We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Mai Wahdan about their original and creative Table design work. Mai Wahdan is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original table works.
Mai Wahdan ("MW") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Tura Table. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MW : The Tura Table was inspired by the limestone used in ancient Egyptian pyramids—specifically the Tura stone. The principle was to capture the monumentality and symbolism of this material while translating it into a modern, lightweight, and functional design.
MW : My focus was to create a piece that evokes cultural memory while functioning effortlessly in contemporary interiors. I wanted to achieve harmony between form, materiality, and emotion—blending ancient presence with modern lightness.
MW : We plan to exhibit the Tura Table in major design events, including Milan Design Week. I also aim to explore limited-edition releases and potential collaborations with galleries and luxury interior brands to expand its reach.
MW : The entire process took approximately 10 months, from concept development and research to prototyping, refinement, and final production.
MW : This design was self-initiated, born from a personal inspiration to reimagine ancient materials in a modern, sculptural form. It was a creative pursuit driven by passion, not a commissioned project.
MW : The Tura Table is produced in-house under my design brand, and we are open to future licensing opportunities with select partners who align with the concept and quality expectations.
MW : As both an architect and interior designer, I often felt the need for furniture that speaks a spatial language. The Tura Table bridges furniture and sculpture—it was a natural evolution of my desire to create meaningful centerpieces for interiors.
MW : While the core inspiration was historical, I’ve long admired the sculptural approach of designers like Thomas Heatherwick, who balance storytelling with bold materiality. His work encouraged me to explore emotional form beyond function.
MW : Discerning clients who appreciate cultural depth, sculptural aesthetics, and bespoke design. It appeals to collectors, design-focused homeowners, and hospitality spaces seeking a standout statement piece.
MW : Its material storytelling and visual weight contrast with its actual lightness. The fusion of ancient stone influence with contemporary production techniques gives it a strong identity and emotional depth not often found in modern tables.
MW : The name “Tura” directly references the limestone quarries of Tura, which supplied the white casing stones for the Great Pyramids. It honors the origin of the material and the story it carries.
MW : Initial sketches were done by hand. The final form was developed using Rhino for 3D modeling, with rendering done in V-Ray and detailed prototyping involving physical material samples and molds.
MW : Its sculptural form that mimics heavy stone but is made from lightweight fiberglass, allowing easy integration into modern interiors without compromising its monumental presence.
MW : I collaborated with specialized fabricators to perfect the fiberglass texture and finish. Their technical expertise was essential to achieving the tactile realism of stone while ensuring stability and lightness.
MW : Technology played a crucial role—from digital modeling and simulation to fiberglass molding and precision glass bonding. Without these tools, the material expression and structural balance would not have been possible.
MW : The research was material-focused. I conducted texture and weight comparisons, stress tests on fiberglass prototypes, and user experience studies on scale and ergonomics. The goal was to ensure both usability and longevity.
MW : The biggest challenge was achieving the tactile authenticity of stone in a lightweight material. There were also technical hurdles in bonding the glass securely while maintaining visual lightness and overall balance.
MW : My husband, who is also an architect and has already won several awards at the A’ Design Award, encouraged me to submit. His support and experience gave me the confidence to share my work on an international platform. It felt like the right moment to present a piece that reflected both my personal voice and cultural inspiration.
MW : I deepened my understanding of fiberglass fabrication and learned to embrace bold, sculptural gestures in furniture. It also reaffirmed the value of storytelling in design and the power of blending heritage with innovation.
MW : Design is not just about creating objects—it’s about leaving a trace of meaning. With the Tura Table, I wanted to create something that feels both ancient and alive, something that connects people not only with function but with legacy.
