Design Confidential – Commissions & Creativity: Where do we draw the line?

Commissions & Creativity: Where do we draw the line?

In Dubai’s fast faced design ecosystem, commissions from suppliers aren’t the exception – they’re the norm. What some call a ‘partnership’ others call legalized kickbacks, quietly shaping design decisions behind the scenes. With no clear regulation and clients left in the dark, the line between professional integrity and profit has never been more blurred. On the flip side, does it really matter when it is a product that designers would specify anyway?

Moderated by Alan George, Founder & Host, The aForm show, join us for an honest dialogue on commissions, client trust, and creative freedom. Panelists include

• Pallavi Dean, Founder & Creative Director, Roar
• Jeremy Robinson, Managing Director, EDGE Architects
• Mihir Sanganee, Chief Strategy Officer & Co Founder, Designsmith
• Saed Mattar, Regional Director MEA & GCC, Kerakoll

This event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, starting from 12:30 pm. Please register to confirm your attendance.