Kawther Alsaffar is a Kuwait-based product designer and the founder of Studio Saffar which she established in 2014. The studio produces sand-cast artworks rooted in traditional craftsmanship, focusing on developing crafts that challenge the generic definition of luxury, while promoting the local fabric. The brand’s products aspire to be personally informed, locally defined and universally desirable. Kawther earned her BFA in Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design, and an MA in Design Products from the Royal College of Art in London.
Kawther Alsaffar
Multidisciplinary Designer | Kuwait
Copper and Zinc Dual Bowl. Image courtesy of the Designer
The Interview
How does your cultural or regional context influence your design work?
My work is fully about context and culture.
What is your design philosophy or approach to creative problem-solving?
Focus on craft and elevating traditional craftsmanship through modern design.
Describe a project you're most proud of and why it's meaningful to you.
Dual Bowls. It engaged in all the philosophical aspects I wanted it to and also was highly successful..
What are the biggest challenges facing designers in the MENASA region today?
Rising costs and lack of availability in metals.
Works
9 Dual Bowls, Image courtesy of the designer.
Image courtesy of the designer.
Website
studiosaffar.com
Socials
@studio_saffar