Ahmed Ashmawy is a set designer at his core, though he has professionally worked within multiple design disciplines such as interior, graphic, and installation and museum display. Along with his design portfolio, he manages and implements the construction of sets, installations, and interior refurbishment plans done by other artists. He has given several workshops on scenography and mentored young set designers as part of the 2B Continued Theater Lab and Festival; worked on museum displays with the Ministry of Antiquities; implemented theater sets with international artists in Cairo as part of D-CAF; and with festivals and theaters all over the world for Temple Independent Theater Company.

Ashmawy is responsible for renovating the space that Maktabi now calls home. What were once two abandoned apartments that were falling apart, became the bright and cohesive space you see now. He also designed Maktabi’s management office, and oversaw its implementation. His theatre background shines through this particular space, with ropes dangling from the ceiling carrying an entire bookcase, and dramatically stained wood protruding from the walls.

With educational backgrounds and professional experience in architecture and urban design, Mariam, Nourhan, and Sandy joined forces on one of Maktabi’s workspaces. Mariam’s strength is building upon surrounding elements to enhance a space; Nourhan combines logic and aesthetics to develop her design; and Sandy’s M.O. is “real space transformation”. Together, this trio brought Workspace 5 to life.

Shahd Osman is an Interior Architect with a passion for design and the ways in which it forms and manifests in our everyday culture.

She obtained her Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture in 2017 from the Oxford Brookes School of Architecture. Prior to that she completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and design from Central Saint Martins, UAL. After graduating, she went on to work across multiple design disciplines, from art direction in advertising and film, to event/exhibition curation and management, and interior design renovation projects, as well as architectural design and drafting.

Some of these projects include the Studio Emad Eddin foundation’s co-rehearsal space, Cinema Zawya, and Maktabi.

Shahd is eager to continue her studies within the design realms while remaining connected to her culture, combining what she learns with her experiences to create functional yet contemporary designs.

Shahd started with Workspace 4 in Maktabi, and went on to design our meeting room, toilets, and kitchen. Our communal spaces that are Maktabi’s backbone. When we decided to expand the space, she was out go-to for the full renovation process, as well as the latest 6 workspaces that have been added to our roster, and which we’re currently working on.

Vladlena is an interior designer who graduated from the faculty of Business Administration. Growing up, she was always interested in interior design. She decided to take her passion seriously, and obtained an interior design diploma from Kemet Art & Design, along with her studies at university.

Vlada took on the challenge of Workspace 6, and was able to utilize every nook and cranny of the space in her design.

Rahala is a broadcasting and media production company that has been with us for months in workspace 5 at Maktabi!
Discover more about Rahala’s film creations and projects and the wonders they’ve been creating.

RAHALA seeks to have a leading role in the independent filmmaking industry through working with young filmmakers who have the talent and passion to turn their ideas into films that are bold and creative. They are eager to work on and co-produce films not only from Egypt but also from around the globe, especially the rest of Africa.

Rana Samir & Salma Shehata are two visual artists interested in personal and research-based work shown through photography and illustration, among other mediums

Check out their pages to see their work!

Lead by its designer Farida El Bakry, Laién is a jewelry brand that puts “aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability at the forefront”. Their modular pieces can be worn in different ways, “[adapting] to the wearer’s mood”. Read more here, and take a look at their stunning, flexible pieces here.