Stéphane di Carlo, Partner at EGB INTERIOR DESIGN, is a passionate runner, trail runner, and road cyclist.
Please introduce yourself personally to our AMCHAM readers.
My name is Stéphane di Carlo. I was born on May 14, 1976, in Luxembourg to a German mother and a French father, who met romantically on the banks of the Moselle. I grew up in a rural environment shaped by nature, simplicity, and a strong sense of community. Today, I consider myself very much a city person, drawn to the energy, diversity, and opportunities that urban life offers. My mixed cultural background taught me from an early age to approach life with openness and curiosity. This dual identity still shapes how I see the world, people, and opportunities – always with a desire to build bridges and connect perspectives.
Please tell our readers about your company and what your company does.
EGB Hornung & Associés is a Luxembourg-based firm established in 1986, specializing in interior architecture, renovation, and project management. We are a dynamic team of 13 – designers, architects, strategists, and interior specialists – all driven by a shared mission: to guide and support our clients in transforming and optimizing their living and working environments. For over 30 years, we have designed and delivered projects that blend authenticity, functionality, and innovation. Our design concepts are built on a creative, strategic, and human-centered approach tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our “Design & Build | Turnkey” method ensures a high-quality result, delivered on time and within budget. Given its effectiveness, we’ve also applied this approach to residential and retail projects, especially renovations, which benefit from the same high standards and fully customized support at every stage.
What are the values on which you make your decisions?
For me, decision-making is grounded in common sense, honesty, and genuine consideration for what works best for everyone involved – the client, the team, and the project. I strive to maintain consistency between what we promise, what we do, and what we deliver. I also place a high value on clear and open communication. When things are said simply and transparently from the start, everything else becomes easier. And of course, quality remains a priority – not in the sense of chasing perfection, but in delivering something solid, well-thought-out, and built to last.
Please explain to our readers the ways in which interior design can beneficially enhance your company image?
Interior design is a powerful, often underestimated, communication tool. It speaks before anyone in the company does. From the moment a visitor or client steps into your space, they get a sense of who you are – your values, your professionalism, your attention to detail. A well-designed environment reflects a company that is intentional, organized, and forward-thinking. It reinforces your brand identity in a tangible way and creates consistency between what you say and what people experience.
Moreover, thoughtful design shows that you care – not only about aesthetics, but about people. Clients remember how they feel in your space. If the experience is clear, warm, and inspiring, it naturally enhances trust and credibility. That’s not decoration – it’s strategy.
Please explain how corporate (?) design can be used to enhance employee well being and productivity?
Corporate design, in a business context, starts at the front door and goes far beyond letterheads. It’s not just about logos or colors – it’s a feeling, a way of expressing who we are and how we operate. A thoughtfully designed workspace reinforces the company’s external image and builds trust internally. When employees see that attention has been paid to clarity, quality, and identity, it fosters a genuine sense of belonging.
Interior architecture directly impacts the work atmosphere: it makes spaces more welcoming, supports focus and creativity, and can even reduce stress. Even in traditional or uninspiring office environments, interior design plays a key role. It’s not about buying expensive furniture – it’s about creating a space that conveys care and respect. A well-designed space says, “You matter, and so does your work.” You don’t need to go into technical details – what really matters is the whole experience. Light, materials, layout, colors – they all work together to create an atmosphere. And that atmosphere often makes the difference between just another workday… and a day you’re happy to live.
Tell us why and how you have incorporated physical fitness into your lifestyle?
I’ve always been on the move. My parents were more like full-time chauffeurs than educators – swimming, soccer, korfball (yes, it’s real), tennis, karate… it didn’t matter what the activity was, as long as I stayed busy and tired. So, sports have always been part of my life. And then… the comfort zone. Little by little, movement gave way to a more sedentary lifestyle. By early 2011, the scale gently reminded me what 90 kilos really felt like – both in numbers and in how I felt physically. That’s when a (still beloved) friend challenged me to a fitness goal. And boom – that was the spark! I started running. At first, 1-2-5 km, full of side stitches and zero style. Then 10. Then a half marathon… a full marathon… and one day, 100 km. An ultra. I know – it sounds a little crazy. Let’s call it well-measured motivation. Or maybe just my slightly excessive side. Very quickly, I discovered a whole new world: people, routes, a new routine. My running shoes have since become travel companions – whether it’s for business or vacation, they’re always in the bag. While some look for the hotel pool, I’m looking for the running track. Everyone has their priorities, right ? For me, sport has become my engine. It helps me think, clear my head, and stay aligned – in every sense of the word. That mix of discipline, endurance, and clarity also shows up in my work. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
The 90 kilos? Long gone. And with regular physical activity, everything becomes easier: daily life, concentration, energy… even breakfast eggs go down better after a good run.
Fitness isn’t a constraint for me – it’s a habit, like brushing my teeth. Just with a little more sweat… and cooler shoes.
And yes, I sometimes push it a bit far. But hey, it’s my thing. And it works. Smile allowed!
What are the key components of your management style?
Clarity, trust, and presence. I believe in setting a clear vision and then giving people the space and confidence to bring it to life. I try to be present and accessible – not to micromanage, but to support, listen, and challenge when needed. I value transparency and direct feedback, both ways. I also try to lead by example – in energy, in commitment, and in attitude. At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about control – it’s about creating the conditions for others to thrive.
How has your management style evolved over time?
In the beginning, I thought I had to have all the answers. Over time, I’ve learned that real leadership is more about asking the right questions and creating space for others to contribute their best. I’ve become more patient, more empathetic, and more focused on long-term value rather than short-term wins. I also better understand now that every person brings something unique to the table – and that managing means adapting, not standardizing. I still set high expectations, but I try to lead with more listening, and less ego.
How do you adjust your management style for different genders, ages and culture of employees?
By staying curious and attentive. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone comes with their own background, their own motivations, their own way of seeing things. My job is to understand what drives each person – and what might be holding them back. I adapt my communication, my pace, and sometimes even my strategy depending on who I’m working with. It’s not about walking on eggshells – it’s about being respectful, flexible, and inclusive. When people feel seen and understood, they give their best. That’s what I aim for.
What is the professional achievement you are most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of having built a team and a company culture that people want to be part of. It’s not just about the projects we’ve delivered – though there are many I’m proud of – it’s about the atmosphere we’ve created, where people feel engaged, challenged, and valued. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by chance. It takes consistency, humility, and care. Seeing team members grow, take ownership, and bring fresh energy into the company – that’s the best reward.
I’m also proud of EGB’s long-standing presence in Luxembourg – over 35 years of continuous activity. It reflects our resilience, adaptability, and the lasting trust of our clients and partners.
Please identify and answer any other questions you would have been happy to be asked.
Question: What inspires you outside of work?
I find inspiration in unexpected places – long runs in nature, architecture in new cities, conversations with people who see the world differently. Travel also plays a big role: it shifts perspectives, breaks routines, and reawakens curiosity. But even close to home, I’m inspired by simplicity done well – a good coffee, a clever piece of design, or a child’s unfiltered way of seeing things. Staying inspired means staying open. And for me, that openness is what fuels both my personal growth and my professional creativity.