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The Heart of Design
An inspiring guide to seeking spiritual alignment and fulfillment in your work and life journey, by nurturing a heart-centered designer mindset.
- Discover spiritually-grounded strategic design tools to unlock your ideas with clarity and practical guidance on the path to developing meaningful projects, products, and startups.
- Develop your early ideas into clear concepts using a simple framework of timeless spiritual aspirations and foundational design principles.
- Illuminate your vision with inspiring stories from like-hearted founders, creatives, and dreamers who lead at the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
- Reimagine career opportunities with a design journey to explore your ideas, develop product concepts, and virtuously serve humanity during globally uncertain times.
- Transform your outlook on innovation and design with a holistic approach that encourages design for remembrance in an age of design for distraction.
Whether you’re a professional who feels stuck or misaligned at work or an aspiring entrepreneur who seeks spiritually grounded guidance and inspiration, this book will help you design a new path for your next season of life.
- Discover spiritually-grounded strategic design tools to unlock your ideas with clarity and practical guidance on the path to developing meaningful projects, products, and startups.
- Develop your early ideas into clear concepts using a simple framework of timeless spiritual aspirations and foundational design principles.
- Illuminate your vision with inspiring stories from like-hearted founders, creatives, and dreamers who lead at the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
- Reimagine career opportunities with a design journey to explore your ideas, develop product concepts, and virtuously serve humanity during globally uncertain times.
- Transform your outlook on innovation and design with a holistic approach that encourages design for remembrance in an age of design for distraction.
Whether you’re a professional who feels stuck or misaligned at work or an aspiring entrepreneur who seeks spiritually grounded guidance and inspiration, this book will help you design a new path for your next season of life.
- GenresIslam
472 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2025
27 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Peter Gould
3 books13 followersPeter Gould is a design leader and entrepreneur. He advocates for heart-centered design that aligns spiritual aspirations and strategic design practice.
Over 20 years his clients have included Apple, Google the UN and a diverse creative portfolio for governments, startups, and global nonprofits.
His contributions to design have resulted in international acclaim, including a major award from the UAE Vice President. Peter is a recipient of the Stanford Certificate of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and has lectured Design Thinking at the University of Technology, Sydney. He was appointed as a UNHCR Ambassador in recognition of his efforts supporting refugees.
Peter’s book and educational platform, The Heart of Design, has helped hundreds of teams and individuals worldwide to align their spiritual aspirations with meaningful creative and professional paths.
At the intersection of design, spirituality, and entrepreneurship, Peter aims to inspire a global like-hearted movement and grassroots creative communities for a bright, heart-centered future.
Amazon Author Profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/petergould
Over 20 years his clients have included Apple, Google the UN and a diverse creative portfolio for governments, startups, and global nonprofits.
His contributions to design have resulted in international acclaim, including a major award from the UAE Vice President. Peter is a recipient of the Stanford Certificate of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and has lectured Design Thinking at the University of Technology, Sydney. He was appointed as a UNHCR Ambassador in recognition of his efforts supporting refugees.
Peter’s book and educational platform, The Heart of Design, has helped hundreds of teams and individuals worldwide to align their spiritual aspirations with meaningful creative and professional paths.
At the intersection of design, spirituality, and entrepreneurship, Peter aims to inspire a global like-hearted movement and grassroots creative communities for a bright, heart-centered future.
Amazon Author Profile:
https://www.amazon.com/author/petergould
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 13, 2025
Design for Remembrance - not distraction!
Peter does an amazing job bridging the gap between spiritual values and design practice, offering a path for those seeking to create work that resonates beyond the surface level.
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!
Peter does an amazing job bridging the gap between spiritual values and design practice, offering a path for those seeking to create work that resonates beyond the surface level.
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!
July 8, 2025
first of its such a beautifully designed book. the art the colors the stories. beautiful 💓
second like-hearted is going to be my new framework as I collaborate with others.
and finally it's wonderful to hear about contemporary times and successful Muslims from different walks of life
I'm so grateful this book was written in my time. I loved it!
second like-hearted is going to be my new framework as I collaborate with others.
and finally it's wonderful to hear about contemporary times and successful Muslims from different walks of life
I'm so grateful this book was written in my time. I loved it!
