The Designer Recruiter

Esther Echeverria
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Why wasn’t your CV picked? What really happened in that interview? Hosted by Esther Echeverria, a Dubai-based recruiter with nearly 10 years of experience placing designers, architects, and engineers, The Designer Recruiter podcast gives you the unfiltered feedback you’ve been craving. Each episode features industry leaders who reveal what makes candidates stand out (or not), and how hiring decisions are actually made. No fluff — just the honest insights you wish you got from recruiters.

  1. 11/02/2025

    Christine Espinosa-Erlanda | Breaking Stereotypes in Architecture | The Designer Recruiter | Ep.12

    In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson, to explore her 20-year journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming one of the UAE’s most respected architects. Christine opens up about her rise through the ranks, entrepreneurial ventures, leadership lessons, and the biases she’s broken along the way — proving that grit, grace, and purpose can reshape any career. You’ll hear: How Christine went from Tondo to top-tier architecture in DubaiThe truth about stereotypes facing Filipinos in leadershipLessons on balancing motherhood, creativity, and ambitionInsights into company culture, mentoring, and career longevityWhy financial literacy and self-belief are crucial for successA must-watch for architects, creatives, and women redefining what leadership looks like in the design world. 👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform. ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from design leaders shaping the industry. #TheDesignerRecruiter #WomenInArchitecture #FilipinoExcellence #CreativeLeadership #DesignCareers #ArchitectureDubai #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipJourney #InspiringWomen #ChristineEspinosaErlanda #GodwinAustenJohnson Keep up with us: 🌐 Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/ Follow Christine: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-espinosa/ ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christine Espino  01:10 Christine's Early Career in the Philippines  03:29 Transition to Dubai  07:52 Career Growth at Godwins St. Johnson  09:19 Balancing Family and Career  19:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures  24:07 Financial Literacy and Investments  24:42 The Green Sanctuary Resort  28:34 Creative Pursuits and Achievements  31:34 Managing Work-Life Balance  33:53 Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities  34:14 Office Life and Innovation Strategy  34:37 Leadership and Delegation  35:50 Breaking Stereotypes About Filipinos  37:53 Empowering Filipinos in the UAE  43:22 Facing Discrimination in the Workplace  48:40 Hiring the Right Candidates  53:34 Company Culture and Employee Retention  57:08 Personal Insights and Quickfire Questions  01:04:33 Final Thoughts and Advice

    1h 10m

  2. 10/01/2025

    ADHD, Entrepreneurship & Family Life with Kristian Stinson, Co-Founder of FINCH

    🎙️ This week on The Designer Recruiter, Esther sits down with Kristian Stinson, Co-Founder & Managing Director of FINCH, a Dubai-based design agency working with some of the world’s biggest hospitality and retail brands. From his career transition from law to design to building Finch into a creative powerhouse, Kristian shares the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship, branding, and family life.  🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode: - How designers can truly win on social media without losing authenticity -The realities of hiring, recruitment, and red flags in today’s design industry - Kristian’s journey with ADHD and the importance of designing for neurodiversity - Balancing entrepreneurship with family and personal priorities - Advice for anyone considering a career transition into design This conversation is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and lessons from the design industry — perfect for designers, recruiters, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a creative career. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of The Designer Recruiter! Keep up with us: Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/  Follow Kristian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristianstinson/  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  00:59 The Philosophy Behind Finch's Branding 02:56 The Journey of Authenticity in Business 04:56 Early Career Struggles and Lessons Learned 10:53 Transitioning from Law to Design 18:47 Supporting Maternity Leave in the Workplace 27:20 Challenges in the Hiring Landscape 41:58 Employer Expectations and Authentic Interviews 42:36 A Story of Overcoming Adversity 45:20 Handling Shyness in Interviews 49:08 Understanding and Managing ADHD 56:04 Designing for Neurodiversity 01:05:27 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 01:12:52 Quick Fire Questions and Reflections

    1h 22m

  3. 07/25/2025

    Real Talk on Neurodiverse Parenting, Purpose & People-Led Design: An inside look at Majara DXB

    In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Nurain Jamal, Co-Founder of Majara DXB, for a powerful and personal conversation about leading with empathy in the architecture and design world. Nurain shares her honest take on building a career—and a company—on purpose, flexibility, and inclusion. You’ll hear: - Why Majara DXB hires for values, not just experience - How Nurain balances business and motherhood - Real talk on return-to-work moms and flexible work - The importance of neurodiversity in design thinking - What makes a portfolio stand out more than a CV This is a must-watch for creatives, leaders, and anyone rethinking what an inclusive work culture should really look like. 👉 Watch now or listen on your favorite podcast platform.  ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insight, career tips, and real stories from inside the world of design. #TheDesignerRecruiter #MajaraDXB #WomenInDesign #InclusiveLeadership #NeurodiversityInDesign #CreativeCareers #DesignStudioLife #MotherhoodAndCareer Keep up with us: Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/  Follow Nurain: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurain-jamal/?originalSubdomain=ae  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  00:35 Founding Story of Majara DXB 01:41 Challenges and Growth in the Design Industry 02:25 Studio Culture and Hiring Practices 03:23 Balancing Motherhood and Career 06:54 Shaping Futures  12:25 Leadership and Empathy in Design 17:07 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Insights 21:35 Closing Remarks

