Basel almisshal
Basel is the founder of Studio Basel, a multidisciplinary design and creative studio based in the USA, dedicated to innovative architecture, branding, art direction, and cultural exhibition design. Through Studio Basel, he has led award-winning projects for museums, cultural institutions, and international exhibitions, including work with the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (IMMC), where he has contributed to landmark exhibitions such as:
Muslims with Christians and Jews: An Exhibition of Covenants and Coexistence — a Golden Montreux Award-winning, permanent thematic exhibition exploring coexistence, interfaith harmony, and the Prophet Muhammad’s historic covenants.
Journey to Understanding: Palestine & Israel Unveiled
a powerful, traveling exhibition designed and co-curated with Lina Ali, unveiling the history and human stories behind the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through art, documentary photography, motion visuals, and interactive storytelling.
Basel Almisshal is a Palestinian-American award-winning architect, creative director, photographer, 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.
A pioneer in using photography as a bridge for cultural dialogue, Basel founded the global visual 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.
The initiative’s centerpiece, the International Ramadan Photography Competition (IRPC), features a prestigious jury panel that includes iconic National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry, World Press Photo judge Dr. Shahidul Alam, and leading Muslim artist Peter Sanders, among others. The photography collection has been published in the world’s first Ramadan photography book and magazine, produced by Studio Basel.
Basel’s work is deeply informed by his dual training in architecture and engineering, allowing him to approach photography and design with precision, emotional depth, and technical excellence. He has taught architecture and photography at the university level and remains committed to advancing contemporary creative expression in the Arab and Muslim worlds.
A member of the United Nations Photographic Council, the Royal Photographic Society of London, the American Society of Media Photographers, and the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers, Basel is an active voice in global creative dialogue.
He completed his PhD research at the University of York in the UK and currently lives between New York and Philadelphia, leading Studio Basel USA, and is available for global architecture, design, and exhibition assignments.