December 3, 2025
“Design for remembrance not for distraction “
Ihsan in everything about this book from the illustration to the chapter naming especially loved the ‘design duaa’ as well as ‘intention setting’ . Reference great quotes from other designers.
Ends with interviews with outstanding champions of beauty in this world .
“Designers are people in love with people”
“Beauty is the natural consequence of the simultaneous application of two principles truth and goodness”
April 28, 2025
What an incredible book that takes a look at the intersection between spirituality and creativity.
I found that every single page was filled with insightful gems and words of wisdom that spoke straight to my creative soul.
As a Muslim designer it’s already given me so much food for thought and energy to find purpose in the work that I do.
Grateful to have been guided towards this amazing source of inspiration.
Would highly recommend it to anyone and especially to any Muslim creatives looking to connect their faith and work.
I found that every single page was filled with insightful gems and words of wisdom that spoke straight to my creative soul.
As a Muslim designer it’s already given me so much food for thought and energy to find purpose in the work that I do.
Grateful to have been guided towards this amazing source of inspiration.
Would highly recommend it to anyone and especially to any Muslim creatives looking to connect their faith and work.
November 20, 2025
Before I even got a copy of The Heart of Design, I was already drawn to Gould Studio’s work. The visual language, storytelling, something, I can’t articulate what, just struck me as authentically Muslim and deeply sincere.
The Heart of Design is essentially a written expression of everything you can sense beneath the surface of the Studio’s work. The intentions, the spirit, the sincerity… all written down as humble reflections and caring brotherly advice.
Reading certain passages of The Heart of Design was overwhelming in the best way.
It is rare to find ‘modern’ writing about business/entrepreneurship etc. that advises you to work first and foremost for Allah. Not for money, ego, or metrics.
If your work is sincere, rooted in love, compassion, and service, how could it not succeed in the Dunya, and more importantly, in the Akhirah?
Having read a good pile of business books written by founders of companies that often cause more harm than good, this was a cleansing and liberating contrast: A reminder that design can be an act of worship. That building, creating, and working can all be pathways to Allah’s pleasure, so long as your intentions are aligned.
This book is a blessing, and it has left me reinvigorated and with a renewed sense of purpose. It has reminded me that regardless of financial performance, success is only measured by sincerity of intention.
I deeply hope that one day I can contribute something as meaningful, intentional, and uplifting to our Umah as this book. Thank you, Peter, for writing this, and may Allah reward you eternally.
The Heart of Design is essentially a written expression of everything you can sense beneath the surface of the Studio’s work. The intentions, the spirit, the sincerity… all written down as humble reflections and caring brotherly advice.
Reading certain passages of The Heart of Design was overwhelming in the best way.
It is rare to find ‘modern’ writing about business/entrepreneurship etc. that advises you to work first and foremost for Allah. Not for money, ego, or metrics.
If your work is sincere, rooted in love, compassion, and service, how could it not succeed in the Dunya, and more importantly, in the Akhirah?
Having read a good pile of business books written by founders of companies that often cause more harm than good, this was a cleansing and liberating contrast: A reminder that design can be an act of worship. That building, creating, and working can all be pathways to Allah’s pleasure, so long as your intentions are aligned.
This book is a blessing, and it has left me reinvigorated and with a renewed sense of purpose. It has reminded me that regardless of financial performance, success is only measured by sincerity of intention.
I deeply hope that one day I can contribute something as meaningful, intentional, and uplifting to our Umah as this book. Thank you, Peter, for writing this, and may Allah reward you eternally.
March 3, 2025
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.
June 1, 2025
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.
April 14, 2025
In a world that often treats design as output — Peter Gould reminds us that design is also orientation.
Who are we becoming as we create?
What are we honouring as we build?
What unseen forces shape the things we bring into the world?
The Heart of Design isn’t a traditional design book. It’s not about tools or templates. It’s about remembering that the act of making — whether it’s a product, a strategy, or a community — is also an act of becoming.
- It’s a book that doesn’t separate spirituality from creativity.
- It doesn’t treat beauty as ornamental.
- And it doesn’t ask us to leave reverence at the door of “professionalism.”
