The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has taken the initiative in supporting local business collaboration by partnering with FROMM.lab, a Qatari private sector platform dedicated to nurturing and discovering talent in the design field. This initiative aligns with Ashghal's commitment to developing its employees' skills and enhancing local creativity and entrepreneurship, a statement from FROMM.lab said.
Held at the FROMM.Lab’s headquarters in Msheireb, the workshop covered the fundamental principles of design across three categories: tables, lamps, and textiles, providing Ashghal employees with a hands-on opportunity to refine their creative skills.
Engineer Hessa al-Kaabi, an interior design engineer at Ashghal, emphasised the importance of collaborating with local companies like FROMM.Lab, which is part of the strategy to support the private sector in Qatar. She added that the workshop was delivered with high-quality standards, and they look forward to more collaborative efforts aimed at sharing experiences and enhancing local skills in design.
Alia Rachid, founder and CEO of FROMM.Lab, stated: "This workshop allowed us to showcase the richness of Qatari heritage in design, integrating local cultural elements with modern design trends. Ashghal's commitment has been instrumental in supporting local talents, and we look forward to further collaborations that can elevate design standards in Qatar."
Reem al-Marikhi, an architect from Ashghal who participated in the workshop, said: "I realised through this workshop that there is always room for improvement and there is always a technical solution to every problem you may face when working on a design.
"This workshop allowed me to focus on fine details, not just on overall concept and to gain a new perspective through furniture design, which helps us as architects in our design journey."
Led by Dana Saeed, head of FROMM.Lab, and furniture designer Jamie Bowler, the two-day workshop offered participants a deep dive into design materials, production processes, and practical considerations like cost and time management. It combined international design expertise with local perspectives, offering a unique learning experience.
At the conclusion of the workshop, FROMM.Lab announced a competition for the participants, inviting them to take part in a design challenge to create a single product in one of three chosen categories: tables, lamps, or textiles. Winners may have the opportunity to collaborate with FROMM.Lab to produce their designs in local and international market, according to international quality standards. This initiative aligns with FROMM.Lab's mission and FROMM Luxury's commitment to supporting local designers and nurturing young talent toward international recognition, the statement added.
