Naqesh · Doha, Qatar
Every ornament we use has an origin and context we understand
Across design, restoration and furniture, we begin with an ornament’s origin and context, not its appearance alone.
01 · The firm
Heritage is a way of building, not decoration added at the end
Naqesh is a Qatari practice specialising in heritage architecture, restoration, interiors, furniture and gypsum ornament. We begin with the building itself — its proportions, materials, joinery and ornament — and carry that knowledge from design through execution.
Managing Partner Esraa Abel leads client relations, commercial matters, procurement, programme and delivery. Every commission has one point of contact.
We work with private clients, palace and engineering offices, ministries, cultural institutions, contractors and design practices, in Arabic and English.
02 · What we do
Four practices, one discipline
They are separable. Most clients engage us for one and return for another.
01
Heritage architecture and restoration
Measured surveys, historical research, repair and reconstruction, traditional material specifications and site supervision — for standing buildings or reconstruction from foundations and records.
02
Interiors and majlis
Complete schemes for majlis, homes, palaces and offices. Layout, ceilings, screens, joinery, lighting, finishes and furniture are designed as one interior.
03
Bespoke furniture
Furniture designed for its room and made by hand. We prepare manufacturing drawings, select the workshop, approve the prototype and inspect through delivery.
04
Gypsum ornament
A mould for each design, cast and finished by hand, then installed so the surface reads as one. Choose from our collection or commission a pattern for the building.
03 · Selected projects
On the record
Naqesh was registered in 2025. The projects that follow were carried out by the practice before the company was formed, for the Private Engineering Office of the Amiri Diwan and the Ministry of Culture. The dates are the dates of the work.
Restoration · State of QatarSouq Waqif, DohaMore than 64,000 square metres restored as a working market, not a museum.
Rebuilt 2009The gate of Al Wusail fortRebuilt from records preserved in Qatar’s museums. Its rosettes, interlace and carved calligraphy remain a direct source for our motifs.
Traditional construction · 2009Forty-four domes, no steelBuilt by the historic method, in stone and gypsum, without steel reinforcement.
04 · Craft
Cast by hand, from a mould made for the design
Each design has its own mould. The gypsum is cast and finished by hand, then installed and joined on site so the surface reads as one continuous field.
Our collection draws from Gulf architectural traditions. We also develop bespoke moulds from a client’s building, an established family motif, or a new pattern designed with them.
05 · How we work
A clear approval at every stage
Each stage ends with a written approval before the next begins. Changes are resolved while they are still on paper.
- 0BriefSite visit, survey, photographs and written brief
- 1AppointmentProposal, terms, confidentiality and project code
- 2ConceptDesign direction, materials and the heritage source of each motif
- 3Developed designDimensioned drawings, finish schedule and indicative budget
- 4Production informationManufacturing drawings and specifications for pricing
- 5ProcurementComparable quotations from at least three workshops and our recommendation
- 6ProductionPrototype approval and workshop inspection
- 7InstallationPre-dispatch inspection, delivery, installation and snagging
- 8HandoverAs-built record, care instructions, guarantees and photographs
06 · Working with us
The first meeting is complimentary
We visit the site, understand the work and tell you honestly whether we are the right practice for it. We then issue a written proposal covering the scope, stages, client requirements, programme, fees and terms. Work begins after signature.
Confidentiality is standard. Where required, we sign a mutual undertaking before drawings, photographs or addresses are shared. Nothing is published without written consent.