• Real Talk on Neurodiverse Parenting, Purpose & People-Led Design: An inside look at Majara DXB
    Jul 25 2025

    In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Nurain Jamal, Co-Founder of Majara DXB, for a powerful and personal conversation about leading with empathy in the architecture and design world.
    Nurain shares her honest take on building a career—and a company—on purpose, flexibility, and inclusion.

    You’ll hear:
    - Why Majara DXB hires for values, not just experience
    - How Nurain balances business and motherhood
    - Real talk on return-to-work moms and flexible work
    - The importance of neurodiversity in design thinking
    - What makes a portfolio stand out more than a CV

    This is a must-watch for creatives, leaders, and anyone rethinking what an inclusive work culture should really look like.

    👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insight, career tips, and real stories from inside the world of design.

    #TheDesignerRecruiter #MajaraDXB #WomenInDesign #InclusiveLeadership #NeurodiversityInDesign #CreativeCareers #DesignStudioLife #MotherhoodAndCareer

    Keep up with us:
    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Nurain:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurain-jamal/?originalSubdomain=ae



    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    00:35 Founding Story of Majara DXB
    01:41 Challenges and Growth in the Design Industry
    02:25 Studio Culture and Hiring Practices
    03:23 Balancing Motherhood and Career
    06:54 Shaping Futures
    12:25 Leadership and Empathy in Design
    17:07 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Insights
    21:35 Closing Remarks

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    22 mins
  • Building a Business That Puts People First: Hamed Parnian’s Story
    Jul 7 2025

    What if construction leadership put people first?

    In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Hamed Parnian, Managing Director at Vedra, to talk about building more than just spaces—he’s building a values-driven business.

    Hamed shares his journey from corporate frustration to founding Vedra, a boutique consultancy focused on trust, culture, and real relationships. He explains how empathy, clarity, and mindset shape everything he does.

    You’ll hear:
    - Why culture matters more than credentials
    - How to hire for personality, not just skills
    - Building trust with first-time clients
    - The power of branding and authentic leadership

    👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on any podcast platform. If it resonated, don’t forget to follow and share the show!



    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction to Hamed Parnian
    00:41 Founding Vedra: The Journey Begins
    02:10 Building a Human-Centric Company
    02:44 Challenges in Team Management
    04:40 Vedra's Business Model Explained
    08:12 The Origin of the Name 'Vedra'
    10:35 Maintaining a Positive Mindset
    17:09 Values and Hiring Philosophy
    21:48 Interview Process and Company Culture
    23:19 Balancing Empathy and Business Systems
    24:03 Challenges of Scaling a Company
    26:08 Maintaining Human Elements in Processes
    27:12 Staying Positive and Handling Difficult Situations
    31:23 Finding Your Career Path
    34:23 The Importance of Branding and Marketing
    38:49 Quick Fire Hiring Questions
    40:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Development


    Keep up with us:
    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/

    Follow Hamed:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamedparnian/?originalSubdomain=ae

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    42 mins
  • Second Chances, Sales Success & Single Motherhood: Katrina Tasbaz’s Story
    Jun 16 2025

    What happens when you pivot industries, start over in a new country, and raise a child—on your own? In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria speaks with Katrina Tasbaz, a showroom manager at VitrA and board member of Return to Work Mom.

    With over 20 years in the bathroom industry across the UK and UAE, Kathrina opens up about:

    🔹Making the leap from design to sales
    🔹Building credibility in a new market
    🔹Balancing single motherhood with career ambition
    🔹Facing bias in the workplace—and rising above it
    🔹Why “no” doesn’t always mean the end

    Whether you’re changing careers, returning to work, or navigating a challenging season, Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

    🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms
    📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube



    Keep up with us:

    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/


    Follow Katrina:

    Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-tasbaz-91247593/?originalSubdomain=ae




    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Katrina's Journey

    01:15 Early Career and Education

    02:13 Transition to Sales and Specification

    04:14 Roles and Responsibilities in the Bathroom Industry

    06:26 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

    13:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life

    17:47 Return to Work Mom Initiative

    20:02 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

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    25 mins
  • Kimberley Dean | Hiring for Culture Fit: The Secret to Long-Term Success
    May 20 2025

    Struggling to stand out in your applications or be confident during interviews? This episode is for you!

    From overcoming shyness to reshaping hiring processes—Kimberley Dean, Associate Director at Bishop Design, shares her personal and professional evolution in this inspiring chat with host Esther Echeverria.

    🎯 In this episode:

    • The LinkedIn strategy that got her hired—no CV needed
    • Why confidence is a skill, not a personality trait
    • The secret to looking natural on camera
    • How to make your social media work like a digital CV
    • Behind the scenes: revamping hiring at Bishop Design
    • What really matters in interviews (hint: not just your portfolio)


    💡 Tune in to The Designer Recruiter to hear why personal presence now matters more than your CV, and how to make it count.

