Since joining XBD Collective in 2018 as a draughtsman, my journey has been both rewarding and transformative. In my early days, I focused on developing my technical skills and understanding the intricacies of interior design. This foundational experience allowed me to contribute effectively to various projects and establish strong working relationships with my colleagues.
As I demonstrated my commitment and capability, I was promoted to the role of Interior Technical Lead. In this position, I now manage a diverse team of 12 members, including 4 in Dubai and 8 in India. This expanded role has enabled me to leverage my experience while guiding and mentoring my team. I prioritise fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.
Managing a geographically dispersed team presents unique challenges, but it also enriches our creative output.
I ensure seamless communication and coordination between our teams, allowing us to combine our strengths and expertise effectively. This evolution from draughtsman to a leadership role has not only enhanced my technical skills but has also deepened my understanding of project management and team dynamics. I take great pride in our collective achievements.
My typical week is both dynamic and structured, reflecting the collaborative nature of our work. Each morning kicks off with daily meetings alongside our technical team, connecting with colleagues here in Dubai and in India. These meetings are crucial for aligning our goals, discussing project progress, and addressing any technical challenges that arise.
After the morning sync, my afternoons are dedicated to a mix of project coordination and hands-on design work. I spend a significant portion of my day collaborating with project leads to ensure all aspects of our current projects are running smoothly. This involves regular check-ins, troubleshooting any issues, and strategising on upcoming tasks. In addition to this coordination, I carve out time for my own projects, focusing on detailed design work and technical specifications. This hands-on time allows me to immerse myself in the creative process while ensuring that every element aligns with our overall goals.
Towards the end of the week, I prioritise scheduling ongoing and upcoming projects, assessing timelines, and allocating resources effectively. This holistic approach keeps our team on track and ensures that we are always ready to tackle new challenges with confidence and creativity. Each week is a blend of teamwork and individual focus, driving us toward successful project outcomes.
Currently, I’m managing a total of 16 projects, this includes 7 ongoing projects of my own, ensuring each aspect meets our high standards of quality and innovation. In addition to my personal projects, I also oversee another 11 projects that the team is working on. This dual focus allows me to maintain a comprehensive view of our overall workflow, supporting my team while also driving my individual initiatives forward. By balancing these responsibilities, I ensure that we stay aligned on goals, deadlines, and client expectations, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.
Each project presents unique challenges, and I relish the opportunity to guide my team through them, ensuring we deliver consistently exceptional results.
My main responsibilities encompass a blend of leadership, quality assurance, and practical design work. I manage a talented team, nurturing an environment of collaboration and creativity. This involves providing guidance and support, mentoring junior designers, and ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals.
One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that all drawings produced by the team are accurate and adhere to industry standards. I conduct thorough reviews to verify that our designs not only meet client expectations but also comply with all technical specifications and regulations. I work closely with everyone in our Interior Design Department. A significant part of my focus is on collaborating with our Senior Interior Designers and Design Managers. Their experience and insights are invaluable, and I actively engage with them to discuss design concepts, share feedback, and refine our approaches to projects.
By maintaining open lines of communication, I ensure that we are all aligned on design intent and project goals. This collaboration allows us to leverage each other's strengths, leading to richer, more comprehensive design solutions. I also make it a priority to integrate their perspectives into our technical processes, ensuring that our designs are not only visually striking but also technically sound. This synergy is essential in creating exceptional spaces that resonate with our clients and reflect our collective vision.In my role at XBD Collective, I primarily focus on collaborating within our organisation, dedicating my efforts to enhancing our internal processes and project outcomes.
I find that working closely with my team allows us to maintain a cohesive approach to our projects and ensures that we are all aligned in our objectives.
While I do engage with external partners, when necessary, I limit my involvement outside the organisation to instances where it is required for the team's success. This approach allows me to concentrate on refining our designs and providing support to my colleagues, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined workflow and better project delivery. By prioritising our internal collaborations, I help foster a strong team culture enabling us to achieve exceptional results together.
