The Heart of Design is a rare and essential resource for today's creative professionals. Peter Gould masterfully bridges the gap between spiritual values and design practice, offering a path for those seeking to create work that resonates beyond the surface level. Through his own journey of contentment (Ridaa) and experimental curiosity, Gould demonstrates how design can serve as a form of remembrance rather than distraction.

Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or creative seeking to infuse your work with deeper meaning, this book provides practical guidance for integrating spirituality into your professional life without compromise. In a world obsessed with materialistic success, Gould's approach reminds us of design's power to manifest beauty, inspire connection, and elevate the human spirit.

Having taken Peter’s exceptional 5-week Heart of Design course, this book is a long-awaited gift! It’s a truly groundbreaking work that redefines the very essence of design. In a world of constant distraction, The Heart of Design offers a refreshing and essential perspective: designing for remembrance. The seamless weaving together of spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship provides a powerful pathway to truly Heart-Centered Design.



I had the opportunity to read the book before the launch and I must say it’s absolutely phenomenal. A brilliant life journey full of wonderful anecdotes and applicable to all who harbour artistic adventures in their hearts as well as those who like to sit back and enjoy the art.

The Heart of Design is the ground-breaking outcome of Australian entrepreneur and graphic designer Peter Gould’s decades-long quest to balance the worldly demands of his profession with the spiritual demands of his faith. It is an engaging, lucid, deeply considered guide to finding spiritual and creative equilibrium in a world that is increasingly out of balance. Every Muslim creative should read this book.

What stands out is Peter’s ability to weave personal experiences with broader insights on purpose-driven creativity. His journey—filled with challenges, self-discovery, and a commitment to meaningful design—mirrors many of the questions I’ve been asking myself. His words are thought-provoking, pushing me to reconsider not just how I design, but why.



This book is the best companion (and refresher!) to the Alumni of the Heart of Design workshop. I could hear Peter's voice in my head - as if reading out each line. His soft yet assertive voice accompanies you as he reminds you of what he once shared and taught in the workshop.



But even if you have not sat through Peter's workshop, this book will guide you through the challenges of how to balance being a creative in this material world and yet maintaining modesty and humility.
It is a book for every creative person - and everyone is creative.

I found myself reading this book in the quiet hours of the night while on a plane, wrestling with my own challenges as a startup founder. At that moment, I stumbled upon passages that reignited my motivation, providing just enough clarity and inspiration to push forward through uncertainty. This isn’t a book that promises shortcuts or secret formulas to success. Instead, it serves as a lantern—offering guidance through the darkness by sharing the wisdom and experiences of those who have walked the path before us.

A notable strength of the book is its alignment, that embodies the essence of Jawāmi‘ al-Kalim by presenting profound design wisdom in a concise and relatable manner for the seeker/ dreamer.



The book serves stories and lessons from interviews from over 50 individuals, including creative leaders and spiritual teachers, offering readers a tapestry of perspectives that reinforce the universality of its messages. The timeless lessons mean that when in need of inspiration it should be within reach by reaching into this book. God willing.
Crafted with excellence.

A practical and inspirational guide on how to embed spirituality in your creative work. I loved reading the stories of some amazing creatives who have successfully managed to pursue their creative passions without giving up on their discipline or sacrificing their principles.