutions, and the impact of his work on the communities he serves. Join us as we delve into the mind of this visionary architect and discover the remarkable work of Q3 Architects.
What is the idea behind your company?
Architecture | Science | Technology
Welcome to our architecture and urban design studio, where we seamlessly blend the realms of science, architecture, and technology to create an extraordinary customer experience. With a deep-rooted passion for innovation, we embrace the latest advancements in technology to redefine the boundaries of design.
Inspired by Roman architecture’s timeless beauty and enduring legacy, our firm has embraced and evolved three key principles that have stood the test of time: beauty, structural integrity, and utility. We recognize the importance of these principles and have reimagined them in a modern context, making them the driving forces behind our design philosophy. Our commitment to creating exceptional spaces is guided by three fundamental concepts: Quality Spaces, Quality Forms, and Quality Details.
By embracing these three principles, we strive to create architecture that stands the test of time and resonates with the human spirit. We recognize that architecture has the power to shape our lives and leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Through our designs, we aim to inspire and uplift, creating spaces that fulfill their intended purpose and transcend expectations, becoming enduring symbols of beauty, functionality, and purpose.
How did you embark on your career journey, and do you have any advice for beginners?
Education and Training, Gain Practical Experience, Build a Diverse Portfolio, Develop Technical Skills, Network and Collaborate, and Stay Updated.
Architecture is a field that requires continuous learning and adaptation. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge, explore new design concepts, and stay at the forefront of the profession.
The advice is that the journey to becoming a successful architect takes time and dedication. Be patient, persistent, and passionate about your craft. Continuously refine your skills, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and never stop exploring your creative potential. Good luck on your architectural career journey!
What is the goal of your company? What problem are you solving with it?
Our design solutions, born from a profound understanding of human psychology and a reverence for aesthetics, are meticulously crafted to address these fundamental aspects. We believe that architecture is more than just structures and materials; it is a powerful medium that has the ability to evoke joy, inspiration and a sense of belonging.
As we embark on our journey of growth, our vision takes shape and transforms, fueled by the relentless pursuit of setting new goals and conquering challenges. Our unwavering passion for our craft drives us, and our ultimate aim is to imbue that passion into the hearts of our cherished clients and users.
Within the realm of our buildings, we envision an unparalleled customer experience that transcends the ordinary. We delve deep into the realm of emotions, carefully considering how each individual should feel, how they should experience every nook and cranny, and how they should instinctively react to the intricate specs, mesmerizing forms, and captivating details that surround them.
We are exploring ways to transform the design field for the mixed-use and education sectors. We delve deep into both sectors to evolve the design fields for customers and users.
How important are employees’ energy levels for the success of your company?
The field of architecture demands a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and rigorous attention to detail. The work we undertake is often complex, requiring long hours and a high degree of focus. Therefore, our employees’ energy levels are crucial for our company’s success. By fostering a culture that nurtures and sustains high energy levels, we empower our team to thrive, innovate, and create architectural masterpieces that impact the world. As an architectural practice, our employees’ energy levels are paramount for our company’s success.
How do you plan to motivate your team to go the extra mile?
We provide opportunities for professional growth and development in terms of skill enhancement and career advancement. Our vision is centered around establishing an employee-owned business, instilling a heightened motivation level within our team. By providing our employees with a direct stake in the company’s success, we empower them to take ownership of their work and go above and beyond to achieve remarkable outcomes.
In addition, the competitive atmosphere fostered within our studios in Dubai and Cairo serves as an added catalyst for motivation. This healthy rivalry inspires each team member to push their boundaries and strive for excellence as they seek recognition for their exceptional contributions.
We firmly believe that extraordinary results are attained when individuals are inspired, encouraged, and supported in their endeavors. By creating an environment that promotes collaboration, recognizes achievements, and provides opportunities for growth, we cultivate a workforce that consistently exceeds expectations.
We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where ideas are valued and teamwork is encouraged. We recognize the importance of work-life balance in sustaining long-term employee motivation and well-being.
What keeps your company moving forward, even in the face of challenges?
Our relentless pursuit of surpassing expectations and enriching our clients’ and customers’ visions, dreams, and lifestyles propels us forward. Each new journey with a client is embraced as a fresh opportunity to deliver unparalleled value and express our unwavering passion for the intricate interplay between architecture, science, and technology.
