Basel Almisshal
Basel Almisshal is a Palestinian-American award-winning architect, creative director, and exhibition designer whose work blends architecture, art, and storytelling into immersive, emotionally resonant experiences. Known for his innovative approach, Basel masterfully weaves together cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and compelling narratives across a diverse range of projects.
With over 20 years of global experience across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Basel brings a rich, cross-cultural perspective to his work. His internationally acclaimed design of the Palestinian Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman, awarded a 5-star International Design Award, stands as a testament to his visionary style. He is also the recipient of the Golden Award of Montreux in Spatial Communication for permanent thematic exhibition design.
Basel is the founder of Studio Basel, a multidisciplinary design and creative studio based in the USA, working across architecture, cultural exhibition design, branding, and art direction. His practice includes the planning and design of mosques and community institutions in the U.S. and internationally. His expertise spans Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometry, and culturally rooted spatial narratives, blending traditional craft with contemporary architectural expression to create spaces that are spiritually resonant, socially inclusive, and contextually grounded.
Through Studio Basel, he has led award-winning projects for museums, cultural institutions, and international exhibitions, including extensive work with the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (USA), the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, and the Royal Court Affairs.
Basel’s practice is grounded in a research-driven methodology that integrates advanced digital and AI-powered tools across analysis, design development, visualization, and presentation, while ensuring that all design decisions remain firmly anchored in cultural understanding, ethics, and core architectural principles.
A pioneer in using visual arts as a bridge for cultural dialogue, Basel founded the global photography initiative Capture the Spirit of Ramadan in 2011. This groundbreaking project home to the world’s largest modern Islamic-themed photography collection from over 60 countries celebrates art, architecture, spirituality, and cultural diversity during the holy month. Recognized by UNESCO, the British Museum, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the White House, the exhibition has toured internationally and was named one of the Top 7 Photography Exhibitions of 2014 after major showings in Kuala Lumpur, Australia, and London.
Basel has taught architecture, graphic design, and photography and remains committed to advancing contemporary creative expression within Arab cultural contexts and globally engaged Muslim institutions. He completed his PhD research at the University of York (UK) and is currently based in Tampa, Florida, leading Studio Basel USA with an active presence across the United States and internationally.
