GHAITH ABOU GHANEM - JAD MELKI
(photo by Aly Saab)
Founded in 2013 by Ghaith Abou Ghanem and Jad Melki, GHAITH&JAD is a scenography and design studio operating between Paris, Berlin, and Beirut, with projects spanning Europe and the Middle East. Their work navigates the intersection of art, design, and architecture, creating spatial narratives that seamlessly integrate with their environment. Guided by a deep understanding of curatorial concerns, materiality, and social engagement, they craft immersive environments that resonate with both history and contemporary discourse.
Both Ghaith and Jad studied architecture at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Their practice spans a wide range of scales, from architectural renovations to exhibition scenography, experiential installations, and furniture and object design. They continue to develop new projects that bridge architecture and scenography, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, thoughtful material selection, and sustainability. Their designs often incorporate found materials and site-specific narratives, prioritizing transferability and the repurposing of spatial elements.
GHAITH&JAD’s scenographies have been commissioned by leading institutions, organizations, and initiatives across Europe and the Middle East, including Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in Paris, Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (MUDAC) in Lausanne, Center for Innovation and Design (CID) in Grand-Hornu, Badlon Magazine in Paris, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), Warehouse 421 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Design Week, and Athr Gallery in Jeddah. In Lebanon, their collaborations include the Beirut Heritage Initiative, Art Design Lebanon (ADLeb) , Sursock Museum, House of Today, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut Design Week, the Institut français du Liban, Starch Foundation, The Mahmoud Kahil Award, and Almaz Collectible Design.
The studio has worked with artists, curators, and cultural figures such as Ala Younis, Annie Vartivarian, Carla Henoud, Charbel Saadé, Cherine Magrabi, Cherine Yazbeck, Fadlo Dagher, Hashel Al Lamki, Howayda Al-Harithy, Jad Tabet, Maha Maamoun, Marco Constantini, Marwan Abdel-Hamid (Saint Levant), Marie Pok, Maya El Khalil, Munira Al Sayegh, Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, Pascale Habis, Rabih Keyrouz, Rachel Dedman, Rana Salam, Robert Saliba, Roxane Zand, Sana Asseh, Sirine Fattouh, Tala Hajjar, Thomas Hertog, Zeina Raphael, and the AUB President’s Club Committee.
TALKS ON DESIGN PODCAST WITH FATMA AL SAHLAWI AND GHAITH&JAD “ON ARCHIVING AND ACTIVATING”
Talks on Design podcast by Liwan explores contemporary design themes across the Middle East and beyond. Featuring pioneering Qatari creatives, the podcast connects local and global design voices and encourages collaboration and commentary on creative, cultural, and intellectual matters.
GHAITH&JAD's projects are made possible through the dedication and expertise of a talented network of designers, architects, and collaborators who have contributed to the studio’s work over the years. Among them are Ajna Vshepherd, Arine Aprahamian, Chris Moussa, Elissa Assaf, Farah Fayad, Faysal Yatim, Joanna Howayek, Johnny Geokjian, Micheline Nahra, Nour Madi, Thea Hallak and Yara Rahme. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping the studio’s projects and vision.