Iwan Maktabi kicked off 2025 with the unveiling of four new collections at its Dubai flagship on Jumeirah Beach Road. The event, part of the newly launched Iwan Maktabi Reveals, introduced exclusive collaborations with Rabih Geha Architects (RG/A) and artist Leila Jabre Jureidini, alongside a striking in-house collection from Iwan Maktabi LAB.
A highlight of the evening was Blip & Fold, the result of a long-awaited collaboration with Rabih Geha. The Blip collection challenges structured design, introducing subtle disruptions to rigid grids, while Fold transforms an accidental paper crumple into an intricate woven pattern. Speaking about his creative process, Geha explained, “Unpredictability plays a pivotal role in my work. Both collections explore the beauty of disruption and chance.”
To elevate the launch experience, architect Roula Salamoun designed an immersive scenography, integrating the carpets with design pieces from Cassina. This setup, paired with an artist-led walk-and-talk, gave us a deeper look into the inspiration behind each piece.
We had the chance to sit down with Geha to discuss the new collaboration.
Blip & Fold marks an intersection between structured rhythm and unexpected disruption. How did the idea for these collections evolve, and what role does unpredictability play in your design approach?
RABIH GEHA: Blip and Fold both explore the balance between structure and unpredictability in design. Blip is inspired by the idea that a grid or rhythm only becomes meaningful when interrupted. The repetition of lines and dots is disrupted by a volumetric shift, creating a more dynamic and harmonious composition.
Fold, on the other hand, was born from a moment of serendipity. What began as simple stripe patterns on paper evolved into something rich and unexpected when crumpled. This reflects my design philosophy of recycling ideas and changing perspectives. The colorful Fold collection uses contrasting hues and shadows to evoke the feel of a folded two-dimensional canvas.
Unpredictability plays a pivotal role in my design approach. It challenges the expected, allowing for richer, more dynamic compositions that evolve beyond their initial concepts. Both collections exemplify how disruption and chance can lead to the most meaningful creative outcomes.
Your design philosophy seems to explore the concept of transformation, whether through architectural forms, materials, or the repurposing of ideas as seen in Fold. How do you balance the tension between structure and fluidity in your work?
RG: In my work, I strive to balance structure and fluidity by embracing transformation as a key element. Fold is a perfect example of this philosophy. Initially born from an accidental crumpling of striped patterns, Fold challenges the conventional notion of “finished” design. The process of repurposing an idea midway through its development reflects my belief that design is subjective and constantly evolving. By shifting perspectives, I am able to transform simple patterns into something new and rich.
The tension between structure and fluidity in my work is maintained through a constant push and pull—allowing for both order and spontaneity to coexist and enrich the final result.
Having expanded your practice to multiple regions, including Nigeria, UAE, KSA, and Qatar, how do you adapt your designs to different cultural contexts while maintaining the essence of your architectural identity?
RG: Rabih Geha Architects (RG/A) has built a reputation for creating designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with a deep respect for cultural contexts. When expanding to regions like Nigeria, UAE, KSA, and Qatar, the firm adapts its designs by carefully considering the unique cultural, historical, and environmental factors of each location while staying true to its core design philosophy of minimalism, functionality, and timeless elegance. The firm maintains its architectural identity through a consistent design language—Whether it’s a residential project or a commercial space, RG/A adapts its work to each region by blending innovation with local heritage, resulting in designs that feel both modern and culturally rooted.
Your work has been recognized with numerous awards and featured in prestigious design publications. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the evolution of RG/A, and are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue?
RG: Looking ahead, what excites me most about the evolution of RG/A is the opportunity to continue exploring the intersection of innovation and cultural context in design. As architectural technologies and sustainable practices rapidly evolve, RG/A is in a position to embrace these shifts and experiment with new materials, energy-efficient designs, and smart technologies to create spaces that are not only aesthetically engaging but also environmentally responsible. This is something that I’m deeply passionate about, especially as the firm expands into new regions with unique cultural and environmental demands.
Dream projects for RG/A include cultural centers, museums, or mixed-use spaces that act as both hubs for creativity and places of interaction for the public. I’m also intrigued by the prospect of contributing to projects that preserve and transform historical sites, blending the old with the new in a way that respects heritage while introducing innovative design solutions. Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces that enrich people’s lives and reflect the ever-evolving nature of both architecture and the communities they serve.
