In today’s fast-moving creative economy, talent alone isn’t enough. Systems, strategy, and adaptability have become the new currency for success — and few understand this better than Kamel Lokman. Architect by training, entrepreneur by evolution, and now a respected coach to creative professionals worldwide, Kamel has helped hundreds of designers, artists, and founders turn scattered passion into scalable business growth.
He has worked on over $193 billion worth of projects across seven countries, advising firms in architecture, technology, and real estate development. Over the past decade, he has also helped numerous entrepreneurs in the creative niche across different regions harness digital tools and strategic thinking to scale with clarity and confidence.
In this interview, we dive deep into the journey that shaped his method, his views on technology, his approach to leadership, and what creatives must do now to win in the future.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current position?”
Kamel shared, “My journey started traditionally — working for two years in a small architecture studio in Cairo. However, I quickly realized I wasn’t built for small environments with limited influence. Hoping to find a better fit, I moved to a multinational architecture firm. Yet even there, the rigid structure and limited creative freedom didn’t align with my nature. I didn’t want to simply execute projects — I wanted to drive change, create systems, and impact industries.
That realization led me to a bold decision: I partnered with a colleague and founded my own architecture studio, Invert Studios. We started from a small studio, and within just two years, we had expanded to two main branches — one in Cairo and one in Dubai. Building and scaling a business from scratch taught me far more than any job could have — and it ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. Over time, I expanded into technology, launching a real estate management platform, while continuing to grow as a consultant for different international companies.
Eventually, I launched my coaching programs, where I help creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses. Both projects and advisory work are built on the same belief: creative talent should be matched with business clarity and systems that work. In parallel, I serve as an advisor for several startups — the latest being Estaie.com, a platform transforming how property owners access furnishing and renovation services. I’m also a partner in a tech company where we developed Akarati, our first cloud-based ERP system for real estate management.”
Career-Defining Moments For Kamel Lokman
Interested to learn more about the turning points in Kamel Lokman’s career path, we asked, “What was a key moment in your business journey that shaped your approach?”
“A major turning point in my journey was realizing that creative professionals — even the most brilliant ones — often hit a ceiling not because of a lack of talent, but because they don’t understand business systems. I saw firsthand how people in the creative niche struggle with financial fluency, pricing strategy, brand positioning, and managing scale. That’s when I decided to stop solving one problem at a time and start building a comprehensive solution.
The moment I tested that system with my first few clients and saw their results — not only more revenue but less stress — I knew it was no longer just a framework. It was a mission. A mission to help creatives become strategic thinkers, master their finances, and lead companies with the same clarity and confidence as any high-level executive,” he explained.
The Art Of Balancing
We asked Kamel Lokman to share his approach to managing long-term goals while handling daily operations.
“Systems thinking is the core of how I operate, both in business and in life. Most creatives don’t have a task problem — they have a prioritization and planning problem. That’s why everything I teach revolves around structuring your time, energy, and team into scalable flows. In my own work, I use a combination of automation, weekly rhythm reviews, and strategic delegation to stay on track.
What I always remind my clients is this: long-term growth doesn’t happen in isolation from day-to-day execution. You need to zoom out and lead like a CEO while still knowing when to zoom in like a technician. That’s the secret to balancing vision with daily momentum. And it’s a skill every creative entrepreneur can learn,” he added.
Potential Technological Trends Of The Industry
We further asked, “What latest technologies do you think will change your industry in the next five years?”
Kamel explained, “Technology is no longer optional — it’s leverage. AI, AR, VR, real-time data analytics, and automation have completely reshaped the creative industry. What used to take a team of ten can now be done by a solo founder with the right tools. But tools alone don’t make the difference — strategy does.
I help my clients use technology not to replace their creativity, but to extend it. From lead generation to project delivery, we design systems where tech handles the repetition and humans handle the magic. That’s how modern creative businesses thrive. I also encourage people to keep experimenting with emerging platforms because the future belongs to the curious.”
Constant Learning For Growth
To learn more about Kamel’s perspective on fostering growth within the team, we inquired, “How do you encourage learning and growth within your team?”
“In every company I advise or build, I treat learning as infrastructure, not as a side activity. We run weekly internal training, monthly skills audits, and even run sprints around mastering a specific client-facing tool or financial skill. Learning has to be strategic — not just inspirational.
I push my teams and clients to upgrade three areas consistently: mindset, skillset, and toolset. Whether it’s learning how to raise your prices, read a balance sheet, present to high-level clients, or implement automations — it all builds business equity. People often underestimate how fast they can transform if they learn deliberately with the right structure and accountability,” Kamel reflected.
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
Intrigued to learn the events behind Kamel Lokman’s success, we posed the question, “Can you talk about a project or initiative that had a big impact on your career’s victory?”
He noted, “My career wins have always come from spotting trends early and acting fast. I embraced technology — and more recently, AI — not just as tools but as catalysts for transformation. I created the Momentum Growth Blueprint (MGB) processes to help creative entrepreneurs build structured, scalable businesses that don’t sacrifice their craft.
I’m also very proud that many of my architectural projects have been featured in leading platforms like ArchDaily and Parametric Architecture (PA) Magazine. That exposure not only validated our design direction but also connected us with global conversations around innovation, sustainability, and the future of the built environment.
One of my recent milestones is writing the book Design Like Crazy — a guide for architects and creatives on how to ride the AI wave early by mastering new tools and thinking patterns. It’s not just a book; it’s a toolkit for staying relevant in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever. In today’s world, the ones who win aren’t necessarily the most talented — they’re the ones who adapt the fastest and position themselves ahead of change.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners
Addressing the beginners in his field, we asked Kamel Lokman to share some advice.
“Start by mastering what creatives often avoid — business foundations. Sales, marketing, positioning, finance, and strategic planning. Talent alone won’t scale your business. Think like a founder from day one. Keep learning. Sometimes, success is about a brilliant idea you held onto until the perfect moment, a network you built quietly, or a rare skill you refined when no one was watching.
And to those in the creative niche — I’m one of you. I’ve faced the same roadblocks. That’s why I built my coaching methodology — a proven system to help creatives grow smarter, not harder. You’ll attract high-value clients, deliver smoothly, and build a business that doesn’t depend on constant hustle.
You don’t need chaos to succeed. With the right system, you can scale with ease and peace of mind,” Kamel added.
Follow Kamel Lokman on LinkedIn.
Find Invert Technologies on LinkedIn and visit their website http://www.akarati.com/
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