KPS UAE
Stephen Taylor, Managing Director with Diony Costalas, Head of Design
Stephen confesses the deep respect he has for the wise and experienced Diony, “I have witnessed Diony’s growth and transformation within KPS. She has emerged from the shadows, shining brightly, and excelling in her role. Working alongside her fills me with immense pride, as she exemplifies professionalism and embodies the values of KPS. The dynamic between Diony and me is characterised by mutual respect, open communication, and a strong collaborative spirit. I hold Diony in high regard for her unwavering dedication and adaptability during significant changes we faced in 2022. She demonstrated resilience and seamlessly guided her team through busy periods, while also anticipating and embracing the evolving design landscape. We share a common understanding, that together, we can find solutions and common ground even in challenging situations.”
“Our mutual respect enables us to delegate tasks and make decisions confidently”, opines Diony, confident in the power pair’s capability. “ Stephen’s construction background enhances our comprehensive understanding of the company. We prioritise open communication, empowering each other and resolving any conflicts constructively – and with a good helping of humour.”
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?
Stephen: Design and Build firms, like KPS, can ensure that the design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, functional, and designed to match a set budget. We offer a single point of contact for the entire end-to-end project. This eliminates the need for clients to act as intermediaries between architects, designers, and contractors. Another advantage is that design and build firms have greater control over the design process, allowing faster construction times and stricter adherence to project schedules and budgets.
With the design and construction teams working together from the beginning, potential conflicts or issues can be addressed proactively, minimising delays and cost overruns. Moreover, discussing the budget during the design phase helps keep projects within realistic financial limits. This collaborative approach ensures that the final project price is one that clients are comfortable with.
At KPS, we guide our clients through each phase of the project, allowing them to progress to the next stage only when they are comfortable and ready. We have extensive experience in both design and construction. This combined expertise enables us to offer clients a comprehensive and cost-efficient, end-to end service. By having professionals who are well-versed in both aspects, we can better understand the interplay between design decisions and construction requirements. This understanding allows us to make informed choices, optimise project timelines, mitigate risks, and deliver higher-quality outcomes.
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?
Diony: As the Head of Design at KPS, a design and build firm, my responsibilities encompass both leadership and management of our design team, which now numbers over 50-strong across the group. I strive to foster a highly creative, productive, and efficient environment within the team. I ensure that our design and build projects at KPS not only possess visual brilliance but are also executed flawlessly.
At KPS, we always establish a clear design vision from the outset to help align the team’s efforts towards a common goal. This vision serves as a reference point and guides decision-making throughout the project. Actively involving all team members in the design discussions allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and ideas. Providing context and rationale behind certain design features helps everyone to understand the purpose and significance of those elements.
I also coordinate closely with our construction teams and subcontractors to integrate our designs with the practical requirements of each project site. This iterative process ensures that any potential conflicts between functionality and design are addressed early on. Effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders enables streamlined workflows from project initiation to completion.
In contrast, the role of a principal designer in a design firm primarily centres around the creative aspects of their design projects.
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?
Stephen: The future of design and build in the Middle East still has strong potential for growth. The region has been experiencing significant new development in recent years, alongside the refurbishment and modernisation of existing building stocks. Numerous ambitious projects are being undertaken, including large-scale infrastructure projects, iconic architectural landmarks, commercial developments, residential complexes, and more.
Design and build firms in the Middle East, like KPS, are well-positioned to take on these bigger and more ambitious projects as we continue to expand and enhance our capabilities and resources. As a privately-owned company, KPS can reinvest profits to stay ahead of the latest technologies and we are making significant investments into digitisation of the business. By improving project visualisation and coordination, we can create better collaboration among stakeholders and enable the seamless integration of design and construction activities.
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?
Diony: My own cultural background has been a valuable asset in my design projects, particularly when working on projects that required cultural sensitivity and representation. I believe that cultural diversity enhances the creative process.
In my work at KPS, I always try to understand and respect the cultural context of a project, incorporating relevant symbols and visual language, selecting colours and material palettes that reflect specific aesthetics, considering norms in spatial arrangement and flows, and promoting inclusivity and representation of diverse cultures. I always strive to create designs that are culturally resonant and emotionally engaging, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation within the designed space.
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?
Stephen: We employ many techniques and tools to ensure we stay at the forefront of our industry. Advanced 3D modelling software, such as BIM, which enables us to create highly detailed and accurate models of our projects. This allows us to identify potential issues and conflicts early in the design phase.
We harness the power of virtual reality technology to create immersive and lifelike environments for our clients. Through VR simulations, our clients can make informed decisions before construction commences.
We also employ a cloud-based common data platform that facilitates seamless collaboration among our team members, even when they are working from different locations. This platform ensures that everyone has access to the most up-to-date project information. By integrating these and other digital solutions, we foster efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Have you tried your hands-on AI tools such as MidJourney to generate concepts or ChatGPT for presentations, research, or anything else?
Diony: Yes, I have experience using AI tools such as Midjourney and ChatGPT to augment my work at KPS. These tools are very valuable for concept generation, presentation support, research, and content creation. Integrating AI tools into my workflows has significantly improved my efficiency and effectiveness, and I have been able to generate creative ideas, enhance presentation narratives, gather research data, and streamline content development.
However, it is crucial to strike the right balance between the use of AI tools and human creativity and critical thinking. Finding that balance is essential to ensure the optimal utilisation of technology while preserving the unique and irreplaceable qualities that humans bring to the table.
In the future, what can we hope to see from your firm? What does your vision board for the future look like?
Stephen: Looking ahead, the future of KPS is filled with exciting possibilities and continued growth. We are committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements within the industry. Our focus will be on leveraging cutting-edge digital platforms, tools, and processes to enhance project delivery, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.
Our dedication to providing exceptional client experiences remains a core pillar of our vision. We will continue refining and expanding our service offerings to better cater to the evolving needs and expectations of our clients.
Our team is our greatest asset, and we will continue to invest in their growth and development. We are committed to providing comprehensive learning and development programmes that empower our staff to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Sustainability is also a key focus for us moving forward. We will integrate more sustainable design principles and practices into our projects, aiming to minimise the environmental impact of our work. Our goal is to create built environments that are energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.
Quick fact about KPS UAE:
One project that perfectly sums KPS UAE’s capability: Millennium Executive Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The 116 metres tall, 32-storey commercial and residential structure was one of the oldest buildings on the street and was completely refurbished from top to bottom, across 17,000 square metres by KPS.
