Jeffrey Meawad Creates Spaces that Marry Tradition with Modernity

The magic is all in the balance, believes Jeffrey Meawad, the architect behind JM Design & Architecture, a Lebanese-based design firm. The balance of aesthetics, form, functionality, layout, lighting and human needs and desires, bring about a harmonious ambiance that makes a perfect design, according to Jeffrey. But what makes Jeffrey’s design philosophy special is his love for his country and his passion to support craftsmen of Lebanon by turning the spotlight on their work.

From a young age, Jeffrey Meawad was captivated by design, furniture, and architecture, and knew early on that he wanted to become an architect. His journey began with a childhood love for sketching and imagining spaces, fueled by a subscription to design magazines and a growing collection of architectural books. This early interest set the stage for his future career.

Starting as a freelancer, after Jeffrey graduated in the field of architecture, dedication to his craft quickly led him to establish his own firm. He assembled a team of architects, designers, and skilled craftsmen, all working together to bring his creative visions to life.

His firm, JM Design & Architecture, is known for creating spaces that blend tradition with modernity and functionality with aesthetics. Jeffrey’s work reflects his deep connection to his Lebanese roots and his passion for design.

We ask him about his design principles and process of work.

SCALE:What inspires you the most these days: the architecture of spaces and buildings, or product design?

Jeffrey: I’ve always been deeply passionate about designing spaces; envisioning interiors, exploring latest technologies and discovering new materials. It is an interdisciplinary exercise that involves the balancing of so many different elements, from functionality and aesthetics to layout, circulation and lighting. The most important element is the human one; taking into consideration the client’s needs and desires. The magic is in bringing all these elements together into a harmonious ambiance that enhances both work or home spaces.

Product design is certainly an arena I have been exploring. I am fascinated with the intricacies of design.  I often incorporate bespoke design pieces into the interiors I work on, and am considering the launch of a personally curated collection of collectible products and functional art.

SCALE:  What keeps you continuing your creative process in your country, especially when the creative industry is shifting away from regions of conflict? How challenging is it?

Jeffrey: I have a strong attachment to my country, and I have not just a responsibility but a deep passion and belief in Lebanon’s potential despite the challenges. Strife is something we are very familiar with unfortunately, this has honed our resilience and trust in a better tomorrow for our country, and the persistence to keep moving forward.

Additionally, I have been involved in the design industry for almost 15 years now, and have a deep respect and appreciation for Lebanese workmanship and craft and it is my responsibility to help support and sustain them.

In my business today, it’s very tempting to move elsewhere, the setbacks can be overwhelming at times, yet I continue to balance global projects with local ones.

SCALE:  Can you tell us about your most challenging project? Was this the one that brought your work into the spotlight?

Jeffrey: One of my most challenging projects is a four-story villa in Athens that we are currently working on. We completely redesigned the interiors, made architectural interventions on the facades, and revamped the entire landscape for the outdoor areas. It’s almost complete, and I’m excited to reveal it soon.

As for the project that brought me into the spotlight, I believe it’s a culmination of many projects, especially those that were public-facing. It’s hard to pinpoint just one, but rather a journey of continuous efforts across various platforms during a 15-year journey.

SCALE:  When working on a residential project, what is the most important feature you focus on? Could you provide examples from recent projects?

Jeffrey: As I said before, designing a space is a culmination of important factors that are skillfully balanced. When designing residential spaces, it’s essential to understand the client’s requirements, lifestyle, as well as daily routines. My goal is to reflect their personality within the design while incorporating our vision. The design should offer a cohesive feel throughout, even before furniture is introduced.

The layout is also a critical aspect. We often reshape interiors to better suit the client’s preferences, such as creating hotel-like master bedrooms with spacious walk-in closets or opening up spaces to accommodate more open layouts.

I also enjoy incorporating hero-pieces into the layout itself, in a recent project in Yarze,Lebanon, I emphasised built-in elements such as a statement marble bar, a floating fireplace, a walk-in wine cellar, a striking custom-designed staircase and sophisticated brass wall system. These ensure that the interior is striking enough to captivate guests even without additional furnishings.

SCALE: Can you tell us about the product you created for We Design Beirut? How did it challenge your creativity?

Jeffrey: For We Design Beirut’s product design exhibition, “Past Echoes” I wanted my first piece to be original and unique, to truly stand out. It was when I discovered a specific type of onyx marble that I was inspired to create a bar cabinet centered around its stunning, sunset-like colours.

The design features narrow marble tubes that subtly reveal the cabinet’s true nature and function, offering an intriguing and elegant aesthetic.  I named it SOLIS, meaning ‘of the sun’ in Latin, as a tribute to the warm hues of the marble.

The piece’s overwhelming success was heart-warming, and has inspired me to keep creating.

SCALE: If you could take on one project in Lebanon, what would it be?.

Jeffrey: Lebanon is a truly magical, inimitable place, offering many unique experiences within it, and I would love to design a boutique hotel or retreat with distinct room experiences that would mirror this. It would provide a serene yet invigorating atmosphere, blending functionality with creativity and offering guests something truly original from one room to the other.

SCALE: Who are your mentors in architecture?

Jeffrey: I don’t have a specific mentor. I draw inspiration from all around the world; projects, spaces and interiors that have left a strong impact on me.

Growing up in Lebanon, a melting pot of architectural excellence for decades now, has also provided me with a rich landscape of influence and ideas.

SCALE: Is there another country you’d like to work in, besides Lebanon?

Jeffrey: I already have projects in several countries including the UK, Greece, Egypt, UAE, KSA, and some in Africa. I’d love to expand further internationally, particularly in the USA where projects sometimes have no limitations.