In April 2021 I started my journey at XBD Collective as a Senior Interior Designer. Currently I hold the title of Senior Associate Design Manager which is a super busy yet rewarding role that gives me the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across the entire design team.
As the sun rises over Dubai’s vibrant Design District, my day begins in the best way possible: with a steaming cup of coffee in bed. This quiet moment allows me to check my schedule and mentally prepare for the day ahead. I cherish these early hours, where the world is still waking up, and I can gather my thoughts before diving into the whirlwind of design management.
Once I’m fully awake, I take my dog for a walk—weather permitting, of course. This daily ritual not only gives us both some fresh air and exercise, but also serves as a meditative space to clear my mind. Upon returning, I enjoy breakfast on the terrace with my husband. We both work in the construction industry, so our conversations often revolve around design insights and project suggestions.
These shared moments are invaluable, as they help us inspire and support one another in our careers.
By 8:30 AM, I'm ready to head to our office in D3, Dubai’s hub for creativity and innovation. Upon arrival, I usually dedicate about an hour to sift through emails and organise my tasks. However, some days require a more hurried pace, especially when I need to review presentations before critical meetings. Attention to detail is crucial, and I make it a point to check every design element before it reaches our clients or our founder.
A typical day starts with reviewing project briefs and getting my hands on mood boards. The initial phase of creating these boards is always exciting, as it’s the first step in turning ideas into reality. I draw inspiration from everywhere—textures, colours, nature, architecture—and begin sketching initial concepts that could align with the client’s vision. Every project feels like a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with creativity, functionality, and style.
As the clock approaches noon, I typically participate in team meetings to assess project progress. These gatherings are essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring everyone is aligned on our goals. The afternoons are primarily reserved for client presentations, where I strive to convey our vision and design intent with clarity and passion.
Before I wrap up for the day, I ensure that all materials and presentations for the next day are meticulously prepared. This final step is crucial for maintaining our momentum and delivering exceptional service to our clients. After a fulfilling day at work, I often drive home with my mom on speakerphone, catching up on life and sharing stories. Arriving home, I’m greeted by my husband and our dog, and it’s time to unwind. We spend the evening together, reflecting on our days and enjoying the comfort of family.
In this fast-paced world of design, balancing work and personal life is key, and I feel fortunate to embrace both in such a fulfilling way. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Right now, I am overlooking 44 projects and 40 staff between Dubai and Kerala. My main responsibilities include:
1. Design Management
• Oversee the entire design process from concept to execution.
• Ensure that all design solutions align with client expectations and project goals.
• Collaborate with architects and designers to create innovative and functional spaces.
2. People Management
• Lead and mentor a team of designers and interior architects, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
• Facilitate team meetings to discuss progress, provide feedback, and encourage professional development.
• Manage resource allocation and workload distribution among team members.
3. Design Reviews
• Conduct thorough reviews of all design presentations before they are presented to clients or upper management.
• Provide constructive feedback to ensure high-quality design output.
• Maintain a keen eye for detail to ensure adherence to design standards and brand identity.
4. Client Interaction
• Prepare and deliver impactful presentations to clients, articulating design concepts and rationale.
• Act as the primary point of contact for client communication regarding design-related inquiries.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and expectations.
5. Project Coordination
• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., architecture, finance, site team) to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Track project timelines and budgets, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within financial parameters.
• Address any challenges or changes in project scope promptly and effectively.
6. Strategic Planning
• Participate in strategic discussions regarding design direction and firm initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to integrate into design practices.
• Contribute to the firm’s vision by proposing new design methodologies and processes.
In my role as a Senior Associate Design Manager, I prioritise fostering an open and collaborative environment where every team member feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. I believe in a horizontal approach to leadership, which allows for transparency and encourages dialogue. Despite the busy nature of our work, I strive to remain approachable, making it easy for team members to connect with me whenever they need guidance or support.
One of my closest collaborators is Olena, our associate design manager. We work closely together to ensure that our projects meet the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Olena's attention to detail and design sensibility complement my management approach, allowing us to tackle challenges effectively and keep projects on track. Our partnership is built on mutual respect and shared goals, and I value her insights as we navigate the complexities of each project.
In addition to Olena, I maintain strong relationships with other team members, fostering a culture of collaboration. I encourage everyone to contribute their perspectives, whether during design reviews, brainstorming sessions, or informal conversations. This inclusive environment not only enhances our design outcomes but also strengthens team cohesion.
By promoting open communication and collaboration, I ensure that every voice is heard and valued, creating a supportive atmosphere that drives our projects to success. Beyond my immediate team, I place a strong emphasis on fostering relationships with contractors and various stakeholders in the industry. I believe that collaboration is key to successful project execution, and building these connections allows us to navigate challenges more effectively.
I also prioritise nourishing my personal connections within the industry. These relationships have proven instrumental in identifying new opportunities and potential clients. By maintaining a robust professional network, I can leverage these connections to enhance our firm’s visibility and reputation in the market. Ultimately, these external collaborations are crucial for the success of our projects and the growth of our firm, enabling us to deliver exceptional design solutions that meet our clients’ needs.
I work closely with contractors, ensuring that our design intentions are translated accurately into the construction phase. Regular communication and a mutual understanding of goals are essential in these partnerships, as they help us maintain quality and address any issues that may arise. Additionally, I actively cultivate relationships with suppliers, project managers, architects, and other designers. By engaging with these professionals, I gain valuable insights into industry trends and innovations, which enrich our design processes. Networking with peers not only enhances our collaborative efforts but also opens doors to potential partnerships on future projects.
