Meet Maamoun Tobbo | Creative design director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maamoun Tobbo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maamoun, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I come from Tripoli, Lebanon a country with veins of acient history, contradictions and resilience. For nearly a decade, Beirut was my world before I crossed an ocean to New York City, which has now been my home for eight years. My heritage is woven from contrasting threads: my parents are from different ethnic backgrounds, each with its own traditions and nuances, and I was raised in a house where multiple religions and cultures mingled, sometimes clashed, yet always coexisted. I went to a French school where any visible display of religion was prohibited, which, in a way, sharpened my sense of what identity and expression mean in a world of unspoken rules.

Growing up in there, I witnessed the complex dance between politics, culture, and survival, a reality that is inseparable from the country’s post-colonial scars and ongoing conflicts. Coming from a politically active middle-class family, I became keenly aware of society’s power dynamics at a young age. Studying architecture in Beirut taught me how cities breathe, how human lives are shaped within and against structures. Architecture became a kind of map for understanding my own journey, but I quickly realized that my heart beat for something beyond blueprints and boxes. Theater and storytelling transformed my perspective, showing me that human connection, how we touch each other’s lives, even in small ways, shapes the world far more profoundly than buildings.

Traveling through more than 14 countries in those years, and performing in some of them, opened my eyes to the ways in which each place holds its own stories, much like Calvino’s Invisible Cities. Every city is a unique character with rhythms of its own, and each one redefined my understanding of culture, identity, and self. New York, in particular, has challenged me to see my heritage and experiences through a sharper lens. In this vast, multifaceted city, I find myself constantly negotiating the contrasts between Beirut’s intensity and New York’s relentless pace each a different kind of labyrinth, each a different teacher.

Art, for me, is inseparable from survival. Growing up in a region so often tinged with instability and the shadow of war, I see art as an act of rebellion, a sanctuary, and a form of healing. It’s my way of rewriting the my narrative, my family story, and my country’s legacy. My work blends architecture, performance, and installation, creating worlds on stage and screen that I can explore and, maybe, reshape. In a sense, every piece I create is an effort to bridge these two worlds and give form to something that exists beyond any single place or culture.

This journey is not just about creating art; it’s about building a life that honors where I come from while constantly questioning where I am going. Each performance, each design, is a dialogue between Beirut, New York, and the countless places I carry within me, all shaping the way I see, create, and, hopefully, inspire others to see differently too.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My design studio was born from a lifelong passion for creating immersive worlds where architecture, storytelling, and human experience converge. We’re not just designing spaces, we’re shaping atmospheres where people can step into a story, whether in a home, on a film set, or within a theatrical performance.

The philosophy behind my work is deeply influenced by practices of mindfulness, movement, and indigenous rituals that connect the mind, body, and spirit. Beyond formal training, I’ve drawn inspiration from communities centered around movement and inner exploration: spaces like Gaga, Ecstatic Dance and 5 Rhythms. These practices have become essential to my creative process, grounding my approach in themes of unity, transformation, and healing. This foundation is reflected in every project, as we integrate movement, breathwork, and sound as elements that shape how people experience a space.

I see space as a living entity, a vessel that holds resonance, flow, and energy. My goal is to design environments that feel like places of refuge and transformation, where people can connect with the intangible qualities that make a space truly alive. Through sound, movement, and intention, I believe that every space can become a stage for personal stories, a place where people can live out their narratives in a meaningful way.

Today, my studio embodies this vision. Whether we’re designing a residential space, creating a set for film, or crafting an environment for performance, we aim to go beyond four walls and embrace the qualities that bring a place to life. This holistic approach allows us to create spaces that honor both the visible and the unseen, giving each project a deeply personal and transformative touch.

Building this studio was not without its challenges; blending such diverse disciplines has demanded constant learning, adaptation, and trust in the process. But each project has reinforced the importance of connecting with people’s stories, of designing with purpose and identity. I’ve come to see design as a powerful bridge between aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance.

I’m proud to say that my studio works across a range of fields, from design to creative direction, offering clients a collaborative experience that blends their vision with our expertise. Whether you’re seeking to transform your home, produce a film, or stage a performance, my team and I are here to craft an immersive world that’s uniquely yours combining the visible and invisible elements that make a space resonate on every level.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting New York City, I’d craft a week that’s a whirlwind of art, culture, and unforgettable experiences that only this city can offer. We’d start with a gallery crawl through Chelsea, popping into the likes of Hauser & Wirth, Gagosian, and David Zwirner for a taste of the cutting-edge contemporary art scene. After, we’d head to Broadway for the magic of live theater, catching powerhouse shows like The Insiders, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, all featuring set designs by talented friends and mentors from NYU. But we wouldn’t stop there. I’d immerse us in NYC’s literary soul with an evening at the Bowery Poetry Club, where we’d soak up spoken word performances from some of the most dynamic poets in the city.

