Egyptian Visionaries on the AD100 2026 List

First launched in 1990 by Architectural Digest, the AD100 is the magazine’s annual list celebrating the most influential designers and architects shaping the world of interiors, architecture, and creative innovation. Over the years, it has evolved into a global benchmark - spotlighting leaders who define how we live, build, and imagine our spaces.

With the launch of the AD100 2026, AD celebrates the 100 designers redefining architecture, interiors, product design and sustainable innovation across the Middle East and North Africa. The list brings together iconic names and rising voices who are reshaping the region through contemporary interpretations of heritage, craft, materiality and forward-leaning technology. Together, they map out the evolving story of design in MENA.

These are the Egyptian designers who made the list this year:

Badie Architects

“My design philosophy draws inspiration from the unpredictability of nature,” summarizes Mohamed Badie, capturing the essence of his practice through projects that blend curves, raw textures, and sustainable design.

Don Tanani

Founded by Alia and Tamara El Tanani, the Cairo gallery channels Egyptian heritage into modern design. Their Nakhl chair and sofa reinterpret the palm tree, merging tradition with contemporary craft.

Hala Saleh

Founder of TDF+, Hala Saleh focuses on culturally rooted, emotionally engaging design. Her work spans architecture, spatial experiences, and cultural storytelling across coastal destinations and private homes.

Mohamed Fares

Mohamed Fares blends architecture with creative ventures like film and fashion. Notable projects include the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Sachi Marassi Marina restaurant and Mangrove White Dwelling in Gouna, balancing sleek white architecture with natural landscapes.

Omar Chakil

Specializing in furniture and objects in Egyptian alabaster, Omar Chakil’s work fuses craft with playful design. Highlights include the Colorama series and a solo exhibition at PAD Paris.

Salem S. Charabi

Danish-Egyptian architect Salem Charabi explores cultural memory through local materials and craft. His furniture collection A Semblance of Eternity reflects ancient inspirations reimagined in contemporary design.

Shahira Fahmy

Shahira Fahmy is known for projects like the eco-hotel Dar Tantora Lodge and Nakhla installation in Saudi Arabia, where materiality, craft, and light merge in innovative ways.

Shewekar

Shewekar Elgharably’s Cairo studio blends heritage and modernity in interiors and furniture. The Gezirah penthouse features carved wood and eclectic, art-focused interiors, alongside mentorship in sustainable design.

Tarek Shamma

A veteran of Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield studios, Tarek Shamma’s interiors use refined materials and artisan craft. Projects include luxury homes and boutiques for clients like Christian Louboutin.

Yasmina Makram

Yasmina Makram creates poetic, precise interiors. Her studio, co-led with Nour Makram Ebeid, delivers projects from private residences to regional headquarters, grounded in authenticity and narrative.

Yasmine Ghoniem

Australian-Egyptian designer Yasmine Ghoniem of YSG Studio transforms spaces into playful, nature-inspired environments. Projects range from lunar-themed workspaces to magical residential retreats.