Past Modern was born in a tiny cubicle with just a desk and two chairs. Amina Al Failakawi and Yasmine Al Kandari built a business from their determination to create designs that weren’t available in the market. They longed to create something that stood out and defined them as designers. They also wanted to be our own bosses and dictate the direction of our success.
Both Amina and Yasmine were born into diplomatic families. They travelled the world at such a young age and grew up around various cultures and nationalities. They credit this exposure for giving them insight and understanding of different aesthetics, including but not limited to, a huge appreciation for colors and patterns, along with a wonderful collection of experiences in different structures and spaces.
Their paths crossed ten years ago when they began working at a company together. As they started to interact with each other as design professionals, they realized that if they combined their talents, they could design beautiful things together. And that was the beginning of Past Modern in 2016. The name Past Modern reveals their style aesthetic; a style that mixes old and new, traditional and contemporary, and features a great love for both minimalism and maximalism. These opposing elements work fabulously together in Past Modern’s designs, and the results are special. They produce gorgeous spaces that are out of the ordinary.
The young women told us that when they work on a project, “the most important thing is understanding what the clients’ wants and needs are and establishing a solid relationship with them. We consider our clients family, and their projects ours personally. It’s extremely important to create that bond to ensure the best possible results. The most successful projects come about when the client gives us full trust in the process, because that’s when we produce our best work.”
They tell us that the most challenging projects were the ones they worked on during Covid lockdown. They were completely limited to zoom meetings and phone correspondence, and they had to create designs without seeing the actual spaces and experiencing them first hand. However, they share that these turned out to be among the best projects they have worked on!
With so much in common, it seems clear that the Past Modern founders work amazingly well together. The two designers talked to us about how “It has been quite the journey, as we have experienced it all together. Our personalities are very different, and in some ways, we complement each other. But we both believe that these differences are what make us a great team. We’re able to produce very unique designs because of our contrasting styles. We have now reached a level where we don’t need to complete our own sentences because the other immediately gets it!”
Amina and Yasmine are very passionate about what they do and this is what drives them in the business. They comment on how “Past Modern is what we live and breathe every day. It’s what defines us in the market, and more importantly, the design realm. It’s who we are and what we represent.”
It is amazing to see a young team of professionals carving out a name for themselves in the industry. In the future, the aim of Past Modern is to be a great conglomerate. One that hosts a variety of disciplines including a furniture and accessories line, a broader scope of projects and international recognition. The girls hope to leave behind a great legacy in the field of interior design and architecture.
When they are not working, both the girls love to travel and witness all that is beautiful around the world. It is almost a full circle of their upbringings and experiences as children getting to know different corners of the world.
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Amina: Dependable.
Yasmine: Affectionate.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Amina: Having a destination wedding. A true dream coming true.
Yasmine: Bungee jumping. It wasn’t on my to-do list that day.
Where would you like to live?
Amina: Barcelona, Spain.
Yasmine: Portugal.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
Amina: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Yasmine: ﻟﻮ ﻃﺎﻟﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻠﻴﻮﻥ
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Amina: Honey bee. They’re smart, extremely hard-working and are all about family and community.
Yasmine: Dog. They’re loyal and love you unconditionally.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Amina & Yasmine: All the traveling without having to worry about responsibilities. Growing up in different cultures and gaining international friends who, to this day, remain close with.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
Amina: I like it because it’s my grandmother’s name.
Yasmine: I like my name; I wouldn’t change it.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Amina: Gentle.
Yasmine: Confident.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Amina: Stubbornness
Yasmine: Emotional
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Amina: Frieda Kahlo.
Yasmine: Bob Marley.
What in the world do you least desire?
Amina: Hate.
Yasmine: Disrespect.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Education. Knowledge. If more people were better educated, there would be less violence, more logic and reasoning, and maybe even a more peaceful place to live in.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
Amina: I’m very approachable, quite diplomatic, and love to spread good energy and love. I also love meeting new people, engaging in great conversation and sharing my knowledge with anyone interested in the field.
Yasmine: I’m easy going and love to go with the flow.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Amina: my daughters.
Yasmine: living life to the fullest.
Don’t take our word for the beautiful spaces that Past Modern creates, just head over to their Instagram account @past.modern. and get lost in the world of interiors. Now you know who to call when you next need a space designed!