    🎧 Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!


    Keep up with us:

    Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/

    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/


    Follow Kimberley:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekdaystil6/



    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction
    01:09 Kimberley's Early Career and Confidence Journey
    06:24 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding
    11:46 Climbing the Corporate Ladder
    14:56 Career Transitions and Key Roles
    19:12 Interview Experiences and Job Seeking Tips
    21:13 Navigating Job Search Strategies
    21:42 The Importance of Being Prepared for Interviews
    22:34 Advice for Job Seekers: Confidence and Demand
    24:03 Switching to the Interviewer's Perspective
    25:24 Revamping the Interview Process
    28:55 Key Traits of Successful Candidates
    31:54 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
    33:42 The Value of Mentorship and Coaching
    35:27 Quick Fire Questions: Getting to Know Kim
    38:22 Final Thoughts on Career Success

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    40 mins
  • The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 6 | Architect to Educator: Navigating Design Careers
    Nov 13 2023

    Designers and design students, are you ready for some career insights? In this episode of The Designer Recruiter Podcast, Esther Echeverria delves into the dynamic world of design recruitment, providing valuable tips and inspiration.

    Meet today's guest Juan Roldan, a Spanish architect, designer, and researcher. Currently an associate professor at the American University of Sharjah, Juan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for design practices in the UAE.

    Here’s what waits for you in this episode:

    Exploring Juan's Journey: From Architecture to Teaching- Learn how our guest seamlessly transitioned from running his firm to becoming a full-time educator. His story is filled with gradual shifts, international experiences, and a perfect blend of academia and practice.

    Securing Internships- Gain insights into securing your first internship and job, and learn from Juan's experiences in balancing practice and academia.

    Riba Gulf Chapter Representation & CID Awards Jury- Explore Juan's role as the Riba Gulf Chapter Representative and his experiences as a jury member for the prestigious CID Awards. Understand the complexities of decision-making in design competitions and the importance of balancing various professional perspectives.

    Networking and Alumni Collaborations- Juan emphasizes the significance of networking and staying connected with alumni. Discover how these connections have translated into collaborations, consultancy opportunities, and even job placements. The power of networking in the design industry is real!

    Career Insights, Regrets & Advice- Juan shares reflections on his career, and the design industry in Dubai. Tune in to hear his advice to aspiring designers.

    Dive deep into the world of design recruitment and architectural insights. Head over to our YouTube channel and catch the full episode with Juan Roldan. Take advantage of the valuable tips and career inspiration waiting for you!

    Tune in and let us help you level up your design career! Subscribe, like, share, and tune in to The Designer Recruiter Podcast. Your journey to success in the design industry starts here!


    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app!
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-designer-recruiter/id1701423937
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bAfi8Y2EYu9HzNK7oVQu2?si=4e7b34014332402b
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjIxMTQzLnJzcw



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    34 mins
  • The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 5 | Crafting Your Path: Art, Design, and Interviews
    Oct 17 2023

    Welcome to the latest episode of The Designer Recruiter podcast, where we uncover the mysteries behind why your CV might not be making the cut for interviews or what's causing those post-interview rejections. Join your host, Esther Echeverria, a seasoned recruiter with nearly a decade of experience in Dubai, as she reveals how you can finally get the feedback you've been longing for and discover what truly sets one candidate apart from another.

    🌟 Our special guest today is Rachael Brown, a recognized voice in the role of art in interior design, listed in the Commercial Interior Design Power 50 for three consecutive years. As the co-founder and design director of Capsule Arts, she's a key figure in the Middle East's design industry. Join us as we delve into the niche realm of art and design, something we've not explored much before.

    Here’s what is waiting for you in this episode:

    🎨 Rachael's journey into the world of art began in her schooling days, inspired by a passionate art teacher and the rise of young British artists like Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin, and Sarah Lucas. From a working-class seaside town to the dynamic world of the arts, Rachael's story is a fascinating testament to the impact of inspirational educators and influential artists.

    🌎 Relocating from the UK to Dubai in 2007 presented a unique opportunity to explore diverse countries and cultures through her work. Rachael highlights the vital role of family support on her artistic voyage, shedding light on the challenges that aspiring artists face when their families steer them toward more "conventional" careers.

    🤝 Networking is crucial for connecting with potential employers and colleagues. Rachael highlights the value of preparation before interviews and suggests that candidates should come armed with questions that reflect their research about the company. A strong focus on quality over quantity in hiring is important, especially in specialized fields like art consultancy.