    22 min

  4. 07/07/2025

    Building a Business That Puts People First: Hamed Parnian’s Story

    What if construction leadership put people first? In this episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria sits down with Hamed Parnian, Managing Director at Vedra, to talk about building more than just spaces—he’s building a values-driven business. Hamed shares his journey from corporate frustration to founding Vedra, a boutique consultancy focused on trust, culture, and real relationships. He explains how empathy, clarity, and mindset shape everything he does. You’ll hear: - Why culture matters more than credentials - How to hire for personality, not just skills - Building trust with first-time clients - The power of branding and authentic leadership 👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen now on any podcast platform. If it resonated, don’t forget to follow and share the show! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Hamed Parnian  00:41 Founding Vedra: The Journey Begins 02:10 Building a Human-Centric Company 02:44 Challenges in Team Management 04:40 Vedra's Business Model Explained 08:12 The Origin of the Name 'Vedra' 10:35 Maintaining a Positive Mindset 17:09 Values and Hiring Philosophy 21:48 Interview Process and Company Culture 23:19 Balancing Empathy and Business Systems 24:03 Challenges of Scaling a Company 26:08 Maintaining Human Elements in Processes 27:12 Staying Positive and Handling Difficult Situations 31:23 Finding Your Career Path 34:23 The Importance of Branding and Marketing 38:49 Quick Fire Hiring Questions 40:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Development Keep up with us: Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/  Follow Hamed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamedparnian/?originalSubdomain=ae

    42 min

  5. 06/16/2025

    Second Chances, Sales Success & Single Motherhood: Katrina Tasbaz’s Story

    What happens when you pivot industries, start over in a new country, and raise a child—on your own? In this inspiring episode of The Designer Recruiter, host Esther Echeverria speaks with Katrina Tasbaz, a showroom manager at VitrA and board member of Return to Work Mom. With over 20 years in the bathroom industry across the UK and UAE, Kathrina opens up about: 🔹Making the leap from design to sales 🔹Building credibility in a new market 🔹Balancing single motherhood with career ambition 🔹Facing bias in the workplace—and rising above it 🔹Why “no” doesn’t always mean the end Whether you’re changing careers, returning to work, or navigating a challenging season, Katrina’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast platforms  📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Keep up with us: Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/  Follow Katrina: Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-tasbaz-91247593/?originalSubdomain=ae  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Katrina's Journey 01:15 Early Career and Education 02:13 Transition to Sales and Specification 04:14 Roles and Responsibilities in the Bathroom Industry 06:26 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 13:53 Balancing Career and Personal Life 17:47 Return to Work Mom Initiative 20:02 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

    25 min

  6. 05/20/2025

    Kimberley Dean | Hiring for Culture Fit: The Secret to Long-Term Success

    Struggling to stand out in your applications or be confident during interviews? This episode is for you!  From overcoming shyness to reshaping hiring processes—Kimberley Dean, Associate Director at Bishop Design, shares her personal and professional evolution in this inspiring chat with host Esther Echeverria. 🎯 In this episode: The LinkedIn strategy that got her hired—no CV neededWhy confidence is a skill, not a personality traitThe secret to looking natural on cameraHow to make your social media work like a digital CVBehind the scenes: revamping hiring at Bishop DesignWhat really matters in interviews (hint: not just your portfolio) 💡 Tune in to The Designer Recruiter to hear why personal presence now matters more than your CV, and how to make it count. 🎧 Available now on YouTube and all podcasting platforms!  Keep up with us: Website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcrecruitment/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-designer-recruiter/  Follow Kimberley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekdaystil6/  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Kimberley's Early Career and Confidence Journey 06:24 Navigating Social Media and Personal Branding 11:46 Climbing the Corporate Ladder 14:56 Career Transitions and Key Roles 19:12 Interview Experiences and Job Seeking Tips 21:13 Navigating Job Search Strategies 21:42 The Importance of Being Prepared for Interviews 22:34 Advice for Job Seekers: Confidence and Demand 24:03 Switching to the Interviewer's Perspective 25:24 Revamping the Interview Process 28:55 Key Traits of Successful Candidates 31:54 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid 33:42 The Value of Mentorship and Coaching 35:27 Quick Fire Questions: Getting to Know Kim 38:22 Final Thoughts on Career Success

    40 min

  7. 11/13/2023

    The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 6 | Architect to Educator: Navigating Design Careers

