Thabet S. Sultan, an Iraqi architect and graphic designer, joins host Raja Aderdor in a conversation that explores architecture, visual identity, publishing, heritage, and the role of design in shaping national narratives. Thabet S. Sultan is a multidisciplinary designer whose work moves across architecture, graphic design, writing, publishing, and cultural documentation. His practice examines how design can communicate history, preserve collective memory, and contribute to the visual representation of a nation. Working across different forms and mediums, he approaches design not only as a professional discipline, but also as a way of engaging with culture, identity, and the social meaning of images, spaces, and symbols. Together, they reflect on Thabet’s creative journey and the experiences that have shaped his approach to architecture and visual communication. The discussion explores the relationship between built environments, graphic design, and publishing, considering how each can become a tool for documenting heritage and contributing to cultural discourse. It also examines the role of writing and publishing within his wider practice, and how designers can use these forms to express ideas, share critical perspectives, and participate in conversations about history, identity, and contemporary culture. The conversation also reflects on Thabet’s work as the designer of the Iraqi National Team jersey from 2021 to 2022. They discuss how football design can extend beyond sportswear to become an expression of national identity, collective pride, and cultural memory. Through this example, the episode considers how visual symbols circulate across public life and how design can represent a country on both local and international stages. Moving across architecture, publishing, graphic design, and football, the conversation explores how creative practice can operate across multiple disciplines while remaining connected to questions of heritage and belonging. It considers how designers navigate the relationship between historical references and contemporary expression, and how cultural identity can be preserved, interpreted, and communicated through spaces, publications, images, and objects. This episode is in collaboration with Tasmeem Doha 2026: Transmit. Relay, a podcast from Clavis Aurea Podcasts, explores the people and processes behind publishing, art, and cultural production. Through conversations with people working across the cultural sector, the podcast looks at how ideas move from concept to physical form through books, exhibitions, and printed production. At its core, Relay focuses on the creative chain behind cultural work. Writers, editors, designers, photographers, publishers, printers, and institutions each play a role in bringing ideas into the world. Interested in collaborating or being part of the podcast? Reach out through the Clavis Aurea social media channels or contact the team directly.
