Drumming Up New Dimensions in Architecture
Carl Gerges
Carl Gerges by Karim Ghorayeb
Carl Gerges is a multi-disciplinary architect born in 1987, based between Beirut, Dubai and Paris. A graduate of the American University of Beirut, he envisions designs that center around nature and mindful living, with a focus on interiors and landscaping. His early experience in the rock band Mashrou Leila inspired a fusion of music, travel, and art in his architecture. Gerges’ studio, founded in 2020, has gained international recognition through awards like the Architectural Digest’s “Best Hospitality Project” in 2022 and the ArchDaily “Best Young Practices” Award in 2020. His work reflects a deep sensitivity to spaces and their connection to people and the environment.
Talk to us about your background. How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity, not just as an architect and artist, but as a person?
From a young age, my parents encouraged my creativity. My mother gifted me my first drum kit at three, and my father, a jeweler, shared his knowledge of sculpting and drawing. Family trips, especially to Paris, introduced me to architecture, particularly the Eiffel Tower, which sparked my fascination with details. This is when I began crafting models and refining my drawings.
Talk to us about your studies. How have they influenced your creative approach?
I graduated from the American University of Beirut in 2011, immersing myself in Beirut’s diversity and spending long nights in the architecture department. The campus, with its botanical garden, nurtured my love for landscaping. Around this time, I also co-founded Mashrou’ Leila. The band’s collaborative process, combining design backgrounds, taught me how to navigate creative differences, a skill I now apply in architecture.
What was it like balancing your work in design and architecture with an ongoing successful music career?
Architecture has always coexisted with my music career. Touring introduced me to beautiful structures, which inspired my designs. I often sketched after concerts to ground myself. Music, like conversations, books, and films, fuels my creative process. Genres blend in my work, influencing my approach to both architecture and music.
Bottega Veneta Waves - Dubai by Carl Gerges
Would you say your music sensibilities influence or bleed into your design aesthetic? If so, how?
Touring provided the chance to explore museums and collaborate with artists. Designing our stage sets taught me to approach architecture theatrically, treating spaces as moments. Villa Chams in Baalbek reflects this, with rhythmic facades creating a sense of movement, like music.
Would you say your work reflects your cultural heritage? If so, in what way?
As an architect, I draw inspiration from Lebanon’s past, blending its eclectic architecture. I aim to create timeless structures that complement the surrounding landscape. I also value Lebanon’s artisans, collaborating with skilled workers to reinterpret their crafts and push design boundaries.
What drove you to finally launch your own architecture studio—Carl Gerges Architects—in March of 2020? What was it like launching in the midst of a global pandemic?
Despite my music career, architecture has always been a passion. In 2020, after Mashrou’ Leila’s success, I decided to formalize my architectural practice. Launching during the pandemic felt serendipitous, as people were realizing the importance of creating comfortable homes.
What moment stands out as a deeply personal victory that made you feel proud of yourself and your work?
In my Batroun project, “Capo,” I paid tribute to the sea, which has always fascinated me. This project, and my childhood memories of nature with my grandparents, show my deep connection to landscaping—bringing life into static architecture.
What’s the next chapter in your personal and professional journeys?
I’m working on exciting projects across hospitality, private residences, and more, including the largest nightclub in the Middle East. I’m also designing residences in London, Paris, Dubai, and KSA, with a focus on perfection in the details.
Who is your Diva?
My parents are my biggest influences. Their unwavering support and love gave me the courage to pursue two careers simultaneously.
