Life after graduation: Interior Design with Caio Xerri-Alves

Posted on 7th April 2026

From Cabin Crew to Creative Director: Designing a Second Life

My name is Caio Xerri-Alves, and I am the Founder and Creative Director of BLAK Creative Studio (formerly BLAK Interiors), a Dubai-based interior architecture studio specialising in high-end residential and hospitality projects.
Before stepping into design, my career began in hospitality. I spent over six years working across F&B and service roles in Brazil, UK, and Australia, gaining hands-on experience in how spaces function beyond aesthetics—how they operate, how people move through them, and
how environments shape experience.
I later joined Emirates Airlines, where I spent 15 years, eventually becoming a Flight Purser. It was a career that gave me structure, discipline, and exposure to different cultures and environments around the world. But despite the growth and stability, I always felt that something was missing.
Interior design had always been in the background. I had explored it briefly years before, but it wasn’t until 2020—during the pandemic—that I had the space to truly reflect. That moment of pause forced a question: If not now, when?
Shortly after, I enrolled at KLC School of Design.

Caio Xerri Alves- The Host Cafe - F&B Project - Al Ain UAE - 2025

A Late Start, but the Right One

Starting a new career at 39 came with its own challenges—uncertainty, financial pressure, and the fear of starting over. But it also came with clarity. I wasn’t experimenting anymore—I was committing.
KLC played a fundamental role in that transition. Beyond teaching design principles, it gave me a structured way of thinking. Learning how to approach projects through the RIBA Plan of Work, how to communicate ideas professionally, and how to present with clarity and intent
became the foundation of how I work today.

Even before the course officially began, I immersed myself in learning key software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop. I treated the transition seriously from day one, and that mindset proved essential.

From Student to Studio Founder

While still studying, I secured my first role in a renovation company in Dubai. Within a short period, I was given the opportunity to lead the design department—an experience that accelerated my learning far beyond the classroom.
In 2022, I made the decision to take a bigger step and co-founded what was then BLAK Interiors.
As the studio evolved, so did our vision. What began as a boutique interior design practice has grown into a more comprehensive creative consultancy. Today, operating as BLAK Creative Studio, we approach projects more holistically—combining interior architecture, concept
development, and brand-driven storytelling, particularly within the hospitality sector.
My background in hospitality plays a key role in this approach. Understanding how venues operate behind the scenes allows us to design spaces that are not only visually compelling, but also commercially viable and operationally efficient.
Our work has recently been featured in Marie Claire Maison Arabia, which was an important milestone for our team. But more than recognition, what I value most is the trust our clients place in us to shape spaces that genuinely improve how they live, work, and experience their
environments.

What Makes KLC Stand Out

What sets KLC apart is its balance between creativity and structure.
While many courses focus primarily on aesthetics, KLC emphasises process, technical understanding, and real-world application. It teaches you how to think like a professional designer—not just how to design.
The course also encourages independence and critical thinking. It doesn’t provide all the answers, but instead equips you with the tools to find them. This is incredibly valuable in practice, where every project comes with its own unique challenges.

Biggest Lessons Since Graduating

One of the biggest realizations after graduating is that design is only one part of the profession.
Running a studio requires understanding business fundamentals—finance, contracts, timelines, and client management. Talent alone is not enough; structure and discipline are what sustain growth.
Another key lesson is the importance of managing expectations. Not every client fully understands the value of design, and part of our role is to guide, educate, and sometimes challenge assumptions.
Consistency has also proven to be more important than perfection. Showing up every day, refining your process, and continuously improving will take you much further than waiting for ideal conditions.

Advice to Aspiring Interior Designers

For those considering starting their own business, my advice is simple:
Start before you feel ready—you will never have all the answers.
Learn the business side early. Understanding pricing, contracts, and cash flow is just as important as developing your creative skills.
Focus on solving problems rather than trying to impress. Clients value clarity, confidence, and reliability.
Be selective with your projects. Not every opportunity is the right one, and learning to say no is part of building a strong foundation.
And most importantly, don’t let timing define your path. Changing careers later in life is not a disadvantage—it can be a strength. Experience, resilience, and perspective are qualities that shape better designers and stronger leaders.

BLAK Interiors

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