Bashar Telesi
Architect · Bahrain / Libya / The Gulf

BasharTelesi

Architecture and interiors for workplaces, homes, hospitality and the city, from the first massing study to the joinery detail.

EditionSelected work, 2013–2026
Shown10 architecture, 10 interiors
Index52 projects
Six-storey stone office building at dusk on a Tripoli street, with a glowing entrance lobby
02 · Office Building, Tripoli · dusk, east facade

Selected work

Architecture01–10
01

Multistorey Building

Glyfada, Greece · 2023
Curving multistorey building with stacked white floor plates among trees
Curved balconies and glazing at dusk
Entrance between curved walls and planting
Looking up at overlapping curved slabs
Programme
Multistorey development
Area
2,200 m²
Setting
Athens Riviera
Stage
Execution

A development on the Athens Riviera built from stacked horizontal planes. Each slab has an organically curved edge, so every floor reads as its own liquid volume rather than a level in a box.

Deep balconies, full-height glazing and planting along the slab edges blur the line between the rooms and the trees around the site.

02

Office Building

Tripoli, Libya · 2026
Office building at dusk
Office building in daylight from the street
Office building facade with louvres and planted terraces
Programme
Offices, ground + 5
Plot
565 m²
Setback
3.00 m, all sides
GFA
≈ 1,855 m² (indicative)
Frontage
21.04 m, road to the east
Stage
Concept design

A calm block of honed light travertine. Deep-set windows in slim anthracite frames set up a varied rhythm of tall slots and wider panes, and timber-tone louvres temper the sun on the east face.

The glazed base recedes around a full-height lobby. Each upper floor holds two open-plan suites around one shared core, and the top floor steps back behind an open stone frame and terrace.

A second option, with full-height glazing between stone piers, was developed in parallel.

Axonometric diagram of the building skin
Massing study, step 6 of 6
03

Al Jumhuriya Square

Tripoli, Libya · 2026
Two towers rising from a terraced green podium at sunset
Aerial night view of the development in the city grid
Towers seen beside the lit minarets of the mosque
Programme
Mixed-use, two towers on a podium
Stage
Concept

Two towers rise from a podium planted in terraces that step down to the street, so the scale of the project is softened where people meet it.

Next to the illuminated minarets of the mosque, the development holds its ground without competing: a new landmark that respects the weight of the square.

04

Tripoli Boulevard

Tripoli, Libya · 2026
Glass towers above a landscaped podium and promenade at dusk
Night aerial of curved waterfront buildings
Shaded promenade with a reflecting channel and shopfronts
Programme
Waterfront mixed-use
Area
62,149 m²
Stage
Concept

Fluid towers rise from a landscaped podium on the shore, and their lit forms reflect in the water after dark.

A promenade draws people between the sea, the gardens and the shops. Under sculpted canopies the pace slows: the district is made for the evening walk as much as for what it contains.

05

Aura Hotel

Tripoli, Libya · 2025
Hotel facade with curved white balconies and warm timber
Hotel entrance under a sculpted canopy with planting
Programme
Hotel
Stage
Concept

Curves and warm timber run from the street to the top floor, giving the building movement without strain.

Arrival is unhurried: a generous canopy, sculpted planting and a lobby that glows from within.

06

Central Bank of Libya

Tripoli, Libya · 2013
Round headquarters building with a perforated stone screen above a brick base
Aerial view of the proposal in the city
Lobby with a curved reception counter and Arabic signage
Programme
Bank headquarters
Stage
Competition
Studio
Terrace Design Studio

The scheme reads the site as an urban gate. A monumental round figure faces the sea, wrapped in a perforated stone screen.

At ground level a public passage cuts through the building, so the institution opens to the city instead of closing itself off.

07

Elite Pool & Kids Area

Tripoli, Libya · 2025
Cascading pools with planted islands by the sea
Thatched pool bar with stools under palms
Lagoon pool edged by palms and cabanas
Programme
Landscape, pools, kids area
Stage
Concept

A landscape for days without an agenda. Cascading pools and planted islands set a natural rhythm that leads guests from the thatched bar to the water and back.

Each corner holds something: play areas for children, quiet places for couples, and seats for anyone who wants to sit and let the sea do the rest.

08

Residential Building, Hay Al Andalus

Tripoli, Libya · 2026
Narrow residential building with terracotta lattice screens at dusk
Residential building in daylight
Ground floor plan with parking for three cars
Typical floor plan of a two-bedroom flat around a light well
Programme
5 flats
Levels
6 (parking, 4 typical, roof)
GFA
553.20 m², flat levels
Frontage
7.43 m
Stage
Proposal

Stacked flats on a narrow infill plot. Each typical floor holds one two-bedroom flat around an open-to-sky light well, with the stair, lift and services gathered into a single core at the rear.