Instead, Peter weaves together timeless spiritual wisdom with design principles, offering a framework that feels ancient and urgent at the same time.
This book will resonate with anyone sitting at the intersection of faith, creativity, and systems change:
- Leaders asking: How do we build cultures rooted in sincerity, not just productivity?
- Designers wondering: What might it mean to create with reverence, not just efficiency?
- Changemakers wrestling with: Can strategy feel like care? Can design feel like prayer?
For many of us, the tension Peter names is deeply familiar — the ache of working within systems that prize speed over stillness, functionality over flourishing.
But what if design could also be an act of healing?
What if consultation (shura) was less about extracting opinions — and more about cultivating belonging?
What if our meetings, projects, and deliverables carried traces of ihsaan — excellence and beauty for the sake of the Divine?
The Heart of Design doesn’t offer easy answers.
Instead, it offers something much rarer: permission to slow down, to design with presence, and to lead with heart.
Highly recommend for:
-Designers feeling misaligned.
- Leaders shaping culture.
- Facilitators holding space.
- Communities dreaming of new ways to gather, build, and care.
A beautiful, needed read.
Who are we becoming as we create?
What are we honouring as we build?
What unseen forces shape the things we bring into the world?
The Heart of Design isn’t a traditional design book. It’s not about tools or templates. It’s about remembering that the act of making — whether it’s a product, a strategy, or a community — is also an act of becoming.
- It’s a book that doesn’t separate spirituality from creativity.
- It doesn’t treat beauty as ornamental.
- And it doesn’t ask us to leave reverence at the door of “professionalism.”
Instead, Peter weaves together timeless spiritual wisdom with design principles, offering a framework that feels ancient and urgent at the same time.
This book will resonate with anyone sitting at the intersection of faith, creativity, and systems change:
- Leaders asking: How do we build cultures rooted in sincerity, not just productivity?
- Designers wondering: What might it mean to create with reverence, not just efficiency?
- Changemakers wrestling with: Can strategy feel like care? Can design feel like prayer?
For many of us, the tension Peter names is deeply familiar — the ache of working within systems that prize speed over stillness, functionality over flourishing.
But what if design could also be an act of healing?
What if consultation (shura) was less about extracting opinions — and more about cultivating belonging?
What if our meetings, projects, and deliverables carried traces of ihsaan — excellence and beauty for the sake of the Divine?
The Heart of Design doesn’t offer easy answers.
Instead, it offers something much rarer: permission to slow down, to design with presence, and to lead with heart.
Highly recommend for:
-Designers feeling misaligned.
- Leaders shaping culture.
- Facilitators holding space.
- Communities dreaming of new ways to gather, build, and care.
A beautiful, needed read.
December 19, 2025
A journey through entrepreneurship infused with spirituality and a sense of the Divine.
In a world increasingly shaped by separation, distraction, and surface-level success, Peter’s words act as a compass—guiding us back to a framework where life is meant to be a journey grounded in spirituality, ethics, and conscious intention.
For those who wish to live with purpose through a spiritual lens, this book speaks directly to the heart.
If you’ve ever felt a lack of meaning or ethical guidance in your work or life, this is a deeply moving and timely message to the world. It reminds us to design with purpose and design with meaning, placing integrity, responsibility, and inner alignment at the centre of what we create.
I’m especially grateful that this wisdom now exists as a reference guide in an easy-to-read format—one you can open at any page and genuinely feel inspired, grounded, and guided. It’s a book you return to, over and over and again each time providing a mew layer to grow with.
For those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet Peter or experience any of his courses, give yourself the gift of knowing him through these pages. His perspective, generosity, and offering to the world are truly a gift.
I can only speak from personal experience, but once I entered Peters like-hearted ecosystem, my life shifted to an entirely new level of meaning, clarity, and intentionality. A community id been searching for but never knew existed.
Gift yourself this opportunity today, and don’t fall into the belief that this book is “not for you.” It isn’t only for artists or entrepreneurs—it offers a framework that can help define the next level of your life, whatever path you are on.
Thank-you Peter Gould
RR🌹
In a world increasingly shaped by separation, distraction, and surface-level success, Peter’s words act as a compass—guiding us back to a framework where life is meant to be a journey grounded in spirituality, ethics, and conscious intention.
