Maggy Monsef’s first project did not fall into her lap, so much as she seized the opportunity with both hands. La Creperie, an upscale restaurant in Jounieh, Lebanon, was seeking an internationally renowned designer to renovate their space. When asked if she had any recommendations, Monsef, with a degree in Corporate Finance, put her own hat in the ring…and won the project! “I always liked competition and challenges,” Monsef recalls, “and this was extremely challenging!” Since then, Monsef has been elevating the standard of bespoke, luxury interior design and architecture in the region and abroad, forging ahead with her uniquely eclectic aesthetic and contagious passion.
Inspired by her father Camille Monsef, an internationally acclaimed Architect, Monsef had always loved competition and rose to challenges. When she was first exposed to the world of interior design and architecture, she knew this would be a world where she could thrive and blossom. “I have different clients, diverse perspectives and wide-range of visions. It’s like being a psychologist!” she says. “You have to adapt according to their needs, their budget, and their tastes. Then there is also the contractor, the subcontractor, architects, suppliers, and everyone else.” Not to mention that the world of design and architecture is notoriously a man’s world. Female designers have made their mark throughout history, but as Monsef reminds us, “you have to impose yourself.” Yet, Monsef also admits that this is where she feels motivated, and that growing up with a self-made man pushed her to “achieve the things that are hard to achieve.”
Where Monsef really shines is through her work. From concept to opening night, she puts her touch on every detail of a space. Not only is she passionate about design, but she is also in tune with the environment, functionality, and experience of a space. When she completes a project, she doesn’t merely put together a look, she creates an entirely original ambiance with the clients of the restaurant, hotels, or office in mind. “I want for them to have a unique experience, this is why I create a new ambiance, or a new world,” says Monsef. When it comes to design, her mission is to elevate and enhance the feeling of being immersed within that space, while maintaining the highest standards of luxury design.
There are several factors Monsef considers when she takes on a project. First, she considers the client’s personality, their tastes, and the way they operate. “You have to go with the flow, every client has a different approach,” she says. “I work a lot with the human element, and I have to learn a lot about psychology.” She also admits that she will turn down a client when the relationship is not symbiotic. “I like a client who knows what they want or someone who trusts me – like Chafic El Khazen for La Creperie, who has more than 15 years in the field. He is tough, but I learned a lot. I go deep in my relations with my clients,” she says.
Next, she evaluates the unique qualities of the space and starts to pull together the materials that will bring the client’s vision to life. “You need to help them transition their vision to reality, in a way that will work with the space,” says Monsef. She is a firm believer in functional and smart decisions that are also based on luxurious materials and stunning aesthetics. When Monsef designs she considers all aspects of the concept, from the space, the colors, the number of chairs, the shape of a water glass – everything. “There is sometimes an architectural component as well,” she recalls. “I’m creating a whole experience from scratch. A voyage. The five senses should be engaged.”
When it comes down to choosing materials and styles, Monsef leaves little to chance. Her eclectic taste has become her signature, in both commercial and residential design, but it wasn’t created in a vacuum. Monsef travels, extensively, visiting flea markets and antique shops, looking for inspiration or a unique touch for a project. She studies design in her own time, researching styles and techniques from 14th century France to Ancient Egypt. History woven into every single one of her projects, and every material choice is very culturally sensitive. “I visit fairs to see upcoming trends, and I go to suppliers to learn about new materials,” says Monsef. “I do a lot to research online, continuously educating myself. I go to trendy hotels and restaurants, as well as confidential ones – there’s a huge range of places to see.”
Energetic and highly motivated, it seems difficult to hold Monsef back. Her intense curiosity, passion for the field, and proclivity for challenges makes her a tour de force in the industry. Monsef’s latest project was designing, from top to bottom, the gorgeous lounge space of SAX Egypt. Deep marine blues and brushed brass complement a relaxing seaside atmosphere. Here, Monsef worked her magic, delving into the history of the location and ensuring the ideal materials were selected. SAX is just one in an array of fabulous projects Monsef has completed, and certainly not the last.
To read more about Maggy Monsef’s work visit www.maggymonsef.com or get in touch at maggy@maggymonsef.com. Maggy Monsef is based between London, New York, and Beirut