Kaif Faquih is a partner at Faquih & Associates (FAA), a leading architecture, interior planning, and design firm. Founded in 1968 by his father, Farooq Faquih, the firm is recognised as a globally leading architectural practice celebrated for its professionalism, innovation, and project delivery.

‘Architecture chose me more than me choosing architecture’, says Faquih. Growing up in an architectural family, design was not just an academic pursuit but a way of life. Being surrounded by design discussions in childhood shaped his perspective on the built environment. These early lessons laid a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in architecture and design.

Faquih believes that the idea behind designing spaces is for the interaction and experience of humans or living beings, facilitated by technology and functionality. His creative process is driven by the desire to create environments that elevate and enrich lives. He strives to create innovative and responsible designs rooted in a deep understanding of the built environment, human needs, and cutting-edge design principles.

Over the years, FAA has worked on various iconic projects, crafting spaces for esteemed clients across industries and cities. A recent project that embodies Faquih’s architectural vision is his countryside Villa, whose design means ‘to not be there’. The project does not employ any persuasive techniques or rhetorical pretensions towards its design. The architecture and interior spaces have a slow and evolving quality that impacts the subconscious in a calming and meaningful way. Faquih does not want the visitors of the villa to have any objectified memory or iconographic images of the architecture but rather experience a strong phenomenological experience that invites contemplation. The design has been deeply influenced by the writings of Riza Shirazi, Norberg Schulz, and Juhani Pallasmaa.

Faquih foresees a significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in redefining the architectural industry. He claims that AI will play a major role in projects that are strongly aligned with archetypical design patterns, shifting the architect’s role from ‘invertor, creator to the organiser, co-creator’. The human designer interfacing with the AI shall change their role from mediator to approver. This transformation will be particularly evident in projects that adhere to formulaic expectations and hence conducive to the stochastic Markovian process used by current AI. Faquih’s second claim is more subtle and inconspicuous. In the bricolage and fragmented approach to creative design, AI will enable the designers to easily create image and impression-based design thinking.

Since the cultural, and normative aspects of human existence precede AI operations, as of now, ‘Techne’ will overshadow ‘Telios’, raising critical questions about the future balance between innovation and authenticity.

‘Architecture moves along with society’. Faquih believes that the future of architecture is intrinsically linked to the cultural and economic trajectories of various societies. With globalisation, the isolated unique built styles of various cultures and societies have been absorbed and co-opted by a rapidly networked planet. As humanity constantly evolves into new realities, the next significant shift in architecture is unlikely to stem from technology alone but from cultural transformation. He advises young architects and designers to develop their minds and sensibilities both in the direction of culture and technology. The former provides insight into the meaning of built environments, while the latter offers the tools to realise them. In balancing these two forces, the architects of the future will shape spaces that are both meaningful and innovative.