Prominent regional and international interior designers and architecture professionals will meet to debate the latest issues and trends in the architecture and design industry at INDEX Design Talks. Taking place at INDEX, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest and longest established interiors and design exhibition, the free to attend programme of seminars will run for the four days of theexhibition, from September 24th till September 27th, 2012.

“INDEX will not only give visitors the opportunity of seeing the latest interiors and design innovationsshowcased by over 900 companies in the global interior and fit-out industry, but also a provides a platform to meet and network with industry gurus and discuss what the future might hold for the industry,” said Frederique Maurell, INDEX Event Director.

In its fifth year, INDEX Design Talks are one of the most popular features of INDEX exhibition; the free seminars are open to all visitors, with themed sessions on each day of the show on four hot topics for the design sector: Trends, Innovation, Sustainability and Business.

This year key speakers include Joel Carboni, President of Green Project Management; Ed Smith, Director of Global Design Interiors; Sara Cosgrove, Head of Interior Design for The Studio at Harrods; Steve Parker, Founder & Managing Director of The Stourbridge Glass International Collection; Deepa Bhatia, Art Consultant at the jamjar; Brandon Pitcher, Founder of 5 Kingdoms Development LLC; and Richard Gomersall, Founding Partner at Insight With Passion (IWP).

In commenting on The Studio’s participation in the event and seminar topic, Sara Cosgrove says: “I am delighted to be speaking at Index this year on the topic of ‘Emerging Global Trends in Interior Design’, reflecting the demographic of the audience - a global, internationally travelled and cultured audience with a keen interest in design and interiors, much like our clients at The Studio.

The Middle Eastern interior design industry is continuously growing and developing, and in many cases trailblazing the design scene with new trends and design nuances. For instance, I particularly like the work of Lesley and KameliaZaal at Al-Barari, Dubai, for their use of eclectic interiors within lush gardens. The global influences in the Middle East are profound and have resulted in tremendous change in design preferences, with ostentatious, ornate and highly decorative styles giving way to more contemporary, simplistic and clean design features. Furthermore, many of our Middle Eastern clients also request we incorporate trends and influences from both traditional and modern culture and design, thus the amalgam of styles is key.”

INDEX will also host the final of the much talked-about Contemporary Majlis Design Competition, running for the fourth consecutive year.A dedicated area of the exhibition halls will feature the six Majlis’ designed by the shortlisted finalists, who were selected from more than100 submissions from design professionals from across the globe.

“The Majlis Competition has become hugely popular among young interior designersin particular, with the winner using the title as a springboard to growing their careers and their businesses. The number of entries has been growing year-on-year. For the INDEX team, it’s wonderful to be involved in discovering and supporting young and new regional talent and encouraging entrepreneurship, as well as celebrating our local culture and rich design heritage,” commented Frederique Maurell, INDEX Event Director.

This year’s majlis have been realized bySaniyaChughtai; Kurt Peter Hanzlik;Esadore International’s Designers Theodora Kioussis, Isabella Magalhaes and Agata Kurzela; Marie Laurent; Ivan Parati; Sara Al Zahrani.As in previous years, one winner will be chosen by an esteemed panel of judgesto be announced on the first day of the exhibition, Monday 24th September 2012. A second, brand new award will be given to the ‘People’s Choice’ on the final day of the show.Visitors will be able to submit their vote during the first three days of the event.

For more information on the exhibition talks and schedule and other feature, please visit www.indexexhibition.com.

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