The street elevation is a deep white frame filled with staggered terracotta-toned lattice screens. A one-bedroom roof flat opens onto a terrace under a timber-lined canopy.

09

Private Villa

Hamala, Bahrain · 2025
Two-storey white villa with a timber screen and palms
Villa corner and entrance
Timber pergola over an outdoor kitchen in the garden
Programme
Family villa, architecture and interiors
Area
696 m²
Stage
Concept

A family house built on openness. Clean white volumes, a warm natural palette and a timber screen soften the massing, so the house feels generous without weight.

The interior carries the same palette through the majlis, dining room, kitchen and private floor.

10

Private Villa

Tripoli, Libya · 2024
Low white villa volumes behind a timber-slatted boundary
Natural stone wall and timber door in a planted entrance court
Stone-clad entrance under a white cantilever
Gate in a concrete and stone boundary wall
Programme
Villa in a private compound
Stage
Concept

Crisp whitewashed volumes set against warm natural stone and timber.

Inside a private residential compound, the house balances openness and privacy through layered facades, dense planting and framed outdoor rooms.

Interiors11–20
11

Haus Restaurant & Lounge

Adliya, Bahrain · 2025
Copper-toned bar with tall stools
Glazed garden conservatory with dining tables at dusk
Banquette seating with yellow cushions under the glass roof
Candlelit table among trees and steel glazing
Programme
Restaurant, bar, lounge, garden
Area
200 m²
Stage
Completed

A restaurant that changes with the hour. Steel and glass frame a garden conservatory among the trees, velvet banquettes and low light pull the lounge inward, and the copper bar anchors the room.

The project was followed from sketch through construction to the finished space.

12

Office 101

Seef, Bahrain · 2026
Curved brushed-steel reception desk under copper ring pendants, open office beyond
Client lounge in front of a backlit materials wall
Window workstations with orange desk dividers
Pantry behind black-framed amber glass sliders
Break area with sofa and orange cushions
Standing counter with stools facing a media wall
Washroom with walnut vanity and stone-effect tiles
Programme
Studio workplace
Workstations
8, in two clusters
Meeting room
8 seats, 13.83 m²
Named rooms
81.74 m² (excl. reception)
Stage
Under construction

A working studio with a hospitality temperament. The raw shell stays honest, with exposed services and polished concrete, and refined pieces are set into it: a curved brushed-steel desk, a woven brass screen, marble and travertine.

Amber glass and textiles carry warmth from room to room. Samples live on a backlit wall in the client lounge, so selections happen where clients sit.

Office 101 furniture plan
Furniture plan
13

DHL Reception & Meeting Room

Bahrain · 2026
Yellow angular reception desk in front of a brushed metal wall
Reception with a linear pendant and planters
Meeting room with an oval table and tan leather chairs
Cut-away axonometric of the meeting room
Exploded view of the reception desk build-up
Material board with leather, timber, stone and fluted glass
Scope
Reception, meeting room
Concept
Refined Modern
Stage
Concept design

The brand yellow becomes one sculpted object: a folded wedge of a reception desk, lit from below against brushed metal and a slim linear pendant.

The meeting room shifts to a quieter register of timber, tan leather and stone, with an oval table under a single long light.

A revised scheme, Timeless Modern, followed with a lighter table top and a walnut pendant.

14

Café Café

Seef, Bahrain · 2022
Café with an arched bar, timber ceiling grid and terracotta panels
Window table under brass pendants
Curved timber host stand beside brick and slatted timber
Brass-framed screen and timber detail
Arched storefront with palms
Programme
Café
Client
Café Café
Stage
Execution

Classic café design with modern touches. Elegant furniture sits in a black-and-white palette lifted by terracotta and brass.

An arched bar, a timber ceiling grid and curved joinery give the room its rhythm from storefront to counter.

15

Kimbo, three venues

Dubai and Manama · 2018–2020
Espresso bar with dark timber, glowing counters and long tables
Café lounge with green seating and pendant lights
Showroom with shelving and a central counter
Marble and timber coffee counter with brand lettering
Business lounge seating in the showroom
Venues
Espresso da Napoli, Dubai · City Centre, Manama · Showroom, Dubai
Client
Kimbo
Stage
Execution

One brand, three formats. Espresso da Napoli in Dubai takes its cue from Naples coffee culture, with dark timber joinery, glowing display counters and warm indirect light.

