We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Mohammed Obaid about their original and creative Corporate Identity design work. Mohammed Obaid is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original corporate identity works.
Mohammed Obaid ("MO") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Mawa Branding Corporate Identity. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MO : The core idea behind MAWA’s brand identity was to embody the concept of “value beyond matter.” I wanted the logo to reflect harmony, continuity, and prestige a visual translation of timeless elegance and thoughtful luxury. The golden circular emblem symbolizes unity and infinite potential, inspired by organic forms and jewelry craftsmanship.
MO : My focus was to craft a brand identity that looks luxurious and feels trustworthy. I wanted every visual element to communicate clarity, purpose, and a refined sense of excellence. The goal was to make MAWA stand out as a premium name that delivers more than services and creates meaningful experiences.
MO : This design marks an important step in my creative journey. I plan to expand its presence across more platforms and expressions while maintaining its core elegance and clarity. At the same time, I am preparing to submit this project to other prestigious design competitions to further test its impact and gain global recognition. Winning this award encouraged me to push the boundaries even further and pursue continuous creative excellence.
MO : The design process took around six to eight weeks. This timeline included research, creative exploration, concept refinement, and final delivery. I also invested time in making sure the Arabic and English logotypes worked together in harmony.
MO : This was a commissioned project. However, I approached it with deep creative involvement. The client gave me the freedom to explore strategic and emotional directions, which made it possible to design something unique and full of meaning.
MO : The identity is currently being used by the client in both print and digital applications. The brand has been implemented across multiple platforms including stationery, packaging, and digital experiences. My role extended beyond design to supervision and guidance during implementation to ensure consistency and quality.
MO : I have a deep passion for identity design because it allows me to distill complex ideas into clear visual forms. This project gave me the opportunity to work with bilingual typography and luxurious visual language, which are both areas I enjoy exploring and refining.
MO : While the final concept was the result of personal creative exploration, I was influenced by classical calligraphy forms and modern jewelry design. I drew subtle inspiration from the balance found in Japanese minimalism and the richness of Middle Eastern geometry.
MO : The brand speaks to a high-end audience that values quality, precision, and refinement. MAWA targets clients and consumers who seek exceptional service and elegant presentation, whether in real estate, hospitality, or premium lifestyle products.
MO : This identity stands out by combining traditional Arabic visual culture with a modern, minimal execution. The harmony between the Arabic and English logotypes, along with the symbolic golden mark, creates a unique fingerprint that feels both familiar and elevated. It avoids clichés and presents a fresh perspective on luxury.
MO : The name "MAWA" is derived from the Arabic word مأوى, meaning a place of comfort, refuge, or elegant shelter. It carries emotional depth and cultural relevance. The name was chosen to reflect a sense of trust, belonging, and timeless value. It aligns perfectly with the brand’s positioning as a refined destination or service that offers more than just function, but emotional resonance as well.
MO : I used Adobe Illustrator for the core logo development, Adobe Photoshop for mockups and presentations, and Adobe InDesign for layout of brand guidelines. Additionally, I worked with 3D mockups to visualize packaging and premium applications, ensuring the brand felt tangible from day one.
MO : The most unique aspect is the sculptural symbol that blends the elegance of crafted jewelry with the abstract idea of infinity. It holds meaning without being literal. Also, the integration of Arabic and English typography in a balanced, unified form sets this identity apart in a field where bilingual harmony is often difficult to achieve.
MO : This design was developed entirely by me, from concept to execution. I handled all aspects of the creative process, including research, strategy, visual development, and final production. The project reflects a personal and holistic design approach, combining both strategic thinking and visual craftsmanship without external consultation.
MO : Technology served as a tool to bring the vision to life, but the true value came from design intuition and refined skill. I primarily used Adobe Illustrator for crafting the logo and visual system, and Photoshop for presentation and refinement. The strength of the design lies not in complex software, but in the ability to use these tools with precision, sensitivity, and purpose.
MO : The design was influenced by a combination of cultural insight and visual benchmarking rather than numerical data. I conducted in-depth research into Arabic calligraphy styles, high-end brand identities, and visual trends in the luxury sector. This research informed the choices of form, color, and composition to ensure that the brand feels refined, rooted, and globally competitive.
MO : One of the main challenges was achieving balance between Arabic and English typography. I wanted both scripts to feel harmonious without one overpowering the other. Another challenge was creating a symbol that feels luxurious yet abstract, avoiding clichés while still delivering emotional impact. These challenges pushed me to refine every curve and detail until the result felt complete.
MO : I believe in testing my work on a global level and using awards as a platform for learning and growth. A' Design Award stood out to me because of its credibility, the quality of participants, and the value it offers in terms of visibility and recognition. I wanted to challenge myself and see how the project would resonate beyond its original context.
MO : This project deepened my understanding of cultural sensitivity and the power of visual storytelling. I became more precise in balancing tradition with modernity, and more confident in trusting my instincts during the design process. It also reaffirmed the importance of patience, iteration, and pushing beyond the first good idea.
MO : This design is a reflection of everything I believe about branding: that clarity, elegance, and purpose should always guide the creative process. It is also a reminder that even in a fast-paced digital world, thoughtful and well-crafted design still holds deep value.