We are driven by the desire to offer more, going beyond the conventional boundaries of design and challenging the given briefs to create transformative experiences. With every project, we strive to elevate our clients’ visions to new heights, breathing life into their dreams and enhancing their lifestyles.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that architecture is a dynamic blend of art and innovation. We seamlessly integrate the latest advancements in science and technology into our designs, constantly exploring innovative solutions to enrich the built environment.
In your opinion, how is technology driving changes in businesses, and do you believe it is aiding your company’s growth?
In our architecture practice, we recognize the transformative power of technology in every aspect of our work, spanning from the initial stages of conception to the final stages of construction. Technology has become integral to our design philosophy, enabling us to push boundaries and bring our innovative concepts to life. By embracing and harnessing the latest advancements, we showcase our design prowess and actively involve our clients in this remarkable journey.
At the heart of our design process lies a deep appreciation for the potential of technology. We understand that in order to create captivating and functional spaces, we must leverage the tools and techniques that propel us forward. By embracing the latest technologies, we can effectively communicate our design concepts to our clients and stakeholders, providing them with an immersive and tangible experience.
One such technology that has revolutionized the way we engage with our clients is Virtual Reality (VR). Through the power of VR, we can transport our clients into their future environments, allowing them to explore and interact with the spaces we envision for them.
Additionally, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened up new horizons in the inception stages of our projects. AI tools have become indispensable allies, assisting us in generating and refining design ideas.
The integration of VR and AI into our practice has propelled our progression and fueled our growth. By involving our clients early on, we foster trust, collaboration, and transparency as they witness firsthand the evolution of their vision into a tangible reality.
How is Your Company adapting to digitalization?
Digitalization has significantly impacted the field of architecture, transforming various aspects of the design process. BIM has become a crucial tool in architectural practice, involving creating a digital representation of the building and integrating aspects such as design, construction, and operation.
VR and AR technologies are increasingly being used in architecture for immersive visualization and client presentations. These technologies enable stakeholders to experience the design more interactively and realistically, facilitating better understanding and decision-making.
Parametric Design, Cloud Collaboration, Project Management, and 3D Printing are all digital integrations that emphasize their key role in today’s architecture.
Do you use innovative ideas to be unique?
In architecture, the pursuit of innovative ideas is crucial for creating unique and distinctive designs. Architects often strive to push boundaries and think outside the box to create buildings that are aesthetically appealing, functional, and responsive to their context. We can differentiate our designs from others by thinking creatively and conceptualizing unique ideas. Exploring innovative materials or unconventional uses of traditional materials can add a unique character to architectural designs.
We recognize the profound impact of buildings and spaces on the individuals inhabiting them. We understand that the design of a space can influence emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Therefore, we approach each project with a deep understanding of the science behind how customers perceive their surroundings. This knowledge serves as the foundation for our unique and innovative design ideas.
Each project also has a unique context, including its location, climate, culture, and history. We embrace these contextual elements and integrate them into our designs in innovative ways. We create unique and site-specific designs by responding to the specific characteristics of the site and the surrounding environment.
Most importantly, we design with a deep understanding of the end-users’ needs, desires, and behaviors, which can lead to innovative and unique design solutions. Incorporating user-centered design principles and conducting thorough research and analysis of user requirements can result in tailored and distinctive designs.
What services, solutions, or products does Your Company offer in line with current industry standards? Additionally, could you share some insights into your upcoming products or services?
We offer comprehensive services in master planning, architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Our vision for this year is to revolutionize our design process by fully integrating science and technology into every aspect of our work while prioritizing early
engagement with end-users across diverse sectors. We recognize the immense potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Neuroscience in enhancing our design services and creating exceptional experiences for our clients.
Our commitment to integrating science and technology into our design process reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions. We invest in the latest tools and technologies, collaborate with experts in the field, and continuously seek ways to enhance the quality and efficiency of our design services. By embracing VR and neuroscience, we can elevate the design experience, create exceptional spaces, and exceed the expectations of our clients and end-users.
Connect with Shadi Abdelsalam on LinkedIn
Find Q3 Architects on LinkedIn.