From Runways To Residences: The Importance Of Tenacity In Design With Fameed Khalique
A Summary from Rachel:
In episode 17 of the If These Walls Could Talk podcast I am talking with Fameed Khalique. Fameed shares his journey from aspiring airline pilot to becoming a prominent figure in the Interior Design industry. He started his career in fashion shows and PR, then worked in publishing and logistics before joining his brother's company, Alma Leather, where he learned about the interior design community. After five years, he left and started his own business, curating a vast collection of materials for both couture and ready-to-wear projects. Fameed emphasises the importance of being resourceful, having a good eye, and being open to new experiences. Fameed Khalique is the founder of Fameed Khalique, a luxury materials consultancy and supplier. Throughout our conversation, he discusses the importance of materials in design and how his company helps designers and architects bring their visions to life. He talks about the value of creating mood boards and offering advice to clients, as well as the challenges of sampling and the need for better communication between designers and suppliers. Fameed also shares his insights on the business lessons he has learned and his plans for the future.
Key Takeaways:
Fameed Khalique's career journey was not planned but evolved through various industries, including fashion shows, PR, publishing, and logistics.
He discovered his passion for the interior design industry while working at Alma Leather and decided to start his own business curating materials for both couture and ready-to-wear projects.
Fameed emphasizes the importance of being resourceful, having a good eye, and being open to new experiences.
His business, Fameed Khalique Ltd, offers a wide range of materials for commercial and hospitality projects, as well as high-end residential projects. Materials play a crucial role in design and can greatly impact the success of a project.
Creating mood boards and seeking advice from suppliers can help designers and architects bring their visions to life.
Sampling can be a challenge, and better communication between designers and suppliers is needed to ensure smooth processes.
Being open to feedback and understanding that perfection is not always necessary can lead to greater success in business.
Fameed Khalique plans to focus on key projects and explore opportunities as a materials consultant in the future.
Listen to Fameed’s episode here.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Early Career
03:10 From Fashion Shows to Interior Design
10:43 The Importance of Resourcefulness and Having a Good Eye
16:18 No Plan, Just Evolution
38:28 Offering a Wide Range of Materials for Various Projects
41:36 The Importance of Materials in Design
42:05 Creating Mood Boards and Seeking Advice
43:26 Challenges of Sampling and Communication
46:21 Lessons Learned in Business
49:09 Future Plans: Focusing on Key Projects and Material Consultancy
ABOUT RACHEL
Rachel Usher is the founder of Rachel Usher Interior Design and The Business Of Interiors. Rachel has run her successful Interior Design studio for over twelve years and has launched The Business Of Interiors alongside her design business to help fellow Interior Designers to learn, grow, thrive and connect, using her years of rich experience to help others and build a community.