We are Closed Today
Ahmad Angawi
CEO of Zawiya 97, KSA, Associate Director of Al Makmad Foundation, and Director of The House of Traditional Arts in Al-Balad, the historical district of Jeddah
Ahmad Angawi, being of Meccan roots, is inspired by the colorful diversity of the culture of Hejaz. His works revolve around the human condition while also paying homage to both culture and the environment. His approach is inspired mainly by Islamic principles rather than the Islamic aesthetic. Influenced by his father, Architect Dr. Sami Angawi, he has adopted the concept of “Al Mizan in design,” which is the belief in the fundamental principle of balance, as a state of mind, as well as the belief in its application in the field of design. Ahmad travels extensively throughout the Middle East, visiting historic cities such as Cairo, Marrakech, Fez, Damascus, and Tunis where he intermingles with traditional artisans and craftsmen in an attempt to research their time-honored roles and their relationship to today’s mass-market productions. He strongly believes that industrial designers are the craftsmen of today. Ahmad earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and a Master's degree in Traditional Arts from the Prince's School of Traditional Arts in London. Ahmad also holds the following positions: Associate Director of Al Makmad Foundation, a cultural institution that aims to conserve and revive the Hijazi heritage; Program Director of The House of Traditional Arts in Al-Balad, the historical district of Jeddah. The school is an initiative by the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London, and Art Jameel, and is a hub of activity serving the local and wider community of artists and craftsmen. This role is very personal to Ahmad, as it is his way of reviving the neglected district.