The City Centre venue in Manama develops that language into a larger, public café and lounge. The Dubai showroom is a hybrid: it sells coffee, offers short-stay workspace and works as a brand showroom.

16

Raaw Cafe

Saar, Bahrain · 2023
Café with walnut tables, rattan chairs and a terrace beyond
Lounge seating in teal under pendant lamps
White tiled counter with globe pendants
Programme
Café, terrace, back of house
Area
373 m²
Client
Raaw
Stage
Concept

A clean white-tile counter is set against a sage-green ceiling and walnut millwork.

Terrazzo flooring ties the café, the outdoor terrace and the back of house into one continuous surface.

17

Libyan Spider HQ

Tripoli, Libya · 2016
Open office with yellow desk screens under a blue ceiling
Corridor with a yellow floor stripe and a perforated wall
Entrance lobby with planters
Programme
Technology company headquarters
Area
900 m²
Client
Libyan Spider
Stage
Execution

A headquarters built around cross-functional teams. No one has a permanent desk, so staff move freely between settings through the day.

A yellow line along the main corridor and yellow desk screens carry one colour through the floor. The office is meant to work as a second home.

18

Logistics Company Offices

Manama, Bahrain · 2022
Lounge under a planted ceiling beside tall windows
Open office with a blue feature wall and sea views
Workstations along the glazing
Programme
Offices for a shipping and logistics joint venture
Client
Corporate office
Stage
Execution

Offices for a shipping and logistics joint venture.

The scheme adapts the client’s global brand language to a regional workplace, with a planted lounge, a blue feature wall and open desks along the view.

19

Private Villa

Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrain · 2022
Living room with a marble art wall and black pendants
Family room with a marble TV wall and timber shelving
Sitting area with timber panelling
Programme
Villa interiors
Area
360 m²
Stage
Execution

Interiors for a family villa, briefed around entertaining and a high-end atmosphere without heaviness.

A light, airy palette encourages people to gather and lifts the scale of the whole house.

20

Private Residence

Tripoli, Libya · 2024
Double-height living room with arched windows and a crystal chandelier
Double-height entrance with a sculpted white wall and chandelier
Dining room under a brass pendant with arched windows
Programme
Residence interiors
Stage
Concept

Classical Arabic architecture meets contemporary luxury. Double-height volumes and arched windows frame layers of marble, timber, brass and velvet.

The palette holds warm neutrals, deep wood tones and terracotta accents.

