Joab was born in Israel but relocated to Toronto, Canada to study design and architecture in the late 1960s. Upon earning his degree, he founded the IMCO company for Architecture and Design. His company also encompassed a Construction division which participated in newly built malls, towers, and office buildings throughout Canada. In the 1980s, Igra founded DESIGNERS WALK, the largest commercial design center in the country to showcase the most up to date merchandise and leading trends for the professional designer.
Strategically located in the heart of midtown Toronto, Designers Walk quickly established itself as the industry leader through innovation and a revolutionary business concept which brought designers and exclusive products together in one centralized location. Designers Walk maintains its reputation as the true leader of the industry.
In 1991, Joab and his family returned to Israel and his fingerprints were soon visible in the innovative, creative, and high standards he implemented in architecture and construction for Herods Hotel and the local tourism industry. Joab Igra has written numerous articles and lectured on design, architecture, marketing, and construction projects. For Igra, design is more than a profession or business; it is a way of life.