Boo Design Translates Stories into Products
Amanda and Joe Booabbood of Boo Design Studio have become synonymous with storytelling through design, captivating audiences in Doha and beyond. Their journey is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to craftsmanship, weaving narratives that honour both tradition and modernity.
From showcasing their works at international platforms to collaborating with Qatari entities, Amanda and Joe’s designs are imbued with a profound sense of place and purpose.
The Medaillon lamp collection is a modern minimalistic collection inspired by ancient adornments.
The Médaillon lamp series by Boo Design Studio exemplifies the ethos of Amanda and Joe Booabbood. Debuting at the Arab Design Now exhibition during the Design Doha Biennial, the collection later travelled to Milan Design Week 2024 as part of Isola’s “Rootes to Routes” exhibition in collaboration with Ithra. Inspired by ancient adornments, the series has grown to include tables, seats, and mirrors. Each piece reflects a deep reverence for the region’s artistic heritage, blending intricate metalwork with minimalist design.
The Medaillon design of Boo has travelled around the world.
“Every piece serves as a bridge between the past and present, celebrating the timeless allure of ancient craftsmanship,” shares Joe, underscoring the international acclaim Boo Design Studio has garnered.
The Origins of a Design Legacy
The Booabboods’ story began in Lebanon, where their passion for design first took root. Joe recalls a pivotal moment in his youth when his love for fine arts and sketching pointed him toward a creative path. Though design as a profession was not widely recognized his education at the Lebanese Academy for Fine Arts became the foundation for his journey.
“It started as an affinity for anything related to fine arts and storytelling,” Joe reflects. “At the Academy, I was surrounded by people who lived and breathed creativity. It inspired me, even though I wasn’t sure which stream of design would capture my heart.”
“We blend traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation to create designs that are meaningful.” Amanda and Joe Booabbood, Boo Design Studio
Joe’s initial choice of interior design was motivated by job security rather than passion. However, meeting Amanda changed everything. Amanda, with her focus on product design, introduced Joe to a world of endless possibilities.
“She saw something in me that I hadn’t realised myself—a desire to explore different mediums and create designs that combine multiple ideas through distinct storytelling,” says Joe.
Amanda’s influence led Joe to switch to product design, a move that resonated with his dynamic personality. “Interior design confines you to spaces, but product design allows you to work across industries, from light fittings for exhibitions to accessories for restaurants. Every day brings something new,” he explains.
The First Spark: Dervish Luminaires
Dervish-Inspired Lamps
Joe’s first major creation was the Dervish Luminaires, designed while he was still a student. Commissioned by a Lebanese company led by his professor, the project aimed to produce designs for the Middle East market. Though the initial collaboration didn’t materialise, Joe took ownership of the design, refining it into a finished product crafted from noble French oak and brass.
The luminaires debuted at Dubai Design Week 2014, marking Boo Design Studio’s first foray into the spotlight.
“It was a pivotal moment,” Joe recalls. “The Dervish Luminaires became a symbol of what we could achieve.”
Retail Design: A New Chapter in Storytelling
Tric Trac is the Backgammon Collection of Boo’s that is a tribute to one of the oldest and most revered games of the region.
As Amanda moved to Doha in 2013, Joe explored various design roles. Feeling uninspired by the nascent design scene in Doha, he launched a retail design company in Lebanon while continuing product design independently.
“Retail design is storytelling on a larger scale,” Joe explains. “Every retail space needs to convey a narrative that resonates with the brand. The constraints make it challenging but also deeply rewarding.”
One notable commission came in 2017, when a Lebanese bank asked Joe to design a backgammon set. This project inspired the couple to formalise Boo Design Studio’s product design portfolio under the brand “Happenings.” However, Lebanon’s growing instability by 2018 prompted a pivotal decision—to expand regionally and establish a base in Doha while maintaining operations in Beirut.
Building a Home in Doha
Boo’s Black Medaillon Incense Burner is a tribute to the splendour of jewellery traditionally worn in Qatar—now reenvisioned through the lens of modern minimalism.
When asked why Doha became their new home, Joe’s answer is deeply personal.
“I’ve always felt connected to Qatar’s minimalist aesthetic. And perhaps it’s fate—my birthday falls on Qatar National Day,” he says with a smile.
Their first major commission in Doha came from Qatar Rail, designing VIP gifts for National Day. This project marked the beginning of their presence in the region.
The pandemic temporarily stalled their plans, but once restrictions eased, Amanda and Joe formally launched Boo Design Studio in Doha.
Today, Boo Design Studio operates across three pillars: Boo Market: An online platform launched in 2024, offering curated design pieces. Boo Collection: Signature collectibles blending art and functionality for collectors and galleries. Boo Business: Collaborative and client-focused design services.
“Over the years, we’ve built a network of collaborators and partners with some of the world’s most respected cultural organisations. For us, design is about telling meaningful stories that resonate,” Joe reflects.
Collaborations and Design Projects
The Tassle Collection was primarily made using looped white fabric to accentuate the monotone colour palette.
Since 2018, Boo Design Studio’s partnerships with Qatar-based organisations have flourished, resulting in collaborations with prominent entities like Msheireb Properties, Qatar Foundation, and Qatar Museums. These projects have propelled Boo to greater recognition, each one reinforcing their reputation for storytelling through design.
Their journey with M7 began with its inaugural pop-up at Studio 7, a concept store showcasing regional and local designs. Boo’s Dervish Light, their first product, was part of this collection.
A milestone commission came during FIFA World Cup 2022, in collaboration with Qatar Museums. The studio was tasked with designing functional yet artistic pieces to adorn the VIP lounges of stadiums. Drawing inspiration from the Qatari tassel, a symbol of decorative elegance, Boo created the Tassels Collection—a series of stools, benches, floor lamps, and tables.
The Tassel Collection has a series of stools, benches, floor lamps and tables, all featuring the signature adornment.
“Designed for versatility, each piece could be mixed and matched, creating endless combinations,” Joe explains. Crafted with looped white fabric and a monochromatic palette, the collection seamlessly blended traditional motifs with modern aesthetics.
Each Boo creation tells a story deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture and hospitality, and Gatherware, their latest design, exemplifies this ethos.
Boo gives the tradition of coffee drinking in the region a minimalistic twist.
A celebration of connection, Gatherware merges tradition with contemporary design. Inspired by the Dallah, a symbol of Arabic hospitality, the set features stackable cups crafted from earthy clay.
“What makes Gatherware enchanting is its transformation,” Joe shares. “Each cup serves a unique purpose, yet when stacked, they form the elegant silhouette of a Dallah. It’s a piece of cultural art that brings people together, reminding us that each connection is part of something larger.”
As Boo Design Studio continues its journey, Amanda and Joe remain dedicated to merging tradition with innovation, crafting designs that inspire, endure, and tell stories that resonate across cultures.
