Like it or not – speed is of the essence in the Middle Eastern side of the world, especially when it comes to building interior projects. To catch a glimpse of this galloping universe, we spoke to the Heads of Business and the Design Masterminds of the top five Design & Build firms in the region. Dialogues on the role of technology, the future of design, deadlines and project procurements all came gushing. Here are the highlights…
The use of the popular axiom, “A jack of all trades is a master of none”, is rampant to advocate excelling at only one skill. If specialisation were key, we wouldn’t witness dynamic, multi-faceted professionals climbing corporate ladders swiftly over their peers. Design & Build firms, too, are a pertinent case in point in the saying’s rebuttal. However, it’s not the proverb that is incorrect; it’s its misuse. The original, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”, aptly delineates the Design and Build world, particularly when it comes to small to medium-sized interior projects.
Reportedly, all is not glamorous on this side of the construction industry. They have their unique trysts as well. These entities juggle multiple roles and are expected to be more agile, cost-effective and organised than multiple companies involved in a traditional design-bid-build process. In hiring these one-stop service providers, clients find themselves in ideal situations. After all, a central touch point is better than many. Yet, it is this very predicament that makes the Design and Build enterprise challenging.
We spoke to the key players to assess how the top five firms in the Middle East balance managing timelines, quality control, on-site hurdles and more. In the process, an insight struck. Perhaps, the secret behind an infallible Design and Build model is the camaraderie between the Head of Operations and the Design Masterminds…
“The dynamic between our Design Director, Neelanchana and me, at Horton Interiors is an energetic mix of creative sword-fitting and technical contemplation”, Douglas quips. “We have a great rapport, fuelled by our shared appreciation for merging imaginative design with flawless execution. As a fellow designer, I can’t resist diving into the exciting ideas cooked up in our studio and trying to add my two cents.”
Neelanchana adds, “Everyone who knows Douglas knows how easy it is to talk to him, we share a close working relationship, interact on a casual basis, and have open lines of communication. Since he has over 20 years of experience in this field, it is great to bounce ideas off each other.”
“Michelle and I have worked together since the conceptualization of Xworks Interiors 14 years ago”, says Soren, smiling ear-to-ear. “Over the years, we have developed a strong business relationship based on trust and healthy communication. The highlights of this rare association, as two experts in the industry, are the shared compatibility, the practice of fluent idea sharing, effective communication, all of which results in the enhancement of formulating new design strategies for the company.”
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.”
Charles, who has worked with Meenakshi over countless projects and considers her to be an ace to Pinnacle Interiors’ success, avers, “In the past decade, it is our ability to collaborate seamlessly that makes us most proud. As members at the helm of operations and design, we share exceptional rapport that stirs transparent conversations on different design and build perspectives. If we may say so, we are in earnest in our roles as leaders. We set standards by examples, and provide assistance in all areas of well-being to our teams. We also recognise our responsibility towards creating a safe space for people to share their ideas and aspirations. Investing in our team members is yet another aspect we agree on. One-on-one coaching, resilience training, or access to other tools that help promote employee engagement and contentment of our staff are our priorities. We believe in curating an environment where our teams feel so supported that even the business’ victories feel personal.”
“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.”