Index of work

No.ProjectLocationTypeStageYear
01Multistorey BuildingGlyfada, GreeceArchitectureExecution2023
02Office BuildingTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept design2026
03Al Jumhuriya SquareTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept2026
04Tripoli BoulevardTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept2026
05Aura HotelTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept2025
06Central Bank of LibyaTripoli, LibyaArchitectureCompetition2013
07Elite Pool & Kids AreaTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept2025
08Residential Building, Hay Al AndalusTripoli, LibyaArchitectureProposal2026
09Private VillaHamala, BahrainArchitectureConcept2025
10Private VillaTripoli, LibyaArchitectureConcept2024
11Haus Restaurant & LoungeAdliya, BahrainInteriorsCompleted2025
12Office 101Seef, BahrainInteriorsUnder construction2026
13DHL Reception & Meeting RoomBahrainInteriorsConcept design2026
14Café CaféSeef, BahrainInteriorsExecution2022
15Kimbo, three venuesDubai and ManamaInteriorsExecution2018–2020
16Raaw CafeSaar, BahrainInteriorsConcept2023
17Libyan Spider HQTripoli, LibyaInteriorsExecution2016
18Logistics Company OfficesManama, BahrainInteriorsExecution2022
19Private VillaDiyar Al Muharraq, BahrainInteriorsExecution2022
20Private ResidenceTripoli, LibyaInteriorsConcept2024
21Benghazi BoulevardBenghazi, LibyaUrban district, 130,000 m²Concept2026
22Mixed-Use BuildingTripoli, LibyaMixed use, 7,153 m²Concept2025
23Serviced ApartmentTripoli, LibyaResidential, 541 m²Concept2025
24Residential Building, G+4Tripoli, LibyaResidential, facade detailsDetail design2026
25Dalia Tower CaféTripoli, LibyaHospitalityConcept design2026
26Guest House & Majlis, tent-roof hallTripoli, LibyaResidentialClient brief2026
27Staff Accommodation, two-building merger—ResidentialConcept design2026
28Mosque Service Block—CivicPlans2026
29Elite Horizon Resort, Olive TerraceLibyan coastResort, 60 villasConcept2026
30Chalet, Al-GawarshaBenghazi, LibyaResidentialConcept2026
31Smart CityTripoli, LibyaMixed-use district, 31,000 m²Competition2023
32Villa RamezJanzur, LibyaResidential, 560 m²Execution2020
33General HospitalTripoli, LibyaHealthcare, 21,550 m²Concept2018
34Villa MaherTripoli, LibyaResidential, 230 m²Execution2017
35First Gulf Bank HeadquartersTripoli, LibyaCorporate, 5,600 m²Concept2014
36HBB-2 Summer HouseLibyan coastResidentialCompleted—
37Master SuiteRiyadh, Saudi ArabiaResidentialConcept design2026
38Majles Ben Slali, The Olive MajlisTripoli, LibyaResidentialConcept design2026
39Private ApartmentManama, BahrainResidential, 200 m²Concept2026
40break, reception kiosk, Platinum TowerSeef, BahrainHospitality, 18.7 m²Feasibility study2026
41Innovana OfficeBahrain Bay, BahrainWorkplaceSite supervision2026
42Modern OfficeManama, BahrainWorkplaceExecution2024
43Batelco City CentreManama, BahrainRetailExecution2024
44AWRISSeef, BahrainWorkplaceExecution2023
45The Palavra ResortSeef, BahrainHospitalityExecution2022
46Globex OfficeManama, BahrainWorkplaceConcept2022
47El Cafe di RomaTripoli, LibyaHospitalityExecution2020
48Libyan Gate Medical LabTripoli, LibyaLaboratory, 360 m²Concept2020
49Private ApartmentJuffair, BahrainResidential, 360 m²Concept2020
50The Mist LoungeManama, BahrainHospitalityExecution2019
51RegusTripoli, LibyaWorkplace, 600 m²Execution2019
52Natuzzi ShowroomTripoli, LibyaRetail, 820 m²Completed2012

01 to 20 are shown above. 21 to 52 are listed without images in this edition.

Profile& CV
Portrait of Bashar M. Telesi in a dark sweater, arms folded
Bashar M. Telesi

Architect and founder of Form & Function Design Studio, an interior design studio in Seef, Bahrain. In 2011 he founded Terrace Design Studio in Tripoli, a full practice in architecture, interiors, landscape and urban design, where he is an equal partner with Mohamed A. Sherif.

Over twenty years in practice since graduating in 2004, across Libya and Bahrain. The work runs from high-rise towers, hospitals and masterplans to houses, cafés and joinery, drawn by hand and in CAD, and followed from feasibility and concept through permits and coordination to supervision on site.

Role
Founder, General Manager & Principal Architect
Practice
Form & Function Design Studio W.L.L., interior design, Bahrain (founder) · Terrace Design Studio, architecture, interiors and landscape, Libya (founder, 50% partner)
Based
Seef, Kingdom of Bahrain
Work in
Bahrain, Libya, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Greece
Disciplines
Architecture, interiors, landscape, urban design
Education
B.Sc. Architecture and Urban Planning (5-year degree), Faculty of Engineering, Tripoli University, 2004
Licences
COEPP Bahrain, category B · Libyan Board of Architecture
Certificate
Autodesk Revit Architecture, 2014
Languages
Arabic, English, German (A1)
Press
designboom
Email
bashar@f-fdesign.com
22Years in practice, 2004–2026
52Projects in the index
5Countries
130,000 m²Largest masterplan, Benghazi Boulevard

Professional experience

  • Now
    Founder, General Manager & Principal ArchitectForm & Function Design Studio W.L.L., Platinum Tower, Seef, Bahrain. An interior design studio. Leads its interior projects in Bahrain and Libya, from fee proposal to site supervision.
  • 2014–
    Senior Architect DesignerARE SADEQ Design Consultants, Manama, Bahrain. Led project teams from pre-development to construction and operation, built the design team, acted as site architect, ran weekly consultant meetings, and managed materials, FF&E schedules and budgets.
  • 2011–
    Founder, Partner & Design ManagerTerrace Design Studio, Tripoli, Libya: architecture, interior design, landscape and urban design. Founded in 2011; equal partner with Mohamed A. Sherif. Feasibility studies, cost estimates, quality control and scheduling from start to finish of construction. Interior architect and supervisor for Libyan Spider HQ; Kimbo showroom, Dubai, and Kimbo cafés and lounges in DIFC, Dubai and City Centre, Sharjah; MIO Café kiosk, DIFC; Café di Roma and the Natuzzi showroom, Tripoli; the Central Bank of Libya competition; villas and housing in Libya and Bahrain.
  • 2009–10
    Architect ConsultantLangmead Associates, Manama, Bahrain. Project scoping with clients, feasibility reports and design proposals, and problem solving during construction.
  • 2004–08
    Junior Architect & CAD TechnicianGhadames for Architecture, Tripoli, Libya.
  • 2004
    B.Sc. Architecture and Urban PlanningFive-year degree, Faculty of Engineering, Tripoli University.

