Ahmad Angawi
Fratelli Boffi
Ahmad Angawi is a multidisciplinary creative and educator born in Makkah in 1981. He holds degrees in Industrial Design and Traditional Arts from Pratt Institute in New York and The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London respectively. He is the Associate Director of Al Makmad Foundation and the Founder of Zawiya 97, a cultural hub in Jeddah’s historical district. Working alongside The Prince’s Foundation & Jameel Art, Angawi established the first school for traditional arts (The house of traditional arts) in Al Balad and worked as the Program Director of The school. He also worked with the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage and Turquoise Mountain. Angawi is inspired by Hejazi culture. He promotes balance in his work, influenced by his father Dr. Sami Angawi’s “Al Mizan” philosophy. His creations reflect on the human condition, culture, heritage, and the environment. Through exhibitions, projects, and educational programs, he fosters dialogue and cultural exchange in Al-Balad, contributing to the preservation and rejuvenation of Hejazi heritage. Angawi emphasizes the importance of traditional artisans and their roles in today’s mass-market productions. He sees industrial designers as modern craftsmen.
Fratelli Boffi is one of the most significant companies in Italian artisan furniture. Based in Lentate sul Seveso, in the Brianza region, it has represented a story of passion, tradition and exceptional family heritage since 1928. During nearly 100 years in the business, the company has deepened its expertise in fine cabinet making through continuous analysis of design, its quest for exquisite materials and technological development, whilst remaining committed to honing its know-how. At the same time, it focuses on research and experimentation, fuelling the creativity of designers and architects to create collections and furnishings of excellence. Boffi’s style is rendered unique by its successful interpretation of a classic style, injected with an eclectic tongue-in-cheek approach. Fratelli Boffi always places the emphasis on customer needs and contemporary challenges, carefully preserving outstanding master craftsmanship whilst creating fantastical, timelessly unique pieces, often working in conjunction with renowned designers.