Ashraf AboArafe
British Embassy’s Inspire Egypt programme hosted leading and emerging Egyptian designers for a one-day workshop and exhibition.
The one-day “Design by Egypt” event brought together household Egyptian interior designers and British expertise with young talents to discuss business growth ideas. Among the renowned Egyptian interior design houses were: Hany Saad, Alchemey, Mona Hussien, TDF, Studio Five, Design Point, Hussien Nassar, and The Design Avenue.
The day kicked off with a panel discussion led by Dr Vanessa Brady, founder of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), Ahmed Helmy, the CEO of Meuble El Chark factory, Sahar El Sakkout, Head of Creative Industries at Industrial Modernisation, Mona El Tanani, Founder and Managing Director of the Design Emporium, and founder of Style Design compay, Hisham Ghorab. 
The afternoon workshop was followed by an evening reception. Eight Egyptian designers collaborated to redecorate the Embassy’s gardens with design installations that depict their creative visions and promote their work.
The Inspire Egypt event also created a network for established designers to share their expertise and success stories with young talents, who were introduced to key figures in the business community.
Haneen Shaheen, Inspire Egypt Programme Manager, said: “We want to offer inspiring Egyptians real advice that support them in creating a successful business model, and building an international brand that takes the Egyptian name forward.”
During his speech, British Ambassador Sir Geoffrey Adams said: “Egypt is rich with design talent looking to expand into international markets. Today’s event will support them in doing just that. I am very impressed by the talented individuals I have met today, and look forward to hearing about their continued success in the future.”