Project roles in Bahrain, ARE SADEQ

  • Architect
    Katamaran Towers, SeefProject architect and designer
  • Architect
    Maternity Hospital, TubliDesign architect and project coordinator
  • Architect
    Al Safwa School, Diyar Al MuharraqDesign architect and project coordinator
  • Concept
    Layout redesignsLuxury chalets, Hawar Island · Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain · Rolex Tower and Golden Tower, Bahrain Bay · The Harbour Row, Bahrain Financial Harbour
  • Landscape
    American Mission Hospital, A'aliLandscape design for the new hospital

Selected competitions

  • 2023
    Smart City, Tripoli31,000 m² mixed-use district, for the Municipality
  • 2018
    General Hospital, Tripoli21,550 m² multi-specialty hospital, for the Ministry of Health
  • 2013
    Central Bank of Libya Headquarters, TripoliTerrace Design Studio

Project timeline

  • 2026
    Tripoli Boulevard and Benghazi BoulevardWaterfront and district masterplans of 62,149 m² and 130,000 m²; Office 101 under construction in Seef
  • 2025
    Haus Restaurant & Lounge, AdliyaCompleted; Aura Hotel and Elite Pool concepts in Tripoli
  • 2024
    Batelco City Centre, ManamaRetail interior with digital displays and gradient lighting
  • 2023
    Multistorey Building, Glyfada, Greece2,200 m² on the Athens Riviera
  • 2022
    Café Café, The Palavra Resort, corporate officesHospitality and workplace interiors in Bahrain
  • 2019
    Regus, Tripoli600 m² coworking centre
  • 2018
    Kimbo Espresso da Napoli, DubaiThe first of three venues for Kimbo in Dubai and Manama
  • 2016
    Libyan Spider HQ, Tripoli900 m² technology headquarters without fixed desks
  • 2013
    Central Bank of Libya competitionTerrace Design Studio
  • 2012
    Natuzzi Showroom, Tripoli820 m², completed

Selected clients

  • Batelco
  • Kimbo
  • DHL
  • Regus
  • Natuzzi
  • Libyan Spider
  • First Gulf Bank
  • Ministry of Health, Libya
  • Central Bank of Libya Competition
  • Libyan Gate Pharmaceuticals
  • Café Café
  • The Palavra
  • Raaw
  • Globex
  • Awris

Skills & tools

  • Design
    Architecture, interiors, landscape, urban designFrom masterplan to joinery detail
  • Software
    AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, SketchUp, 3ds Max, V-RayPhotoshop, Illustrator, Autodesk Impression, Microsoft Office; a self-built AutoLISP toolkit for layer standards, room tagging and furniture management
  • Practice
    Hand sketching to site managementProject presentation, execution and supervision, safety rules and regulations, planning and permitting, property development, team management
  • Visuals
    AI-assisted concept imagery and motionMidjourney, ChatGPT and Gemini for concept views; animated project presentations
  • Delivery
    Bilingual documentsArabic and English proposals, reports and drawing sets

Beyond practice

  • Painting
    Original artworkIncluding the triptych series for DUSK Café, Manama, which he also designed
  • Teaching
    Student project supervisionArchitectural projects including the Little Blocks kindergarten and Gammoudi Family Apartments

Contact

  • Form & Function, Bahrainbashar@f-fdesign.com
  • Terrace Design Studio, Libyabashar.t@terrace.ly
  • Personalarchbashar2004@gmail.com
  • LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/bashar-m-telesi

Studios

  • Form & Function, BahrainPlatinum Tower, Seef District, ManamaMap
  • Terrace Design Studio, LibyaTripoli, LibyaMap

Portfolio

Request the full portfolio as a PDF. Enter your email and I will send the file to you personally.

The studio team working around a table of drawings by tall windows
The studio. Laura Ashi, interior architect and project coordinator · Mahmoud M., BIM specialist · Trixia Cruz, office assistant