Established as a Dubai-based maintenance company in 2012, Horton Interiors has evolved to offer a complete design and build solution across the Emirates, growing its client base to include some of the biggest names in the region, many of whom return time after time due to the company’s high levels of expertise, efficiency and quality workmanship.
Established as a Dubai-based maintenance company in 2012, Horton Interiors has evolved to offer a complete design and build solution across the Emirates, growing its client base to include some of the biggest names in the region, many of whom return time after time due to the company’s high levels of expertise, efficiency and quality workmanship.
The firm has, over the last year, increased its workforce by 50%
Providing comprehensive interior design, construction and fit-out capabilities all under one roof to streamline the delivery process and make clients’ lives easier, the firm has, over the last year, increased its workforce by 50%, allowing it to deliver ever larger projects across the length and breadth of the UAE.
It’s a diverse team that consistently comes up with new and fresh ideas too, as Neelanchana Kumar, Design Director at Horton Interiors, explains: “We are a team of young, multicultural, creative and energetic professionals, and to us, multiculturalism means richness. Diversity and interaction boost creativity, and combining different perspectives increases problem-solving skills. It also helps us to connect with the many clients we work with. Everyone is encouraged to communicate openly, which helps to increase confidence and motivates people to share new ideas.
“Even though we have grown significantly over the last year, we are always looking for talented individuals. Inclusivity is crucial and I am keen to find more female creatives to join our environment.”
Distinctive Designs for Distinctive Interiors
Horton Interiors has successfully completed a broad array of projects, including Orange Group in The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay. “It started as a design consultancy project,” Neelanchana says. “During the course of the design process, the client was so happy with the aesthetically pleasing and technically sound creative solutions that they awarded us the build as well. There were several challenges, including the client not being fluent in English, which meant communicating via a translator, using photographs and sketches, alongside making sure everything was explained in comprehensive emails. Detailed communication and coordination were absolutely crucial.”
“Detailed communication and coordination were absolutely crucial”
This commitment to excellence and attention to detail has seen Horton continue to win prestigious projects throughout the country. At the present time, for instance, it is working on Watania Takaful in The Galleries, JAFZA, a design and build project where the firm is performing to a very tight deadline. Another one is Efficio Consulting, the world’s largest procurement consultancy in Mashreq HQ’s stunning new building in Downtown Dubai.
Shaping Dreams, Sustainably
Within the design and construction arena, it is becoming increasingly important to build a world that will improve the lives of future generations and support the environment in the long term.
Sustainability is, therefore, a critical consideration for any design and build firm as it directly impacts environmental, social and economic factors. “Sustainable practices should be incorporated into every aspect, from materials and construction methods to energy efficiency and waste management,” Neelanchana says. “It needs a holistic approach to ensure effective measures are in place throughout the project lifecycle.
“We incentivise all of our design team members to become LEED, WELL or Estidama certified”
“We incentivize all of our design team members to become LEED, WELL or Estidama certified. And our sustainability policy covers sustainable procurement methods, ways to tackle waste management, how to reduce carbon footprint, how to reduce water and energy consumption, how to monitor and control indoor air quality, and continued training on sustainability procedures. We have also reduced our paper and printing consumption by 70% and eliminated single-use plastics in the office by installing a water filter for the mains water supply and providing reusable bottles.”
In April of 2022, Horton became ISO 14000 Environmental Management certified, verifying its environmental procedures and policies.
The Latest Technologies
Winning business through word-of-mouth creates a loyal customer base. People don’t just purchase and forget. Instead, they engage with the company and share their experience with others – as a form of marketing, it’s the gold standard, and it’s one that Horton has honed to perfection. “The majority of our clients come from word-of-mouth and it has proved our most powerful means of marketing,” Neelanchana explains. “Our aim is always to nurture long-term relationships built on trust. We work very closely with our clients to understand their needs and really deliver based on their unique goals. This all helps to establish a deeper connection and create brand ambassadors.”
“We’re also very focused on introducing the latest technologies, which ensures that we can integrate the design and construction processes in the most seamless way for our clients”
And this deeper connection is driven by the Horton team’s collective enthusiasm and expertise. “This has to be our greatest strength. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without their hard work. We’re also very focused on introducing the latest technologies, which ensures that we can integrate the design and construction processes in the most seamless way for our clients.”
The company continues to expand and evolve too, with Neelanchana concluding: “2022 was our most successful year yet, and we are in a strong position to capitalise on opportunities further, with more milestones expected in 2023. We recently opened our first office in Abu Dhabi, which is already performing well and on track to grow. With more of our clients expanding to KSA, we are also planning to open an office there in the next year or two.”