For those who wish to live with purpose through a spiritual lens, this book speaks directly to the heart.
If you’ve ever felt a lack of meaning or ethical guidance in your work or life, this is a deeply moving and timely message to the world. It reminds us to design with purpose and design with meaning, placing integrity, responsibility, and inner alignment at the centre of what we create.
I’m especially grateful that this wisdom now exists as a reference guide in an easy-to-read format—one you can open at any page and genuinely feel inspired, grounded, and guided. It’s a book you return to, over and over and again each time providing a mew layer to grow with.
For those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet Peter or experience any of his courses, give yourself the gift of knowing him through these pages. His perspective, generosity, and offering to the world are truly a gift.
I can only speak from personal experience, but once I entered Peters like-hearted ecosystem, my life shifted to an entirely new level of meaning, clarity, and intentionality. A community id been searching for but never knew existed.
Gift yourself this opportunity today, and don’t fall into the belief that this book is “not for you.” It isn’t only for artists or entrepreneurs—it offers a framework that can help define the next level of your life, whatever path you are on.
Thank-you Peter Gould
RR🌹
March 5, 2025
I was fortunate to receive early access to this book before its official release, and I can confidently say it is filled with invaluable knowledge, timeless wisdom, and captivating stories. Peter masterfully conveys profound lessons in the simplest and most digestible way, allowing readers to not only grasp the insights but also reflect on their own experiences, using their imagination to expand upon these teachings and apply them to their lives.
What stands out most is the incredible network Peter has cultivated—bringing together an array of perspectives to create a deeply thoughtful and enriching book. Each chapter feels like a conversation with a mentor, a guiding hand that gently illuminates the often-overlooked truths of success, perseverance, and personal growth.
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.
If you're looking for a book that will inspire, challenge, and help you navigate the complexities of ambition and resilience, this is a must-read. Peter has graciously shared a collection of illuminating lessons that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
What stands out most is the incredible network Peter has cultivated—bringing together an array of perspectives to create a deeply thoughtful and enriching book. Each chapter feels like a conversation with a mentor, a guiding hand that gently illuminates the often-overlooked truths of success, perseverance, and personal growth.
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.
If you're looking for a book that will inspire, challenge, and help you navigate the complexities of ambition and resilience, this is a must-read. Peter has graciously shared a collection of illuminating lessons that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
November 14, 2025
As someone who rarely connects with non fiction, this book quickly won me over and had me glued to all 454 pages. I don't think I skimmed a single paragraph, I honestly read, every word. The binding, the layout, the font, the messaging, the writing style, all combined to captivate and inspire me, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the target audience. I loved how Islam was the heart of every passage and seemed so effortless as personal anecdotes, industry concepts, secular themes, advice from professionals, all orbited around the points the author was making through Islamic framing.
I didn't feel the organization much in the first of the three sections, but the structure of the second section kept the book moving and begged to be annotated so the lessons could be remembered and revisited. I found myself snapping pictures on nearly every page and sending them to creatives and leaders that I felt would benefit from the words. Even the final section featuring "Stories from the Like-Hearted" went deeper than biographies or notable accolades and brought to light approaches, hadith, and ayats that specifically shaped "well-known" contemporary Muslims' views with Islamic intent.
Ultimately by the last page, I felt inspired to reaffirm my intentions, my perspectives, and my purpose in many facets of my life, alhumdulillah.
I didn't feel the organization much in the first of the three sections, but the structure of the second section kept the book moving and begged to be annotated so the lessons could be remembered and revisited. I found myself snapping pictures on nearly every page and sending them to creatives and leaders that I felt would benefit from the words. Even the final section featuring "Stories from the Like-Hearted" went deeper than biographies or notable accolades and brought to light approaches, hadith, and ayats that specifically shaped "well-known" contemporary Muslims' views with Islamic intent.
Ultimately by the last page, I felt inspired to reaffirm my intentions, my perspectives, and my purpose in many facets of my life, alhumdulillah.
March 10, 2025
I’m grateful to have received early access to The Heart of Design before its official launch, and from the very first chapters, it has already resonated deeply with me. As an independent web designer navigating both the creative and spiritual dimensions of design, Peter Gould’s reflections on heart-centered design feel profoundly relevant.
