Let’s Talk by Horton Interiors.
Your source of valuable insights and knowledge about the design and build industry.
Featuring interviews with experts from various industries and providing listeners with diverse perspectives and insights, we aim to give back to the wider design and fit-out community.
LINK TO CHANNELS.
Episode 13 | Let’s Talk :
Creating a Ripple Effect.
In this episode, our focus is on the extraordinary charity, Surge for Water, with special guests Marita Peters, Executive Director Middle East at Surge for Water, and Laila Al-Yousuf, Design Director at SAY Studio.
Tune in as we explore Surge’s mission, and delve into their dedication to addressing the global water crisis through innovative initiatives and partnering with incredible local champions.
So if you’re feeling inspired to contribute to solving the global water and sanitation crisis, tune in as we reveal how you can make a difference with Surge for Water!
Episode 12 | Let’s Talk :
Navigating the Future of Work – Flexible Co-working.
While we’re familiar with hybrid working, do we really understand what it means?
In this episode, we bring in Chelsea Perino, Managing Director and Global Marketing & Communications at The Executive Centre (TEC), along with our Managing Director, Douglas Drummond, for a chat all about co-working spaces.
We also dive into TEC’s approach to branding co-working spaces for different companies and on changing their mindset on how to utilise the space fully. From post-pandemic changes in the flexible workspace to the future of work and sustainability, this episode has it all.
So, if you are curious about what the future of work is going to look like for your organisation, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode 11 | Let’s Talk :
The Shift from ‘Office’ to ‘Workplace’.
While many organizations typically outsource innovative thinking and aim to align external architectural design firms with their culture and processes on project timelines, what if you could seamlessly integrate architects as an in-house team? In this episode, Oliver chats with Senior Architect Syahrozanna Tee and Project Architect Mohamed Rowaizak from SLB as they discuss everything from their goal of making workplaces efficient by 50% in the next five years to mental health and well-being initiatives.
If you’re curious about who ‘In-house architects’ are and how they can drive workplace efficiency, sustainability, and productivity, then give this episode a listen.
Episode 10 | Let’s Talk :
Workplace Harnessing the Power of Early Tech Integration.
From the Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionising spaces to adapting IT in a post-pandemic world, we uncover the challenges and data-driven insights that shape modern workspace design as Oliver and Douglas sit down with Pearce Hewitt, Sales Manager at Unified Microsystems.
Curious about IT’s role in sustainability, the tech you encounter in office spaces and nailing WiFi perfection? We’ve got the answers! So, if you’re looking into new ways to use technology to grow your company and evolve operations, then this episode is for you.
Episode 9 | Let’s Talk :
Workplace Consultancy in the UAE.
Many companies send out workplace surveys to gauge employee engagement, productivity, and office space utilisation. However, if these surveys are distributed solely by the HR department, can they truly be considered effective? Or perhaps even more crucial, can we trust that these surveys are genuinely anonymous?
In this episode of the Let’s Talk podcast, we invite our host in the guest seat, Oliver Baxter, the founder of Maven, on a mission to create purposeful, data-driven office spaces that invigorate and incentivise employees. Join us as we discuss everything from what employees care about the most to designing collaborative and focused work environments. So, if you’re looking for ways to optimise your workspace even before you think of picking colours for your office walls, then this episode is a must-listen.
Episode 8 | Let’s Talk :
Designing For Productivity.
We often talk about “productivity,” but what does it really look like when designing office spaces? Catch Oliver with Martin Harris from CoreNet as they discuss the art of creating sustainable and productive workspaces.
From the impact of Covid on office spaces to the issue of privacy in open-plan office design, we’ll uncover strategies behind the ‘how’ of achieving workplace goals, so if you’re ready to create workspaces that are optimised to improve your workforce, then don’t miss this episode.
Episode 7 | Let’s Talk :
Inspiring the Next Generation of Designers.
Has the perception of the construction and design industry changed towards women in recent years? Well, we are about to find out as Oliver invites Bhakti More, Chairperson & Associate Professor, School of Design & Architecture at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai campus, and Neelanchana Kumar, our Design Director at Horton Interiors, to share their experience and insights on mentorship, sustainability and the ever-evolving world of architecture and interior design.
If you’re wondering how to shape your success and navigate a dynamic career in a male-dominated industry as a woman, then this episode is for you.
Episode 6 | Let’s Talk :
Building Great People.
If you think employee engagement is just a buzzword? Think again! In this episode, Oliver sits down with the incredible success and leadership coach, the man behind 2b Limitless, Mick Todd, for a riveting conversation around creating leaders who inspire, work that resonates, and a culture that thrives on contribution.
As we know, leaders play a pivotal role in molding the very essence of work culture within an organisation, so if you’re interested in learning how you as a leader can open up the space for everyone to be at their best more consistently, then give this episode a listen.
Episode 5 | Let’s Talk :
Inside Dubai’s Thriving
Property Market.
Covering everything from regulations to predicting the future and the changing landscape of the Dubai property market, catch Oliver in conversation with Michael Waters, Associate Professor at Heriot Watt University, Dubai, as he shares insights from his new book ‘The Essential Guide to the Dubai Real Estate Market’.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a real estate professional, or simply curious about the Dubai property market, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode 4 | Let’s Talk :
Future of Construction Management.
A project mismanaged could result in billions lost, while a flawlessly executed one opens doors to collaboration and business growth.
Join Oliver, along with Lama, Solutions Engineer at Procore, and our Operations Director Abdelmouamine, in an insightful dialogue. Exploring the construction industry’s challenges and discovering innovative solutions to guide your projects from inception to completion.
After listening to this episode, you’ll be equipped with tools to meticulously oversee construction or design projects and keep your project on track.
Episode 3 | Let’s Talk :
Taking Design & Build to New Heights.
From drone deliveries to AI, the potential of drones knows no bounds. Oliver sits down with the CEO & Co-Founder of GIS Drones™, Mohamed Shawky to unravel the remarkable world of drone technology.
In this episode, we discover how these aerial wonders are transforming the design and construction industry through their invaluable contributions to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Modeling and how they are revolutionizing the way we work and live.
If you’re intrigued by drone technology and eager to explore its boundless possibilities, then tune into this conversation and dive into the future.
Episode 2 | Let’s Talk :
Resilient Workplace Design.
Workplace design is becoming increasingly vital as the new generation enters the workforce. In this insightful conversation, Oliver and Marcela, Senior Interior Designer at Gensler, discuss workplace design, latest trends from Gensler’s 2022/2023 Workplace Survey, and evidence-based design principles that can transform your workplace into a thriving environment.
From flexible work arrangements to sustainable design choices, we’ll uncover strategies to meet the evolving expectations of the new generation, so don’t miss this episode.
Episode 1 | Let’s Talk :
Episode 1 | Let’s Talk: Design & Build.
Often, the terms design, fit-out, and design and build seem synonymous, but what makes them different? And how do they impact the outcome of the project?
In this episode, Douglas and Rasha Al-Tekreeti, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Warû, discuss and breakdown contrasting design approaches, the dynamic collaboration between agencies and fit-out firms and the integration of sustainability and new technology into the design process.
If you’re interested in the multi-faceted world of design and build, or curious about the impact of design on our daily lives, then give this conversation a listen.
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