Creative Director Carla awarded with design:retail ‘40 under 40’ Award for International Retail Design Influencers

Carla Conte, Brand Creative’s Creative Director has been named one of the most respected individuals in the retail design industry by leading international design magazine ‘Design:Retail’ in their 2017 ‘40 under 40’ list. USA-based magazine Design:Retail is recognised as the leading resource for global retail trends and projects, showcasing leading international designs that deliver engaging environments. The annual selection identifies the future leaders of design, honoring a select group of retail design influencers and high achievers for their exceptional contribution to the industry. Carla was selected from 130 international nominees, featuring in the list for her succession of professional achievements in both design and business.

Carla’s career was set for success early on, achieving the Young Designer of the Year Award straight upon graduating in Interior Design with Honors from Ryerson University, Toronto. She then went on to join a large North American branding consultancy where she became a key contributor to an array of prestigious international projects. It was here that she built upon her natural creative ability, soon earning a reputation as a specialist in retail and environmental design. Carla relocated to Dubai in 2006, inspired by the prospect of making an impact in the emerging Middle Eastern design scene. Her versatility and eye for detail accelerated her career progression, and she soon earned the Head of Design position at a Boutique Retail Agency. After having created over a decade’s worth of exceptional design for shopping centres, fashion, F&B and entertainment complexes, Carla was ready for a new challenge. Recognising the lack of high quality yet accessible creative agencies in Dubai, she set out to initiate to her own branding and interior design company.

Brand Creative launched in 2011, establishing an identity as ‘brand space’ strategists. As Creative Director & Founder, Carla applies her expertise during each design stage to effectively lead teams in achieving well structured, efficient, and dynamically designed project results. The company soon became a success, creating inspiring designs that are both engaging for consumers and in line with the aspirations of the client. To date, Brand Creative has been awarded with numerous prestigious awards both locally and internationally, most recently being awarded with two MEIDA (Middle East Interior Design and Architecture) 2016 awards for Sisters Beauty Salon Dubai Mall and Go Sport, Mall of the Emirates.

The ‘Design:Retail 40 under 40’ awards ceremony was held on Monday 22 May 2017 in New York, awarding the winners amongst many of the industry’s most legendary retail design icons. Carla felt truly honored to be representing the Middle East, a great accomplishment in bringing international attention to the regional design scene.

Read more coverage of the 40 under 40 awards 2017 in the Design:Retail April / May 2017 issue