Spotlight on Rahma Mahmud: Heritage and contemporary product design
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Ravensbourne University London highlights BA (Hons) Product Design student Rahma Mahmud, who recently exhibited her work at the New Designers graduation show in Islington. Adding to the milestone, Rahma was shortlisted for the coveted New Designer of the Year Award for her final major project - marking a high-profile culmination of her studies.
Having previously featured her side tables alongside designer Kazna Asker at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Rahma is now applying to the SEEDS programme to launch her independent creative practice.
We caught up with Rahma to discuss her journey, her inspirations and what lies ahead.
Rahma quote
I am also so grateful to be shortlisted for the New Designer of the Year Award. As someone who has experienced imposter syndrome, I felt proud of my final major project.”
How does it feel to exhibit at New Designers and be shortlisted for an award?
"Honestly, I felt so accomplished presenting my work at New Designers as this had been anticipated for a few months after our graduate showcase," Rahma shares. "It was exciting to hear so many different perspectives on my work."
"I am also so grateful to be shortlisted for the New Designer of the Year Award. As someone who has experienced imposter syndrome, I felt proud of my final major project. Seeing other people appreciate my work was amazing, and it has motivated me to keep pushing myself and putting my work out there."
What inspired your project, and what was your favourite part of bringing it to life?
"My work is inspired by Islamic motifs and Middle Eastern architecture," Rahma explains. "Being half Omani and half Tanzanian, I wanted to combine my religion and culture - two core parts of my identity - to create pieces that blend sentimental value with a contemporary twist."
"The best part was seeing my design come to life and collaborating directly with manufacturers. I visited them regularly to receive feedback, which became an invaluable part of the process."
What are your aspirations for your creative practice after graduation?
"After graduation, I want to focus on developing my product design skills while experimenting with new media," Rahma says. "I love exploring and prefer not to limit myself to a single category, so I am eager to learn more about clay, glass and metal processes, alongside developing my work in jewellery."
"Following my experience with the V&A, I also want to continue creating pieces for exhibition spaces and sets. Overall, I aim to create work that holds sentimental value, invites human interaction and offers a modern perspective — work created not only for my present and future self, but for the child I once was."
"I would like to say a massive thank you to my tutors, family and friends who have supported and believed in me throughout my studies, pushing me to deliver my best work."
Explore Rahma’s work and the rest of the Ravensbourne showcase at the New Designers Exhibitors Page.
