Alchemy, one of the leading Egyptian design companies, is expanding its scope of action through the opening of a new showroom in Bahrain on November 11. In partnership with the highly diversified Mannai Holding group, Alchemy is launching its second branch in order to tackle the requirements of the Gulf region's clients for the first time. Karim Mekhtagian, the founder of Alchemy Design Studio explains that they “received a proposal from Bahrain to establish a new Alchemy branch, we did not specifically choose this country” he says, noting that the design market is really kicking-off and flourishing there at the moment. This new space will feature a 145m design office as well as a 100m showroom that will exhibit Alchemy's wide range of design products as well as pieces from famous international brands such as A.V. Mazzgea, Oluce and Iittalia, among others. Mekhtagian stated in a confident tone that “Bahrain is a very open country that is welcoming design creativity on its soil,” adding that “the country has a rather authentic feel to it.” He also notes that Alchemy's Bahrain branch will mostly focus on commercial design that involves restaurants and hotels. “The residential design will follow, but this will not be the essential [focus] of our activity at the beginning”, he says. Alchemy Design Studio was originally founded by Mekhtagian 1997 after he graduated from the ESAT (Ecole Superieure d'Arts et Techniques - Superior School of Arts and Techniques) in Paris where he matured his interior design and scenography skills. He lived in France for 15 years before deciding to come back to Cairo in 1997 to start the studio. He soon met his future business partner, designer Mohammed Fares, and the two joined forces. The company ultimately grew to become a reputable reference point in the contemporary Egyptian design sphere. In addition to the new Barhaini showroom, Alchemy has two showrooms in Cairo, and a third should be launched before the end of the year. Opened in 2003, Alchemy's first showroom provided potential clients with a comprehensive idea of the company's furniture design approach. It was followed three years later by “01 Alchemy” on Maadi's road 6, their second showroom which also features renowned international brands. The company, with over twenty five collaborators, owes its success mainly to its four primary fields of action that range from architecture and interior design, product design, brand and design management to retail management, and consequently offers clients a complete scope of design services. Alchemy's diverse portfolio includes residential to commercial and corporate spaces, as well as events and exhibitions. In recent years the company has shown a special interest in the redesigning of the North Coast's summer houses, especially the ones located in Hacienda, while also remaining dynamic in the commercial design field. Among the numerous commercial projects they completed we can mention the Nokia store in Zamalek by Karim Mekhtegian, the Etoffe textile-shop in Mohandessin by his partner Mohammed Fares and their numerous stands for design events such as the annual “Salone del Mobile” in Milan, Italy and the “Furnex” exhibitions in Cairo. “The opening of the Bahrain branch is one of the many projects that are taking shape at the moment”, clarifies Mekhtagian, who mentions the opening of a new Alchemy showroom in Designopolis on the Alexandria Desert Road before the end of the year. “We are also working on getting a license so that Alchemy becomes a brand,” he concludes, stressing the company fast growth. Alchemy Design Studio 15A, Road 6, Maadi, 111341, Cairo Tel: 23597774 Fax: 23597774 Email: [email protected] Website: www.karimmekhtigian.com
