Every home has its beginnings as an idea which eventually evolves into a floor plan design concepts and—that in turn, becomes an actual home to live in. Many floor plans have unique features and ideas created by equally unique individuals. Whether they are a designer or an architect, these indivi­duals bring something of themselves into their work, and quite often their inspiration shows in the beautiful homes that result. Mohamed Barahim, architectural designer and project co-ordinator for the Intergulf-Cidex Group of Companies, has designed his fair share of homes and enjoys doing so.

Mohamed moved here in 1985 from his native Saudi Arabia, where he saw various housing styles and designs. “I was interested in housing design since I was a kid,” he says. “One of the dif­ferences there is that you can’t build homes out of wood as it won’t last, so houses are built with concrete,” says Mohamed, who recalls getting his first taste of design with a few high school drafting classes. “Those classes didn’t interest me as much at the time, as I was more interested in basketball. I ended up getting a scholarship for outstanding athletics and academics, and I also received a basketball scholarship through SAIT where I was recruited for their basketball team.”

A graduate from SAIT’s Architectural Techno­logies program in 1996, Mohamed says he got a head start in the industry because he had learned the value of time-management while in college, a skill he finds even more crucial now. “I now do more than design floor plans, I am also project co-ordinator for the group of companies,” says Mohamed. “With so many projects I have to be good at prioritizing and multi-tasking.”

One of Mohamed’s favourite designs is a home that was originally designed to be a show home in Heritage Pointe. The 4,366-square-foot Amarada is much larger than your average home, and includes some amazing features. “Heritage Point offers higher-end houses and there are some good-sized homes in the area,” says Mohamed. “The Amarada is a fairly big house and it took me quite some time to design it.” Mohamed says, adding when creating a show home, the goal is to attract all types of people and lifestyles, so it’s always a challenge. “I did a lot of research and asked all different people what they looked for in a home,” says Mohamed. “I didn’t just ask co-workers and other people in the industry; I talked to friends and family and as many people as I could, and then I implemented my research and notes in my design.” Mohamed has also worked with the company’s interior decorator on some of the finer points, and has found her attention to detail quite helpful.

Even from the outside you can tell this is an incredible home, with large windows showcasing the open-to-above design and elegant crystal chandelier visible through the windows above the double-door entrance. When you enter the home you are granted a spectacular view of the spiral staircase and beyond with its open risers affording a view of the ravine through large windows at the rear. In addition to the view, these windows help scatter an abundance of natural light throughout.

Mohamed says he especially likes the Amarada’s kitchen. “This room is a chef’s dream,” he says. The kitchen is a spacious open-concept design, with a large walk-in pantry and an abundance of counter space and cabinetry and glassed-in bamboo panels for the backsplashes. The huge island is topped with granite, boasts a raised eating bar and an additional salad sink, ensuring loads of space for food preparation. Mohamed cites the well-known fact that two of the most important rooms buyers look at are the kitchen and master bedroom. Well, the latter lives up to all expectations as well, with scores of storage space, a huge luxurious ensuite and his-and-hers walk-in closets.

Along with the den, the formal dining room, the music room and the four bedrooms that these two levels offer, this design also includes a developed lower-level with another bedroom, family room, wine room and more; adding yet another 1,986 square-feet, so rest assured there is definitely room to roam.

After designing homes with many other people’s lifestyles in mind, Mohamed says he is now looking forward to soon moving into a home he, himself, has designed.  NL