Cumar Inc.’s Controller Carlotta Cubi sits down with Design New England Editor Gail Ravgiala and Publisher Steve Twombly to reflect on mentoring in the design world.

Carlotta Cubi: First of all, congratulations on Design New England’s four year anniversary!

Gail Ravgiala: Thank you! The November celebration at the W Hotel honoring the milestone was the perfect way to mark the occasion. Everyone who attended raved about Grammy-winner Patti Austin and her protégé Lianna Gutierrez singing the song “Over My Shoulder” written by Cumar’s own Dawn Carroll. Combined with the unveiling of the MIDDIES award, it was the event of the year.

Carlotta Cubi: We, here at Cumar, were so honored to be able to design the Mentors In Design (MIDDIES) award for the program recently started at Design New England. For those who aren’t as familiar with the MIDDIES, what was the inspiration for this awards program?

Steve Twombly: Design New England wanted to applaud the Over My Shoulder Foundation for its pioneering spirit and strong mission of mentoring and recognize the generosity shown by established members of the design community. From construction sites to showrooms, from design offices to work rooms, we find there is a sharing not only of knowledge but also of the intangible insights that only the seasoned player can impart to the rookie. Veterans in the design world are incredible assets to promote and encourage future designers.

Carlotta Cubi: It’s been a great year for both Design New England and Cumar, including welcoming designer Dawn Carroll to our talented team. As one of the founders of the Over My Shoulder Foundation, Dawn was instrumental in bringing us all together to support the mission of mentoring. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, and we look forward to working with Design New England in the future!