Page 199 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT MAY 2025

5/26/25, 2:01 PM MAKE Launches 5th Athath Fellowship To Shape The Future Of Furniture Design - Design Middle East
Additionally, this fellowship program will comprise primary and complementary modules. The “Design and
Prototyping” module will discuss furniture and commercial designs, delivered by Thomas Trad, a UAE-based
product designer fascinated with manufacturing processes, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of materials,
highlighting design thinking, fabrication techniques and detailing. The “Commercial Strategy” module will address
value proposition development, material sourcing strategies, cost and pricing analysis, and marketing approaches.
Complementing these, a series of seminars will be delivered by prominent speakers from academia, the design
industry, and key support services, offering insights into the legal and commercial frameworks relevant to design
practice.

At the culmination of the cohort, participants will present their completed prototypes at Downtown Design during
Dubai Design Week in November 2025. This showcase will celebrate their creative achievements and offer
invaluable exposure, connecting emerging designers directly with decision-makers, private clients and the
community of interiors, architecture, and product innovation.

The program, rooted in cultural relevance, functional design, and commercial appeal, focuses on creating furniture
pieces that are market-ready and meaningful. It welcomes all participants with the skills and mindset to become
entrepreneurs in the world of furniture design, providing a launchpad for their careers in furniture making and
design innovation. Let us build a future where design enhances our lives, where each piece of furniture becomes a
living example of creativity and practicality.

https://design-middleeast.com/make-launches-5th-athath-fellowship-to-shape-the-future-of-furniture-design/ 3/3