Building the Gulf: Saad A Moaswes

SAAD A MOASWES

Managing Director, Bond Interiors

The key(s) to thriving in the UAE are being a good listener, understanding the needs of people in your community, willing to grow and risk with a degree of caution, valuing friendships, and a great deal of flexibility and scalability.

What is a common misconception about contractors that most people have? What is your reaction or opinion of it?

Dr. Chadi Chamoun, Director of Innovation and Design, Bond Interiors: The most common misconception people have about contractors is that they are commercially driven – and although project’s financial implications are important, it is by far not our greatest concern. Bond Interiors has been around for just over 36 years, and what has helped us grow and thrive in a complex and challenging industry is our passion and commitment to quality and detail. We have had to take significant sacrifices to maintain our commitment to our clients, we have had to work at cost, or even at times below cost to insure that the job is successfully delivered.

Being amongst one of the reputed names among interior contractors in the UAE, you understand the demand for fast-paced progress in the region. What are some methods to meet this demand?

Dr. Chadi Chamoun, Director of Innovation and Design, Bond Interiors: The particular dynamics of a fast-paced environment such as that of the UAE requires a great deal of flexibility and scalability. As a project evolves its requirements sometimes change and shift, and as a major player in the contracting industry you should be willing to adapt and modify the manner in which you approach a particular project. One way that Bond has been able to meet market demands is to hire talented craftspeople and staff from various industry sectors and specializations – we are the sum of many individuals from all around the world who bring a wealth of knowledge and know-how to our family – people remain our greatest asset. Another way we keep up with industry demands is to maintain a state-of-the-art production facility covering 550,000 square feet of manufacturing space where we cater to multiple industry sectors such as retail, residential, hospitality, food & beverage, aviation and so forth. The contracting and fabrication industry is always changing and moving progressively forward – but if you cannot evolve, or if you remain rigid – your chances of survival go in the direction of that of the dinosaurs.

What changes do you wish to witness in the design processes of the region? Are there any practices in particular that delay or hamper schedules?

Dr. Chadi Chamoun, Director of Innovation and Design, Bond Interiors: Challenges are many, but they are our greatest teachers. But that said, the lack of regular and clear communication is the greatest potential detriment in a project’s schedule and success. The value of being forthright and upfront about challenges that may impact a project can create a sense of community and integrity between client and contractor – it facilitates the groundwork of a healthy and vibrant relationship. Clients in the UAE, and the global markets essentially are looking for a solid level of integrity and commitment. When a client trusts you with their hard-earned money, and considers you as their partner in adding value to the project – it is a significant responsibility. Our key to success is meeting that responsibility and commitment time and time again. Although we have grown from very humble beginnings, and are currently at a stage where we are providing services to the greater global market, Dubai remains our home and constant source of inspiration.

As a contractor, what are some practices that designers and clients can adopt from their end to aid you in delivering projects on time and within budget?

Saad A Moaswes, Managing Director, Bond Interiors: Being open and transparent about project goals and objectives, as well as, willing to listen and engage in strategic discussions of how we can implement ideas with different materials and finishes that are locally available.

Over the decades you have worked in the region, what do you think are the top priorities of clients here? Where do you think the future of contractors in construction is headed?

Saad A Moaswes, Managing Director, Bond Interiors: Clients are looking for added value as their top priority which basically means how Bond Interiors goes the extra mile, follows-through with promises, maintains control of challenging situations, and is always open to a discussion to resolve any obstacles that arise.

The future of contractors is headed in two related directions. The first is to integrate different forms of technology and innovation within the way we work – evolution is key. The second is to train and up-skill the craftspeople and individuals that work for the organization.

Is there a region in the world you admire most for the organization and methods of construction?

Saad A Moaswes, Managing Director, Bond Interiors: We are in a very fortunate location here in the UAE, we have had the opportunity to learn and access knowledge and know-how from many great countries. It’s impossible to name one.