Herman Miller recently hosted ’Best in Show – Creativity for a Cause’, collaborating with design firms in the UAE. Woods Bagot, AAID, Wilson Associates, Gensler, and non-profit organisation Team Angel Wolf came together in a spirit of friendly, puppy- focussed fun.

The initiative has been adopted from the US and this is the first time it is being held in the UAE. The objective is straightforward: entrants must redesign a Magis Puppy provided by Herman Miller, which will be donated to the Al Noor school of special needs and Sanad Village, the World’s Largest Rehabilitation Centre for People of Determination. The beloved plastic dog sculpture was designed in 2004 by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio for furniture manufacturer Magis’s children’s line. This design will showcase each firm’s regional flair and echo both Herman Miller and the design firm’s ethos around Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness and make a difference in the lives of this very unique audience and bring a smile to their faces.

Wilson Associates designed a henna painted puppy incorporating regional flair. AAID created Abby Angus in Dubai by infusing character using materials they had on hand, the same way a child can build whole worlds from everyday objects around them. While Gensler designed an amazing caricature of little hand drawn unique puppies who all had a very special handicapability. Woods Bagot used children doodles to create a puppy that certainly struck them with joy. And finally, Team Angel Wolf brought the Ying and Yang, the balance that they see our people of determination need us to give them.

These messages act as a channel for change by creating awareness about these key issues. Our President and CEO, Andi Owen, has also placed great emphasis on embracing diverse perspectives. In her statement on our Diversity, Inclusiveness and Equity values she mentioned that it’s important for us to welcome ideas from as many perspectives as possible, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we know from experience that it makes us a stronger company.

Team Angel Wolf’s story has a very special place in our hearts, as Nick Watson understands too well the needs of our audience. His son, Rio, is a Person of Determination, with a rare chromosome disorder called ‘Denovo syndrome’. As a family, they compete in sporting events, and always include Rio, which lead them to create the non-profit foundation, that is all about inclusive impactivity for the community.