    🌱 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is a significant decision. Rachael and her co-founder, Deepa, discussed the challenges and opportunities they faced when starting Capsule Art. A defining moment was realizing the need to shift from having a job to owning a business – a pivotal insight for entrepreneurs.

    💼 Rachael shares her tips on balancing work and family life, emphasizing the importance of support, both at home and in the workplace. She encourages a community-based approach to managing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

    💭 Rachael's parting wisdom encourages job seekers in art and design to persevere. If you have a genuine interest in a particular company, don't be discouraged by initial rejection. Seek feedback, keep learning, and consider reapplying when the right opportunity arises. Remember, it's not about what you offer, but how well your skills align with what the company is seeking. Keep your passion for art and design burning, and you'll find your place in this dynamic industry! 🔥🎨

    Join us in our latest episode for more invaluable insights! 🎧


    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website:
    https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

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    50 mins
  • From Crisis to Triumph: Architectural Insights & Career Secrets
    Oct 9 2023

    Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of architecture and design? In this exciting episode of the Designer Recruiter podcast, your host, Esther Echeverria, brings you an exclusive interview with AK Saadi, the Regional Director of Architecture at Jacobs, and the proud recipient of the prestigious Design Principal of the Year award. AK is about to drop a wealth of knowledge that's essential for anyone in the field!

    Here's a sneak peek at what you'll discover:

    1. Turning Crisis into Triumph: Explore how AK's career was forged in the fires of crisis, and why he sees these challenges as the building blocks of success.

    2. Global Perspectives: AK takes us on a journey, comparing the architecture scenes in the UK, China, and the GCC, shedding light on the unique dynamics in each region.

    3. Recruitment Secrets: AK spills the beans on his approach to hiring top talent. Learn what sets candidates apart when he's building his dream team.

    4. The Power of Portfolios: Discover why a strong portfolio can often outweigh a lackluster CV, and how to present yours in the best possible light. AK’s pro tip is don’t oversell yourself, because it will backfire!

    5. Achieving Recognition: AK shares his thoughts on industry awards, recognition, and what it takes to stand out and shine in your career.

    6. Balancing Act: Find out how AK manages work-life balance and supports his team's growth in the ever-evolving world of architecture.

    7. Tech Talk: Get AK's take on embracing technology, including the role of artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of architecture.

    Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with AK Saadi. He's here to offer you invaluable insights and tips for success in the dynamic field of architecture and design. Tune in and level up your career!

    Remember to subscribe, like, share, and leave a review to help others discover this treasure trove of industry wisdom. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of the Designer Recruiter podcast! Your career journey just got a whole lot more exciting.


    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TDR_podcast
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDesignerRecruiter/
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/



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    40 mins
  • The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 3 | Cracking the Code of Successful Design Careers
    Sep 4 2023

    Are your CVs getting lost in the shuffle? Are post-interview rejections leaving you confused? In this episode, join Esther Echeveria, on The Designer Recruiter Podcast, where we dive into the world of design recruitment with Rasha Al-Takreeti. She's not just any designer – she was named Young Interior Designer of the Year in 2018 and was a guest among young Arab leaders at the World Government Summit. Today, she's the driving force behind her own company Waru, crafting nomadic spaces that redefine hospitality, co-working, and co-living.

    Get ready to unlock the secrets behind designing your career for success as we delve deep into these intriguing topics with our remarkable guest!

    Recognition and Real Passion: Rasha shares her insights on why industry awards are valuable, but real experience and passion are paramount. Learn how a Young Interior Designer of the Year award impacted her journey.

    Navigating Education and Career Paths: Discover Rasha's top tips for choosing the right design university for you. Learn why aligning your aspirations with the right program is essential for future success.

    From Education to Employment: Uncover the gap between university education and real-world skills. Rasha reveals how to stand out during interviews, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connecting on a personal level.

    Entrepreneurship Unveiled: Rasha's journey into entrepreneurship led to founding Waru. Dive into her experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to balance personal and professional aspects.

    Cracking the Recruitment Code: Rasha spills the secrets of recruitment challenges, urging designers to exhibit agility and adaptability. Discover the roles of a photo on a CV, body language, and interview preparation and their impact on making a lasting first impression.

    Balancing Act: How does Rasha find harmony between work and personal life? Get her take on navigating the delicate balance and maintaining overall well-being.

    Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain valuable insights into the world of design recruitment, entrepreneurship, and building a successful design career. Subscribe now to the Designer Recruiter Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders and experts. Don't miss out on the tips, stories, and advice that can transform your journey in the design world.

    Listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform and set your career on a trajectory toward success!

    For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app!
    Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-designer-recruiter/id1701423937
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bAfi8Y2EYu9HzNK7oVQu2?si=4e7b34014332402b
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjIxMTQzLnJzcw

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    40 mins