Shewekar is an all-around creative soul, best known for her Egypt-based interior design studio specialized in eclectic furniture design and residential & commercial interiors.
Her refined, elegant and contemporary design, yet functional and practical, is what makes her studio and team stand out the most.
After concluding her B.A. in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo, Shewekar pursued her passion for architecture and design. Living in Miami at the time, she decided to study her second B.A., in Interior Design from the Miami International University of Art and Design. Upon returning to Egypt in 2002, with renewed inspiration, she established her studio to creatively transform what she learned to design residential and commercial projects as well as landscapes.
Every furniture piece resulted is an extraordinary work of art that brings glamour and finesse wherever it’s displayed. From the selection of materials, to the delicately handcrafted finishing accents, every finished product is articulated with style and passion.
In 2017, she launched her signature luxury furniture and exquisite home accessories line. Since Shewekar believes in enjoying a holistic lifestyle, she is also a certified nutritionist, health coach and philanthropist, but her true passion remains to be creating refined and inspiring spaces. She’s also the author of a Middle Eastern cookbook titled “Bel Hana”. Her other hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking and hosting friends and family.
We are excited to have her be a part of our Egyptian Edition of Love&LOBBY.
WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SOUL SING? WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Making people happy, living the present moment, being in nature.
A CHILDHOOD STORY THAT ANNOUNCED THE CREATIVE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY
Back in the 80’s in Egypt there were no dollhouses and I wanted one, so I collected leftover cardboards, wallpaper and fabric scraps and old torn carpets and would make my own for me and my sister.
BEST CONTEXT EVER FOR INSPIRATION WAS
When I’m collecting things (art, stones…), the colors of nature (sea, mountain, forest..etc) and when traveling collecting. I also find Egyptian history and heritage very inspiring.
THE PROJECT YOU LOVED MOST
Each and everyone is different and they all have a special place in my heart. Architecture, client, personal mood all impact my projects, and I always strive for more and to make sure every project is its best version.
THE PROJECT OTHERS LOVED MOST
An apartment in the Four Seasons residence. The client and dear friend cannot stop thanking me for it and sending me pictures of it.
THE BEST THING ABOUT EGYPTIAN CREATIVITY IS
It manages with less. With scarcity of technology, know-how and materials we are still able to create, produce and inspire. Also our craftsmanship makes Egyptian creativity of a special kind.
BEST STATEMENT OF EGYPTIAN HUMOR
We are really truly light-hearted, able to weave jokes out of all disasters and hard times. We are collectively funny people.
ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEADHUNTERS, RELATED TO EGYPTIAN CREATIVES
Search for underdogs and new/ emerging talent. Don’t get stuck on big names.
BEST PLACE IN CAIRO
Old Cairo, especially the Old City of Fustat where there is the Complex of Religions.
BEST PLACE IN EGYPT
Aswan and Siwa in the winter and Mediterranean in the summer.
MOST DISTURBING CLICHÉ ABOUT EGYPT, IN THE MEDIA OUTLETS OF THE WORLD IS
That we live in tents and ride camels.
EGYPT SHOULD BE KNOWN FOR
Tourism, craftsmanship, art.
YOUR VIEWS ON SPIRITUALITY
It is essential to be connected with the highest power. One must give time to spiritual practices to connect; when connected you find your true self, you live the present moment and let go of worries and anxieties, you also find kindness and love in yourself and others.
YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY
It comes and goes.
AN INSPIRATION SOURCE YOU RECOMMEND FOR A YOUNG CREATIVE
Go to vintage bookstores and find old books related to design, art and furniture. Every destination will have a different inspiration.
Movie recommendation: Hanging Up. Meg Ryan and the courtyard house in the movie were both special.
Instagrams to follow: Kelly Wearstler, India Mahdavi, Ettore Sottsass, Nada Debs.
AN EGYPT BASED TALENT THAT DESERVES TO BE PROMOTED AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, AS EXPONENT OF LOCAL CREATIVE SPIRIT
Hala Saleh, an incredibly talented interior designer.
You can check out some of Shewekar’s breathtaking project, here.