Salem S. Charabi, born in 1992, is a Danish-Egyptian architect and designer whose work transcends the conventional boundaries of architecture and craft. Based outside Copenhagen, Charabi leads a workshop-centered practice that delves deep into the union of local resources and far-reaching inspirations. His unique approach, which blends the use of locally sourced materials with techniques discovered through global explorations, embodies a poetic ethos that seeks to capture the essence of creation as a way to give life meaning.

Charabi’s designs reflect his multicultural heritage, offering a bridge between the worlds of Danish minimalism and Egyptian tradition. Every piece that emerges from his workshop tells a story—a narrative shaped by cultural memories, nature, and a profound sense of longing for what is out of reach, both in time and place.

The Influence of Cultural Roots and Nature

Growing up between Denmark and Egypt, Charabi developed a rich understanding of how culture and nature shape our environment. His father, who grew up in Cairo, instilled in him a deep connection to his Egyptian heritage. This influence is evident in Charabi’s work, where the beauty of traditional Egyptian craftsmanship meets the precision of Danish design. He fondly recalls the times spent in Cairo as a child, memories that, as he reflects, became more meaningful with time.

This bicultural upbringing nurtured in him a broadened perspective of the world. The contrasts between the bustling streets of Cairo and the structured elegance of Copenhagen shaped his design philosophy. Charabi sees the world through a dual lens, where each culture adds layers of complexity to his work. The sense of longing that comes from being between two places informs his creations—his designs are rooted in a search for meaning and balance, often reflecting elements of nature such as moons, trees, and light.

Charabi’s workshop, surrounded by a nearby forest, serves as a constant source of inspiration. He often asks, “What do we have around us?” This question guides his process of working with the natural materials at hand, celebrating the ingenuity of using what is available. In this, he draws parallels with the resourcefulness he admires in Egyptian culture, where creativity flourishes out of necessity.

A Dual Education: Hands-On Craft and Formal Training

Although Charabi studied architecture at the prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he credits much of his real education to the hands-on experience gained in his workshop. While formal education provided him with theoretical knowledge, it was the act of making—getting his hands on materials and shaping them—that allowed him to truly understand architecture. Early in his career, Charabi took over a large space in an industrial harbor, where he began to experiment with design and construction. It was there that his vision for a workshop-based practice was born.

His practice thrives on a balance between formal design and the spontaneity of craftsmanship. Charabi’s creative process is unique in that he allows ideas to incubate in his mind before sketching them. Only when he feels an idea is fully formed does he translate it into a design, at which point the process moves swiftly from paper to prototype. This approach allows him to maintain the integrity and “magic” of his concepts.

Exploring Alternative Forms and Natural Inspiration

One of Charabi’s trademarks is his exploration of alternative forms inspired by natural elements. His fascination with moons, for example, manifests in his designs through curved joints and celestial silhouettes. The three-legged stool he designed, with its half-moon shape, echoes the phases of the moon, while latticework in his furniture mimics the way light filters through the branches of a tree. Charabi’s work challenges the traditional divide between the beautiful and the utilitarian, striving to reflect the natural world’s perfect harmony, where form and function are seamlessly intertwined.

He believes that, much like a tree, a well-designed object should serve a purpose while also possessing a graceful beauty. This belief is at the heart of his design ethos—a desire to create pieces that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing, merging nature’s balance with human ingenuity.

A Thousand Moons: A Testament to Craft and Memory

One of Charabi’s most celebrated projects is his furniture collection titled A Thousand Moons, which debuted in a studio exhibition before making its way to a private residence in California. The collection, consisting of 38 bespoke pieces, is a fusion of Danish craftsmanship, Egyptian cultural references, and Japanese design principles. The pieces are made from Danish cherry wood, maple, and natural textiles, embodying the harmonious blend of local resources and timeless design principles.

The standout piece, The Bird Who Lost His Shadow, a chaise lounge with adjustable backrest, exemplifies Charabi’s dedication to merging practicality with artistic expression. Other pieces, like the If Anything, a Butterfly three-legged chair and the To Dress a Stone coffee table, reflect his fascination with natural forms and cultural symbols.

In A Thousand Moons, Charabi captures the essence of home through design. Each piece is carefully crafted to reflect the memories and emotions that make a space feel personal and meaningful. The collection’s understated elegance and attention to detail offer a glimpse into Charabi’s philosophy: that through the act of making, we give shape to the intangible aspects of life—our memories, our emotions, our stories.

Looking Ahead: Building Timeless Designs

Salem S. Charabi’s work represents a deep respect for the past while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. His ability to merge cultures, materials, and forms into a cohesive narrative speaks to his visionary approach to architecture and craft. As he continues to explore the intersection of nature, culture, and space, Charabi remains committed to creating timeless designs that resonate with meaning.

In his own words, “In an environment where nothing is permanent, we produce static artefacts. Mementos of spirit.” Through his work, Charabi seeks to create objects that endure, holding resonance across time and generations.