Ibrahim MuhtadI is a Palestinian designer and architect from Gaza City, based in Belgium. With a Master’s degree in Architecture and nearly two decades of experience, his work bridges architecture, interior design, jewelry design, product design, graphic design, calligraphy, and cultural craftsmanship.
His multidisciplinary practice reflects a deep connection between artistic expression and cultural identity, reinterpreting traditional elements into contemporary forms that tell stories of resilience and belonging.
Following the destruction of his private design studio in Gaza in 2023, Ibrahim continues his creative journey from Belgium, engaging in international collaborations and developing new collections that carry forward his cultural and design vision..
Further reading:
➞ Open Design Lab – ODLTextile 2025
➞ Telling Palestinian Stories Through Craft & Design, B. Dessent, TL MAGAZINE, 17 March 2025
➞ A ‘humanitarian pause’ in Gaza will just prolong our suffering, I. Muhtadi, THE GUARDIAN, 14 November 2023
➞ I’m on the ground in Gaza – I feel suffocated and cut off from the rest of the world, I Muhtadi, METRO, 11 October 2023
“Learn more about Palestine. Speak up for Palestine. And if words feel too heavy, let your creativity speak—carry the message through art and design.”
Studio Ibrahim Muhtadi, Gaza City, before October 2023
Architecture
In addition to his work in object and jewellery design, Ibrahim is also a trained architect with more than 15 years of experience in enhancing and developing the built environment in Gaza. His architectural practice has centred around participatory design methods that reflect local traditions while incorporating sustainable, green principles. Ibrahim has contributed to numerous civic and cultural projects that prioritise community involvement, contextual sensitivity, and resilience. His architectural approach remains deeply intertwined with his broader design philosophy, valuing culture, sustainability, and storytelling as essential elements of meaningful design.
Private House, Gaza City, before October 2023
Jewellery, Calligraphy & Handcrafted Design
Among his core design practices, Ibrahim is particularly known for his handcrafted silver and gold jewellery collections. Inspired by the flowing forms of Arabic calligraphy, traditional Palestinian patterns and motifs, and cultural icons, his work seamlessly weaves heritage with a contemporary sensibility. Each piece is both wearable art and a deeply personal narrative, celebrating identity, memory, and place.
Ibrahim’s journey with jewellery began in 2000 in Gaza City when his uncle — an inspirational mentor and instructor — after establishing a modest silversmith workshop. Ibrahim was fortunate to carry on his uncle’s legacy, driven by a deep passion to practice, preserve, and innovate. That same year, he enrolled in the Architecture school Gaza, where he studied foundational design principles and the history of Palestinian architecture, cultural ornaments, and design motifs. These experiences gradually began to influence his jewellery design, leading him to develop new design shapes and forms, textures, ornaments, and other design elements. A major source of inspiration was Arabic calligraphy, which he studied under the renowned local calligrapher. Over time, Ibrahim created his distinctive calligraphic style, reimagining and reshaping Arabic letters to express his personal artistic vision and design identity. Now Ibrahim showcases his jewelry pieces in several countries such as Belgium, the UK, and Australia. and the possibility to ship worldwide.
Buy online:
➞ ٍShop
➞ Disarming Design
Ibrahim Muhtadi workshop , Gaza City
Design as Resistance
For Ibrahim, design is not only a profession—it is a means of survival, resistance, and cultural continuity. Growing up under occupation and blockade has shaped his approach to art, giving it urgency, depth, and responsibility. He uses design to preserve the legacy of Palestinian motifs and patterns, engage audiences in meaningful dialogue, and counter dominant narratives with truth and beauty.
Looking Ahead
Ibrahim remains committed to developing sustainable, story-driven designs while mentoring young creatives and expanding his international collaborations. His future work will continue to explore the intersection of heritage and innovation, with a strong focus on ethical practices and environmental consciousness. Through his creations, Ibrahim invites the world to see Palestine not only through its struggles but also through its art, its beauty, and its resilience.
Collaborations
Ibrahim’s design ethos is grounded in ethical production, sustainability, and cultural continuity. His collaborations with artisans and organisations across Palestine and the world have enriched his work and expanded its impact. Notable partnerships include:
Dissarming Design from Palestine (DDFP)
Disarming Design from Palestine (DDFP) is a Belgium- and Palestine-based platform that promotes politically engaged design by Palestinian creatives. A long-time contributor to the collection, Ibrahim now serves as the Product Development and Sales Officer. He plays a key role in communication and linking production with international audiences, while advocating for the stories behind each piece.
Palestinian History Tapestry Project
A UK-based initiative preserving Palestinian history through embroidery. Ibrahim supports this project’s mission of cultural preservation and continues to contribute as a Co-chair and design consultant.
Aya Collection (2023)
A powerful and emotional embroidery line created with his team in Gaza, named after his partner. The collection was tragically lost when his studio was destroyed in October 2023, transforming the project into a haunting memorial and a testament to loss and resilience.
Palestinian Fair Trade Australia collaborates with Palestinian Fair Trade Australia to showcase and promote silver jewellery and hand-painted creations through its platforms, markets, and outreach activities, championing ethically made Palestinian products on a global scale.
Silver Solidarity (2025)
A recent creation for Disarming Design from Palestine, inspired by the patterns of the Palestinian Keffiyeh that embodies themes of Solidarity, struggle, and cultural resistance. (Link)
Atfaluna Crafts (Society for Deaf Children)
has collaborated with Atfaluna Crafts for over a decade, leading and developing its production unit. He has worked closely with artisans with hearing disabilities and other vulnerable communities to co-create meaningful, high-quality designs and handicrafts that celebrate inclusion, culture, and resilience.
IOpen Design Lab (2025)
My participation in the first edition of Open Design Lab, a five-week design research workshop at BUDA::lab in Kortrijk, centered on open design methodologies and textile-based experimentation using free and open-source tools..
NRWA's Sulafa Embroidery Centre – Led Sulafa Embroidery Centre as Business Development Manager for three years. Engaged closely with tailors, embroidery instructors, and refugee women artisans across Gaza’s north, center, and south to co-create collections reflecting cultural heritage, resilience, and dignity. Represented Sulafa in regional and international events in Jordan and the UK.
Alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) – USA, 2016, representing Palestinian design and cultural heritage on a global stage.