INC Solutions
Claire Spring, General Manager with Preveena Bhagianath, Head of Design
“The dynamic between Preveena and I, is characterised by a strong working relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision”, Claire voices out without hesitation, reflecting her belief in her partner. “Collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity are values that I prioritise within our organisation, and it’s inspiring to see that they also resonate strongly with her. We deeply appreciate and recognize each other’s unique strengths and skills. Open communication, a united front, and a shared dedication to the growth and prosperity of INC form the foundational pillars of our partnership.”
Preveena proffers, “We work together to ensure that the design department operates efficiently, meets client expectations, and contributes to the overall success of the company.”
Why would you recommend Design & Build to clients over design-bid-build? Particularly, what do you think makes your establishment the go-to for projects?
Claire: Working with a Design & Build firm offers several advantages for clients. Firstly, it eliminates the need for clients to manage multiple organisations and reduces their project-related responsibilities. Secondly, Design & Build fosters collaboration and enables a holistic approach to project execution. Our clients benefit from streamlined communication, efficient decision-making, and a single team accountable for the entire project. However, it’s important to note that the client’s involvement in the design phase might be comparatively limited in contrast to the conventional design-bid-build approach. It’s crucial for clients to ensure they choose a reputable Design & Build firm that prioritises open communication and values their input throughout the process.
In your opinion, how is the role of the Head of Design in a D&B firm different from the role of the Principal Designer in a Design firm? Are there added responsibilities or challenges?
Preveena: The Head of Design in a workplace fitout company like INC Solutions is responsible for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing office spaces that meet the client’s needs. Their key responsibilities include developing design strategies, creating design concepts and space plans. They also oversee interior design and material selection, coordinate with consultants, manage the design team, engage with clients, ensure quality and compliance, all while promoting design innovation.
In summary, they lead the design process from concept development to technical documentation, ensuring that the final workplace fitout reflects the client’s vision, enhances productivity, and creates an inspiring work environment. By considering budgetary constraints and implementing cost-effective strategies, the Head of Design ensures that the workplace fitout project remains within the designated budget while delivering a high-quality and visually appealing office space.
While both the Head of Design and Principal Designer roles involve leadership and design expertise, the Principal Designer typically operates at a more strategic level, overseeing multiple projects and shaping the overall design direction and business growth of the firm. The Head of Design, on the other hand, is more focused on the successful execution of individual workplace fitout projects, meeting client requirements, and managing the design process within a specific context.
What does the future of Design & Build in the Middle East look like? Are the firms ready to take on bigger and more ambitious projects?
Claire: The future of Design & Build in the Middle East is one with a multitude of opportunities. With its inherent advantages, such as faster project delivery, cost control, and integrated project management, Design & Build is gaining traction in the region. As the industry continues to evolve, firms like ours are ready to embrace larger and more ambitious projects. At INC, we consistently invest in enhancing our capabilities, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and nurturing the expertise of our team. The growing demand for efficient construction solutions combined with our unwavering commitment to excellence, positions us to thrive in the dynamic landscape of Design & Build in the Middle East.
The Middle East is often called a melting pot of cultures. Have you made use of your cultural background in projects for muses or in any other way or form?
Preveena: By embracing the cultural melting pot of the Middle East, we often create spaces that celebrate cultural diversity, respect local traditions, and meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of each project. We utilise cultural influences to create meaningful and contextually appropriate projects. We incorporate elements from diverse cultures, draw inspiration from the region’s architectural heritage, and select materials with cultural significance. Cultural symbolism, spatial layout, and functionality are considered, while sustainability and climate-responsive design strategies are integrated.
How does the firm make use of the latest technology in construction and management? What techniques and tools do you use to stay on top of your game?
Claire: At INC, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in construction and project management. We embrace innovative tools and techniques that enhance productivity, quality, and communication throughout our projects. We utilise advanced project management software to streamline workflows, monitor progress, and ensure effective coordination among teams. Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a crucial role in our design process, enabling us to visualise and optimise the project with precision before beginning construction. Additionally, we also leverage emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality to enrich client engagement and deliver immersive project experiences.
Have you tried your hands-on AI tools such as MidJourney to generate concepts or ChatGPT for presentations, research, or anything else?
Preveena: I occasionally rely on ChatGPT for research purposes. I personally haven’t used Midjourney to generate concepts, although I believe AI-aided concepts are going to be inescapable soon.
In the future, what can we hope to see from your firm? What does your vision board for the future look like?
Claire: The future holds exciting prospects for our firm. Our vision board is focused on continuous growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to our clients in a global direction. We aim to expand our portfolio of prestigious projects and clients, pushing the boundaries of design and construction in the region. At the same time, we will remain committed to investing in the professional development of our team, embracing emerging technologies, sustainable practices, and achieving design excellence. By fostering strong client relationships, staying at the forefront of industry advancements, and maintaining our commitment to excellence, we strive to be the leading Design & Build firm in the Middle East and Africa.
Quick facts about INC Solutions:
Teams that make it possible: Design, Project management, Procurement, and Construction.
One project that perfectly sums INC Solutions’ capability: FitnGlam at Dubai Hills showcases INC Solutions’ expertise in delivering a complex and innovative design solution within a tight timeline.
