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.
We work with private clients, palace and engineering offices, ministries, cultural institutions, contractors and design practices, in Arabic and English.
Drawing begins the work. Knowing the craft and controlling its execution make the difference.
Managing Partner
Esraa Abel
Esraa leads the practice. Client relationships, commercial terms, procurement, programme and delivery sit with her, and she remains the client’s point of contact from the first meeting to handover.
She brings eighteen years of experience in corporate communications, exhibitions and business development across real estate, culture, industry and hospitality in Qatar. She is accountable for programme and cost.
One point of contact, from the first site visit to the handover record. Nothing is routed through a project number you cannot put a name to.
How a commission is staffed
Design and drawing are done in-house. Every commission is drawn twice: one set for the client and one for manufacture.
Execution is through workshops and craftsmen selected for the piece. We do not manufacture, and that independence is what lets us inspect the work against the approved standard.
Specialists are brought in by name. Where a commission needs structural, MEP or conservation input, we say so at the brief and name who will do it before they start.
Languages. Arabic and English, in drawing, correspondence and on site.
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.
Three rules
Prototype first. Production begins only after the prototype is approved.
Two drawing sets. One for the client and one for manufacture; they are not interchangeable.
Written approvals. Approvals, changes and instructions are numbered, dated and signed.
- 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
Clear boundaries
We are not a main contractor and do not provide structural or MEP engineering. Where these are required, we coordinate with the client’s consultants or recommend suitable specialists. This is defined from the start.
Additional services. Design supervision, technical coordination, quality control, material advice, workshop comparison, condition surveys and restoration strategies.
Naqish For Interior Design and Trading