Next, we’d cross the East River to Brooklyn, diving deep into the experimental art scene at CLEARING Gallery and Bushwick’s 56 Bogart Street. From there, we’d unwind at East Village spots like Half Gallery and Ludlow House, where live storytelling and offbeat performances transport us into new worlds. When it comes to music, I’d take them to the MET Opera for a night of grandeur, followed by an orchestral performance at Carnegie Hall, ensuring we have that unforgettable NYC sound in our ears. Of course, we’d dive into the city’s rich jazz scene, exploring its iconic jazz bars and letting the rhythm of NYC’s streets blend with the music. But the heartbeat of the city wouldn’t be complete without movement. We’d spend afternoons reconnecting with our bodies in creative, sober dance spaces. For an even more electrifying experience, we’d hit up raves like Elsewhere and Mr. Sunday, where the beats of renowned DJs take over, and the energy is palpable. And as we wander, we’d let the city take us wherever it leads. Maybe we’ll stumble upon a pop-up dance event in the park, where spontaneous rhythms draw people into a shared moment. Perhaps a street artist’s mural will suddenly invite us to stop, dance, and let the world around us become part of the art. New York isn’t just about what’s planned; it’s about letting the city’s pulse sweep us into unexpected moments of inspiration and connection.
To round off the week, we’d indulge in classic NYC culture. Brunch at Balthazar or Clinton St. Baking Co. is a must, there’s nothing like the city’s iconic brunch scene. Afterward, we’d pay a visit to the MET and Rubin Museum, and then take a sunset walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for the perfect farewell, with the city’s skyline glowing behind us as a reminder of the unforgettable week we just lived.
This is New York, where every moment pulses with creativity, culture, and energy. A week in this city is a reminder that it never stops surprising you, always offering new ways to dance with its rhythm, and inviting you to become part of the ever-changing art that lives in every corner.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has been shaped by a mosaic of inspiring individuals, communities, and institutions that have each left an indelible mark on who I am and how I create. I’d like to dedicate my deepest gratitude to them.

My education laid the foundation for much of my artistic perspective. Growing up in a French school environment, where I ultimately earned the French Baccalaureate, taught me discipline, precision, and an appreciation for both structure and nuance. Later, my studies at L’Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), where I studied architecture, instilled in me the value of marrying bold, experimental ideas with functional design, a principle that remains central to my work today. Studying at New York University Tisch School of the Arts expanded my approach to spatial storytelling, teaching me how space, emotion, and narrative can be intertwined to create transformative experiences.

Theater became a pivotal part of my life when Rattlestick Theater gave me my Off-Broadway debut as a writer and director, championing the voices of immigrant artists and providing a stage for my perspective. This trust in my work was a defining moment in my career.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) also played a key role, supporting me through their grant programs and the Immigrant Artist Program (IAP), which offered both financial support and a nurturing community that encouraged me to grow as both an artist and entrepreneur.

I am especially grateful to my mentors, whose guidance has been invaluable. Vera Burgi, Samer Eid, and Joseph El Hourani each taught me how to integrate experimental ideas with practical design, while Christine Jones, David Zang, and John Conklin expanded my understanding of theater and opera design, inspiring a directorial vision that blends spatial awareness with narrative depth. Sarah Walko mentored me in the entrepreneurial side of the arts, teaching me how to navigate the complexities of the creative industry, and merge my multidisplary practice and the diverse outlits of creativity.

Each person, community, and organization has profoundly impacted my journey. They’ve contributed in ways both tangible and subtle, from nurturing my first creative steps to helping me refine my voice as an artist and storyteller. I am profoundly grateful for the support, belief, and inspiration I’ve received, which continues to shape not only my work but my understanding of what it means to create with purpose.

Website: https://www.maamountobbo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maamoun_tobbo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ma-moon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maamoun.tobbo

Image Credits
Theatre design
1- “Love of Three Oranges” opera, Baruch Theatre NY
2- “Bougie Gentleman” play, Walker Theatre NY
3-4- “Priestess of twerk” IrondaleTtheatre NY
5-6- “Gianni Schicchi” Alexander Kasser Theatre NJ
Film design
7-8 My name is Tomas Cain