Carlyle has a global design ethos applied to all offices worldwide. For their 5,000 sq ft office in DIFC the company envisaged combining their global vision with local insight, so the design brief specified the creation of a classic, understated and elegant workspace that would offer a warm welcome to all visitors. To reflect the conservative investment philosophy of the company, a neutral colour scheme and the use of traditional corporate materials such as timber and marble was preferred. The key challenge was to maintain the essence of Carlyle’s corporate values while tailoring the design to create a space that reflected indigenous Middle East elements. Our mission was to illuminate the space enhancing the various textures and bring all design elements into perfect harmony. Therefore, the quality and levels of lighting in the reception were paramount as we envisaged the creation of a warm hospitable space that created inviting and positive first impressions.