We speak to contractors from five top firms in the region to hear their side of the story – what misconceptions exist about their profession, what’s their secret to success and what can help in enhancing the process of execution further.
For the longest time, contractors, along with the designer and the client, have been one of the three significant pillars required to carry out interior and architecture projects. From coordinating construction activities to completing the project within stipulated time and budget, the responsibilities of a contractor are what make execution possible.
In an economy as fast-paced as that of UAE, there have to exist stalwart contracting companies that set a standard for good-quality and quick construction. We spoke to five such contractors, asked them what helps them stay on top of their game, where they hope to see improvements in the industry and unearthed insightful perspectives and possible predictions….
“It is often thought that contractors cannot add value to the early stages of a project’s design development, and therefore do not get included within the design / project team as an equal member. Greater collaboration between designers and contractors at an early stage will ensure clear understanding of clients vision and objectives. It might also aid designers in designing to a more realistic budget – eliminating extensive value engineering and saving time that can be utilised in designing instead.”
“The most important asset of any business is it’s people. Meeting the accelerated needs of this region requires the right personnel. Our workforce consists of knowledgeable professionals who carry out their tasks in accordance with our ISO processes and procedures delivering the highest quality of work.
At Al Tayer Stocks, we are continuously striving for improvement and therefore we seek innovative solutions to the daily challenges we may encounter daily in the construction industry. Four years ago, we made the discovery of Matterport 3D scanning, which we believed was really helpful for both our clients and consultants and ourselves..”
“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.
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.”
“If sustainability is embedded from the outset, the project will achieve environmental goals such as improving energy, water, and resource efficiency for buildings. It will also help to create an inspiring workplace that can enhance employee health and happiness in addition to delivering operational savings that increase the building’s value and decrease its utility costs.”
“A common misconception among young people is that construction is somewhat old-fashioned and not as exciting and relevant as other career options. This is absolutely incorrect, of course. As the built environment and construction activities are responsible for around 40% of the global emissions of carbon, this provides an outstanding opportunity for the upcoming generation to make a profound impact on minimising climate change. The construction industry also embraces technologies and digitization that increase productivity, efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. Some of the technologies we use involve AI applications, 3D virtual walkthroughs, drones, and more.
There is sometimes emphasis on trophy designs without sufficient focus on buildability, practicality, and durability. Advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing as well as BIM and AI-based tools are helpful in visualising many aspects of buildability. However, the availability of technology does not eliminate the need for contractors who have hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of on- site realities and potential pitfalls and ability to foresee risks and mitigate them efficiently.”
