Participants during a panel discussion.
Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar VCUarts Qatar recently launched its Alumni Voices panel series, a platform for alumni conversations highlighting the professional impact of its graduates and their contributions across industries in Qatar and beyond.
The inaugural event, held on August 31, 2026, in the Atrium at VCUarts Qatar, featured Kaltham AlKuwari (IDES, 2017), Co-founder and Managing Director of Design House Interiors; Mohamed Sleiman, CEO of Alfardan Properties and Alfardan Hospitality; and Shaikha Al Sulaiti (IDES, 2009) Senior Manager of Fashion & Design at Msheireb Properties. The panel was curated and moderated by Lejla Nikšić (GDES, 2007), Director of Strategic Engagement at VCUarts Qatar.
Drawing on their experience across creative practice, entrepreneurship, luxury real estate and hospitality, the speakers explored design from the perspectives of the practitioner, client and developer.
Together they discussed the changing role of design in Qatar and the contribution of designers to the country’s various environments.
Opening the event, Lejla emphasised the continuing relationship between design education and professional practice.
“Our alumni carry the ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking developed here into the world, and in doing so, they help shape what the design profession becomes,” she said.
“Being a designer is not only about making things. It is about thinking, questioning, understanding people, seeing possibilities and contributing something of value to the world around us.”
The discussion considered Qatar’s shift from rapid development towards a more mature design market in which functionality, cultural context, sustainability, and user experience carry increasing importance.
Panellists also addressed the value of evidence-based design and the impact effective client-designer relationships has on design outcomes.
The discussion also considered the growing influence of artificial intelligence on creative practice, with panellists agreeing that while AI can accelerate the design process, human judgement and cultural understanding remain essential.
Closing the conversation, Lejla said: “The future of design in Qatar is about understanding context, creating value, challenging assumptions and bringing together creativity with strategy, culture, purpose and people.”
Future editions of Alumni Voices will continue to connect VCUarts Qatar alumni, students and industry leaders through discussions about the ideas and developments shaping the creative professions.
