Ahmad AbouZanat, a Qatar-born interior designer based in New York City, skillfully combines modern minimalism with timeless elegance, merging multicultural influences and a love for contemporary Parisian design. With a background rooted in French and Middle Eastern aesthetics, Ahmad has gained recognition as the founder of PROJECT AZ and for his extensive experience in hospitality and residential design across Lebanon, the United States, Paris, Jeddah, and Doha. Beyond his design work, Ahmad is also a dedicated board member and founder of Interior Collab, an interior design platform that promotes community, resource sharing, and sustainable initiatives among designers. Learn more about Ahmad’s work in today’s Designer Friday.
Built into a blue fluted wood wall is a custom bar with hanging glass shelving and enlivened by a Caesarstone countertop. Blue velvet and brass stools bring together this space with a dichromatic aesthetic.
Andrew Joseph: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
Ahmad AbouZanat: Revenge alongside Madeline Stow and Emily Van Camp. There’s a level of finesse in every detail of the show; it’s in the script, the set design, costume design and definitely in each character on the show. In my opinion, it was one of the shows that portrayed different lifestyles impeccably even in the way the characters interacted with each other. It’s one of the very few shows that I’ve watched over and over.
AJ: What’s something you always travel with?
AA: On any given trip, you’ll find a portable steamer, lint roller, a white shirt and a black shirt in my suitcase. You just never know! I typically overpack sunglasses, shoes and black T-shirts as well. I’ve had my fair share of flights getting canceled due to severe weather conditions, so I’m always thinking this trip might be a day or two longer than planned.
The grooved marble vanity with speckled brown veining harmonizes with the wallpaper, which mimics traditional Ikat fabric in a rich mahogany-brown variegation. The rounded corner mirror plays off the soft curves found elsewhere in the room.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
AA: Designing a boutique hotel or a coffee shop. I studied hospitality management prior to going to design school. I’ve worked in hotels both boutiques and larger chains and I know the back end of the operation. Creating experiential spaces is one of the things I enjoy doing, both Hotels and Coffee Shops are the perfect avenues for that while keeping the comfort of guests as a priority.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
AA: Both.. we had both growing up. Cats’ personalities and attitudes are fascinating. However, now I have an 18-month-old rescue pup, Jessica. She’s got my heart and brings so much joy.
Discover tranquility in this captivating meditation nook, where plush velvet drapes and stacked lamps create a serene ambiance. A painting that is composed of Arabic calligraphy reminds you to stay grounded in the eternal.
AJ: Style (or design) icon?
AA: Tom Ford, a constant icon for many years now. His journey in the fashion industry is a big source of inspiration. He’s an architect by education and a brilliant style icon who took a chance on himself and entered the world of fashion then went on to build an empire in the industry. He stood out by thinking outside the box when it comes to presenting his work and kept pushing the boundaries. In my designs I always lean towards texture over pattern and throughout his personal line, it’s always been the luxury of the materials and textures over print. When he does present print, it’s bold and shocking.
About the Designer | Of Palestinian descent, you may be wondering how Ahmad AbouZanat found himself designing full-time in the heart of Manhattan. His studies and practice began in the Middle East and brought him to the states more than 10 years ago where his current clientele fell in love with his approach to interior design.
Ahmad is known for a smooth and professional approach to design where he instills a safe space for open dialogue and maintains proper communication with his clients so they feel comfortable with every stage of the process. “Without active listening skills and taking the time to address concerns when they arise, projects can veer off the tracks rather quickly. I have learned that my most successful projects have always been the ones where the clients and I stayed on the same page together, every step of the way.”
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