Interview: Raza Zahid
Luca Curci talks with Raza Zahid, honourable mention of ITSLIQUID International Contest – 16th edition

Raza Zahid is an architect/ designer based in Lahore, Pakistan and is the founder of Raza Zahid Atelier; a design house specializing in Architecture, Interiors and Product Design. Founded in 2009 by Raza Zahid, the office provides a platform for design research and innovation, where ideas are applied and tested across multiple scales in an attempt to blur the boundaries between architecture, interior and product design. The focus of the practice is on residential design, interiors as well as product and furniture design. Raza was awarded the AA Diploma from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, UK in 2001 and is a registered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects as well as the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners. Before setting up his own practice, Raza worked for a number of internationally renowned architects including Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, United Designers and Peter Marino Architects; on award-winning architectural and interior design projects in Europe, Asia and America.

Raza has also been involved in academia since 2009 and has taught design studio in the Bachelor of
Architecture program at Beaconhouse National University and the School of Art, Design and Architecture at NUST, Islamabad. He is also a regular juror/ design critic at various schools of architecture and interior design across the country. His work has been exhibited in galleries in Karachi, Lahore and Dubai and has received acclaim and recognition in the form of various national and international design awards for furniture, lighting and product design.

Luca Curci – What is the trigger that leads you to design?
Raza Zahid – The trigger that leads me to design is multifaceted and deeply rooted in understanding and impacting human experiences. Design, for me, is not merely about creating functional or aesthetically pleasing solutions; it’s about recognizing the profound ways in which design shapes our lives, both functionally and emotionally. I am drawn to unconventional approaches to design challenges. I thrive on exploring innovative and unexpected solutions that push boundaries and defy conventions. This approach often leads to surprising and delightful outcomes that can fundamentally change how we perceive and interact with design. Despite my formal training as an architect, I prefer not to compartmentalize design into rigid categories like architecture, interior design, furniture design, or product design etc. Instead, I view these disciplines holistically, seeing them as interconnected facets of the same overarching discipline. This interdisciplinary perspective allows me to draw inspiration from various fields, apply diverse principles, and create cohesive and harmonious designs that resonate on multiple levels.

LC – Which artists have somehow influenced your work?
RZ – As a student at the Architectural Association in London, Zaha Hadid’s paintings captivated me with their fluid forms and gravity-defying shapes, which challenged conventional architectural aesthetics. As a young professional, Norman Foster’s emphasis on high-tech engineering and meticulous attention to detail in his buildings greatly influenced my appreciation for construction techniques and architectural precision.

Additionally, Thomas Heatherwick’s ability to seamlessly transition between small-scale objects and
monumental buildings has been a source of inspiration, showcasing a blend of creativity and technical
prowess. Marcel Wanders’ approach to design, characterized by its playful yet sophisticated nature, has also left a lasting impression on my design philosophy. Shazia Sikander’s reinvention of miniature painting has intrigued me with its fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary expression, offering new perspectives on scale, detail, and narrative within artistic practices.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
RZ – Growing up in Pakistan has profoundly shaped my perspective as an architect/ designer. While my formal design education and early professional experiences were enriched in London and New York, the decision to establish my practice in Lahore has profoundly influenced my design ethos. Lahore boasts a rich heritage encompassing arts, crafts, and a vibrant cultural tapestry that continually inspires my work. The city’s unique blend of architecture, intricate arts and crafts, and its environmental realities have all played pivotal roles in shaping my design vocabulary. The materials indigenous to this region, coupled with the local climate and social dynamics, inevitably inform multiple aspects of my design practice. I strive to imbue my designs with a universal language while remaining rooted in the cultural and environmental context of Lahore and its surroundings.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
RZ – Over the years, my approach to design has evolved significantly, driven by a commitment to responsiveness and innovation in design and architecture. Rather than adhering to a fixed stylistic template, my design philosophy centers on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each project. From the beginning of my practice, my focus was on exploring the potential of technology to enhance design functionality and aesthetic expression. However, as my practice evolved, I became increasingly drawn to the cultural and historical context embedded within the local environment. This shift sparked a deeper exploration into how traditional crafts and materials indigenous to the region could be seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge technologies.

Today, my design journey is characterized by a quest for a harmonious synthesis between the old and the new. I strive to create objects and spaces that not only embrace modernity and efficiency but also celebrate the authenticity and craftsmanship of local traditions. This evolution reflects my belief that design should transcend mere functionality, serving as a catalyst for cultural continuity and sustainable development within the communities it serves.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
RZ – My design philosophy is deeply rooted in a fascination with the intricate geometries, patterns, and forms found in nature. This ongoing exploration serves as a constant wellspring of inspiration across all scales of my work, whether it involves integrating natural elements into architectural spaces or abstracting natural patterns and geometries to inform my designs. At the core of my approach is a quest to capture the ephemeral qualities of nature through physical forms. This involves not merely replicating natural shapes, but rather interpreting and transforming them into functional objects and architectural compositions. By leveraging the mathematical principles that govern natural phenomena, I aim to create designs that evoke a sense of organic growth and harmony.

The fusion of industrial aesthetics with organic visual language is a central theme in my work. I am intrigued by the interplay between precision engineering and the fluid, organic forms found in nature. This juxtaposition allows me to create designs that not only function efficiently but also resonate emotionally with users. By bridging this gap, I strive to blur the distinction between silhouette and body, crafting spaces and objects that feel both rooted in their environment and transcendent in their design.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
RZ – For me, a “completed” work signifies not an endpoint, but rather a moment of reflection and evaluation and a catalyst for ongoing inquiry and refinement. It is an opportunity to observe how the design performs in real-world settings, how it resonates with its audience, and how it fulfills its intended functions. This stage often sparks new insights and possibilities, prompting me to reassess design choices and consider alternative approaches for future projects.

Moreover, each completed work serves as a springboard for further exploration. The lessons learned, from the practical challenges encountered to the aesthetic and functional successes achieved, influence and inform subsequent designs. This iterative process allows me to refine and expand upon concepts, leading to innovations in scale, materials, and functionality. Viewing my works collectively reveals a narrative of progression and continuity. Each project builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, forming a cohesive body of work that reflects my evolving design philosophy and aesthetic sensibilities. This narrative not only chronicles the development of individual designs but also illustrates broader themes and insights gained through the exploration of form, function, and context.