    Designers and design students, are you ready for some career insights? In this episode of The Designer Recruiter Podcast, Esther Echeverria delves into the dynamic world of design recruitment, providing valuable tips and inspiration. Meet today's guest Juan Roldan, a Spanish architect, designer, and researcher. Currently an associate professor at the American University of Sharjah, Juan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for design practices in the UAE. Here’s what waits for you in this episode: Exploring Juan's Journey: From Architecture to Teaching- Learn how our guest seamlessly transitioned from running his firm to becoming a full-time educator. His story is filled with gradual shifts, international experiences, and a perfect blend of academia and practice.  Securing Internships- Gain insights into securing your first internship and job, and learn from Juan's experiences in balancing practice and academia.  Riba Gulf Chapter Representation & CID Awards Jury- Explore Juan's role as the Riba Gulf Chapter Representative and his experiences as a jury member for the prestigious CID Awards. Understand the complexities of decision-making in design competitions and the importance of balancing various professional perspectives. Networking and Alumni Collaborations- Juan emphasizes the significance of networking and staying connected with alumni. Discover how these connections have translated into collaborations, consultancy opportunities, and even job placements. The power of networking in the design industry is real! Career Insights, Regrets & Advice- Juan shares reflections on his career, and the design industry in Dubai. Tune in to hear his advice to aspiring designers.   Dive deep into the world of design recruitment and architectural insights. Head over to our YouTube channel and catch the full episode with Juan Roldan. Take advantage of the valuable tips and career inspiration waiting for you! Tune in and let us help you level up your design career! Subscribe, like, share, and tune in to The Designer Recruiter Podcast. Your journey to success in the design industry starts here! For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-designer-recruiter/id1701423937 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bAfi8Y2EYu9HzNK7oVQu2?si=4e7b34014332402b Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjIxMTQzLnJzcw

    34 min

  8. 10/17/2023

    The Designer Recruiter | Ep. 5 | Crafting Your Path: Art, Design, and Interviews

    Welcome to the latest episode of The Designer Recruiter podcast, where we uncover the mysteries behind why your CV might not be making the cut for interviews or what's causing those post-interview rejections. Join your host, Esther Echeverria, a seasoned recruiter with nearly a decade of experience in Dubai, as she reveals how you can finally get the feedback you've been longing for and discover what truly sets one candidate apart from another. 🌟 Our special guest today is Rachael Brown, a recognized voice in the role of art in interior design, listed in the Commercial Interior Design Power 50 for three consecutive years. As the co-founder and design director of Capsule Arts, she's a key figure in the Middle East's design industry. Join us as we delve into the niche realm of art and design, something we've not explored much before. Here’s what is waiting for you in this episode:   🎨 Rachael's journey into the world of art began in her schooling days, inspired by a passionate art teacher and the rise of young British artists like Damien Hirst, Tracy Emin, and Sarah Lucas. From a working-class seaside town to the dynamic world of the arts, Rachael's story is a fascinating testament to the impact of inspirational educators and influential artists.   🌎 Relocating from the UK to Dubai in 2007 presented a unique opportunity to explore diverse countries and cultures through her work. Rachael highlights the vital role of family support on her artistic voyage, shedding light on the challenges that aspiring artists face when their families steer them toward more "conventional" careers. 🤝 Networking is crucial for connecting with potential employers and colleagues. Rachael highlights the value of preparation before interviews and suggests that candidates should come armed with questions that reflect their research about the company. A strong focus on quality over quantity in hiring is important, especially in specialized fields like art consultancy.   🌱 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is a significant decision. Rachael and her co-founder, Deepa, discussed the challenges and opportunities they faced when starting Capsule Art. A defining moment was realizing the need to shift from having a job to owning a business – a pivotal insight for entrepreneurs.   💼 Rachael shares her tips on balancing work and family life, emphasizing the importance of support, both at home and in the workplace. She encourages a community-based approach to managing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.   💭 Rachael's parting wisdom encourages job seekers in art and design to persevere. If you have a genuine interest in a particular company, don't be discouraged by initial rejection. Seek feedback, keep learning, and consider reapplying when the right opportunity arises. Remember, it's not about what you offer, but how well your skills align with what the company is seeking. Keep your passion for art and design burning, and you'll find your place in this dynamic industry! 🔥🎨 Join us in our latest episode for more invaluable insights!  🎧 For more information about The Designer Recruiter podcast and our host Esther Echeverria, check the podcast's website: https://www.the-designer-recruiter.com/

    50 min
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About

Why wasn’t your CV picked? What really happened in that interview? Hosted by Esther Echeverria, a Dubai-based recruiter with nearly 10 years of experience placing designers, architects, and engineers, The Designer Recruiter podcast gives you the unfiltered feedback you’ve been craving. Each episode features industry leaders who reveal what makes candidates stand out (or not), and how hiring decisions are actually made. No fluff — just the honest insights you wish you got from recruiters.

Information

  • Creator
    Esther Echeverria
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Designer Recruiter
  • Show Website
    The Designer Recruiter