Alchemy is a multi-discipline design agency with offices in Cairo and Bahrain, founded in 1997 by Karim Mekhtigian. Karim describes the firm’s name as a “declaration of the company’s vocation for transformation” citing an urge to communicate, a desire to improve lifestyle, and the need for a distinct design identity as other key drivers for their designers. I was keen to find out more…
What’s the most important thing to know about you?
Well, that I disappear. I have my moments when I am active but sometimes I hibernate, I do it to recharge, think, mediate and collect energy.
What are the benefits of working across different design disciplines?
I find there is no difference between design disciplines, I can design an ashtray and it can also be a building or a chair. I think they are just all tools to communicate a certain message; yes the nature of work is different but the goals is almost the same.
What are you most proud of about Alchemy Design Studio?
The main thing would be that we attempted to create some sort of ideology for our company. We have been trying to promote a certain thinking process or mindset, which revolves around how to elevate our perception of everyday’s simple life. In a way, it also reminds me of the concept of becoming, whereas it’s never done or finished, therefore it keeps on evolving through time.
Who are your design heroes?
They are so many, I like designers like Ettore Sottssas, Vico Magistretti, Achille Castiglioni, Andrea Branzi as well as Charles and Ray Eames. I think they were able to create iconic designs that will never go out of style; from my point of view it is a very special characteristic that very few people have.
Which three items could you not live without?
I don’t really have a deep attachment to objects; I can live without pretty much anything. However, my top three items would be oxygen, food and love! It is all about the chemistry and how you bring different elements together to create or “design” indispensible things.
What’s next for Alchemy Design Studio?
Defining the present. It sounds a little dramatic but with what we have been experiencing lately we can’t really think too much about the future and planning ahead. Accordingly, we try to face things and solve them as we go along. What’s next for us is the present, so we live in the present.
And finally, what’s your favourite colour?!
That would be army green or khaki. It is subtle and strict. I also like that it is a mixture of different colours and that it is not a basic color. It is one of those colours that can change and act like a chameleon or a camouflage.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- http://www.karimmekhtigian.com/
- interviews :: buy the book
- http://design-milk.com/friday-five-with-karim-mekhtigian/
- http://www.behance.net/gallery/Karim-Mekhtigian-photo-session/1414771
