BRAND CREATIVE'S FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR CARLA CONTE SPEAKS AT INDEX 2022 DESIGN TALKS

The INDEX Design Talks, in association with GEBERIT, is a key conference integrated with the  annual INDEX exhibition with the purpose of delivering insight, direction and inspiration. Hosting a series of open and spirited discussions amongst many of the leading figures in the design industry, INDEX Design Talks draws together inspiring interior designers and renowned regional architects. By assembling the most prominent creative thinkers from across the region to take part in focused and spontaneous debate around the technical, aesthetic, market and strategic issues and dynamics affecting the industry, INDEX has created an invaluable platform that shares vital insights into the latest trends and the future of innovation.

INDEX 2022 Exhibition kicked off the first day with a great start. The topic of one of the panel discussions, where Carla Conte, our Founder/Creative Director was invited to speak, shed light on factors to consider, when thinking of starting your career in the design industry concentrated on inspiring young Emirati minds to pursue their passion for design and art.

With Emirati high school seniors in the audience Carla shared key insights from her own time as a student and gave essential pointers on how to stand out when applying to design studios. “The first and certainly one of the most important things to consider when applying for a job or internship in the design industry is your resume and portfolio”, shared Carla. "How you design your portfolio showcases your design ability, it's the first thing an agency looks at."

View more insights shared during this Design Talk here.  

The final day of the exhibition concluded with crucial discussions on the ever-changing times we are in. The topic of one of the panel discussions, where Carla Conte, was also invited to speak, revealed key factors to consider when hiring talent and more importantly retaining talent. Carla shared key insights from her own time as an intern and junior interior designer, highlighting unhealthy working environments and habits. Her experiences have directly influenced how she conducts her own business and regard for people. Her predominant aim is breaking archaic business practices and cycles by ensuring her team maintains a genuinely healthy work-life balance.

Carla's take on the new working environment in terms of flexibility is weighted in mutual trust between herself and her team. Implementing half days on Fridays, minimal overtime, and allowing her team to work remotely when abroad, are some of the few steps she has taken towards a healthier working environment. “The key for me is embracing a feminine, nurturing power to create a better workplace. Innately understanding that people crave to be seen and heard and granting them that honour as often as possible” expresses Carla.

Cultivating a proportional healthy work environment for a diverse group of people can be challenging yet Carla notably approaches it with the implementation of simple practices that contribute to office synergy and by including each team member in the conversation she is able to better cater to each individual whilst still considering the business as a whole.