Douglas Drummond, Managing Director

Horton Interiors, which was founded in Dubai in 2012, has grown to become one of the region’s most trusted design and build partners. Douglas Drummond, who took over as managing director in 2022, leads the firm. Under his leadership, its headcount and turnover have grown significantly as it moves into an ambitious era focused on technology, sustainability, creativity, and well-being.

2022 was Horton Interiors’ most successful year yet, and it intends to capitalise on opportunities further, with more milestones expected in 2023. Horton Interiors recently opened its first office in Abu Dhabi, which is already performing well. With additional clients expanding to KSA, it is likely to create an office in the Kingdom in 2023 to meet demand. 

Horton Interiors constantly strives to integrate cutting-edge technology for the benefit of its clients and to enhance its operations and procedures. It recently incorporated Procore, a construction and data management platform that will automate and streamline project coordination, including design management, procurement, document control, site management and project cash flows. In addition, Horton Interiors employs Matterport Technology for their 3D scanning services, which provides highly accurate and detailed digital models of interior spaces.

Horton Interiors provided fit-out for The Bureau, the first femalefocussed co-working facility in Dubai’s Gold & Diamond Park

Alongside its expertise in the commercial real estate sector, Horton Interiors has seen more projects in industries such as hospitality, education, and wellness. Notable ones completed over the last 12 months include The Bureau Business Centre, the UAE’s first female-focussed co-working centre; the first physical store for sustainable fashion retailers The Giving Movement in Mall of the Emirates; a new regional office for architecture giants Gensler in Abu Dhabi; Allsopp & Allsopp’s new Agent Hub in Motor City; Ras Al Khaimah’s largest co-working centre; Middlesex University’s new Academic City campus. The firm is currently in phase three of the renovation of the J Club health and wellness destination in Jumeriah Beach Hotel. Other projects underway include Watania Takaful in The Galleries, Orange Group in Opus by Omniyat, Soulside Studio, and Ifchor Middle East’s office. 

Douglas Drummond, managing director, Horton Interiors: “The UAE’s commercial fit-out sector has experienced impressive growth in recent years, fuelled by the region’s booming construction and real estate sectors. The industry is characterised by several trends and advancements, including growing demand for faster and more affordable projects, a preference for design and build, and a focus on technology.

“The shift towards design and build is linked to demand for efficiency and affordability as this approach can be more streamlined and easily controlled, reduce costs and optimise timelines. We expect it to continue gaining popularity in the coming years. 

“In addition, technological developments have had a major impact. Advancements in AI, BIM, and 3D scanning (to name a few) have enabled more accurate and efficient project deliveries, and greater flexibility in design and construction.”

Check out the full Fit-Out Powerlist 2023 here: https://design-middleeast.com/fit-out-powerlist-2023/