The power of design lies in its ability to shape perception, influence behavior, and craft experiences that resonate across time and context. Beyond aesthetics, it drives innovation, inspires fresh thinking, and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This vision came alive at the second Innovation by Design Summit, hosted by Fast Company Middle East in partnership with Msheireb Properties and supported by Doha Design District and Media City Qatar. The summit convened architects, designers, artists, and innovators to examine how creativity can redefine industries and communities.

The summit culminated with the Msheireb Innovation in Design Awards, honoring work that embodies ingenuity, purpose, and bold thinking. It was an evening devoted to celebrating design that pushes boundaries and inspires the next generation of creators.

Corporate Excellence

R/GA | Technology-Driven Design

AI-powered platforms and immersive AR/VR experiences

R/GA was recognized for redefining how brands connect with audiences through technology-driven design. Their AI platforms and immersive AR/VR experiences create interactive, multi-sensory engagements, enhancing user experience and brand storytelling. 

Landor | Retail and Experiential 

The Imperia branding project

Landor earned recognition for its Imperia project, which transforms retail environments into immersive experiences. Through cohesive visual identity, storytelling, and customer-centric design, the project exemplifies how branding and physical space can work together to engage consumers meaningfully.

Masdar City | Sustainable Design

Renewable energy initiatives and zero-carbon neighborhoods

Masdar City’s sustainable urban planning initiatives illustrate how design can prioritize environmental responsibility. From renewable energy integration to zero-carbon neighborhoods, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable, future-ready communities in the region.

Joe Doucet | Travel and Hospitality

Innovative hotel concepts

Joe Doucet’s work merges functionality with aesthetic sophistication in the hospitality sector. His concepts redefine the guest experience by integrating thoughtful design with immersive, memorable environments, raising industry standards globally.

Emerging Designers – Middle East

Yasamin Shaikhi | Product Design & Innovation

Food Waste Renaissance: From the Table, For the Table

Yasamin Shaikhi of VCUarts Qatar transforms food by-products into functional lighting, embracing circular design principles. Her project demonstrates how design can creatively address sustainability challenges while producing visually striking and functional objects.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Thani | Art & Design Expression

Intaj exhibition and Intajat platform

Sheikh Khalifa bridges heritage, art, and storytelling, nurturing local creative talent through his multimedia exhibition Intaj and the platform Intajat. His work fosters cultural expression and artistic innovation, strengthening Qatar’s creative ecosystem.

Bachir Mohammed| Design for Social Impact

Echo of Lost Innocence

Bachir Mohammed’s installation features 15,000 concrete-bound teddy bears symbolizing children lost in Gaza. Through this powerful work, he demonstrates how design can raise social awareness, evoke empathy, and inspire humanitarian action.

The summit and awards highlighted the design’s transformative and purposeful impact. Qatar is demonstrating how vision and ingenuity can reshape industries, influence communities, and redefine cultural expression across established and emerging creators.