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.
Beyond technique and aesthetics, The Heart of Design explores the role of intention and impact in creative work. It’s a refreshing perspective in a field often dominated by trends and commercial pressures. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or someone interested in aligning work with deeper values, this book offers a guiding light.
I’m excited to continue reading and absorbing more of Peter’s wisdom. If the first few chapters are any indication, The Heart of Design is set to be an inspiring and transformative read. Jzk Peter for bringing this much-needed book to life!
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.
Beyond technique and aesthetics, The Heart of Design explores the role of intention and impact in creative work. It’s a refreshing perspective in a field often dominated by trends and commercial pressures. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or someone interested in aligning work with deeper values, this book offers a guiding light.
I’m excited to continue reading and absorbing more of Peter’s wisdom. If the first few chapters are any indication, The Heart of Design is set to be an inspiring and transformative read. Jzk Peter for bringing this much-needed book to life!
March 15, 2025
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.
Every chapter has a set of actionable questions to set you off to work on your creative project. And every now and then you're reminded of why you are doing what you're doing and how you should be doing it.
The Heart of Design book should be the heart of every creative's go-to book.
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.
Every chapter has a set of actionable questions to set you off to work on your creative project. And every now and then you're reminded of why you are doing what you're doing and how you should be doing it.
The Heart of Design book should be the heart of every creative's go-to book.
November 10, 2025
If you feel there is a disconnect between what you do/work and what you want to achieve in life on a spiritual level, then I cannot recommend this book enough.
Peter has so cleverly written, the journey that any highly spiritual person go through and how to navigate through it to make it in a self-discovery, and impactful journey that turns the normal everyday job in something more collaborative, impactful, and rather than competitive mindset, he so humbly talked about the co-opetition mindset. Which is something that will help lift the pressure of hustle culture, and the align your motivation for success, navigating your self-awareness and impact on the community you're in as well as how it impacts you.
Again, I cannot recommend this book enough. It has many tips and tricks into working mindfully and being aware of your impact.
Thank you, Peter, for a well-written book
Peter has so cleverly written, the journey that any highly spiritual person go through and how to navigate through it to make it in a self-discovery, and impactful journey that turns the normal everyday job in something more collaborative, impactful, and rather than competitive mindset, he so humbly talked about the co-opetition mindset. Which is something that will help lift the pressure of hustle culture, and the align your motivation for success, navigating your self-awareness and impact on the community you're in as well as how it impacts you.
Again, I cannot recommend this book enough. It has many tips and tricks into working mindfully and being aware of your impact.
Thank you, Peter, for a well-written book
March 1, 2025
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.
This book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to align their professional and spiritual aspirations. It's a powerful call to action, inspiring a positive "Like-Hearted" movement that is equipped to address and help solve our world's emerging challenges.
This book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to align their professional and spiritual aspirations. It's a powerful call to action, inspiring a positive "Like-Hearted" movement that is equipped to address and help solve our world's emerging challenges.
March 16, 2025
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.
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.
October 13, 2025
I dived into the Heart of Design only to get stuck there for several enjoyable hours! (the risks of reading! 😅). The stories and anecdotes, intertwined with Prophetic, Islamic and tasawuf guidance make it compelling reading. Congratulations - this really is an engaging and accessible book offering the potential of an introduction to ‘living Islam’ in daily work, projects and life more generally in a way that many may not have experienced before.
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed The Heart of Design, which I read recently. It was full of useful insights into design as a holistic practice with wide ranging applications. The author has made design accessible, practical and engaging.
October 15, 2025
The book wasn't actually for me, it was for my son but I picked it up and was hooked.
I loved the how spiritual aspirations are blended with the design process, how to use them to be a better, more thoughtful, spiritual and aligned designer. I've probably annoyed my family by non stop reading out the wisdom, quotes and anecdotes. There is something in this book for everyone, you don't have to be a designer to enjoy it.
I loved the how spiritual aspirations are blended with the design process, how to use them to be a better, more thoughtful, spiritual and aligned designer. I've probably annoyed my family by non stop reading out the wisdom, quotes and anecdotes. There is something in this book for everyone, you don't have to be a designer to enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews