BUILD February 2017 by AI Global Media

February 2017

Speeding Ahead of the Competition – Cheetah Medical Brilliance in BIM – KEO International Consultants Excellence in New Product Range – AVK UK Limited Flooding the Market – UK Flood Barriers Dedicated to Digital – Waldeck Preparing For Growth – Experian Innovating in Real Estate & Property Services – Dixon Kestles Excellence In Construction Recruitment – Search Consultancy Producing Perfect Places – Redesign Interiors Nature by Culture – Rainer Schmidt Providing Excellence Inside and Out – Glancy Nicholls Architects Building the Future – Modularize Construction Expert Knowledge Delivered – John Anthony Signs Ltd Innovative Interiors and Refined Architecture – Pineapple House Providing the Personal Abode – Miros Bogdantsaliev Pioneering Productive Work Environments – IES Commercial, Inc. Nob Hill Construction / Cooper Signage & Graphics

Below, L to R: Rob Fontaine - Upstate Door Inc Gary Hartogh - Couture Homes

HEALTHCARE

Editor’s Note

, Welcome to the new look BUILD Magazine. We have a stunning array of content, from architecture to construction industry projects, as well as special features on leadership development and interior landscaping. In recent news, the construction boom and green consciousness in North America have set up the commercial pumps market for robust growth, according to research from Frost & Sullivan. The popularity of green building technologies in the construction and infrastructure sectors has created a vast market for remodels and retrofits. This environment is encouraging the development of advanced pump designs with more electronic features, which augment system integration and system efficiency. In other significant news, Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USS) and Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL) have launched a new joint venture (JV) – the ‘Supported Housing Investment Limited Partnership’ (SHIP). The landmark transaction brings together USS, one of the largest pension schemes and real estate investors in the UK, with MSIL’s market-leading expertise in social infrastructure development and investment. I hope you enjoy reading this edition.

Jonathan Miles, Editor Jonathan.Miles@ai-globalmedia.com

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Contents

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4. News 8. The Ceiling’s the Limit* 10. Cheetah Medical: Speeding Ahead of the Competition 12. KEO International Consultants: Brilliance in BIM 14. AVK Reveals Excellence in New Product Range 17. Universal Wood Products: Moulding the Future 18. Putting the Talent in Talent Management 20. UK Flood Barriers: Flooding the Market 22. Creating Global Architectural Excellence 24. Waldeck: Dedicated to Digital 26. Experian : Preparing for Growth 28. Absolutely FABulous 30. A Visionary’s Tale 32. Innovating in Real Estate & Property Services 34. Building Brilliance Through Beautiful Buildings 36. Yonder…Creating and Riding the Wave of Building Physics Engineering 38. An Unforgettable Adults-Only Escape 40. Making Noise in Sound Insulation Testing 41. Search Construction: Excellence In Construction Recruitment 42. Excellence in Facilities Management 44. Leading the Way to the Top! 46. Geospatial Hydraulic Modeling with CivilGEO 48. Design for Life 49. Nature by Culture 50. Glancy Nicholls Architects: Providing Excellence Inside and Out 51. Bespoke Interior Design 52. Boutique’ Architecture in Hong Kong - A Character of its Own 53. Redesign Interiors: Producing Perfect Places 54. Forward Planning 56. Modularize Construction: Building the Future 57. Ahead of the Curve 58. Expert Knowledge Delivered 59. Built on Solid Foundations 60. Paving the Way for Success 61. Bringing Nature into the Workplace 62. The Personal Touch 64. Innovative Interiors and Refined Architecture 66. OC Cleaning Solutions: A Shining Example 68. Building Success 69. Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder 70. Always Moving Forward 72. Providing the Personal Abode 75. Software Solution Success: CAFM Explorer 76. Best Renewable Energy Consultants 2016 – UK 78. Pioneering Productive Work Environments 81. Built to Last 82. Making Gains in Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

The Ceiling’s the Limit! @BurgessCEP

NEWS

, USS and Morgan Sindall Investments Launch New Supported Living Fund

Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USS) and Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL) have launched a new joint venture (JV) – the ‘Supported Housing Investment Limited Partnership’ (SHIP).

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NEWS

, The landmark transaction brings together USS, one of the largest pension schemes and real estate investors in the UK, with MSIL’s market-leading expertise in social infrastructure development and investment. At launch, the partners will commit £100m to SHIP, with USS providing 95% of the capital and MSIL retaining a 5% stake – and acting as asset, property and portfolio manager. As the asset class matures, and provided that the market continues to offer suitable opportunities, the JV partners intend to increase the SHIP portfolio value to £200m. Initially, SHIP will deliver over 500 new purpose-built supported independent living apartments across the UK. The housing will cater for vulnerable people with physical and learning disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible. Lisa Scenna, Managing Director of MSIL commented, “with the formation of the SHIP joint venture with USS we are building further on MSIL’s strong track record and expertise in social infrastructure investment, development and asset management. USS is a highly respected blue chip real estate investor. This investment makes the clear statement that specialist supported housing is here for the long term as an established asset class within the UK’s social infrastructure investment arena. Critically, SHIP will help to positively transform outcomes for hundreds of people with care needs and also the many family members that help to support them”. Graham Burnett, Head of Property at USS Investment Management added, “we are delighted to be partnering with MSIL to launch SHIP, which continues our strategy to grow a significant portfolio of properties producing long term, stable returns for our participating employers and members. With supported living an emerging asset class, we fully expect our investment to grow given the strong fundamentals

and significant lack of supply within the sector.” In 2013, MSIL took a 50% stake in HB Villages Limited (HB Villages) – the UK’s leading specialist developer of purpose built supported independent living apartments. Since then, HB Villages has delivered apartments in 30 towns across England, valued at circa £70m. It has a £100m live pipeline of apartments in planning or construction – with a significant proportion being built by MSIL’s sister companies, Lovell Partnerships Limited and Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Limited. HB Villages is a strategic national response to the widely acknowledged under supply of ‘fit-forpurpose’ housing for vulnerable people, enabling them to lead better and more independent lives. The model is funded by the private sector, with the HB Villages team working in partnership with Registered Social Landlords, Care Providers and care commissioners to ensure that the right type of housing and care is delivered for local communities. The bespoke designs and technology within the apartments empower and encourage their occupiers to live more independently, while facilitating the care and support they need. • USS was advised by Gowling WLG and JLL. • MSIL was advised by PwC Corporate Finance and Berwin Leighton Paisner. For more information on Morgan Sindall Investments Limited please go to www.msinvestments.co.uk For more information on Universities Superannuation Scheme please go to www.uss.co.uk

Resurgence of Construction Activity Expands Associated Growth Opportunities for Commercial Pumps The construction boom and green consciousness in North America have set up the commercial pumps market for robust growth. The popularity of green building technologies in the construction and infrastructure sectors has created a vast market for remodels and retrofits. This environment is encouraging the development of advanced pump designs with more electronic features, which augment system integration and system efficiency. Strategic Analysis of the North American Commercial Pumps Market is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Industrial Automation & Process Control Growth Partnership Subscription. The analysis finds that among the various types of pumps, single-stage pumps have the largest share. However, the share of multi-stage pumps is likely to increase in the long term, due to the requirement for pressure boosting applications.

Automation & Process Control Research Analyst Shilpa Mathur Ramachandran. “This trend will stoke demand for commercial pumps in applications such as pressure-boosting and drainage and sewage.” Despite the efforts of pumps manufacturers to introduce energy-efficient pumps, the high price sensitivity in the market deters end users. Furthermore, the North American market could face stiff competition from European and Asian imports due to their perceived higher quality and competitive prices. “To counter the main industry challenges, market majors need to evolve into the roles of solution providers rather than remaining stand-alone equipment providers,” noted Ramachandran. “Apart from offering end-to-end solutions, companies can stand out by working with clients to understand their pain points and delivering customized solutions.”

“Stringent environment legislations and a gradually recovering economy are boosting the construction sector, especially the non-residential segment,” said Frost & Sullivan Industrial

NEWS

Architecture and Design Firm CL3 Unveils Projects for 2017

Hong Kong: CL3, one of Asia’s leading architecture and design firms, was delighted to announce three landmark international projects for 2017.

The practice of 60 professionals across Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen will be working on a furniture range for Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (“Cornell AAP”), New York (February 2017); the second phase of the Gaysorn 2 Plaza in Bangkok (March – September 2017) and a 24-storey tower of vertical gallery spaces for some of the world’s leading contemporary art businesses, H Queens (late 2017). Award-winning architect and founder of CL3, William Lim commented, “over the last 20 years we have built a portfolio of that comprises celebrated designs for hotels and restaurants, as well as commercial, residential and corporate developments. Next year comprises of three pivotal projects that exemplify our ability as a firm. Cornell holds a special place in my heart, as myself and my sons are alumni of the school. To design this furniture range for the university is an honour for us, a design that is created out of the context of the City they will sit within. Across to Bangkok, we are honoured to be part of the Gaysorn Plaza development that encompasses a retail mall and an office tower to rejuvenate this multi-purpose development. In Hong Kong, H Queens is situated in Central, which is the heart of business and art gallery district. H Queens will shift the dynamics and support Hong Kong’s position on the global arts stage, while contributing to the city’s unique urban landscape.” Unveiled in February 2017, CL3 and multi-disciplinary design practice Lim+ Lu collaborate to design a furniture range for Cornell University’s renowned College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. Spearheaded by founder of CL3 and AAP graduate, William Lim (B.Arch. ’80) alongside Lim + Lu co-founders Vincent Lim (B.Arch. ’12) and Elaine Lu (B.Arch. ’12), the furniture pieces are inspired by the delivery trolleys of New York City.

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NEWS

, Conceptually designed to be flexible and adaptable to a compact urban lifestyle. The furniture pieces being fabricated in Asia and will then be transported to the college’s New York studio for public usage. The partnership is an example of alumni giving back to the educational institution that has nurtured them and played an instrumental role to their future success. Kent Kleinman, Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of Cornell AAP commented “Each piece is a hybrid: a modular urban element that functions as a kind of infrastructure, mated to a customized artifact specific to particular program. Taken together, they are a microcosm of Cornell’s famous lessons in collage urbanism. Brilliant!” Gaysorn 2 Plaza is the new phase of a successful mall in the heart of Bangkok which faces tough competition in the development of Thailand’s commercial shopping outlets. This new phase containing a retail mall of 5,500 m2 and a 30 storey office tower, is set to rejuvenate the development. CL3 was invited to design the new phase and to create an iconic linkage between the new and old developments. Using the

“Over the last 20 years we have built a portfolio of that comprises celebrated designs for hotels and restaurants, as well as commercial, residential and corporate developments.”

Thai artisans’ craftsmanship and cultural heritage as an inspiration, contemporary design blends retail with attention to detail of local materials to create a warm and sophisticated ambience. An idea of porosity allows visual connection among the multiple levels of the retail environment. A 20-meter-tall cocoon-like structure made of teakwood penetrates the bridge, connecting the old and new wings. Visible from the street, it is highlighted as the architectural focal point of the development. The retail podium is scheduled to be launched in first half of 2017. Other parts of the mall and the office tower are scheduled to be launched later that year. H Queens is a 24-storey purpose built vertical gallery building in the heart of the most expansive CBD-Hong Kong. Dedicated to art businesses, restaurants and retail, the building aims to transform the urban environment by creating a new focus for art and entertainment alongside HK’s historic Pottinger Street. As well as complimenting the Arts hub of ‘Tai Kwun’, the city’s largest historic preservation project, located just 3 blocks away. Features include a laminated low-e IGU glass curtain wall with ceramic fitting and an integrated building maintenance unit (BMU) that includes a gondola system to facilitate the delivery of artworks through the operable facade (approx. 3.5 m by 4 m) on each gallery floor. The restaurant floors include large exterior balconies or terraces for al fresco dining, with a dramatic roof top bar. One year prior to completion, major international art businesses David Zwirner Gallery, Pace Gallery, Pearl Lam Galleries, Seoul Auction, Tang Contemporary Art Gallery, Whitestone Gallery and fine dining group Le Comptoir have already confirmed their tenancy. An architectural icon in itself, H Queen’s is designed to be at the center of Hong Kong’s art and lifestyle. The development houses non-traditional spaces for exhibition with the interest of promoting the arts as well as expanding the audience for art.

Kebony Cladding for Library Hideaway Architects Vincenzo Marchese and Petter Nordahl have recently created an eye-catching library, clad in sustainable Kebony wood, by converting the second storey of a garage in Vestfold, Norway. The building has been given a new lease of life with a clean, contemporary design which enhances the existing architecture, and brings new character to the property as a whole. The architects altered the original pitch of the roof to dramatically increase the amount of usable space, and with bookshelves a priority, the steep angles of the new roof allow for walls that are heightened with large bookshelves set into them. Windows of differing size break up the bookshelves with tranquil seating spaces surrounding, and the geometric shapes of these windows adds an interesting variation in light and form. The transformation of the building has been entirely achieved without any adaptations to the original size of the area, while the variation in roof height also acts to break up the massing of the second storey. Simple, clean and untreated materials are used throughout, with the interior walls and shelving crafted from birch veneer, polished concrete worktops and the exterior cladding and roof made from Kebony and zinc. Over time, the exposed Kebony will take on a delicate silver-grey patina which will complement the tone of the zinc, while also providing contrast to the bright metal in order to highlight the variation in material. The simplicity of the design and materials used evokes a natural feel, creating a space that is calming and unadorned. The architects from NOMA Arkitekter AS wanted to combine a natural aesthetic with sustainable creden-

tials, using geothermal energy to provide the heating for the library, as well as environmentally friendly building materials. The shelves and interior cladding are made from sustainable softwood, while Kebony cladding provides the required external protection, as it has the same durable qualities as tropical hardwoods, without the associated environmental impact. The patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction. Vincenzo Marchese, architect and owner of NOMA Arkitekter commented, “this has been a truly exciting albeit challenging project to work on, as a large change in purpose and design of the structure was required, while still keeping within the existing spatial restraints. It is the simple, clean lines of the design, as well as high quality of materials such as Kebony that have made the finished project so beautiful.” Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony added that, “the team at NOMA Arkitekter have a wealth of experience creating fantastically designed properties that enhance the building’s purpose. The team at Kebony is always excited to see what their next project will be, and look forward to working with the architects again soon”

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The Ceiling’s the Limit! Build Magazine speaks to Rachel Whittington of Hinckley-based BurgessCEP, an innovator of architectural interiors, following it being awarded the prestigious title of BIM Firm of the Year UK. BurgessCEP was formed in 2014, through bringing two leading ceiling system brands together, Burgess AP and CEP. This created a formidable force within the architectural interiors sector with a high pedigree and a strong product portfolio, and has resulted in the widest range of market-leading suspended ceiling tiles, wall panels and acoustic solutions. The company benefits from having production facilities in Staffordshire and Leicestershire which enables ease of deployment and service to its customers nationwide. Its industry-leading range includes: Metal ceiling systems and solutions; mineral ceiling tiles; soft fibre ceiling tiles; gypsum ceiling tiles; acoustic solutions; and ceiling suspension systems. Rachel Whittington of BurgessCEP tells us about the approach used when undertaking a new client or project to always ensure the best possible outcome. “Calling upon our years of expertise and technical capabilities we are able to create a bespoke experience,” she explains. “Treating each project independently we are able to adjust accordingly to their particular requirements and

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demands. Each project has its own challenges and it is vital that we listen to the client and fulfil the requirements that are directed. In undertaking a project, we adhere to a stringent process to enable us to highlight and define these requirements and make recommendations best suited to them.” It is not simply this tailored approach that sets the company apart from the competition and marks it out as the best option for clients, as Rachel embellishes. “It is a combination of 120 years proven sector knowledge and expertise, as well as the extensive range of products specifically developed to meet and exceed demands. “A very strong and highly experienced technical team gives us the ability to adapt to any brief or design challenge. The team thrives on new challenges that not only test its knowledge and skill but the depth and extent of our product ranges. The ranges are under constant scrutiny to ensure that they meet the exacting regulations and standards that this particular sector demands.” Within the wider industry, the company’s knowledge and expertise are well-known. Its extensive website holds vast amounts of product information and is readily accessible - an asset that BurgessCEP wishes to

utilise greatly in the forthcoming year. The firm is also a member of trade associations such as FIS; boasts a full complement of approved RIBA CPDs; and is one of the first ceiling manufacturers to list its products on the BIM library.

Garnock Campus, Marr College, 1 Tower Bridge, 45 Cannon Street, 5 Churchill Place, Farnborough Business Park, City Lights Paris, UOB Swimming Complex, Blackpool UTC, 6 EP Leeds, 25 Fenchurch, Astra Zeneca.”

“Our overall aim as a company is to service all parts of the project cycle,” says Rachel. “Whether it be to commercial effect, technical/acoustic requirements or aesthetics, which are a key part in all of our undertakings. Most importantly we want our customers to enjoy not only trading with us but also our strong work ethics.

With regards to the future, BurgessCEP is strongly positioned to take 2017 headon, despite the air of economic uncertainty which currently surrounds the UK.

“Strong investment in the RND of our products and the continual training of our technical team ensures that we are the best within our field and hopefully have that competitive edge. This investment is crucial for us to maintain our success, which is reflected in the strong portfolio of products that we have to date.” With many successful projects under its belt, it is difficult for Rachel to focus on just one. “We have completed many high profile projects this year, all of the following projects encompassed all of our core skills, Bespoke Design, Project Management, Technical delivery, utilising our broad range of products: KIA concept London, Sovereign Square Leeds, HMP Wrexham,

“This year will continue to be a challenge as we see the effects of Brexit, but every year is an opportunity to learn, strengthen, develop and focus on our strengths and to use those to our advantage,” declares Rachel. “We have numerous projects that are on-going over the course of the year, including Rue de Colisee and R7, which all provide their own challenging and demanding circumstances. “We have future product developments for 2017 that will be launched midway through the year. We are also looking at the integration of LED lighting into our older Clipin systems, to eradicate the need to replace the whole ceiling. Our forwardthinking strategy looks at the long-term to enhance our service offering to the client and ultimately future-proof it. The longevity of the ceiling has outlived lighting technology!”

g Technology / The Ceilingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Limit

Company: BurgessCEP Name: Rachel Whittington Email: rachelwhittington@burgesscep.com Web Address: www.burgesscep.com Address: Brookfield Road, Hinckley, LE10 2LL Telephone: 01455 618787

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Technology / Cheetah Medical: Speeding Ahead of the Competition

Company: Cheetah Medical Address: 1320 Centre St Suite 104, Newton Center, MA 02459 Phone: (+1) 617-964-0613 Fax: (+1) 360-718-8154 Email: cheetah@cheetah-medical.com Website: www.cheetah-medical.com

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Cheetah Medical: Speeding Ahead of the Competition Cheetah Medical is the pioneer and global leading provider of 100% non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring technologies which are designed for use in critical care, operating room and emergency department settings for a wide variety of patient populations. We profile the firm, exploring the range of solutions it provides to healthcare providers around the world.

Founded in Israel in the early 2000s, with the mission of helping clinicians manage their patient’s fluid status, Cheetah Medical now is a commercialstage medical device company which offers a solution to volume management challenges across the hospital continuum of care. The firm’s cutting edge technology for assessing a patient’s fluid status is 100% non-invasive and provides key parameters such as stroke volume and cardiac output to clinicians in the critical care, operating room and emergency department settings worldwide. Since 2008 Cheetah has been offering its innovative technologies to the global market, and the company has seen drastic changes in the marketplace as the need for hemodynamic monitoring grows in the critical care, operating room and emergency department settings. Key changes it has witnessed since it joined the global healthcare technologies marketplace include the increased focus on managing septic patients in the critical care

and emergency settings and the growth of enhanced recovery programs in anaesthesia and surgical settings. In order to remain at the forefront of innovation and development in the market Cheetah partners with numerous clinicians to advance the science of hemodynamics with clinical studies and to speak about the need for hemodynamic monitoring to ensure adequate perfusion and volume optimization. This collaborative approach extends beyond the firm’s industry peers, with Cheetah continuously connecting with their customers and key clinicians in the market to understand the ever changing requirements, and tailoring their products to meet these needs. The speed at which this dynamic company can respond to changes in the market, which reflects these changing customer needs, is best in class on the market. Overall, the medical device space and the hemodynamic market specifically, continues to evolve and grow. The current market for hemodynamics

is growing rapidly due to the increased awareness of the need to understand a patient’s volume status and to optimize a patient’s perfusion throughout the continuum of care. The key challenge that any competitor faces in this market is the need to educate and drive awareness of how using hemodynamic monitoring can optimize care and drive medical therapy.

“Having a product that is 100% noninvasive, and can travel with a patient as they move through the hospital continuum of care is a major advantage that Cheetah has in the market.”

As such, moving forward Cheetah will continue to broaden awareness of the need for proper volume management in numerous disease states across multiple clinical settings throughout the world. The firm already has a strong focus on supporting clients to understand its products, training numerous clinicians through in-person training, as well as online modules, to ensure they are familiar with the Cheetah products and how to use them effectively. Training and on-site support are key tools that the firm provide to all new customers, and going ahead this will continue to be a core focus for the firm as it seeks to build upon its current success. Ultimately, as the world has become much more connected through technology, and the healthcare space increasingly moves to more non-invasive technologies, Cheetah Medical is well suited to succeed in the market given its advantages. Having a product that is 100% non-invasive, and can travel with a patient as they move through the hospital continuum of care is a major advantage that Cheetah has in the market.

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KEO International Consultants: Brilliance in BIM KEO International Consultants interdisciplinary AEP firm specialising in BIM solutions. Christopher Smeaton provides us with an overview of the firm and the solutions it provides. For over 50 years KEO have led with vision, contributing to many of the world’s most ambitious projects, iconic places, remarkable experiences and prosperous communities. Christopher outlines how the firm is changing the face of BIM in the Middle East through its dedication to innovation and commitment to supporting clients. “At KEO we see ourselves as a leading practitioner of BIM (Building Information Modelling and Management) in the GCC across all our disciplines. BIM allows us to leverage innovative technologies, to be forward thinking in our design and to add value for our clients. Clients and regulators alike are educating themselves on the benefits that BIM processes can bring to the industry, and this in turn impacts our tenders for projects. “Opportunities exist not only in architecture and building engineering, as would be commonly thought, but in other disciplines such as landscape architecture, master planning, and infrastructure opportunities have also greatly increased over the last 18 months. We are finding that clients who are “switched on” to BIM become

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far more involved with design choices at an earlier stage, as the 3D models produced during the concept development phase are easier to visualize. “Implementing new technologies and business processes is never straight forward and comes with many issues both large and small. At KEO, our BIM managers and professionals have a broad range of international experience, including from countries such as the UK and USA that have already seen BIM technologies implemented to a greater extent than here in the GCC. These professionals are not only familiar with the software but are able to advise and apply their in-depth knowledge to achieve results more quickly and to make them mainstream within the company’s operations. “As an example, a few years ago fully rendered visuals of a building would have been created at the concept stage but it was quite a task, and the results were largely static. Now, through BIM 3D modeling, it is much simpler to create visuals at any stage in a project that we are able to make photorealistic and then, by applying geotechnical software, insert them into the existing environment, thus creating a fully realistic context

for the designs. This is just one example of the improvement BIM processes have made to our projects. In other areas, vast improvements have been seen in QA/QC, calculating quantities, specifying products, undertaking environmental analysis- all of which stems from applying better processes and technology.” KEO has been delivering projects using BIM for over five years, with projects ranging from residential, commercial, retail, leisure and hospitality products, to large scale sports and entertainment venues such as stadiums and zoos. Christopher discusses the firm’s offering in this area and how it tailors this to meet the individual needs of its clients. “Here at KEO we leverage BIM not only to allow our clients the power to visualize projects, but even more importantly, we utilize 3D clash avoidance and detection within multi-discipline design models to ensure “right first time” delivery of our designs. 4D time programming allows visualisations and optimisation of construction sequencing. KEO also has a dedicated quantity surveying division which utilizes 5D cost management produced through the accurate measure of quantities, resource and activity schedules, location based

costing and embedded carbon. “All of this embedded information supports truly coordinated design development and drives optioneering. The end goal of this process and technology is to create BIM models that support facilities management through the creation of intelligent operation and maintenance manuals.” Overall, Christopher believes that it is vital to ensure that clients are not limited by the use of BIM, and are able to maximise its potential and create unique designs which meet their individual needs. “There are some in the industry who argue that using BIM related software limits people’s innovation and design flair. At KEO we have found that BIM enables us to be more adventurous in our designs from the outset. The use of 3D models allows us to visualize in detail from the beginning possibilities which would have only been sketched out previously. At KEO, we are consciously aware of not letting software dictate our designs and have built a team to push the boundaries of the software in support of creativity in order to facilitate our clients’ ambitions.” “People recognize immediately the technological components

g Technology / KEO International Consultants: Brilliance in BIM

of BIM through the software, but it is important to understand that BIM is, at heart, a set of business processes coupled with technology that is revolutionizing the design industry. Success in this space means applying these BIM processes hand in hand with a wide range of software to maximize the utility of information embedded in the 3D models. “As features are modeled in 3D from the start, technical aspects which wouldn’t traditionally be considered until later in the project, or even on-site, are being addressed at earlier stages in the project. We feel that coordination with other disciplines throughout the lifecycle of the project provides the best design for the client, and BIM processes enhance the effectiveness of this coordination by making technical issues obvious. Integration of BIM into our workflows is driving our development as a design, engineering, and project management firm as we push the boundaries of what is achievable within the software and across the disciplines. This mirrors the ambitions of our clients and will remain our ongoing focus moving forward.”

Company: KEO International Consultants Address: Free Trade Zone, Future Zone, Flamingo Complex, Bldg 6, Safat 13037 , P O Box 3679, Kuwait Phone: +965 2461 6000 Fax: +965 2461 6001 Email: info@keoic.com Website: www.keoic.com

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AVK Reveals Excellence in New Product Range For over 30 years AVK UK has been known throughout the construction industry and development sector for its leading edge products and rock-steady place in the supply chain. It is also now leading the pack in launching a range of five new water mains-to-meter products. Here, BUILD magazine explores how AVK is set to dominate the water mains-to-meter market with the AVK Pentoflow range, already dubbed ‘the most durable range on market’. The news that SSE Water is to install AVK Pentoflow products sent ripples across the construction industry. Only months earlier, AVK announced AVK Pentoflow with great confidence, not least because it had designed and developed the AVK Pentobox, AVK Pentomech, AVK Pentopush, AVK Pentovalve and AVK Pentotap in tandem with existing customers and end users. AVK Business Manager, James Pick, explains: “We consulted end users, including utilities, construction giants and self-lay companies, about the day-to-day issues they face when installing water meter-to-mains products. “The key matters raised were reliability, durability, value and connectivity. So they became the starting point for the AVK Pentoflow range.” The range is constructed of highly durable materials, delivering leading edge boundary boxes, PE mechanical and pushfit connections, stop taps and ferrules. SSE became the first utility company to get the AVK Pentoflow boundary boxes into the ground, in a huge housing development near Didcot. The 4,200-home development will benefit from AVK Pentoflow following SSE Water’s commitment to switching from a generic product to the only

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boundary box with an 8-tonne loading. James Pick says: “To have SSE give such a resounding vote of confidence is marvellous. AVK underwent field trials with SSE and proved the through-life value the entire range brings to developments of all sizes. They really put it to the test and it came out with flying colours. “On developments such as this, every detail counts, every product matters. Contractors need to get the installation of products right first time and need to reduce replacement works to a minimum.” Part of the AVK Pentoflow range is the AVK Pentopush solution, which is easy to specify and install. These fittings offer speed and reliability, both essential on-site. This means the end user has flexibility when connecting a pipe up to 63mm in diameter. The Universal fitting in this range allows repair connections to lead, galvanised steel, copper, PVCU, imperial polyethylene and metric PE. Even the infamous 54mm copper pipe can now be connected thanks to AVK Pentopush Universal fitting. This new patented range of composite fittings can be applied in one simple move, with no need for tools and no complicated pipe prep. The pipe simply enters the fitting easily - without the need for a high push-in force – and the push-back ring moves in the opposite direction, compressing

the O-ring as the clamp ring grips the pipe, giving a leak tight connection, all in one move. “AVK Pentopush really sums up the entire range,” says James Pick. “It’s designed to be very easy to use, fast and straightforward. It means the customer can reduce time required, which translates as a reduction in budgets required for a job. “Because AVK Pentopush is glass-fibre reinforced engineering thermoplastic material it is as strong as metal, as corrosion resistant as thermoplastic and delivers outstanding thread strength.” As well as a Push-fit solution in the AVK Pentopush, AVK also realises that a mechanical option can be a preferred solution and the AVK Pentomech Universal range is fast becoming an essential product suite for carrying out a repair, as it allows complete flexibility when connecting a pipe up to 35mm in diameter. As with the AVK Pentopush products, Pentomech can connect on to lead, galvanised steel, copper, PVCU, imperial polyethylene and metric PE. The AVK Pentomech Balance Sealing System addresses the problem of needing a tightened connection without downgrading a seal’s performance. AVK Pentomech is designed to actually improve the seal’s performance as the nut is tightened.

By aligning itself with utility companies’ and contractors’ growing focus on TOTEX-driven requirements for a water mainsto-meter range, the design of the entire AVK Pentoflow has reduced installation time while maintenance and operation costs are well below that of existing ranges. AVK is now running trials for key utility customers and discussing considerable advantages and value incentives available to largescale developments and projects. “The launch at last year’s No Dig Live prompted a huge reaction from utilities, contractors and self-lay companies concerned with TOTEX in every aspect of their businesses. Our products have been designed to address that,” explains AVK’s Kieran Fitzpatrick. “By delivering what we believe is the most durable range on the market we’re told we’ve struck the right note, because a higher standard of product will deliver greater through-life value.” AVK believes that the durability of the AVK Pentoflow range is key to the products’ success. Investment has been made in design and materials to deliver better made, longer-lasting and easier to install products. As Kieran Fitzpatrick proudly states: “Seeing contractors get their hands on the products and understanding how AVK Pentoflow range really takes mains-to-meter a giant leap

g Engineering & Infrastructure / AVK Reveals Excellence in New Product Range New product field test: industry expert examines strength and ease of fit of AVK Pentobox boundary box forward is very gratifying.” The range includes the classleading AVK Pentobox, a meter boundary box with a composite Grade B Surface box tested to fully withstand an 8 tonne load, whether installed in the driveway, on the crossover or wherever there is the risk of damage. It will also allow Automated Meter Reading (AMR) signals to pass uninterrupted. The AVK Pentopush push-fit connection design has a stronger but smaller construction and so will readily marry with existing and old pipework, reducing the cost of retrofit and expansion of pipe works. The cost-saving advantage begins as soon as the AVK Pentoflow range is delivered to site because they are not susceptible to the damage other less long-lasting products suffer. This means the contractor no longer has to replace boundary boxes and fittings even before they have been fully installed. For example, the guard pipe is polypropylene, not a brittle material such as fibre glass seen in other pipes, so it can withstand the rigours of the construction site for prolonged periods. One contractor has reported to AVK that, previously, up to 50% of its installed mains-tometer products were having to be replaced even before the development was finished, due to inferior products being unable to withstand everyday wear on-site. This, plus the fact the AVK Pentoflow range is designed for ease of installation, results in major savings. Kieran Fitzpatrick calls AVK Pentoflow a ‘real world’ solution. “It is vitally important that key mains-to-meter products are built to withstand the wear and tear of the building site. This means we can say goodbye to contingency budgets needed to replace damaged products even before they are fully installed.

Additionally, as part of a new product field test an industry expert examined strength and ease of fit of AVK Pentobox boundary box. Designed to be the most durable, class-leading boundary box on the market, the product features a surface box that will withstand an 8 tonne load, made of stronger composites to withstand site damage and lid failure. AVK claims it will reduce the need for retrofits and repairs, drastically cutting ‘through life’ costs. But can it really stand up to the toughest tests in the business? Industry expert Phil Frost has been there, done that, got the t-shirt in almost every role in the water industry, so who better to put the AVK Pentobox through its paces? Nowadays a well-respected trainer and lecturer, Phil’s first comment on the AVK Pentobox is a general note of guidance: “The installation and reinstating industry guidelines are there for a reason. This is what I teach and if you follow them, you can’t go far wrong. Boundary boxes and other products are designed to be installed properly,” he says. “What I liked immediately about the Pentobox,” said Phil, “was that the telescopic adjustment does actually give and maintain a precise height. When I started filling in the trench the outer sleeve gripped the inner one, so it stayed at the optimal height. “This is a clever feature, as other boundary boxes I have used slide down the tube and needed digging out pretty quickly. The design of the AVK Pentobox achieves the flat surface required. We tested it at different levels and they all worked.” AVK consulted end users when developing the entire AVK Pentoflow range, so the telescopic adjustment was designed specifically to enable a faster, easier installation. Phil’s work as a college lecturer covers everything, as he says: “How to dig, to reinstating and the whole lot.” He has been familiar with AVK products for many years. But surely one boundary box is pretty much the same as the next? Phil disagrees: “The push-fit connections on the AVK Pentobox work well and make installation easier. Of course, I would again emphasise doing this right first time.” In reinstating the trench, Phil used a 56-kilo vibrating plate compactor. “I can happily report it compacted and held very well,” he says. “With other boundary boxes they can sink into the ground when it comes to laying the tarmac surface. So really, this new product will solve those problems.” AVK’s Kieran Fitzpatrick confirms this: “We developed the entire AVK Pentoflow range in discussion with the primary users, including Water Utilities and their delivery partners, developers and self-lay piping companies. “They want their mains-to-meter products installing right first time, so we designed the AVK Pentobox to help make this easier. Ease of installation, durability and a reduction in retrofits and repairs all mean a drop in through life costs – this is what the industry told AVK they need, so this is what we have delivered.”

Company: AVK UK Limited Name: James Pick Email: japi@avkuk.co.uk Web Address: http://www.avkuk.co.uk/en-gb Address: Colliery Close, Ireland Ind. Est., Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3FH, England Telephone: +44 (0)1246 479100

The cost incentives are also vast. On testing the products, one self-lay company predicted it could save around £50,000 in the coming year by adopting the AVK Pentoflow range.

With the AVK Pentoflow range, AVK has genuinely asserted itself as a ‘one stop shop’ for every mains-to-meter product.

Look for the LIA Member mark

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT At the LIA we work with our members to ensure all their products meet the highest quality standards. How? Our specialists randomly assess the products of our members at our UKAS accredited laboratory. Why? So when you choose a product from an LIA member, you can be confident that it meets the UK and Europe safety and performance standards.

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To find out more visit thelia.org.uk/market-surveillance

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, Construction

Universal Wood Products: Moulding the Future Universal Wood Products Ltd (UWP) have been specialist manufacturers of primed MDF mouldings for over 20 years. We invited Martin Cossington to talk us through the fascinating history of this innovative firm and how it came to achieve the success it enjoys today.

“Here at UWP we have been supplying to our wide and diverse customer base built over the previous 30 years. Our clients include the major merchant groups, independent timber merchants and major joinery contractors. For these discerning

clients we produce on two main production lines and a dedicated ‘made to order’ line. We specialise in short run made to order requirements and immediate availability on standard common profiles and sizes. “In addition, we often deal directly with many Architect and Interior Design practices whose clients are always looking to diversify and incorporate new design and contemporary themes in their interiors, or are attempting to match an existing profile with a modern substrate ie MR MDF. For these client we are able to assist by offering ideas on previous profile patterns, thickness options and ensure the architect or specifier is fully aware of the limitations of the material. We are also able to have TCT cutters produced to meet specific architects’ drawings or to match a specific profile sample that the client may already have. “Our approach revolves around always expressing the inherent benefits of using high quality

moisture resistant MDF profiles. This commitment to educating our clients and providing them with the highest possible quality has led us to secure high profile projects through our trading partners. These have included The Shard, The British Library and the Hilton Hotel Wembley.” Overall Martin is excited for the future, which will provide UWP with many invigorating opportunities to build upon its current success. “Moving forward there will be some significant changes within our particular industry which will provide our firm with some great opportunities. With the major producers of primed MDF profiles purchasing other producers for market share and greater capacity in production, W Howard Ltd based in Manchester have recently purchased Balcas moulding business in Ireland and SAM of Northern Ireland purchasing Select Timber Ltd. New production lines for Arbor Forest Products Ltd also add further capacity to the market.

“With all of these changes within our sector and extra capacity coming on stream we are excited and look to 2017 eagerly as we can already anticipate a greater call for the service that we provide, as our service meets the ever changing dynamics and site requirements of tomorrows second fix market. In addition, the need to support both the timber trade sector and the environmental groups that police our industry whether that be the FSC or the PEFC auditing bodies will be a great new challenge for our firm. “Despite the various social, political and economic challenges faced by our industry and others over the coming months and years, fundamentally, the joinery and construction sector that we all rely upon is in great shape. I am a firm believer in not worrying too much about how hard or soft our Brexit landing is, as ultimately we shall continue to be of service and continue to provide our customers with the products they need.”

UWP business was formed over 100 years ago as a trading division of Swedish Match who owned many timber and allied companies. The firm was one of the first businesses to act as agents on behalf of the first European producers of MDF such as Intamasa of Spain and several European MDF moulding producers in the 70’s and 80’s, before the business moved from importation into manufacturing in the 1990’s. Martin outlines the firm’s service offering and discusses how the company works to ensure clients receive the very best products which meet their needs when they work with his firm.

Company: Universal Wood Products Ltd Name: Martin Cossington Email: martin@uwpltd.co.uk Web Address: www.uwpltd.co.uk Address: Oak House ,Eastern Ave West, Romford, Essex RM7 7AY Telephone: 01708 726736

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Personnel / Putting the Talent in Talent Management

Company: Kensington International, Inc. Name: Brian Clarke, Managing Partner Email: bclarke@kionline.com Web Address: www.kionline.com Address: 1515 West 22nd Street, Suite 500, Oak Brook, IL 60558 Telephone: 630.590.6330

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Kensington International: Putting the Talent in Talent Management Kensington International ranks among the largest and most successful Talent Management Firms in the U.S. and provides executive search, leadership development and outplacement services to its clients both in the US and around the globe. We caught up with Managing Partner Brian Clarke to learn more about the company and its service offering.

Founded in 1989, Kensington International expertly partners with its clients on each element of the Employment Life Cycle - from talent acquisition/ assessment through retention/ development and, as required, career transition. The firm serves organizations that range from $25 million to $130 billion in size, works across all key industry sectors and in many instances provides all three services to a single client. Process is the cornerstone of every engagement. At the start of every project, Kensington establishes an engagementspecific search strategy. This always includes face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders and hiring managers as well as Search Committees, the C-Suite, or Board – level dependent. Brian outlines the importance of this approach and given their size, a somewhat unique approach to ensure a successful outcome to for everyone involved. “Unlike many firms of our size, Kensington, because of our Leadership Development business, we can employ the use of assessment tools directly in our search process. Most often we rely on the Leadership Effectiveness Analysis™ (LEA)

- developed by a long-time partner – MRG, to assess top candidates’ leadership skills around a variety of dimensions (developing and implementing strategy, influencing skills, team effectiveness, etc.). Within the first 20 days of each engagement our process also includes formally assessing key client stakeholders to gain an understanding of the competencies they feel are critical to success in the role. This “Role Expectations process”, establishes baseline expectations to measure the most critical leadership practices for the designated role.”

“Overall, as a 28-yearold Talent Management firm we see a very strong future across all three lines of business – but in particular Search.”

While the client company will typically develop the initial position description, Kensington spends a great deal of time with key stakeholders to refine the position criteria both in terms of key accountabilities and leadership characteristics. They then prepare a formal Search Roadmap that contains a full position description/Opportunity Profile, a ‘go to market’ strategy, a project-specific timeline and specific company target list. Kensington considers direct research to be a hallmark in terms of the firm’s skill set. In order to offer truly global solutions Kensington International delivers its services worldwide through a partner organization - Agilium Worldwide. With offices in 30-plus countries, they have both reach and local market knowledge. Brian stated: “Outside of what we have experienced in the oil and gas markets, we see that construction activity in both the vertical and infrastructure markets firming up nicely. In the US - while coal had been clearly under pressure prior to the election, power, energy and utility markets should see additional opportunities. We also see power markets – particularly in the Asia–Pacific markets (Coal included) continuing to be active.

We would also be remiss if we did not mention that with the election, we anticipate that the flow of money – both public and private – into capital expenditure programs should be increasing. Net-net and looking ahead, we see further industry recovery and perhaps opportunities specifically related to infrastructure, on the horizon.” These strong prospects bode well for Kensington, which is keen to build upon its current success and is looking forward to a prosperous future, as Brian concludes. “Overall, as a 28-year-old Talent Management firm we see a very strong future across all three lines of business – but in particular Search. The markets/ economy seem to be on solid footing and prospects are good – especially here in the U.S. Most exciting for us is the continued expansion of practice areas within Search and the continued expansion of our Leadership Development business. We are certainly looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunities impacting both businesses that should be present within the Built environment.”

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UK Flood Barriers: Flooding the Market UK Flood Barriers is a leading flood defence specialist offering end to end project management services supporting all stages of the contract delivery process including survey, product specification, installation, client/customer communication and ongoing maintenance. Frank Kelly, CEO and Founder of UK Flood Barriers, talks us through the firm and how it aims to offer the very highest quality of service to clients in this vital sector. Established in 2007, UK Flood Barriers has since grown to become one of the UK’s leading specialist flood contractors, project managing multiple high profile contracts across domestic property schemes for both public and private sector organisations at any one time. Frank, who has over 30 years’ experience in the construction market, believes that the reason for the firm’s market leading status is this strong industry knowledge. “Back in 2006, when I was exploring the market prior to founding UK Flood Barriers, I could not see a single product that holistically addressed the issue of property flooding and infrastructure, exploring the idea that buildings can be better built to withstand flooding, rather than exploring preventative measures after the building is constructed,” he proudly states. “I noticed that many firms in the sector had a limited background in construction, and having personally witnessed firsthand the misery that flooding causes I used my considerable construction industry experience to design a range of solutions which addressed the issues of flooding for both new builds and older properties requiring ‘retro’ fitting.

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“Drawing on my industry experience, which spans over three decades, I understood how properties are constructed, and was therefore able to develop products which prevented the water from entering the building.” The firm’s range began with redesigned airbricks, back flow valves and door barriers. Over the years Frank developed the firm’s service offering as he gained a greater insight into it. “During my time as CEO of UK Flood Barriers I have noticed that the biggest issue in the UK flood prevention sector is human intervention. Insurance figures show that there is a 60% failure rate for manually operated systems, as well as electrical systems. As such, I developed a process of harnessing the power of the water itself, and started designing our product range about this idea, which we call ‘Passive Protection’. Once we had designed the products we had them tested to the highest possible industry standards, and we have adapted this innovative technology over the years to ensure that we are always offering the very highest possible standards and were definitely able to ensure the protection of our clients’ properties.”

When he originally entered the market Frank faced stiff competition from many firms who were keen to keep the market small. “When I first started UK Flood Barriers most companies only offered one product, predominantly door barriers,” Frank explains. “Many companies wanted to keep the market small and reduced to single product firms, whereas I was keen to open the market up in order to support the next generation of flood prevention products.” As a pioneer in the industry Frank has driven not only the development of innovative products, but also the creation of standards in the form of Kitemark certification. Despite the fact that in the UK, buildings are more likely to flood than to burn down, and therefore the prevention of flood damage is critical to ensuring the continued safety of the country’s population there was, until recent years, no standards for flood prevention, whereas there are fire safety regulations which all buildings must comply with. Frank supported the introduction of industry wide standards, always supporting the British Standards Institution (BSI) but he did not restthere. , He set about aiming to instigate additional regulation to ensure that products are

installed to the highest possible standards. “Poor installation is key issue in the construction industry currently, and I have felt from the beginning that standards must be raised. It does not matter how effective the product is, if it is poorly installed it will not work. I had approached BSI in 2012 to attempt to introduce a Kitemark style certification for installers, but they felt, at the time, that it would not be well received by the industry. “However, we created our own installers scheme, independently verified by the British Plumbers Employers Council, which provides best practice verification and training on how water enters a property, different types of

“Ultimately, UK Flood Barriers has developed innovative solutions which have made it not only a UK leader, but a world renowned expert.”

g Engineering & Infrastructure / UK Flood Barriers: Flooding the Market

flooding, the various products available on the market and how to install these to the highest possible standard. Due to the success of this scheme BSI contacted us with a view to rolling out the course Nationwide, and in October 2015 the Flood Professionals Course was launched, acting as a BSI standard for installing BSI Kitemarked product.” Despite this success, Frank still finds that there is significant resistance to standards across the industry, with even the Government objecting. “Recently the Government released a grant of £85 million for the North to help minimise the risk of future flood damage,” Frank states. “However, this grant is not affiliated to any standard, meaning recipients do not need to use accredited products or installers. The amount of non-accredited poorly installed, ineffective products that will not work is huge and

as such we are trying to get the industry to wake up to the need to introduce a standard.” Ultimately, UK Flood Barriers has developed innovative solutions which have made it not only a UK leader, but a world renowned expert in flood preventive solutions. Moving forward, Frank is keen to continue to build upon its international reputation for excellence. “Recent developments for UK Flood Barriers include the development of our selfactivating flood barrier, which we are now manufacturing in New York. We have also started development on large projects on the coast of Manhattan, which we will be installing in the early part of this year.

“Longer term, we are building a testing facility in New York in order to showcase the effectiveness of these innovative solutions. Other regions we are moving into include Mexico, Malaysia, Australia and mainland Europe. From our base in Droitwich we have built an internationally recognised flood preventionbusiness. Building upon this and continuing to grow and expand will remain our ongoing focus. We are continually pushing the boundaries when it comes to new products, and we currently have three new products due to launch over the next 12 months, including a one-man operation flood gate and we look forward to taking advantage of the opportunities for growth that these solutions will bring for our company.”

Company: UK Flood Barriers Name: Frank Kelly, CEO Address: 9a Wassage Way, Hampton Lovett Industrial Estate, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 0NX United Kingdom Phone: +44(0)1905 773282 Email: info@ukfloodbarriers.co.uk Website: http://www.ukfloodbarriers.co.uk/

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Architecture & Design / Creating Global Architectural Excellence

Company: Stephan Braunfels Architekten Name: Prof. Stephan Braunfels Email: office@braunfels-architekten.de Web Address: www.braunfels-architekten.de Address: Luisenstrasse 31, 10117 Berlin Telephone: 0049 (30) 25 37 60 - 0

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Stephan Braunfels Architekten: Creating Global Architectural Excellence Stephan Braunfels Architekten is a Berlin based architecture firm drawing on over 40 years’ experience in the industry. We invited Founded Prof. Stephan Braunfels, recipient of Architect of the Year, to talk us through the firm and how it uses this experience to create stunning buildings. Founded in 1976, Stephan Braunfels Architekten draws on this vast experience and the combined experience of its staff, which number around 50, to create projects in both its native Germany and around the world. Countries the firm has previously worked in include Luxembourg, Italy, Russia, the United States of America, Mexico, Nepal and China.

“In order to ensure the overall success of a project, when I begin I intensively study the interests and goals of my client and their consultants as well as the program of the project. Sometimes I recommend to optimize the program and the goals before we start the designing process so as to ensure that I know exactly what they want.

In his opening comments Stephan discusses his approach to every project and how he aims to ensure that clients receive the outcome they want.

“In addition, I support clients who struggle with taste, and discreetly try to lead him to the rules of good architecture. Usually I offer two different preliminary designs, so the client can make their own choice.”

“Here at Stephan Braunfels Architekten we have built several large public buildings in Germany as well as structures around the world. Examples of our work include the largest art museum in Germany, the Pinakothek Modern in Munich, the largest government building in Berlin, the parliament buildings Paul-Loebe Haus and Marie-ElisabethLueders Haus in Berlin, and the Federal Archive in Berlin, which is still being completed.

Offering a unique style is also important to Stephan; at the same time, his is keen to respect the regional and historic sources of countries and cities of his projects. As a professor of urban design at a Berlin University he is able to gain information on the history and culture of many regions and always respects this in his work. He outlines the beginnings of his passion for his work, and how he has come to define his style.

“From the very childhood, I studied history of architecture. I grew up in Aix La Chapelle, Florence and Munich, giving me a taste for exquisite, historical architecture. When I was younger I made the masterplan of the reconstruction of the city of Dresden, conducted several masterplans to reconstruct the Hofgarten Areal and the Ring street of Munich and developed a new Ring street of Dresden, the reconstruction of the castle and the center of Berlin. I also did the masterplan of the Cultural Forum of Berlin.

“All of these projects were dreams come true for someone who loves historical architecture and they helped me to define my style.”

“All of these projects were dreams come true for someone who loves historical architecture and they helped me to define my style, which is innovative in a forgotten sense. I am an urbanist architect, and as such I respect and research the historical and regional sources of the countries and cities in which I build. I try to find new and modern solutions out of the history of the places where I build - not out of the history of ‘modernism’. I always think of the city when I built a house. I travel a lot to research the old and new cities and the best, old and new buildings of the world, and draw upon this experience in every aspect of my work.” At 66 years old, Stephan shows no signs of slowing down, and continues to draw on his experience to create stunning projects which enhance the city in which they are based. He concludes by outlining what the future holds for him and how he intends to continue to build his legacy of excellence. “Moving forward, I have projects in the pipeline around the world, and I have so many ideas I want to realize. Every building is something totally new and it is exciting to bring my visions to life.”

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Waldeck: Dedicated to Digital “Fundamentally, the future is bright…… the future is digital.”

Waldeck is a specialist multi-disciplinary Technical and Risk Management Consultancy supporting private and global blue-chip corporations succeed with heavy infrastructure, industrial and major building projects. The firm has recently been honoured with the title of BIM Firm of the Year. Founder Paul Waldeck discusses the techniques the firm has employed to achieve the success and market leading position it enjoys today. Founded over twenty years ago, Waldeck are a unique project delivery and engineering biased specialist Strategic Advisory Consultancy offering fully integrated BIM based Enterprise Lifecycle Management (ELM) solutions across all facets of BIM deliverables and services, encompassing open BIM (Industry Foundation Classes), Uni-class, Constructions Operation Building information exchange (COBie) and Government Soft Landings (GSL) aligned with 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D solutions. Paul outlines the importance of BIM and discusses the various digital innovations his company offers. “Digital is at the core of everything we do at Waldeck, which is showcased through our market-leading use of BIM and its best-practise standards, processes and protocols. The interfacing of BIM and traditional Product Lifecycle Management allows us to offer a 7D cradle to grave solution to clients called ‘Enterprise Lifecycle Management’, which adds value, creates efficiencies and reduces risk right from the very beginning of project conceptual and feasibility stages. Delivering 7D BIM construction solutions, enables our clients to manage the operation and maintenance of a facility throughout its lifecycle even more efficiently and safely than traditional construction methods would otherwise

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provide, whilst also giving them the potential to continually optimise the performance of their built assets with certainty of outcome over the life of the built asset. Our way of working drives value at every stage, no matter what key performance indicator one applies. “As the mainstream of the construction industry continues the transition from traditional paper-based and CAD drawings to high-resolution digital modelling, and beyond, we are continually looking for better ways of doing things, transforming both the technologies we use and the cutting-edge blended software solutions we create for our clients to deliver the necessary results. “Indeed, new for 2017, through our continued investment in R&D, training and innovation, we have developed a game changing new site monitoring product and risk management solution for the construction industry called: Digital Surveillance to BIM. This efficient combination of proven digital technologies and new capabilities leveraged through flying UAV’s autonomously, laser scanning and photogrammetry has been developed in conjunction with our R&D partners, the University of Huddersfield. The process uses specialist aerial photogrammetry deployed from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to capture progressive on-site data, which

will deliver substantial benefits for clients, across the entire lifecycle of a project. We are continuing this collaboration into 2017, where we will be looking to further develop our research and capability on the subject of reality computing for construction, which leads us onto our investment in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). “We first showcased our AR capability at last years’ Multimodal logistics show sharing with delegates wide tailed animations at the swipe of a smartphone, but this year we will be delving deeper into the virtual world, by allowing delegates to step inside a digital model, showing how we design, co-ordinate, interrogate and showcase our client’s federated digital models. Being ‘inside’ a digital model means our clients can see things first hand, and we are able to make changes in real-time, taking our decision making and design revisions to the next level. “As we continue to be ahead of the curve, we are also rapidly progressing with a niche BIM to Field cloud-based service, combining mobile field technologies for on-site use with cloud-based collaboration and reporting. “Embracing the latest disruptive innovations and continually looking for leaner and more efficient ways, we see these digital advances as an

enhancement to our way of working and provides important opportunities to drive forward innovation that are critical to the future of not just the company but the industry as a whole.” The vast array of digital solutions that Waldeck offer, highlights their continual commitment to providing clients with the services they need despite the ever evolving, increasingly digital nature of the market. The firm is well on course in its vision of being ‘best in class, to be the digital leader providing multi-disciplinary strategy, design and delivery project solutions, as measured by client profile in their chosen markets, value delivered and considered by their staff to be the employer of choice’. Waldeck’s focus on digital as the core driver for the business has re-positioned what was historically an engineering consultancy into a world class leader in digital project and lifecycle management solutions with significant double digit year on year growth which attracts some of the best talent in the market. Tom Greatrix, CEO of the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) shared at their recent Bristol Centre of Excellence Launch event “Waldeck was a very different company not that very long ago, and it takes a lot of courage and tenacity to make that quantum shift, and I think something that Paul, and everybody involved should be very, very proud of because that

Technology / Waldeck: Dedicated to Digital

is what we want to see – that dynamism, and I think Waldeck represent that very well.” Over the past three years, Waldeck have seen a 236% increase in sales, and with its financial year end almost closed, 2016 looks certain to continue that fantastically strong growth trend with a further 50% plus sales growth too. Whilst the company did not apply to the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 panel for the 2016 list of the UK’s fastest growing companies, it will be doing so in 2017. The company’s growth has been driven by a focus on its unique digitally based strategic project solutions offering which complement and enhance its multi-disciplinary consultancy offering for clients across a number heavy infrastructure, industrial and major projects industries to help create certainty in time, cost, quality, safety and lifecycle efficiency of built assets. Moving forward, Paul foresees increasing growth as the firm seeks to continue to adapt and offer the very best, unique, specialist multi-disciplinary technical and management consultancy service both in the UK and now also the international major projects markets. “Our growth over the past three years has certainly been something to be proud of, and our cutting-edge expertise and collaborative way of working has been at the core of our success. We have invested heavily in R&D, education, and of course, developed and attracted top talent which all drive this consistent trajectory and success and I would like to thank everyone in and associated with the company for their contribution.

Company: Waldeck Name: Paul Waldeck Email: paul.waldeck@waldeckconsulting.com Web Address: www.waldeckconsulting.com Address: The Kiln, Mather Road, Newark-on-Trent, NG24 1FB Telephone: 08450 990285

“Overall, we are excited to be working on strategic and technical solutions on a series of industry firsts for several world class blue-chip clients in the markets of nuclear, energy from waste, logistics, industrial and manufacturing. We are also seeing interest in the potential for full 8D interactive enterprise solutions with major projects customers in Oil & Gas and Airports too which further gives us confidence in our ability to grow an even more successful business in the years ahead. Fundamentally, the future is bright…… the future is digital.”

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Experian: Preparing for Growth Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data, analytical tools and insight for clients across all sectors around the world. This Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated organisation has a breadth of services; from credit checking and screening to marketing services, from helping to protect businesses from fraud to guiding people and businesses towards better financial decisions. Experian has established significant partnerships across various industries including Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, Telecoms, Utilities, Automotive, Retail and more. We spoke to Vicky McNab and Izabella Jagiello-Marks to learn more about Experian’s Background Checking service and how screening can protect and support the construction and building sector. “One of the areas where we spend a lot of time and focus is around understanding markets and their trends. For construction specifically our economic forecasts show us that over the next three years construction is expected to grow by 5%, specifically showing a 7% growth in new build work compared to maintenance which is forecast to remain at the same level.” Vicky also went on to outline the importance of embracing this growth and the basic best Vicky McNab

26 BUILD / February 2017

practices organisations need to consider to protect and mitigate risk and increase opportunity. “It is really important that any constructor, or builder, considers this growth and has a strategy for its workforce in place. With building projects, personal or commercial, being a major part in society, and managing one of the largest trade workforces, it has meant that public commentary on its practices are often reported on, and not always in a positive light. This spans from construction sites to the capabilities of the workers. There are multiple areas constructors and builders need to consider Izabella Jagiello-Marks

– from sensitivities around the neighbours to health and safety of its workforce and the provision of best practice in production. We have built a substantial and longstanding background checking customer base over the past 17 years, providing employment screening and more to thousands of organisations across all industry sectors with construction being a significant area of focus for us. From the provision of easily deployable web-based services for small businesses to fully bespoke business process management systems for the in-house provision of screening services.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ and this has been particularly useful for the firms we have supported to date – flexibility and scalability” Izabella continued: “Ultimately, a detailed professional background check can take the guesswork out of vital recruitment decisions by providing a thorough understanding of an individual’s background and their skills. Employers commonly use background checks to recruit the right people for the right roles, ensure qualifications are valid, gain a view of their right to work, increase staff retention and protect their brand and employees. An official background check also acts as an essential safeguard against fraudulent activity, preventing possible income loss and damages to reputation and integrity, by confirming that an individual is who they say they are, and that the information they are providing is valid. These types of solutions can be provided as service and/ or as software, allowing for flexibility many other firms cannot offer, with the added offer of consultancy to ensure best practice is applied.”

g Technology / Experian : Preparing for Growth

Experian is uniquely placed to meet screening requirements based on years of experience and continuous investment. Vicky concludes: “As an FCA regulated business, Experian is trusted by many of the UK’s leading financial institutions with the screening of their employees. Our ability to deploy and execute quickly with a proven and scalable solution demonstrates why we are ideally placed as a strategic partner for businesses. We are the only employee screening provider regulated by the FCA – we understand the challenges constructors and builders face as a regulated business. Compliance is at the heart of our business and every activity we undertake. In around 15 minutes a candidate could have completed their secure online application, making it stress free.” Company: Experian Name: Vicky McNab and Izabella Jagiello-Marks Web Address: www.experian.co.uk/background-checking

To find out more about Experian’s Background checking service you can contact them on www. experian.co.uk/backgroundchecking. More information on Experian’s construction economic reports can be found www.experian.co.uk/economics

1702BU23

Architecture & Design / Absolutely FABulous

Company: f a b i architekten bda Name: Stephan Fabi Email: sf@fabi-architekten.de Web Address: www.fabi-architekten.de Address: Glockengasse 10 93047 Regensburg - Germany Telephone: +49 (0) 941-900333

28 BUILD / February 2017

Absolutely FABulous Stephan Fabi of Fabi Architekten BDA speaks to BUILD Magazine about the company and its vision.

“Our office sees every project as a unique task and is looking for perfect solutions,” he begins. “As in a manufactory, only perfect individual pieces are created. Our projects unite a clear language of form and an attitude which is the theme of the building’s reference to the place and its history. In this way, individual solutions always arise with a view to the human scale and the urban or landscape integration. This is also the reason why we only work on a limited number of projects in order to ensure a consistently high quality. Our main focus is the design and planning of buildings of all kinds, artistic overall concepts interior design and wellness planning. “We have been working in architecture since 1996. So already over 20 years. Two important things have come to mind. On the one hand an extreme technisation and computerisation. On the other hand, especially in Germany, there is a high degree of over-regulation in the area of construction law. This makes building more expensive and slower.” When undertaking a new client or project, Stephan and his team have a tried and tested approach to ensuring client satisfaction each and every time. We listen carefully to the customer first. We identify his needs very closely. To this end, we are also asking a lot of specific questions about the functional process within the building and, of course,

especially about its preferences and visions. Only then do we begin with our actual work. “We work extremely individually, try a lot and work out different alternatives for each project. Every project is worked out on the model. This leads to better decisions.” Stephan keeps his hand in the industry by attending events and providing expert advice for publications. He shares with us his strategical secrets to success. “In previous years, we have given many lectures and written essays. In the past few years this has been significantly reduced, however this is due to the very strong workload of our office,” he explains. “Within the industry we had to struggle above all with the declining level of architectural education in recent years. It

is becoming more and more difficult to find good committed employees, who want to prescribe 100% to life as an architect. The lessons that we draw from it are that we are working more and more with the same experienced colleagues and have created a good network over the last two years.

The firm’s most successful project to date was the House of the Future, Stephan informs us. “Here, we worked with wellknown partners from all over Europe to develop a completely energy-efficient building with the possible standard for 2020. An intelligent house with absolute rarity.”

“Above all else, our main goal is satisfied customers and perfect buildings. For this, we work every day with full commitment and work towards the best possible qualification.

And Stephan also has high hopes for the future of the firm.

“Through curiosity, we look at a lot of buildings, analyse a lot and try to make a lot of other disciplines like art, fashion, music into our work. “In my opinion, above all, endurance and honesty are the most important pillars for sustainable professional success.”

“I think the next 2-3 years will be marked by a very good order situation and the market will be smaller in the medium term. “Our benchmark for success is above all measured by how much joy and pleasure our work makes. We are currently working on the reconstruction of a medieval building, which will be converted into a museum depot for the Museum of Bavarian History. A very important building in Bavaria. We want to finish it this year.”

1702BU16

A Visionary’s Tale Martin Lesjak talks to BUILD Magazine about his company, INNOCAD, and tells us what makes him tick. INNOCAD Architecture was founded in 1999 by Contract magazine´s Designer of the Year 2015 Martin Lesjak and Peter Schwaiger in Graz, Austria. VISION: To enhance, expand and improve our quality of life through architecture, design and art. APPROACH: We work out of context and have an analytical and pragmatic approach to create designs that have meaning and purpose but often go against the grain of conventionality. While our approach may sometimes seem simple, our work is inspired by a myriad of influences that enable us to sample, extend and reinterpret concepts into new forms. We provide a unified roadmap for each project that offers an informed point of view. And most importantly, each project has a central “idea” which is paramount and provides clear vision and direction throughout the project. INSPIRIATION: Our inspiration comes from a variety of world

influences. Our mantra is: Work with your brain and act from your heart. We do not design for design’s sake. We are inspired by the details and creative process taken to develop innovative solutions for any design challenge. We are not pursuing an ideal that complies with a flawless pursuit of beauty in design and architecture. We firmly believe in embracing objects. INNOCAD has been featured in major publications including: A+U (JAP), A10 (NEL), DETAIL and 100 SPACES (GER), Interior Design and Contract magazines (USA), FROG (France), The Financial Times and On Office (Great Britain), OF ARCH (Italy), and H.O.M.E. Magazine (EU), among others. Martin Lesjak is the design visionary behind INNOCAD. His foresight and expertise in art, design, craft and theatrics have led the award-winning firm in innovative directions globally. He talks to us about the firm, its client base, and what sets it apart from others in the industry.

“I lead two related businesses: INNOCAD architecture that provides services in any field of architecture and interior design, and 13&9 design, a design studio which specializes in product design such as furniture, lighting, textiles and fashion accessories. “When undertaking a new client or project we always start with an intensive communication process with our client and serious research about the topic. We want to know as much as possible about our clients and sometimes we even provide questions and briefs to ensure the best outcomes. “What sets us apart is our uniqueness, which is based on our transdisciplinary team and our way of working. The different approaches from people of various professions ensure innovation and out of the box thinking as well as distinctiveness. To work transdisciplinary means that a team of architects, interior designers, fashion and graphic designers work together on a product design and then move on to work on an architecture project.

“Our overall aim is to continually increase the quality of our projects and to work globally in any field of design and architecture. Our strategy is to engage and cultivate talent and to surprise and astonish our clients with solutions that create added values on a functional, aesthetic and emotional level.” For Lesjak, the creative process does not end with the shaping and designing of an object creativity is involved in every facet of the development process and in the evolution of comprehensive design solutions. He further contends that creativity is without boundaries and offers a multitude of possibilities and should not be labelled into specific categories. It is this search for truth in design that prompted Lesjak to co-found 13&9 Design, an interdisciplinary product design label, together with life partner, designer, Anastasia Su. The brand produces products across multiple categories and works with local suppliers, artisans and craftspeople to produce these original designs. They design for international brands, like Mohawk Group, VITEO Outdoors, XAL, Lande, Artifort, Quinze & Milan, Wever & Ducré, BuzziSpace, and Robert La Roche. “Our curiosity and the fact that we constantly blur boundaries between disciplines automatically creates innovative solutions that are unique and out of the box thinking,” he explains. Not everyone can turn a talent and passion into a viable and successful profession, but Martin seems to have mastered this

30 BUILD / February 2017

g Architecture & Design / A Visionaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tale

from the start. Deeply connected to the design process itself, the importance of an idea often serves as the guide and project inspiration. However Martin tells us that his biggest achievement to date is not to do with any of his projects, but is all about his dedicated and hard-working team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our most successful project is the development and the creativity of our multidisciplinary team. What we have learned is, that creativity has no borders and that a holistic approach leads to a balanced quality that focuses on the people.â&#x20AC;? An educator and thought leader, Lesjak discusses his work and lectures frequently at academic institutions. Receiving his Master of Science in Architecture from the Technical University of Graz, he has lectured there consistently since 2003. The next 12 months are key for INNOCAD, and Martin tells us his future aspirations for both the firm and the industry. As sustainability is a keyword and central need for mankind it should be the present focus, not only in an ecological context but also social and cultural sustainability is a given for creatives. We have to consider the next generation, millennials, whose consumer behaviour will fit completely into a more conscious and transparent way along with a shift of values which, for me, is highly necessary and pleasant. Currently we are working on totally diverse architecture projects such as a school in Saudi Arabia, a solar exhibition in Dubai, a residential building in New York and various international retail and office projects. Our design studio 13&9 is engaged in several products and textiles that will be on view at Salone di Mobile in Milano and at NeoCon in Chicago.

Company: INNOCAD Architecture Name: Martin Lesjak Email: office@innocad.at Web Address: www.innocad.at Address: Grazbachgasse 65a, 8010 Graz, Austria Telephone: +43 316 710 324 0

1612BU02

Innovating in Real Estate & Property Services Few real estate agencies offer their clients such a fully-integrated service to equal that which is offered by Dixon Kestles & Co Pty, Ltd. Incorporating residential, commercial and owners’ corporation property management, consulting, sales and leasing, this South Melbourne-based firm provides a specialised range of services that is unrivalled in the industry, and especially in Australia. Dixon Kestles & Co Pty, Ltd. are perhaps a bit different to most other real estate organisations on the market, particularly in Australia. While most other real estate companies are tailored towards one particular aspect – either residential or commercial – depending on their day-today activity, Dixon Kestles is predominantly a management company, with a number of titles under its wing that include Strata Management, that oversees dealings in both residential and commercial properties. As can be expected from this broad base, Dixon Kestles maintains a robust and highly sophisticated management network that encompasses between 6,500 and 7,000 properties in total. In addition to this, the company’s day-to-day activities are more associated with the sale and leasing of commercial assets, which includes industrial as well as retail properties. The smallest component of the business, meanwhile, is in residential sales, but it nonetheless maintains an important position in the company, as all of the staff that are involved in the sale and leasing of properties have come from a residential background. This makes them highly adept at dealing with any residential component that might arise from a particular case.

32 BUILD / February 2017

Today, Dixon Kestles enjoys the rare distinction of a history dating back to the 1880s, accentuating its uniqueness in the industry. The company itself is entering its 41st year, as it was the incorporation of G.F. Dixon, J. Harden and Tuckett Malone in 1975 that first positioned Dixon Kestles as a high-profile agency in the Australian real estate market. Subsequent to this, the acquisition of Douglas Davis in 1989, followed by Machin, Shepard and Paltos in 1990, further enhanced the company’s stature. John Pratt was one of the two Founding Directors of Dixon Kestles when it emerged from this period of acquisition and consolidation. He goes on to emphasise the company’s evolving role in Australia’s changing real estate market. As he describes it, “one major area of change is in regard to the prices of properties. As we have been leasing properties over such an extended period of time, we have seen prices for office space, for example, rise from $8.50 per square foot to $400450 per square foot; there have likewise been increases in retail and industrial rents, as well.” ”I suppose that the other significant area of change that we have experienced is a notable transition from manual systems within the office towards full computerisation,” John

continues, as he explores the ways in which Dixon Kestles’ adoption of new technologies have made a significant positive impact on the business and its ability to process leases and manage its properties. “Our office systems have certainly changed dramatically. When we were first established in the 70s, we were doing everything manually, even receiving the rents, which would take significant amounts of time to process; once they had been received, each and every one had to be transposed multiple times into statements before they were issued, and this took three weeks of every month for our two staff in this department to complete the previous month’s intake.”

“We treat the owner’s property as if it was our own. We advise our clients on the basis of what we would do if we were in their exact situation.”

Considering that in those days, Dixon Kestles were processing in the realm of $60,000-$70,000 in rental values a year, this amounted to a staggering workload, which has become far simpler in the decades since, with the advent of computerisation allowing the processing team to be able to cope with millions of dollars’ worth of rentals in a matter of mere hours. This major renovation, without which Dixon Kestles would not be as successful as it is today, is also aided by new digital filing systems. John mentions that the office went paperless in the year 2000, and that since then, all information pertaining to rentals and leases has been stored on hard drives. While these are changes that can be observed across the industry, to some extent, Dixon Kestles goes one step further by adopting systems that they themselves have piloted, through its own on-board team of software developers. As Dixon Kestles’ systems continue to evolve to further assist in the processing of millions of dollars’ worth of leased properties across the territory of Victoria and other parts of Australia, John describes the company’s ongoing strategy, in the context of its business aims, as such: “we want to uphold a certain attitude when it

Real Estate & Property / Innovating in Real Estate & Property Services

comes to dealing with our clients. We will continually assess the properties that a particular client has in their portfolio, so that we can determine the best ways in which we can upgrade them physically as well as the rentals and the overall value of the property. “We treat the owner’s property as if it was our own,” John says. “We advise our clients on the basis of what we would do if we were in their exact situation. We want to continue to provide our clients with all of the relevant information that they can use to manage their own properties, in a way that adds value to them.” John concludes by summarising the company’s progress over the last 40 years, pointing out that it has grown to be where it is today in spite of very little in the way of marketing – most of Dixon Kestles’ business, he says, comes to them through word of mouth and referral. This is final testament to the value placed in the company’s services, both in the past and going forward into the future.

Company: Dixon Kestles & Co Pty, Ltd. Name: John Pratt Email: dixonkestles@dixonkestles.com.au Web Address: www.dixonkestles.com.au Address: 161 Park Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205, Australia Telephone: 03 9690 3488

1701BU02

Hofrichter-Ritter Architects: Building Brilliance Through Beautiful Buildings Hofrichter-Ritter Architects are an architectural firm based in Graz, Austria. We caught up with Founder Gernot Ritter to learn more about the company and the various projects it has undertaken over recent years. Hofrichter-Ritter Architects specialise in designing sports facilities, religious buildings and residential buildings. Gernot outlines the firm’s approach to design. “Architecture is an artistic fact an emotional phenomenon; it has nothing to do with pure design issues, through form, symbolism, expression and posture. Architecture is not only for the privileged, but the whole society. “In addition to the design architecture is the vision and commitment of the owners for the success of a building. There should be a synergy between architect and client. We see all kinds of structural intervention as object of architecture

“In addition to the urban environment every place has a story. Its geographical location for millions of years. In order to deal respectfully is for us crucial. “As such we view the surrounding space and the quality of a building as a key part of our approach. The surrounding space is a kind of foyer, which prepares the user to the building. Working with this aspect is important for us in the drama of experiencing a building We are an office that very personally concerned with the builders. Each of us actually doing anything. We identify very personal with the client.” One of the firm’s latest projects is the three-section sports hall of BG/BORG Graz Liebenau –

called Blue Box – should be seen as an additional module within the whole complex of the existing sports and school building, which functions, however, as a freestanding building as a result of the strong identity-forming effect of its external appearance. The divisible hall, whose interior is nine metres high, is sunk approx. 4 m into the ground, to bring the height of the building to a level compatible with the surrounding parts of the complex and with the local residents. The fixed stands area is designed for 300 people and an additional six wheelchair spaces. Three telescopic seating stands enable the capacity to be enlarged by 264 people to a total of 566 spectators. The unity of the hall and sports area is a significant element in urban spatial design: The facade of the hall has the same structured blue surface as the sports arena with its rubber coating. The design unity thus produced creates an entrance area in the school grounds, which already has strong associative references to sport. The horizontal caesura in the base, in the form of a glass band that can be illuminated, also makes the structure appear light. In the jointed, low structure connecting the existing building of the “old sports hall” and the

34 BUILD / February 2017

new hall, the en-trances and the foyer with a small buffet area and adjoining rooms are located. Through the synergetic use of the existing – and now renovated and optimised – washrooms within the “old” sports hall, the direct connection can also be justified in terms of function for external use in the form of events. As an anti-glare measure, the sports hall itself is lit naturally from the north side. Additional dome rooflights, which serve the purpose of fume extraction, provide pleasant floor lighting. Access is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, a strict division is possible between school use and external use by clubs, for example, and on the other hand, between visitors to events and players: External users and organisers/players have access to the sports hall via the running track in the north of the grounds and enter the building from the new north-east forecourt, so that the existing school building is not used and lessons are not disturbed. Access for visitors to events is via the main, central axis of the school grounds and through the new main entrance, on the school side, into the foyer, from where the seating in the stands can be reached and is wheelchair accessible. Pupils and teachers have direct access from the existing building via the stairwell to only the changing rooms and sports halls.

Architecture & Design / Building Brilliance Through Beautiful Buildings

The basement is used exclusively by the athletes and those accompanying them. Via the stairs or lift, you reach a dirty corridor that leads to the changing rooms with washrooms, as well as to the building services rooms and adjoining rooms. One of the three changing room units, which each have two cubicles, is reserved for wheel-chair users and equipped with a suitable shower. A washroom and a wheelchair-accessible WC, which is also designed for general use by pupils or athletes during training, complete the facilities. Athletes reach the sports hall from the changing rooms via the clean corridor. Looking ahead, Gernot concludes by highlighting his belief that sustainability will come even further into the fore as firms seeks to enhance the landscape with their architecture/ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fundamentally, we believe that the renovation and conversion of existing buildings is important. The future of architecture is to provide spaces that are sustainable and timeless, and we are excited to be part of this legacy.â&#x20AC;?

Company: HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects Phone: +43 316 723538 Fax: +43 316 723538-19 Email: Office@hofrichter-ritter.at Website: www.hofrichter-ritter.at

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Yonder…Creating and Riding the Wave of Building Physics Engineering Yonder Limited is a specialist team of building physics engineers, based in Leeds. We caught up with founder Rob Gill to find out more about this exciting young firm and the services it provides. Founded in 2012 by managing director Rob Gill, the possessor of a master’s degree in building services engineering, after a decade as a mechanical engineer and low carbon consultant, Yonder is increasingly accustomed to winning prizes. The Yorkshire-based organisation became the UK Building Physics Engineering Consultancy of the Year in the 2016 Build Sustainable Building Awards, for example. A new facility for Hitachi Rail Europe, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on which the firm advised, also won the Best Sustainable Manufacturing and Assembly Facility category in that scheme. Other buildings receiving the Yonder treatment, in locations as diverse as Yorkshire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire and Kent, have taken accolades from bodies such as the Royal Institution of British Architects. Building physics engineering is a young, but rapidly growing, discipline, at the interface of building services, applied physics and construction engineering. Its practitioners use powerful technological tools to model important elements of developments’ performance and recommend ways of improving them.

36 BUILD / February 2017

Yonder’s team works with professionals, including architects, developers, project managers and contractors, across the UK. It contributes to buildings’ passive design – their use of natural sources, like the sun, for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting; leads on their active design, involving deploying non-natural elements, such as boilers and electric lighting, for these purposes; and defines constructions’ ideal renewable energy sources.

But Mr Gill is driven by motivations much deeper than commercial opportunism, based on a hunch that building physics engineering is an idea whose time has come.

The firm’s experts deliver significant sustainability and other benefits to buildings, including lower construction costs, reduced running expenses - through factors such as minimised energy consumption - better indoor environments and lower carbon emissions.

“That means internal comfort should never be diluted by factors like energy efficiency and costs, though these are equally important. Yet in too many projects this watering down is exactly what occurs.”

Yonder places state-of-the-art dynamic simulation modelling (DSM) software at the core of many services it offers. DSM simulates energy flows around and through a building, allowing its thermal environment and energy consumption to be predicted. Since inception, Yonder has advised on more than 500 projects, with end-uses in the public and private sectors, including in the commercial, distribution, education, healthcare, industrial, leisure and retail fields.

Outlining his organisation’s philosophy, he says: “We believe you can’t make a construction truly sustainable unless the internal environment, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and building economics are balanced.

Mr Gill says his firm’s balanced approach echoes the internationally recognised definition of the three pillars of sustainability - the economy, society and the environment.

“Independence is allowing us to concentrate fully on our field of expertise.”

Asked to indicate how these principles translate into practice, he says: “Our input recently cut energy and carbon dioxide consumption by almost 11 per cent in a building at a higher education institution, achieving annual cost savings of almost £6,000, to quote just one example.” Mr Gill’s unshakeable belief in the capacity of building physics engineering to deliver unique and important benefits, reinforced by his firm’s success in its initial four years, help explain some significant recent developments. Yonder was originally allied to a mechanical and electrical engineering operation, as most competitors still are, but became fully independent towards the end of 2016, its 14-strong team relocating from Harrogate to impressive, high-tech offices in central Leeds. Explaining the reasons for the amicable divorce, Mr Gill says: “Building physics engineering is a specialist discipline in its own right. Mechanical and electrical engineering is concerned with building services, whereas we focus on the whole construction. “Independence is allowing us to concentrate fully on our field of expertise, give freer rein to our successful philosophy, invest in our specialism and deliver unbeatable customer care and service.”

g Engineering & Infrastructure / Yonder Limited

Mr Gill says the separation is increasing Yonder’s scope to ensure passive design is prominent in more projects, for example, thus maximising benefits for clients. He explains: “There’s no question more and more construction professionals are understanding the need to go beyond merely achieving a green image by installing renewable energy. They know credibility also now demands considering thoroughly how to reduce energy demand first.” Yonder are on the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers’ Low Carbon Consultants Register and are Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method accredited professionals. Looking ahead, the firm’s plans include opening additional offices in London and the Midlands during the next 12 months. Mr Gill, however, is far from complacent.

Company: Yonder Limited Address: Concordia Works, 30 Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 4BA Phone: 0113 493 1280 Email: info@yonderconsulting.co.uk Website: http://yonderconsulting.co.uk/

He says: “Too many architects, for example, have probably still not heard of building physics engineering, let alone the huge benefits and savings it can deliver to them, their clients and eventual building occupants. And where professionals do use specialists like us, it’s too often merely to validate decisions already taken, whereas we deliver maximum advantages when we’re involved as early as possible in the design process.”

1701BU10

An Unforgettable Adults-Only Escape Original Group, with over 35 years of experience, is a Mexican firm, active in the hotel sector, the cruise industry, vacation clubs and real estate. As a recent winner of the 2016 BUILD Awards - Design Excellence in the UK, the firm’s Eng. Rodrigo de la Peña about the unique experiences they offer for paradise seekers. We specialise in offering paradise seekers unique experiences, for adults only, in top destinations around the world, that even the most demanding traveller cannot resist. Each of our products provides the perfect atmosphere for couples and singles looking to add a new dimension to their vacation. Each is characterised by its own individuality, however Original Group sets common standards for each, while focusing on truly original, adult experiences. The Temptation experience offers “Playgrounds for GrownUps”, catering to adults only (21+), offering vibrant and passion-infused, topless-optional environments for the chic, the confident and the free-spirited traveller. A hip, sensual vibe is our hallmark due to the concept´s enticing atmosphere that is both invigorating yet relaxing. Our brands signature sensual and adventurous activities, trendy shows and performances, as well as international DJ’s, all provide guests with endless options for high-quality entertainment, while fine dining and first class accommodations ensure that the guests have the most incredible vacation ever. Temptation is a favourite amongst those seeking an unforgettable, adults-only escape.

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Year after year we work on two extensive trip agendas that is destined to both B2B and B2C, giving us the opportunity to present the continuing evolution and innovation of our products. We participate in events on both a national and international scale. Formula for success When Original Group undertakes a new project, our formula for success is having a clear knowledge of: WHAT CONCEPT, PRODUCT and EXPERIENCE we want to create for our guests, in order to provide a one-of-a-kind experience that stands above the competition. Understanding and knowing the necessities of our clients is fundamental to reach the results that we expect. Original Group is open to ‘CHANGE’. We listen closely to our clients, members, directors and employees. We study our competition and analyse in detail ‘FODA’, a historical analysis of previous experiences including those of industry competitors. Human ‘know-how’ is essential in defining key ideas, planning and executing company strategies, to guarantee business success. A clear example is, “think about everything Original Group has done to make the New Temptation and the launching of cruises a reality.”

Innovative solutions to maintain success Original Group counts on an extremely experienced, and highly qualified Directive Team, who are dedicated to the constant evolution/innovation of our products. Our Directive Team is in constant training, in order to maintain themselves up-to-date, and on the cutting edge of their respective fields of expertise, which permits for the successful, continuous growth of our group. Most successful project to date Our most successful project to date, has been the consolidation of our world-renowned brand, ‘Temptation Cancun Resort’, which is unique, due to its oneof-a-kind concept. It has been a constant challenge to maintain this leading brand at the top of the hospitality charts, due to the fact that it is destined to serve an adults-only market. We have encountered various limits in marketing our brands, and at times while negotiating B2B. Existing prejudices towards the adult segment of tourism can also be limiting. However, when people fully understand Temptation’s concept, they realise that we are a high-quality, prestigious brand, with an excellent reputation. The future of the industry The tourism industry is constantly changing and evolving. In the adults-only sector, on a daily

basis we discover there is more direct and indirect competition. To date, there has been several attempts to pirate our unique concept without success. During the next 12 months, we are sure that the market will respond in a positive way, due to our company’s multimillion-dollar renovation of Temptation, despite the political and economic instability that is happening in different geographic regions around the world. We are positive that Temptation Cancun Resort is, and will continue to be, a leader in the tourism industry when it comes to lodging and entertainment for adults. Future aspirations for the company Our goal is to duplicate our current hotel inventory within the next 24 months. To achieve this goal, we will be expanding our two top brands, Temptation and Desire. The opening of the New Temptation, will be accompanied by both rebranding and the association with world-renowned designer, Karim Rashid, creator of sensual minimalism. Original Group is an example of constant evolution, we think differently, ‘outside the box.’ We are in a consolidation phase, not only betting on our unique concepts, but expanding into new countries, in order to continue the sustainable growth of Original Group.

g Real Estate & Property / An Unforgettable Adults-Only Escape

Company: Original Group Name: Eng. Rodrigo de la PeĂąa Email: rodelap@original-group.com Web Address: https://original-group.com www.temptation-experience.com Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 3.5, Zona Hotelera, CP 77500, Cancun, Q.Roo Mexico. Telephone: +52 (998) 848 7968

1701BU08

, Engineering & Infrastructure

Making Noise in Sound Insulation Testing R P Compliance Testing Ltd is a testing services supplier supporting the construction industry. The firm have recently been awarded with the title of ‘2016 BUILD Awards: Sound Insulation Testing in the UK’. Founder Ros Piggott talks us through the firm and the range of services it offers.

“As a service provider, we deliver a full package with ‘Design’ and ‘As Built’ energy calculations (SAP’s, SBEM’s, PEA’s, EPC’s etc.), sound insulation testing of separating partitions in dwellings and air tightness testing both of which we are UKAS accredited to perform on all building types and sizes. In addition, our engineers are Bpec qualified for domestic ventilation inspect, test and commissioning together

“Fundamentally, our business strength lies in the outstanding delivery of services.” 40 BUILD / February 2017

with PAT testing. Overall 80% of our business is with national housebuilders and we do not out-source any of these services, which allows us to ensure that every client receives the very highest standard of service when they work with us.” According to Ros it is her firm’s dedication to excellence, combined with its professional certifications, which include ISO9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) certification with the British Standards Institute, plus a CHAS Accredited Contractor and registered with Constructionline, that set it apart from the rest of the industry. “There are many companies in this industry, but few that have invested in a range of third party certifications and accreditations. Our Clients can rest assured knowing that bodies such as The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and The British Standards Institute (BSI) continually review our practices, methods, record keeping, etc. Clients can be confident they are receiving a service from a Company that has made a strong commitment and investment in external sources of verification and knowledge, so that we continually improve and keep up-to-date with legislation and market trends.

“Fundamentally, our business strength lies in the outstanding delivery of services throughout the company. We are all part of a human jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces fit together perfectly, and complement one another. In other words, we are a team with the same goals as our focus. By looking after our Clients, they look after us by being loyal and referring their contacts to us.” Currently celebrating its fiveyear anniversary, the firm is looking forward to a bright and prosperous future. Ros concludes by outlining the future plans which will help ensure its continued success going forward. “Looking ahead, as R P Compliance Testing it celebrates its 5th anniversary, to receive two awards within the last six months is a tribute to our first-class team of dedicated professionals. Our plans for the future include finding suitable land and the

design of purpose built premises. After unsuccessfully searching for the right offices combined with warehouse space for the last couple of years, we have decided to build our own. The building will include conference facilities where we can continue to offer the industry relevant legislative updates and knowledge of the latest building methods and products as they enter the marketplace. We also have plans for the purchase of additional equipment to increase our capacity to test even larger-scale buildings than we can at present. Alongside this, we have only recently recruited a trainee test engineer and will be looking to expand the team again towards the end of 2017”. “Overall we are looking forward to the next five years of continued success and feel these plans will help us to achieve even greater acclaim.”

Established in January 2012, R P Compliance Testing is a UKAS Accredited field test laboratory No. 7970, providing a range of services for the construction industry that demonstrate compliance with building regulations. Based in North-West Norfolk the business operates throughout England, supporting a wide range of clients across the construction market including developers, architects, quantity surveyors and self-builders. Ros explains the firm’s service offering in greater detail.

Company: R P Compliance Testing Ltd Name: Mrs Ros Piggott Email: ros@rp-compliance.co.uk Web Address: www.rp-compliance.co.uk Address: 9 Park Road, Hunstanton PE36 5BP Telephone: 01485 580018

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, Personnel

Search Construction: Excellence In Construction Recruitment Search Construction is a national supplier of white and blue collar personnel to the Building and Civil Engineering industry. We invited Recruiting Expertise award winning Director Paul Kynaston to tell us more.

“Here at Search Construction, our focus is very much on providing a consistent, honest, quality and reliable service. We work in an industry often tarnished by poor quality service, but we are trying to change that through our service offering. “As such we always work to ensure that our staff support our clients throughout the recruitment process. It is our workforce that sets us apart from the rest of the industry and marks us out as the best option for our clients. I have had the pleasure of working with the same core team for some years now and after over 20 years in the industry I can honestly say they are amongst the best around. “Overall our aim is for Search to be considered as a ‘safe pair of hands’. We are not aiming to

be the biggest, but absolutely the best; our strapline is ‘Be Exceptional’ and we work hard to reach and maintain that level. Search Construction is a company you can trust to deliver, whose staff know what they are doing and who understand your industry. In terms of strategies we will continue focus on our core infrastructure business, targeting key projects and clients and seeking to supply the best people in the industry.”

in many significant pieces of infrastructure work in 2016. Highways, water and power have all featured heavily. In this arena, it is particularly important that clients see us more as a partner and treat us as part of the project delivery team. This enables us to refine our service and provide a much better product. We are usually offering long term opportunities, often leading to permanent work and this is attractive to jobseekers.”

In order to remain at the forefront of industry development the firm’s Senior Directors in the UK are involved with the REC construction forum and as a business is increasingly concentrating on content strategies to share learnings and educate the industry. In addition, Search Construction sponsor and get involved with industry events across the country and have even held our own charity quiz with candidates and clients in aid of The Lighthouse Club which supports the families of construction workers who have been involved in accidents.

Moving forward, the firm is keen to build upon its current success in order to continue to provide the very highest possible standards of service to its clients, both existing and future, as Paul concludes.

It is this collaborative approach which has helped the firm to achieve its current success, and it extends beyond the wider industry and through to its clients, as Paul is eager to explain. “Over the past year we have been fortunate to be involved

“Over the past five consecutive years Search Construction has seen strong growth in our business, and although our clients did seem nervous earlier this year, it seems that

this has now dissipated and some confidence has returned. Therefore, we are predicting another year of growth and although we are going to have to work hard for it, there are certainly the opportunities out there and we are all upbeat and ready for another busy year.”

“We are not aiming to be the biggest, but absolutely the best; our strapline is ‘Be Exceptional’ and we work hard to reach and maintain that level.”

Search Construction, part of Search Consultancy, a leading recruitment consultancy, is one of the top construction recruitment agencies in the country for placing outstanding staff into the huge variety of roles across a multitude of different projects. Paul outlines the firm’s mission and how it aims to differentiate itself from the rest of the market through its dedication to providing the very highest standards of service.

Company: Search Consultancy Name: Paul Kynaston, Director-Head of Search Construction England Web Address: search.co.uk/construction

1701BU05

Excellence in Facilities Management As part of ABM UK, Westway Services provides a strong technical workforce with expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Combustion maintenance. We invited Andy Donnell, Managing Director, to tell us more. Originally established in 2000 as a specialised refrigeration and air conditioning company, the firm grew and built its service provision to include other skilled technical engineering services, becoming Westway Services in 2009 to reflect this. The company is now part of the larger ABM group, which gives it the support of an international company and allows the company to share best practice and deliver a broader range of services, and trades as ABM UK. Andy discusses the services the firm offers and how it aims to provide the very highest standard. “We offer reactive and PPM works nationally in the Retail, Commercial, Critical, Aviation, Financial and Sports and Leisure sectors. We also manage specialist subcontractors as part of our technical service provision. Our main focus is self-delivery. We believe that our customers benefit most from an integrated suite of services, delivered and/ or managed by one provider. With this in mind, our corollary focus is on building the capability and expertise of our staff through training initiatives, specialist apprenticeships, and our Learning Centre. “In order to provide them with the very highest standard of service we have made communication the mainstay of our approach to new clients and projects. We

42 BUILD / February 2017

aim for absolute clarity around our client’s goals and aspirations across their business. It is through communication that we can identify and strive for a shared vision of excellence in service delivery. “In all new contracts and projects, we look for ways we can support these objectives in tandem with our own. For example, where a client wants to minimise the environmental impact of their operation, we can contribute by way of our own sustainability action plans. Where a client has made specific commitments around CSR in their supply chain, we can support them through our local employment schemes, volunteering programmes, and training.”

“in order to provide the very highest standard of service we have made communication the mainstay of our approach to new clients and projects.”

ABM UK now works with a major grocery and retail company, providing mechanical, electrical, HVAC refrigeration and combustion maintenance to their stores and general merchandise distribution centres nationally. This partnership has grown to include specialist refrigeration in the South, along with PSSR compliance audits and roll-out installation projects. Throughout this relationship, ABM UK has worked closely with their client to build a team culture led by the retailer’s values and sustainability plan. This partnership has been critical to the development of FSI:Go, a Concept-based CAFM solution that allows front-line updates and reporting from the company’s engineers. The company is also keen to make progress in the area of sustainability, and Andy discusses the various innovations the company has implemented in order to offer the most environmentally friendly services possible. “One of our key focuses is to continue making continuous strides in sustainability. In 2015, we won a Green Apple award for the mini Materials Recovery Facilities we installed in two large retail locations, which have significantly reduced landfill waste and recovered their cost of installation through rebates alone.

“As part of this focus on sustainability, we have developed award winning software that can help reduce energy consumption while spotting equipment failures before they occur. Algoram uses real-time energy consumption and building management data to calculate the risk of plant failure and working condition of any critical assets. In the long term, this can reduce gains in long term energy consumption by up to 20%. Algoram has proved popular and successful with the sites where it is in use.” Moving forward the firm has a number of exciting developments in the pipeline which Andy is keen to outline in his concluding comments. “Looking ahead, all of our developments are planned in line with our overarching aim of being the technical services provider of choice. We are working towards ILM accreditation for our training centre. This not only means that we can offer level 5 qualifications in-house, but also gives us an opportunity to further tailor our managerial training to the needs of our clients. “We are also currently in the process of expanding our highly successful Brand Ambassador programme, where we train staff at all levels to represent the values and culture of our clients in everything they do. This has achieved some great results since its first implementation and we are very excited by the possibilities it offers our staff and customers.”

g Engineering & Infrastructure / Excellence in Facilities Management

Contact: Andy Donnell, Managing Director Company: ABM UK / Westway Services Limited Email: info@uk.abm.com Web Address: www.abm.co.uk Telephone: 0207 089 6600

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Leading the Way to the Top! Kelli-Marie Vallieres is the President and CEO of Sound Manufacturing, Inc., and Monster Power Equipment, Inc. Established in 1984 by her father and his partner as a two-man company making sheet metal fabricated component parts for a few local companies, the organization has grown to include 70 employees, and is a full service contract precision sheet metal fabricator, providing high quality service throughout the fabrication process. KelliMarie has recently been honoured with the 2016 Leadership Awards title. I am responsible for setting the strategic and financial direction of both organizations. I am also very involved with the development of my workforce. Prior to taking over the family business in 2006, I was a graduate student at the University of Connecticut, earning my doctorate degree in Adult Experiential Learning. My work at UConn truly formed by leadership style. I take a learning approach to everything we do. We set our strategic plans for growth and development, identify what we know and don’t know about reaching our plans, and learn as an organization how to achieve our goals as well as support individual learning and professional development.

As such, Kelli-Marie’s duties as CEO encompass the continuing supervision over Sound Manufacturing’s ongoing activities, which encompass a wide array of sheet metal fabricated components and services: engineering enhancement services, CNC punching, CNC laser cutting, CNC forming, welding, hardware insertion, mechanical assembly, screen printing, and packaging. These versatile capabilities enable Sound Manufacturing to fabricate an extensive variety of parts, ranging from simple small laser cut clips or brackets, to large enclosures with 80 or more subcomponents requiring welding and assemble.

Being now in its 33rd year, the ongoing expansion of Sound Manufacturing, and its present role, represents something of a departure from the company’s early success back in the 80s, but it is a departure that allowed it to modernise with the times. This early success, and the change that it brought, is largely attributed to the business relationship that the founding duo formed with another company, working with them on the design and development of a product line in an immerging new industry into the end of the decade. “The new product line brought significant growth and revenue to the organization, and soon became the majority of the revenue,” Kelli Marie reflects. “The organizational processes were dedicated to supporting this one customer, and there was little focus on diversifying the customer base. The dedicated systems and mindset made it very difficult to grow the organization from there.” As such, Kelli-Marie’s first objective as CEO was to diversity her company’s customer base to reduce the organizational risk. “When I joined the company,” she says, “I reorganized the management system, established new work flows and systems, hired management team members with experience

44 BUILD / February 2017

in areas that we lacked, and worked to develop the knowledge and skills of existing team members. Once our team was working together with a common goal and understood a systems approach to our work, we were able to expand our capabilities and customer base.” In 2011, Sound Manufacturing launched its own product line in the commercial and municipal landscape industry, as a means to create its own customer for Sound Manufacturing, Inc. Today, Sound fabricates the sheet metal components, sells the fabricated parts to its sister company, Monster Power Equipment, Inc., which then assembles the equipment and sells it on. “Our diversification efforts have provided stability, growth, and revenue to Sound Mfg,” summarises Kelli-Marie. “Our overall business strategies are to continue to grow the organization by expanding capabilities through technology and workforce development, to further diversify and grow our customer base. “Our steady growth and success is attributed to re-investment in the latest fabrication technologies, continuous learning and development of our employees, and our dedication to partner with our customers to

g Construction / Leading the Way to the Top!

ensure mutual success. Sound Manufacturing is committed to our quality system, and core values, and utilizes them as the foundation of all business decisions. “I am very committed to developing the skills and knowledge of our team. We have developed many internal and external training programs that provide opportunities for our team members to have careers in our organizations. Most of our supervisors and management team are comprised of people that have worked through the ranks, gaining the knowledge and experiences necessary to become managers. “I believe the key to my success has been my ability to develop an organization that works together as a team with common core values and strategic goals,” Kelli-Marie reflects. “I always look at situations as learning opportunities. I work to help people understand the why not just the what, and to learn from our mistakes to develop good critical thinkers and problem solvers. I provide our team members the opportunity to take responsibility and accountability for themselves, provide positive feedback, and appreciate everyone for their contributions. “We have a set of core values we communicate to everyone and work to live up to everyday in everything we do: Respect Everyone; Be a Team; Create a shared Understanding; Make IT Happen; Follow Up and Follow Through. Each core value is depended on the other. Our management team, manages by example and ensures we treat our team according to our core values and they trickle down to everyone.

“I always put everyone’s best interest first to create win-winwin situations. If our individual employees are successful, then our organization is successful, and as a leader, I am successful.”

Company: Sound Manufacturing, Inc. and Monster Power Equipment, Inc. Name: Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD Email: KVallieres@soundmfg.com Web Address: www.soundmfg.com Address: 51 Donnelley Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 USA Telephone: +1 860-388-4466

1702BU06

Geospatial Hydraulic Modeling with CivilGEO Chris Maeder, Engineering Director at CivilGEO, talks to us at Build about the firm, its offerings and what the future holds.

CivilGEO software needs to be ambitious. The civil engineering community and the issues associated with today’s complex water infrastructure demand it. CivilGEO’s mission is to offer state of the art software that combines world-class hydraulic modeling capabilities with superior geospatial referencing capabilities. GeoHECRAS brings together into one application the work of several separate “silos” or disciplines. A civil engineer is able to eliminate multiple steps by integrating external data sets directly into the model. Our software stream-lines many of the rote, labor-intensive aspects of modern civil engineering work while generating more accurate and ultimately more useful hydraulic models. GeoHECRAS is an AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation and ESRI ArcGIS compatible interactive 2D/3D graphical user interface data wrapper to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s HECRAS software. GeoHECRAS addresses the main issues an engineer typically encounters by: 1.) speeding up the HEC-RAS model creation process; and 2.) incorporating multiple layers of geospatial information into the HEC-RAS model. No other software presently on the market offers this capability. GeoHECRAS is platformindependent and has the capability to draw from multiple data sets as it creates a model. Our software is directly tied into the cloud computing data centers of NASA, USGS,

46 BUILD / February 2017

EPA, FEMA and others and uses these vast storehouses of mapping information. For example, GeoHECRAS can instantly retrieve high-resolution digital elevation terrain data from anywhere in the world for use in a HEC-RAS flood study. Similarly, watershed drainage areas are nearly instantly delineated using a cloud computing server cluster, which use a parallelized algorithm to allow larger and more complex problems to be handled. All of this performance allows the engineer to see things in realtime, making him much more productive and allowing the engineer to view and experiment with a variety of project scenarios. Many firms offer generic solutions to address a client’s needs. CivilGEO takes a distinctly non-generic approach to customers. At the very beginning of a client relationship, CivilGEO’s support team will often use the client’s own data as it builds a model and demonstrates GeoHECRAS’s features to the client. We want to be sure that GeoHECRAS brings real value to a client and that the software does not merely sit on the shelf. We want to know that GeoHECRAS will help the client with present projects and future ones as well. It is common for CivilGEO to engage in what some have called “software development on demand.” If a client makes the case for a feature that CivilGEO believes will have long-term value, we will implement the new capability as soon as possible, sometimes within 24 hours of the

request. This shows our level of commitment to our clients and is a good example of how seriously we consider our responsibility to provide outstanding technical support. We consider our clients an extension of our team here at CivilGEO. We strive to develop software that meets our clients’ needs and our clients, in turn, function as our sounding board. Engineers are quick to point out which features within the software need to be revised or reworked and we are quick to pay attention. In this regard, we have a truly collaborative relationship and this keeps innovation at the forefront of what we do. Virtual reality technology represents the next frontier for civil engineering software. CivilGEO has combined virtual reality technology with HECRAS to give the engineer the ability to perform flood modelling, design bridge replacements, analyze dam failures, and create stream realignments within a virtual reality 3D visualization framework. As multiple data sets are pulled into the model, the engineer can easily switch from 2D to 3D viewing perspectives to examine the data. GeoHECRAS allows the user to interact with the HEC-RAS model, visualize the terrain, cross-sections, roadway crossings, levees and other structures, all in a high resolution 2D virtual reality. Future trends point to greater automation of the engineering process. Much like designing a “self-driving car,” we ask how we can make our software even more automated and intuitive.

How can we design the software to free up even more of the engineer’s valuable time? In its present form, GeoHECRAS works like a “data-wrapper” for many different file types such as CAD and ArcGIS files. But, in the future, we see this software as even more powerful and intuitive. It will have the capability to extract key information from and work with an even greater variety of raw data whether it is CAD-based, GIS-based, LIDAR, simple survey shots or aerial maps. The software will analyze the file and get the information it needs to automatically and intelligently build the hydraulic model with minimal data manipulation and minimal burden on the user. The engineer has only conceptual challenges as the software works in the background, managing raw data, rote tasks and critical details. The software will learn from the engineer and will develop predictive powers. This form of “teamwork” between engineer and software engine is our ideal. With ease and learned intelligence and minimal input or data manipulation by the engineer, the software will generate multiple hydraulic analyses for a variety of scenarios, using the computational power of the cloud as necessary. This capability will increase the engineer’s productivity ten-fold. We have always been ambitious at CivilGEO and the future projects more of the same. Our mission has always been to create the best tool possible for the engineering community and this goal will continue to motivate us in the years ahead.

g Technology / Geospatial Hydraulic Modeling with CivilGEO

Company: CivilGEO Nmae: Chris Maeder, M.S., P.E., CFM - Engineering Director Email: chris.maeder@civilgeo.com Website: www.civilgeo.com Address: 8383 Greenway Blvd, 6th Floor Middleton, WI 53562, USA Phone: +1 608-709-7101

1702BU07

, Architecture & Design

Design for Life With his unique approach and luxury design style, it is clear to see why Dean Larkin Design is a roaring success. The man himself speaks to Build Magazine about his firm and his visions for the future. Dean Larkin, AIA, has been described as the quintessential Los Angeles architect. An LA native Dean grew up appreciating Southern California’s unique climate and natural beauty. His projects celebrate the balance between shadow and light, form and function, monument and nature; Dean has designed projects that evoke the unique climate, attitude and lifestyle of Southern California. Since graduating from the University of Southern California’s respected School of Architecture, Dean has been designing high-end residential and luxury destination projects. Leveraging his experience and countless referrals, he established his own firm, Dean Larkin Design, in 1999. Dean Larkin Design focuses on maximizing the intrinsic potential of the setting while meeting the client’s lifestyle, business or institutional needs. “Great architecture,” notes Dean, “does more than just work…

It transcends itself, its occupants and its environment.” Dean gives us an overview of the company and the services it provides.

“Our unique approach is not designed for everybody, but for those who desire to set themselves apart from the crowd for a project as unique and oneof-a-kind as they are.”

“We always keep a careful watch on trends as many of our projects will not be completed for two or three years, so it’s important to be ahead of the curve and not on it.”

“We specialise in high-end luxury lifestyle project focusing mainly on estates; but also, including multi-family and hospitality. Our full-service design celebrates the balance between shadow and light, form and function, monument and nature; and constantly blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living.”

Dean is an expert in his field of work and he is often invited to guest blog on numerous sites, including the popular Gold Notes, as well as featuring as a guest speaker at conferences such as KBIS. In addition, Dean is a member of select design councils, including Perlick and the Board for the new Centre for Architecture, Los Angeles.

The company’s last three projects that have sold have all set records in their sales, including being the third largest sale nationwide in 2015. It is easy to see why Dean is excited for the future of his company, and indeed, the industry as a whole.

When undertaking a new client or project, Dean’s hands-on approach speaks for itself. “In addition to extensively interviewing the client and their needs, the site and surrounding neighbourhood are taken into careful consideration to maximize the design potential,” he says.

Dean ensures he is always ahead of the game in the industry, which proves vital in helping him create innovative solutions to maintain the firm’s success. “By staying involved in my profession (serving as a board member, speaking at and attending various conferences) I am exposed to what is hot in the sector right now. Then of course I balance that by doing what is right for the project and the client, despite what is trendy or not.

It is this which sets the company apart from others in the industry and marks Dean Larkin Design as the best option for clients.

“I see our market and our clients’ growing evermore knowledgeable, savvy to put it another way, making it more of challenge to bring something new, exciting and unexpected to the design and the process. However, we are continuing to take on larger and larger projects, including a new 30,000 square foot (2,780 square meter) home, our first sub-division and several luxury multi-family projects.”

K Company: Dean Larkin Design Name: Dean Larkin Principal Architect Email: dean@deanlarkindesign.net Web Address: www.deanlarkindesign.com Address: 7494 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite #303, West Hollywood, CA USA 90046 Telephone: 1-323-654-7500

48 BUILD / February 2017

1702BU18

, Architecture & Design

Nature by Culture Rainer Schmidt, a well-known name in the landscape architecture industry, tells us more about his design philosophy and how it has shaped the way for his firm’s success. this quality, a situation needs to be structurally understood and to be structurally transformed by design intervention.” “Our work of producing space is a challenge, from project to project, from implementation to implementation. Landscape and the urban condition need to be looked at as complementary factors and equally as products. Only the understanding of the necessary syntheses of ecology and of the overall “healthy living conditions” - for the human and for nature - can help us to survive on this planet. Nature only exists so long as civilisation has not damaged it. Nature can therefore only be dealt with by culture.”

The company has three locations in Germany: the main office is in Munich, the others are in Berlin and in Bernburg. Rainer Schmidt’s long term professional and academic career and his handling of complex design challenges have gained a wide expertise for his offices: from grand scale city master plan to innovative park and garden designs. According to his philosophy of working ‘from place’, landscape architecture in the 21st century needs to reflect the relationship between humans and nature. As his projects express this philosophy clearly, Rainer Schmidt Landscape Architects and Urban Planners are one of the most successful offices in Germany.

Rainer works with a systematic approach to concept-finding “from place”. “Accordingly, landscape architecture and design are understood as concepts and not as decoration,” he states. “The concepts are structures for building space three- dimensionally, texturally and materially. They tell the story of place in an innovative way and apply contemporary ideas for continuing the tradition of culture in place. They generate atmosphere and change the human perception of space and of nature. Each task definition is taken through a process of design consideration which enfolds options and determines a finally optimised decision as result of a strict cooperation with client, user and cost management.”

Rainer Schmidt conceptualises each project holistically. From approach to idea, to concept and to concept for implementation, he considers process and product and communicates this with his employees. The final outcome is supposed to be the quality for which his name holds. “This quality is about making a project, an area, a place ‘radiate’,” Rainer explains. “In order to achieve

Rainer lectures regularly in terms of his professorship for Landscape Architecture at the Technical Beuth-University, Berlin, with a profound experience in lecturing as a guest-professor in the United States (Berkeley, California) and in China (Beijing) too. He exhibits his work yearly at MIPIM, the International Real Estate Fair in Cannes, at the German Pavilion,

together with architects and engineers, building collectively a community for the brand ‘made in Germany’. The firm’s overall aims are to renew continuously the human scale and to bring nature close to people. This is bound to strong concepts for planting design, to an innovative selection of plants and material and to a vision for the aimed to atmosphere of the space to be created - which will make the user become active in feeling and occupying the space. Thus, Rainer foresees changes for the future of the industry and plans to adapt his firm’s strategies accordingly to meet new trends and continuously ensures, he stays one step ahead of the competition. “The future accords to an increasing demand for high quality spaces in inner and outer urban areas,” he states. “Living conditions and lifestyles are more and more dependent on this quality as a factor of locational value. The changes on the market which represent this tendency refer to inner urban open spaces and to public parks.

and university campus areas. We are looking forward to the completion of construction at the Financial Center in Shanghai and at the Grand Mosque in Algiers. But we are also committed to the urban transformation processes in Germany, especially in Berlin and Munich with needs for more quality in increasingly densified urban areas. “Rainer Schmidt Landscape Architects and Urban Planners would like to enrich the concepts of design and planning in the United Kingdom, in the United States, including Canada, by the specific quality-profiles of our holistic approaches. The specific desire is to conceptualise and build the next large public park, if necessary as a temporary park, preparing for urban development, urban gardening and ecological biodiversity, integrating the ‘third landscape’ and counterbalancing the damages left from industrialisation processes.”

“New markets are arising in Arabic countries, where we are already working on regional urban planning and on-site planning for urban settlements, for hospitals

Rainer Schmidt has founded his international offices for landscape architecture and urban development in 1991. Since then, he and his team have successfully developed an international reputation in both the fields: landscape design and urban planning. The reputation is a reflection on the very strong concepts of Rainer Schmidt, creating worldwide a high-end quality profile by open space design and implementation. The concepts are based on new offers for identification arising from landmark-like spaces which are responded to by clients and users and, thus, generate the respective add-on-value in time and place.

Company: Rainer Schmidt Landscape Architects and Urban Planners GmbH Name: Rainer Schmidt Email: info@rainerschmidt.com Web Address: www.rainerschmidt.com Address: Von der Tann Str. 7, D-80539 München Telephone: +49-89-202535 0

1612BU33

, Architecture & Design

Glancy Nicholls Architects: Providing Excellence Inside and Out Glancy Nicholls Architects Ltd. (GNA) is a Royal Institute of British Architects Chartered Practice providing a tailored service to each client’s individual requirements. Equity Director Paul Hutt talks us through the firm’s service offering and the exciting new developments that are helping it to build upon its current success. Since its inception in June 2004, GNA has grown organically and employs more than 50 staff. The company has evolved and is now considered one of Birmingham’s leading Architects, with a culture and approach in delivering high quality Architecture. Recently the firm has announced the opening of a new office, located in Bedford Square, Fitzrovia, London, GNA have an emphasis on reliability, quality, and deliverability, something that will be developed further in the south, from the new London office. Paul discusses the new office and outlines the exciting opportunities it will provide for the firm.

“The idea of opening a London office has been discussed for a number of years, but the ongoing success of the practice coupled with the recent recruitment of several high calibre staff, has seen the vision turn into a reality. The opening of our new London office will allow us to continue to grow and deliver quality services to both existing and new clients in the south”.

“As an award winning, design led, practice GNA pride ourselves on delivering unique and bespoke Architectural solutions to our clients. Many of our customers are repeat clients, which itself goes to show the success of our services. Success can be measured in many ways but we believe that the level of professionalism and communication we provide is intrinsic to this.

This new office will allow the firm to provide its client focused services to a wider range of customers. Paul believes that the success which has led the firm to achieve its dream of opening a London office rests on its focus on client service, and is keen to emphasise the firm’s continually dedication to its clientele.

“Our principle business activity is Architecture and we provide a tailored service to each of our clients’ individual requirements for full or part architectural service from RIBA stages 0-7. This includes feasibility studies, brief development, concept design, detailed design, planning and building regulation applications, production information, tender documentation, construction drawings and specifications, site inspections, contract administration, interior design,

space planning and master planning from inception through to completion. Moving forward, Paul is keen to highlight the firm’s ongoing focus on continuing to provide current and future clients with the very highest standard of service. “Overall, we have developed a strong business plan that will guide our next phase of growth, and the opening of our London office reflects our ambition for further progression. Our business aspiration, first and foremost, is to continue to provide first class services to our clients. We believe that the, managed, organic growth of the company will continue despite the current uncertainty around Brexit. We have a robust strategic plan in place which will see the investment in our highly talented and motivated staff pay dividends in the coming years.”

K Company: Glancy Nicholls Architects Ltd Name: Paul Hutt Email: p.hutt@glancynicholls.com Web Address: www.glancynicholls.com Address: 26 – 27 Beford Square, Fitzrovia, London. WC1B 3HP Telephone: 0203 727 5252

50 BUILD / February 2017

1612BU26

, Architecture & Design

Bespoke Interior Design Clemens Bachmann Architekten (CBA) are an interdisciplinary architectural office, founded 12 years ago, and dedicated to completing projects in the field of architecture and interior design from small scale conversions right through to ambitious renovations of spaces as large as several thousand square metres. As a recent winner of the Architect of the Year award, there is no doubt that firm stands for highly creative architectural quality. There are already plans formulating to form a bespoke interior design department within CBA over the coming year. This comes on the back of recent successes enjoyed by the company as of late the renovation of the Business Club in the Allianz Arena in Munich was the start of a strong successful connection to FC Bayern München as a client. Meanwhile, the most important building so far that Clemens draws attention to in his firm’s portfolio is H33 in Neubiberg, close to Munich; “it is the result of a very close cooperation between the architect and the client to get the best result.”

How has such a relatively young architectural firm made such an impact? Clemens credits his team for no small effort in creating an open-minded and forwardthinking work environment. “The average age of the employees is quite young,” he says. “We are always hiring young architects, students or interns, often from abroad, to get fresh inputs and architectural styles into the office. The teams are led by highly experienced architects, and all projects start at point zero to find the best and most specific solution for each challenge. “On top of that, our team is open minded. We’re all interested in the work that we do; we don’t have preconceived ideas to find design solutions, and there is constant discussion in the studio about various concepts, architects, materials, and the best way in which to use them in our works.”

Through this approach, CBA invests a high level of effort in the design phase of the projects. Options will be researched and discussed with the client before a decision is made whether to implement them or not. Clemens backs this up by asserting, “a strong concept marks the key element and the basement of every project. Our office works more like a studio or workshop than as a traditional architectural office. “We always invite our new clients to our office to have a chance to meet and get to know them, before we present the way in which we are going to be approaching their project. Once the project is started, we are always in very close communication with the client to have a lot of workshop meetings together with them. The client, then, remains highly involved in all the processes.

CBA’s office is constantly growing, their projects getting bigger and even more complex. At the moment, Clemens Bachmann presides over a team of eight persons, but he is expecting this number to have risen to 12 by the end of 2017. This significant rise in relation to the firm’s current numbers indicates the increasing presence that CBA maintains on the market, as well as the greater prominence of the upcoming projects that they will be taking on. Already, the most outstanding project is a 12,000-square-metre listed building in Augsburg, Bavaria, which will be transformed into a housing complex in 2019.

Company: CBA Clemens Bachmann Architekten Name: Clemens Bachmann Email: info@cbarchitekten.com Web Address: www.cbarchitekten.com Address: Hans-Preißinger Strasse 8, 81379 Munich, Germany Telephone: +49/89/23000700

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, Architecture & Design

‘Boutique’ Architecture in Hong Kong - A Character of its Own THEO TEXTURE (T X T) is an architecture + interior design firm, established in 2002 in Hong Kong, with projects primarily in Hong Kong as well as several other cities in China. In a comment piece from the firm’s Design Director, Ben Wong, he reveals more about the firm’s varied and interesting projects in the region. About half of T X T’s projects are with local churches, nonprofit organisations, schools, etc. and the rest are “boutique” commercial projects including commercial buildings, hotels, service apartments, etc. When undertaking a new client or project, T X T believes that each building design, particularly boutique buildings in Hong Kong, should have their own unique design concept or character which is then turned into a unique spatial or visual experience for the person visiting or using the building.

Hong Kong is a highly built-up city with land being an expensive commodity. Many buildings are getting old and need to be taken down and redeveloped. The result is that most of the urban sites available are less than 500m2. T X T has gradually established themselves in small building renovation or redevelopment. Some of their best projects include THE LOOP, a commercial building completed in 2006, THE MOOD LKF, a boutique hotel completed in 2009, and THE MOOD Lyndhurst, also a boutique hotel completed in 2016.

OLIV (see photo) is a ‘Ginzatype’ commercial building completed in 2014 with a number of floors occupied by food and beverage as well as retail tenants. OLIV is located within the busiest shopping district of Causeway Bay on a small urban site of just over 280m2 with a building height of over 100m tall and a floor-to-floor height of 5m high. The design is inspired by the olive tree after which the building was named. The floor plate changes slightly on every floor as the building moves upward giving it a twisting and turning profile. The exterior is wrapped with a ‘triple skin’ on the outside, with an interior orthogonal layer of sub frame and mullions, a dark grey glass curtain wall layer, and an organic exterior layer of white cladding.

This layer contains the ‘olive tree knots’ which turn into radiating ‘stars’ as the signature and logo of OLIV. OLIV has won many international awards including Architizer A+ Award 2015 Finalist for High Rise Commercial Building, International Property Awards 2015 Best Commercial High Rise Architecture Asia Pacific, CITABCTBUH 2016 Best Tall Building China Honorable Distinction, China’s Successful Design Award 2014 and A’Design Award 2015 Silver Award Spatial Category.

K Name: Ben Wong Email: ben@theotexture.com Web Address: www.theotexture.com Address: 1205 Sea View Estate, Block A, 2 Watson Road, North Point, Hong Kong Telephone: + 852 2520 0720

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, Architecture & Design: Top Interior Designers of 2016

Redesign Interiors: Producing Perfect Places Redesign Interiors are a Corporate Interior Design and Residential Interior Design company based in South Africa. We caught up with the ‘Top Interior Designers of 2016’s’ founder Paige Waplington to learn more about this dynamic company and the unique designs it creates.

“Here at Redesign Interiors we believe in understanding our client’s unique story and then using our crazy design skills and oozing creativity to tell it, designing an interior that works best for them. We offer a full turnkey service, from design concept through to project management, making sure that your interior is fitted out perfectly with the least interference to their day to day life. “In order to meet their needs and tell their story through our designs we talk to our clients about themselves from the very beginning, and try to

draw as much information as we can about them out. Then, throughout the design process we communicate with our clients to ensure they are happy with the outcomes. Alongside the design process we also have great systems in place to ensure a project runs smoothly and amazing suppliers who help us achieve our goals and those of our clients.” The design market is highly competitive, and Paige is confident that her drive, passion and commitment to excellence is what sets her firm apart and draws clients to her firm. “There are so many amazing design companies out there and we just love being a part of the community. What sets us apart is that we love being different and love being given a design challenge. Creating something new for every interior is our aim and it is this that keeps us creative and energised. “Operating in such a dynamic and invigorating market we are surrounded by amazing

designers and we enjoy the opportunity to see the new creations our industry peers design and draw inspiration from them. We believe that our designs can only get better when the designers around us are so great, and we hope that our designs inspire others too. We created beautiful, quirky spaces and have really happy clients, I think this is what makes a project successful.” Having operated in the industry for over six years Paige has a strong understanding of the various fashions and changes which the market is constantly enjoying. She discusses the latest trends in the design market and how these will affect firms such as hers. “Currently within the design industry, colour is a huge trend and we could not be more excited as we love working with colour and cannot wait for everyone to love it as much as we do. Other trends to look forward to include person centred, bespoke design which avoids fashions in favour of tailored creations. The trend

to be different is going to allow everyone to explore themselves and what they love more, which is going to lead to even more ground breaking and innovative design which we are keen to embrace.” Looking to the future, Paige firmly believes that design is going to become a key focus in the next year, as many clients are aspiring to become more innovative and creative, and when there is a global consciousness like that it pushes everyone is the same direction. “During 2017 we foresee many invigorating new projects as the market continues to grow and expand. Our goal is be involved with a project that pushes all the design boundaries, a project where we can be over the top creative and create a space where visitors are just enthralled, and we believe that 2017 might just be the year to bring this dream project to us. We already have a great hotel project in Rwanda which will be installed in 2017, and we are really looking forward to seeing this design in reality.”

Established in 2011, Redesign Interiors draws on Paige’s experience, which includes a degree in Interior Design, and her passion for stunning, innovative creations. Paige emphasizes how her passion and commitment radiates through to clients as she and her team aim to create designs which are both aesthetically stunning and meet the individual needs of the client.

Company: Redesign Interiors Name: Paige Waplington Email: paige@redesign-interiors.co.za Web Address: www.redesign-interiors.com www.redesign-interiors.co.za Address: Westville, KZN, South Africa Telephone: +27 31 266 5177 / +27 82 7799 215

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, Architecture & Design

Forward Planning Benedetto Camerana, owner and founder of Italian architectural firm Camerana & Partners, talks to Build Magazine about the company and his approach.

After some years working with established architects and engineering companies, Benedetto Camerana founded Camerana & Partners in 1997 in Torino. It is a dynamic and efficient architecture organisation employing young Italian and European architects. Camerana & Partners mayor works are then developed in 19 years of increasing success in the areas of master-planning, landscape, public and private important buildings, all of them as part of a well-committed full development of environmental principles, embodied by innovative technologies and natural energy saving systems. Benedetto explains a little more about the services and products the firm provides. “We offer a wide range of design services, going from large scale to interior, from masterplanning to architectural design to exhibit design. The office has experience in various functions such as residential, commercial, retail, cultural, health, research, university, church, temporary exhibitions, indifferently for the public and the private sector.” The firm clearly distinguishes itself from the competition due to its unique approach, as Bendetto comments: “I think our quality in projects is consequence of two parallel strategies. Our wide range in design, from multiscale

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to multifunction (what I call an ‘unspecialised approach strategy’; and the deep distillation process we develop in any project (what I call a ‘radical answer to request’ strategy). “In my vision the combination of these strategies drives our projects towards a deep, true innovation. It is quite clear that the process it’s not easy and requires a large effort from our team. Quality is seldom effortless. “The answer to ensuring the best possible outcome when we take on a new client or project is the continuous exchange of ideas in all phases. We must put the client in a situation to fully understand how the project developing. Communication must work equally at any level - myself with the head and operatives with operatives.” The firm has a specific strategy it employs to ensure that innovation is constant and clients are always satisfied. Benedetto embellishes: “The overall aim of my company is to give every project the most innovative approach possible within the programme’s requirements and limitations. Innovation is not just about technology or materials (which are anyway crucial in innovation), moreover it is about use of space and function, and how a new approach to these fundamental issues takes in innovation as a result. The most important step in this is giving as much time and thinking to the preliminary design phase, which is the deepest point for design quality. “Along with innovation and deep preliminary thinking, my philosophy is that the best project comes out as the extreme consequence of the most radical answer to client and program requests. Usually we analyse the program and

synthetize the deepest sense of it in a few statements. Then the project is a strong and thorough interpretation of these statements. Some of the firm’s most successful projects to date include - the complete redesign of the Alfa Romeo Museum and past Headquarters in MilanoArese - the Camera Italian Foundation for Photography in Torino. “Both projects, completed in 2015, answered the complex demands of important international renowned cultural programs, requesting the requalification of listed buildings and a wide range of design task, from building regeneration to exhibit design,” states Benedetto proudly.

research hub, a big retail gallery complex project and we will start soon a new museum in Torino. “We are foreseeing a possible large master-planning in China, a large multiple use multilayer building in Torino (retail, sport, university housing) and a large touristic landscaped compound in the south of Italy. “As a new strategy, we are planning to open a branch in London, where I am preparing with potential clients to export an Italian quality feeling to projects, all along with our usual commitment for deep innovation and quality in any project. “We expect and we hope for a period of growth and development.”

“We are working on several requalification projects of prestigious buildings, mixed between residential and commercial,” he continues, speaking of the next 12 months for his firm. “In particular, we are working on a requalification of an industrial area in Milano-Novara transformed into a technology/

Camerana & Partners is an architectural atelier based on Benedetto Camerana, architect and PhD in History of Architecture, past Editor in different architecture and landscape magazines, past Professor of Architecture in Torino Polytechnics.

Company: Benedetto Camerana (Camerana&Partners) Name: Benedetto Camerana Email: amministrazione@camerana.com Web Address: www.camerana.com Address: Via Viotti 1, Torino Telephone: +390115119805

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Rights of Light Specialists At anderson wilde and harris we have been specialising in assisting both developers and neighbours with their Rights of Light matters for over 15 years. A development in England and Wales must settle any claims before developing. Rights of Light carry a huge liability for a developer and has the potential to render a scheme unfeasible. We have an expansive knowledge base and can advise on legal, practical and technical issues. We work with planners, architects and developers to achieve best solution for each situation. Our skills are widely recognised and we been appointed expert witness in high profile court cases. Rights of Light services we provide: o o o o o o

Initial feasibility reports Rights of Light Assessments Design advice, cutbacks and envelopes Consultancy advice Negotiation Expert witness reports

Technical: Rights of Light is an easement enjoyed through an aperture, typically achieved via prescription over 20 years. If infringed upon, the neighbour does have an injunctive right over the offending development however, it is common for monetary compensation to settle the matter. It is therefore critical to extinguish any claims. We undertake detailed analysis using our in-house CAD team, with 3D modelling and bespoke software to achieve exact levels of light, and from these results we can calculate a value of loss.

Daylight and Sunlight Assessments The success of a planning application will rely on a number of reports being submitted. Daylight, Sunlight assessments are a common request for urban developments and we provide a number of services to assist with these. All our reports follow the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight Guidance note. They test a range of methodologies including Vertical Sky Component (VSC), Average Daylight Factor (ADF) and Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH). Daylight, Sunlight services we provide: o o o o o

Design feasibility Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing Assessments in line with BRE Guidelines Design advice, cutbacks and envelopes Consultancy advice Objection advice

Anderson Wilde & Harris - Rights of Light and Daylight, Sunlight 12 Dorrington Street, Holborn, London EC1N 7TB Tel 020 7061 1100 Email: rightsoflight@surveyors-valuers.com Website: www.rights-of-light.com Company Reg. No: 3091723 (England & Wales)

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, Engineering & Infrastructure

Modularize Construction: Building the Future Modularize Construction is a professional services business providing engineering design and consultancy support to the offsite construction sector. We profile the firm and explore the secrets behind its success. Modularize offer clients the intelligent support they need to start at the right place to deliver their project using 21st century tools like DFMA and BIM with virtual reality visualisation to allow the project to be viewed prior to building. Through their vast service offering and technical ability Modularize can become a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s system integrator. They remove waste from a project at the beginning not the end. They can save clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cost, time and

deliver a right first time quality project. Their approach will surprise and motivate clients into a new way of working which is both more efficient and more effective. Overall the firm is on a mission to provide their clients with the most suitable and efficient method of building by leveraging the latest innovations in technology for design and manufacturing. Looking ahead, Modularize see the future of construction clearly and aim to be the thought leader in the design and manufacture of the safer, higher quality and more sustainable building of the future.

K Company: Modularize Construction Address: Liverpool Science Park, L3 5TF Website: info@modularize.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 151 482 9050 Website: www.modularize.co.uk

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, Architecture & Design

Ahead of the Curve Anthony DiGuiseppe, renowned architect and owner of DiGuiseppe Architect, tells us more about his company and how he ensures client satisfaction each and every time.

Anthony tells us more about the firm, its approach to clients and what sets it apart from the competition. “We come to the table with no preconceived images or ideas, instead we listen to our clients vision and needs and then strive to shape those visions into a reality. Many design firms tend to go on a riff, with no idea of cost or reality, and there is something to be said for no barriers and free uninhibited thinking, but what we do is, after hearing the program and needs, and seeing the spaces first hand, we develop a budget for the client to approve. We present it and, upon approval, design to that end cost, within reason. “Everyone touts their company as paying attention to detail and budget but few practice it on a regular basis. We design and procure the products for our clients, and have done so for the past 15 years. “I find that often many designer have their projects compromised by procurement agents, project managers and others who

become part of the development team; thinking in an effort to save money for the client this and that can be taken out of the project and it will still be the same…. not true, and in the end the client unknowingly sees at the end this is not what he wanted nor envisioned. Therefore, we design with procurement, hand-in-hand, and that makes us unique. I don’t know any firms that do this, except one. When an item is bringing the overall budget higher we look to see what we can do with others to modulate it and still keep the vision and quality level high.” Within the wider industry, Anthony distributes his knowledge and experience by attending major industry conferences as a speaker. “I have spoken at the Lodging Conference, HD Expo, and the Global Spa and Wellness conferences in many countries,” he comments. “I am known in the hospitality industry for boutique hotel design and spa design, and have written articles about these subjects. We strive to have our projects published and, to that end, we have had our projects featured in publications such as Interior Design, Boutique Design, Hospitality Design, American Spa and British Spa Design. In addition to our web site we also employ social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. “Our aim is to continue to establish ourselves in the industry as an innovator of ideas and champion of our clients’ goals, as a team player. We do that by looking for new products

and how to use them in new ways, keeping a keen eye on the progress of the projects and being always aware of how we can achieve savings with quality for our clients.” The firm is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to ensure its success, and Anthony explains that he does this by looking for unique projects to undertake. “We look for innovative projects and services to work into our projects by meeting with vendors in our offices, going to trade and design shows, not only for furnishings, but seeing what is going on in art, fashion, sculpture, jewellry, and the environment and how these sectors affect our daily lives.” Some of DiGuiseppe Architect’s most recent projects are ones in which it has translated the use of hospitality products into residential and multi-family projects, as well as bringing a residential feel into hospitality projects. “It is something I call ‘cross-dressing’ the design aesthetic,” laughs Anthony. “Projects in which we have applied this principal to are The

Trump Soho Spa, the Artezen Hotel, a residential duplex in NYC, a 25-unit multi-family conversion in downtown Brooklyn, and a 418-unit multifamily, five building project in Aurora, just outside Chicago.” Anthony’s envisions the future of the industry changing shape, and is determined to ensure that the firm stays ahead of the curve to continue to ensure client satisfaction and, ultimately, overall success. But it isn’t all about the money, it’s about giving a little bit back. “For the foreseeable future I see more of the same for 2017, plus the expansion of the spa and multi-family sector, as well as increased projects in historical renovations and adaptive re-use. This will require more social media attention, more personalised meetings and attendance at conferences for developers, and industry leaders. “We also plan to devote a segment of time to non-profit and community action teaching to inner city high school students and volunteering time to historic preservation efforts.”

DiGuiseppe Architect is primarily a design firm that specialises in providing fullservice architectural interiors and procurement for hospitality, spa/wellness, multifamily and private residential clients. The firm has a small staff by design and has maintained that size throughout its 31 years in order to provide clients with the top-end talent of its principal, Anthony J. DiGuiseppe AIA RIBA.

Company: DiGuiseppe Name: Anthony J. DiGuiseppe AIA RIBA Email: anthony@diguiseppe.com Web Address: www.diguiseppe.com Address: 1385 York Ave, Suite 3A, New York, NY 10021 Telephone: 212-439-9611

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, Construction

Expert Knowledge Delivered John Anthony Signs Ltd is a signs and graphics manufacturer established in 1968. Today, the firm has a reputation for quality, innovation and craftsmanship, hence their strapline ‘Expert knowledge delivered’. We got in touch with the firm’s Sales & Marketing Director David Fagg to find out more about the firms outstanding levels of craftsmanship.

“So, in other words, nothing is started before it is signed off. We also carry out sampling, to check the colours are correct and also finishes, so the aim is to get the project completed on time and within budget, and exactly as the client is expecting.” “We have excellent quality here at JAS, but our craftsmanship level is outstanding. There have been numerous projects where our competitors have said it is impossible to manufacture the signs, but we are called in because we have the expertise and are able to find a solution. This has happened because we know our materials, product and are experts in our industry. In terms of creating innovative solutions to achieve success, this of course involves craftsman skills David underlines. “Where people say it cannot be made, we believe that it can. Sometimes using the old skills enables things to be manufactured.”

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This is evident from recent awards which include: • Retail Sign of the Year 2015 • Architectural Sign of the Year 2016 • UK Bespoke Sign Manufacturer 2017 and finalists in 4 other categories in the recent BSGA Awards. “In terms of the level of service, we ensure that the client gets exactly what they want, when they want it. While we are the jewel in the crown, we are not the biggest company out there, but we are very good at undertaking large scale projects nationally and internationally.” The firm’s overall aim is profitability, David goes on to say, so that they can employ their staff and keep the company moving forward. It is very much about winning work and making profit but, added to that, the high quality of the firm’s work means that their clients trust them. Added to that, JAS wants to expand the work it is doing internationally too. One of the firm’s most successful projects to date was a £1.1million contract to clad the walls of the Piccadilly Underpass at Hyde Park Corner, completed in September 2016. The brief of the project was to clad over 2,000 sq.metres at the entrance of the tunnel to Hyde Park Corner. The stainless steel cladding was to

enhance the tunnel and create a better environment in readiness for a major media screen installation.

will continue so that we can all be profitable and stable enough to support our clients’ sign programmes.”

To give you an understanding of the scale of the project, it required 18,000 tech screws, 1,600 chemical anchors and over 1,000 stainless steel panels. John Anthony Architectural completed the survey, technical drawings, prototyping, managed, manufactured and installed all of the cladding. The client was indeed thrilled with the end result, as it was completely snag free!

“While we plan to work more overseas, we are excited about where JAS is heading and we look forward to another 45 years of trading.”

“Looking ahead into 2017, I don’t think the market can sustain too much more ‘cost stripping’, as at the end of the day we all have to make profit. There has to be a shift whereby companies realise that they cannot keep ‘slashing each other’s throats’ as it is not good for our industry or for our clients’ businesses. I hope that this ‘commercial savvy’

When securing a new client, the firm will assign a project manager to ensure that the project is within budget and completed on time. A thorough process is put in place, where there will be visualisation and technical drawings that the client will need to approve before we can commence work David explains.

“While we are the jewel in the crown, we are not the biggest company out there, but we are very good at undertaking large scale projects nationally and internationally.”

Company: John Anthony Signs Ltd Name: David Fagg Email: david.fagg@johnanthonysigns.com Web Address: www.johnanthonysigns.com Address: Claydons Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7UU, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 1268 777333

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, Construction

Built on Solid Foundations Dan Reedy of Onshore Construction tells us more about the company, it’s area of specialism, and what it’s like to work with the stars.

are only as good as your last job. With that policy in mind always, Onshore Construction continues to grow in business volume and as a solid reputation type contractor in the area.

Onshore Construction not only builds for the stars of the sports’ world but also for celebrities such as Celine Dione and Kid Rock. The key ingredient to the company’s success is two-fold to treat your clients as you would like to be treated and that you

When asked what that means on a day-to-day basis, Dan Reedy, the founder of Onshore Constructions, explains: “Less fire drills and easier execution for the team to meet the expectations of our clientele. “This communication puts everyone on the team on a level playing field.”

Onshore Construction, after being selected by discriminating owners, starts its projects off with several team meetings to align expectations for the whole team. Not knowing what to expect from architects, interior designers and owners, and vice versa, is not a good starting point. With solid communications many of the building challenges will go unnoticed and the construction process will become more streamlined and efficient.

Typically when the team is working in sync and all the moving parts are traveling in the same direction and at the same pace, construction projects flourish and it seems easy. Anyone in the business that has been successful knows one thing if nothing more – this is not an easy business and the well-oiled machines will survive. “That’s our goal at Onshore Construction” says Reedy, “to keep the wheels in motion and not let them fall off”. Reedy’s Construction team has been successful. In the past he has built many large projects but the most challenging was a 30,000 square foot project for Celine Dion on Jupiter Island, a seven mile long barrier island just north of Jupiter. The client assembled six acres of ocean front property and designed a plantation style estate that was inspired by the client’s favorite property in the Bahamas – Albany House on Nassau. Albany House has made history as it has been the site of two movies, most notably the James Bond movie Casino Royale.

The company chartered a plane prior to the commencement of the project and flew to Albany House with the team to study the details and layouts of all the structures. The result of that visit was the setting of the goals and expectations of the client. The successful project for the star singer boasts eight structures on the property including a 10,000sf main house with underground parking for 12 vehicles and a chef’s kitchen in the basement, with a dumb waiter to deliver food to the main level and second floor on the house. Other structures include a guard house, an eight bedroom guest house, a pool house, a tennis pavilion and a beach house. The property also includes a waterpark with a lazy river, beach entry, a tipping bucket and a skim board area. Reedy says: “The future of my small piece of South Florida paradise is a good one for building. It is a very desirable location for many East Coast folks that want a full-time or second home in an area that will not change too much from what it is today.”

Onshore Construction is a mid-size general contracting firm in Jupiter, on the South East coast of Florida just north of the town of Palm Beach. Jupiter in the past was a quiet fishing town until the late 1990’s when it was discovered by golfing greats like Greg Norman, Nick Price, Lee Trevino and Gary Player who all had residences in town. Jupiter in the early 2000s was really found when Tiger Woods and Michael Jordon built huge estates in the town. Now, it is a town of around 60,000 residents and Onshore Construction is one of the leading high-end builders in the area.

Name: Dan Reedy Company: Onshore Construction & Development, Inc. Address: 938 North Old Dixie Hwy. Jupiter, Florida 33458 Telephone: 561-744-8331 office 561-262-3189 cell 561-743-0705 Fax Website: www.onshorejupiter.com

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, Construction

Paving the Way for Success Best Luxury Tile Company UK award winning Sabbini & Co. Tile and Stone Merchants are industry leaders in the design, supply and installation of luxury tiles, stone, bespoke furniture and accessories for domestic and commercial properties. We caught up with Damien Dunne to learn more about the firm.

“Over the years we have learnt that every client is different and no project is the same. Therefore, we take a completely fresh approach to each and every job. It may sound cliché, but our philosophy is that the customer always comes first, no matter the size of the project. Although we began as a tile-only supplier, we have constantly adapted and developed to incorporate many other products and services, which has made us the comprehensive company we are today. In this fast paced technological age, it’s very easy to get left behind, so in recent years we have created a completely new and unique digital marketing strategy which

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we are continually revising and updating in order to stay at the top of our game in today’s ever changing business environment. Coupled with the wide range of products and high quality of service we provide, this is without doubt one of the main factors for our recent growth and success.

as one of the leading interior solutions companies in the UK and Ireland. Coupled with a ‘can-do’ approach and hands-on management style, our highly skilled workforce, well-stocked stores and nationwide coverage ensures quality, efficient work in any circumstance.”

“In order to ensure that our clients make the right choice, one tip we give them is that they should take their time. We have a team of experienced designers who work closely with buyers to make sure all angles are covered and that they have considered all options available to them. It always makes for a better buying experience and prevents any unnecessary issues further down the line.”

Overall the future looks bright for Sabbini & Co. as it seeks to build upon its current success and grow as a business in order to provide its quality products and expertise to a wider clientele, as Damien concludes.

“Last year was our most successful year to date, and thankfully we can only see things getting better in 2017. We have secured contracts with several large-scale companies in different commercial sectors throughout Ireland, and we are also in talks with various architectural firms in Dubai, which is looking promising. In addition to this, we are in the early stages of setting up a second sales team in London, so it is quite an exciting time for us. It is all go at the Sabbini HQ right now, but you can be sure we will continue to provide the same first-class service we are renowned for throughout 2017 and beyond.”

What truly sets the firm apart from its competitors, according to Damien, is its complete, ‘all-inone’ solution. “At Sabbini & Co. all design, supply and installation work is undertaken by our fully inhouse team of designers and tradesmen which ensures an efficient and seamless process from start to finish. Our slogan is that we are the ‘The Home of Luxury’, and we only source and supply products that fit in with this principle. We are based in an award-winning showroom in Northern Ireland and have rights to stock exclusive, elegant tiles and other products such as slate, marble, granite, wooden flooring and bespoke furniture for any space or situation. All this has helped establish us

Sabbini & Co. specialise in the design, supply and installation of luxury tiles, natural and man-made stone, bespoke furniture and wooden flooring for domestic and commercial properties. Drawing on over 25 years of experience working for private clients, as well as supply and/or subcontracting for architects, property developers, construction companies and interior designers for a wide range of projects throughout numerous sectors, the firm offers a truly comprehensive service to high-end, affluent patrons throughout the UK and Ireland. Damien discusses the lessons the firm has learned during the quarter of a century it has been operating in the market and how it draws upon these when working with every client.

Company: Sabbini & Co. Tile and Stone Name: Damien Dunne Email: damien@sabbini.com Web Address: www.sabbini.com Address: 6 Ballydown Road, Banbridge, N. Ireland. Telephone: 02840628787

FM160060

, Architecture & Design

Bringing Nature into the Workplace Leading interior landscaping company, Indoor Garden Design (IGD), provides high quality service and design creativity. We caught up with Creative Director, Ian Drummond, to learn more about the firm and the creative solutions it provides. invest in our team and this award is credit to each and every one of them. IGD was established as a family run business and we have always tried to keep to that ethos. Despite the growth of our business, we keep our teams small and the culture intimate, for example each team has a social fund so that every month they can choose what they want to do as a group; one month they all went ice-skating together. These things are important, not only for our staff, but ultimately for our clients.

These high quality services have been provided to a wide range of high profile corporate and hospitality clients, including Sky Television, UBS, The Connaught, The Club at The Ivy, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and Harrods. Ian outlines the approach that the firm implements in order to ensure that such renowned clients receive the service they deserve and expect.

‘Regarding the business operations, in order to work to the highest of standards, it is important to start at the beginning, so where we can, we like to be involved in projects from the earliest planning stage possible, in order that we can create planting which feels like an integral part of the building, rather than just an embellishment.”

“Here at IGD, we aim for the highest of standards at all times and at every level of our business. Central to this is the fact that we

Offering this exceptional quality of service helps the firm to ensure that clients get the most out of their space and the plants

in it. This is crucial and is a key part of the firm’s mission, as Ian explains. “Our overall mission is to bring nature into the workplace. Studies have repeatedly shown that having plants within the working environment is proven to be a huge benefit to both the health and the productivity of staff members and we actively promote these benefits. The great bonus to this approach is that the correct selection of plants looks amazing and can transform both the general feel and often the function of any interior or exterior space.” Looking to the future, Ian is keen for the firm to continue to provide the very highest standard of service whilst at the same time developing within the industry in order to provide the solutions their clients truly need. “Moving forward, maintaining the quality of our working service alongside innovative, creative design is critical and something we will always uphold. Last year

we celebrated 40 years in the interior landscaping business and we have consistently been right at the forefront of the way that plants are perceived in the interior environment. Over the years, we have designed and managed thousands of projects, but our passion for plants, our expertise and the professionalism with which we greet each project remains unchanged. “Within the wider market, we see the industry continuing to grow into new areas. Currently we are experiencing a surge in the domestic market - after innumerable years of enthusiasm for outdoor gardening, finally plants are coming into the home. We are now designing installations for high end interiors such as lofts, apartments and houses. This is something of a passion for me; I have co-written a book with Kara O’Reilly on this subject too, that is aimed to both inspire and inform. ‘At Home with Plants’ will be published by Mitchell Beazley in April and I am looking forward to seeing it in print and finding out what our clients think.”

Founded in 1975, IGD is the UK’s leading interior landscaper and has been bringing nature into the workplace for more than 40 years. Through its work, the firm brings nature to any environment, adapting work or leisure, education or luxury spaces, and delivering a full, expert service, including design, supply, installation and maintenance, on a contract or one-off basis.

Company: Indoor Garden Design Name: Ian Drummond Email: ian.drummond@igd.uk.com Web Address: www.indoorgardendesign.com Address: Indoor Garden Design, Woodside Works, Summersby Road, London, N6 5UH Phone: 0208 444 1414

1702BU13

Architecture & Design / The Personal Touch

Company: Klaus Bürger Architektur, Klaus Buerger Architecture Name: Klaus Bürger Email: k.buerger@k-buerger.de Web Address: www.k-buerger.de Address: Tönisberger Straße 67, 47839 Krefeld Telephone: +49 (0) 2151 73 60 05

62 BUILD / February 2017

The Personal Touch Klaus Bürger, owner of Klaus Bürger architecture, based in Germany, tells us more about his unique approach to design.

Klaus Bürger architecture may be a small firm but it offers unlimited options. Owner, Klaus Bürger, tells us more about the company and gives an overview of the services it provides. “Working to high standards, and with a great love of detail, we create rooms and spaces whose timeless design and choice of enduring materials make them useable and up-todate for decades,” he begins. “For more than 30 years our work has been characterised primarily by a high-level of continuity in architectural language, quality and liveliness, as our numerous projects prove. “We do not follow short-lived trends. Our handwriting is a clear, reduced architectural language, which lends all our projects their special quality. Using light, colour, texture and acoustics we create an environment which, in overall composition, is clear and streamlined, yet also rich in detail and painterly-sensual. People feel upbeat in our rooms and more sensually aware of their surroundings.” Klaus Bürger Architektur was established in 1981. “In these times there weren’t any possibilities in creating these high-glossy photorealistic 3D-Visualisations, which was an advantage,” states Klaus. “My customers had to trust in me, that I was able to create their dreams and better. Then I had my first experiences sitting over a realistic 3D rendering and suffering in stupid discussions about the brown-tone of the

wooden floor. That was the moment to take a step back from this faked security to more rudimentary 3D models and physical material samples to give my customers a feel into what their rooms will actually be like in the future and to also claim more trust into my work and vision.” What sets Klaus and his team apart from the rest in the industry is the clear strategy of providing what the customer really and truly desires. “The best strategy is to be flexible, not to fear new challenges and to have an open heart.

“You don’t need to invent the wheel twice. Invention for invention’s sake is the wrong way to go about it. All you need is to watch carefully, to discuss thoroughly, and to decide what’s really necessary.”

“Lots of craftsmen and architects are not able to think apart from common standardsolutions, or they fear expensive consequences when it comes to the question of warranty or safety. We don’t fear to go down an unusual path, but not necessarily for the customer’s own sake. We don’t want to create unusual designs that look different but have no sense, no quality and no integrity. We want to put a design into place that has a figure, a visual and material quality, and which fits completely self-evidently, and harmonically into an overall architectural impression. “You don’t need to invent the wheel twice. Invention for invention’s sake is the wrong way to go about it. All you need is to watch carefully, to discuss thoroughly, and to decide what’s really necessary.”

Klaus shares his industry experiences in magazines and publications, as well as at conferences, where he provides expert advice. His determination to ensure his continued success as a master craftsman is clear. “The best project is my next project,” he laughs. “I cannot share with you any new business ventures before they are finished and I cannot provide insight into future projects as I do not have a crystal ball! However I strongly believe that the secret to success in this industry is ‘context’. I do not agree in building solitary structures that can be placed in Norway as well as in China. For me, there is always a personal interaction in my work with the city, the region, the culture and the human beings, that create a certain environment to their special place, where they can feel delighted, relaxed, inspired and, ultimately, at home.”

1607WO20

Architecture & Design / Innovative Interiors and Refined Architecture

Company: Pineapple House Interior Design Email: info@pineapplehouse.com Telephone: 404-897-5551 Address: 190 Ottley Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

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Innovative Interiors and Refined Architecture With a unique mix of crisp interiors, refined architecture and southern charm, our ‘2016 Most Innovative Designers in the USA’ is awarded to Atlanta-based Pineapple House Interior Design. The think-tank of designers collectively known as Pineapple House Interior Design recently celebrated 35 years of interior architecture and design excellence. Highly renowned for unique designs and unrivalled services, the firm has earned over 60 professional awards for its innovative projects, including honours from the US government for exemplary business practices. Pineapple House is home to inspired creatives with expertise in interior design, architectural design, décor, furnishings and construction. Co-owners Stephen Pararo, Amber Gizzi and Zach Azpeitia lead their teams nationally and internationally as they guide clients through every aspect of building and decorating. Pineapple House designers are fluent with the many complexities of the design/build process, be it for a rustic cottage, luxurious home or an upscale hotel. Executive Vice President Amber Gizzi, Allied ASID, said, “we’ve worked from the Caribbean to Canada, and know that no matter where a project is located, we can gracefully orchestrate every aspect. Our trademarks are aesthetic excellence and superior service.”

Pineapple House has received numerous awards and distinctions through the years. They are the only firm in US history to have received Design Excellence honours from the industry’s professional organisation, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID,) for 15 consecutive years, for a total of 40 awards. They were voted the Best of Houzz DESIGN in 2017, 2016 and 2015 from a database of over one million industry professionals.

They also won Georgia’s Residential Best of the Best from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) in 2008, 2007 and 2006. President Pararo, a former HGTV judge, was named Georgia’s 1st runner up for the US Small Business Administration’s 2014 Small Business Person of the Year. In 2016, Architectural Digest featured the Pineapple House residence that was created for dapper client (and Hollywood producer) Will Packer and his family.

In 2017, Pineapple House expanded in order to meet the firm’s continued demand. Projects currently on the drawing board include a 45,000-square foot private residence in Atlanta (yes, 45,000 square feet!) and a hotel conversion in Florida. According to Senior Vice President of Design, Zach Azpeitia, Allied ASID, “we provide our clients with innovative concepts, quality products and seamless services. Once they approve our ideas, we take care of the rest.”

FM160054

OC Cleaning Solutions: A Shining Example OC Cleaning Solutions Limited was formed in 2012 as a small commercial cleaning company by Mark White, the company’s Managing Director. Initially Mark approached domestic clients and started to build a small portfolio of private residential properties, whilst also focusing on capturing the attention of larger commercial contracts in Chorley and the surrounding areas. Within the first 6 months, OC Cleaning Solutions continued to build on the domestic side of the business as well as gaining some commercial opportunities and going on to employ its first OC Cleaning team members. By 2014, the firm had successfully secured many new commercial clients in the North West of England, including commercial offices, public houses, bars, restaurants, sports clubs, medical and clinical environments, nurseries and other educational establishments. OC Cleaning Solutions entered the construction industry in 2015/16, and during the last 18 months the firm has started to acquire ongoing contracts with large scale project management companies. Working closely with these clients, the firm is able to complete cleaning after building work, sparkle cleaning, and the specialist cleaning of floor coverings at high street stores such as Boots, TJHughes, Dominos, Marks and Spencers, all over the United Kingdom. An increasing number of clients are beginning to realise the cost benefits and the flexibility which can be achieved by employing a cleaning contractor to manage their sites, stores and outlets, either as a one off, monthly, or even yearly arrangement. OC Cleaning Solutions offers

66 BUILD / February 2017

a professional, thorough and effective cleaning solution to numerous organisations. In the last 6 months, OC Cleaning Solutions has started working with a local building company who they are working with on NHS projects around the North West. The firms after building work cleaning services are tailored to meet specific cleaning requirements, and OC Cleaning Solutions operates with only the best equipment and ensure their building work cleaning operatives are fully equipped with all safety clothing and materials to work on site. The firm takes health and safety very seriously; their standard practice includes site/ contract specific risk assessments and method statements, induction and refresher training for all staff, regular health and safety audits and safe chemical purchasing policy and full COSHH assessments. The firm also employs the services of a H&S consultant, who work closely with OC Cleaning to ensure everything they do is completed safely and all risks are either eliminated or significantly reduced. The management team at OC Cleaning Solutions take pride in ensuring that everything possible is done prior to site entry, meaning that the cleaning operative and supervisors who carry out the work can make speedy and efficient progress

with little or no fuss on site. Every client is assigned a single point of contact that will control all instructions and ensure complete management of the building work cleaning service. Winning the Build Magazine Best Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Company - Northwest England has confirmed to the firm that they are providing a top class service across the board. OC Cleaning Solutions recognises that this is directly related to their staffs’ attitude towards their clients and the work which they undertake. The firm understands the value of appearance and cleanliness, and the effects these have on the day to day running of businesses, regardless of their industry or sector. OC Cleaning Solutions has implemented a quality management system from the outset, with a view to becoming ISO 9001 certified. Planning and implementing such a system at start-up will allow the company to maintain a faster growth, whilst providing a seamless undisrupted service to their clients; the company brand stands for “quality”. The firm has a structured and motivating quality management and training plan which sets its fundamental cleaning approach apart from its rivals. Weekly training, monitoring, inspection, appraisals and communication are all vital to the high quality

service provided by OC Cleaning Solutions. A member of the management team will carry out weekly, or in some cases daily, site visits to ensure client satisfaction and employee support. The training plan offered by the firm sets them apart from their rivals as it provides appraisals, which are vital when providing the highest quality cleaning service and when building a sustainable future for both the business and its clients. Its location between Liverpool and Manchester gives OC Cleaning Solutions the advantage of being able to offer cleaning solutions to a wide range of commercial business parks, bars, public houses and restaurants, high street department stores and individual customers within the North West of England. Being one of Lancashire’s newest commercial cleaning companies, OC Cleaning Solutions intends to expand further into residential cleaning, event cleaning, end of tenancy cleaning, one off or spring cleaning, after building cleaning, and carpet and upholstery cleaning once it has become even more deeply established. Ultimately, OC Cleaning Solutions’ mission is to provide the customer with a commercial cleaning solution in an environmentally sound, completely trustworthy, and professional manner.

g Engineering & Infrastructure / OC Cleaning Solutions: A Shining Example

Company: OC Cleaning Solutions Limited Web Address: www.occleaning.co.uk Address: 57 Walgarth Drive, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2QN Telephone: 01257 430435

1702BU38

, Architecture & Design

Building Success Skyscrapers, bridges, wireless technology, etc. are all things that most of us ponder from afar with some fascination. Glen Coben, however, grew up with a father whose engineering projects caught his imagination and passion early in life and inspired him to be part of the building process. Recently awarded, ‘Ones to Watch in American Architecture’, we caught up with the founder of the firm Glen Coben to find out more about this award-winning, New York City-based architecture firm. Please give me an overview of your company and the services/ products you

provide. We are an award-winning, New York City-based architecture and design firm who focuses on hospitality projects.

When undertaking a new client or project what approach do you use to ensure the best possible outcome? Communication with our clients is the key. As story-tellers, we need all of the information, from what inspires our clients to what motivates them.

What sets you apart from other companies in this industry? What marks you out as the best option for your clients? We don’t bring our style into the conversation. Each and every project gets its personality from the client’s wants, wishes and desires. We are excellent listeners and collaborators! Within the wider industry, how do you distribute your knowledge and experience (for example, do you speak at industry conferences or write literature on your area of expertise)? I speak at industry conferences, lecture at select Universities and meet as often as I can with young, up and coming designers to mentor them.

What are your overall aims and what strategies do you employ to achieve these? I love what I do for a living. I hope it shows! How do you make sure you create innovative solutions to maintain your success? Travel. Read. Visit museums, galleries, keep an open mind and sketch a lot! What has been your most successful project to date? What has been the most important thing you have learnt from working on this? Each and every project is unique! Our most recent restaurant is Gabriel Kreuther. The hotel I am most pleased with is the Archer New York. What does the future have in store for your industry? How do you see your market changing over the next 12 months?

I don’t have a crystal ball, so I look forward to whatever surprises are in store for us! I think technology will continue to allow us to push the envelope in how we communicate and show our designs to clients. Also, 3-D printing seems like it may be helpful someday. What are your future aspirations for your company? Do you have any plans or projects you would be willing to share with us? I would love to bring our ability to shape environments and how people interact with their spaces and bring them into areas where we can have influence, such as senior living. I would also love to take our restaurant experience and get involved with larger stadium and university work. Do you have anything further to add? I would love to open an office in Europe!

K Company: Glen & Co Architecture Name: Glen Coben Email: glen@glenandcompany.com Web Address: www.glenandcompany.com Address: 276 Fifth Avenue, Suite 204, New York, NY 10001 Telephone: + 1 212 689 2779

68 BUILD / February 2017

1702BU28

, Architecture & Design

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Mattia Parmiggiani is the owner and director of MATTIA PARMIGGIANI ARCHITECTS, recent winners of the 2016 BUILD Awards Architect of the Year in Italy. To celebrate their success, this article looks into the work of this Italian architectural studio and their specialisation in architecture, interior design, spatial innovations, exhibition design and brand communication.

MP is the art director for Atlas Concorde Group, one of the leading tile manufacturers in Italy, looking after their corporate image, trade fair exhibitions, events and communications strategies. He is also art director for the Russian company KGZ. His work includes creating innovative concepts for public and private companies, interior and vision design, exhibition design, corporate image brand design and building site management. MPA is partner of Manfriday | MPA Moscow, a design and communications company, in partnership with MPA Italy, with representatives in Moscow who manage and develop projects in Russia. MP currently is the principal design architect for the new Coca Cola HQ in Moscow. His professional work encompasses various areas of project development, from town planning to architecture and design. He is currently working on projects in Japan, Korea, Israel, United Kingdom, Emirates, United States and Russia, as well as in Italy. Since 2004, he has been working in Moscow. In

2009, he became a member and a chartered architect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London, UK. When taking on a new client or project, our design approach is driven by the desire to deliver buildings which are as functionally efficient and high-performance as they are visually innovative. What sets us apart from other companies in this industry is that MPA’s think thank approach offers integrated project delivery from the concept to the completion. Our research is the essential ingredient of our core business, that allows us to create innovative and creative proposals. Our team is our greatest asset; indeed, we promise to deliver design excellence with innovative, creative and functional solutions to suit our clients from low budget requirements to even the most complex design challenges with the same level of services. In terms of distributing our knowledge and experience within the wider industry, I think the only way to describe your experiences is through the work that you do. When I am invited to speak at conferences, I try to communicate the joy of always being involved in different projects. I believe that every place is like a musical instrument, which of course amplifies and produces its own sound. One of the MPA objectives is to support the delivery of good design projects and spaces that

are innovative and add values. Our aim is to help our clients to achieve this goal. To create innovative solutions to maintain our success, I would say that in today’s world you cannot use only one single architectural language, but rather you need a multitude of languages drawing upon all forms of expression available in our contemporary landscape. We are interested in the synesthetic interaction between sight and other senses, in order to introduce a sensual and emotional involvement to the project. Contemporary society is living in chaos and needs more and more elastic and seductive visions. When asked what our most successful project is to date, I do not think that there must necessarily be a special project. They say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ I am therefore convinced that whatever the new project is, one has to be able to bring out the invisible emotions which deeply move us.

The future Our future project is to continue developing the work we have created over the years. MPA’s work is a profound commitment to finding innovative concept design solutions, with dedication to contemporary projects and the potential of materials. This is achieved with the help of a working methodology and a spirit of curiosity and experimentation. ‘Even though we work in different countries, the work we do in Italy is nevertheless always tailormade and made to measure:: we take care of every single stage of the process. I think the market is moving precisely in this direction: tailor-made projects with their own DNA, not generic readymade projects. I think it was the great fashion designer Paul Smith who said “You can take inspiration from anything, you only need to know how to look at things”. I believe this is a truly intelligent statement that I infinitely agree with.

MPA is based in Italy (head office) with a branch office in Moscow and it has been working in Russia since 2004. Mattia Parmiggiani has almost 20 years of experience across most sectors of the building construction, interior design and design research. Much of this experience has been international.

Company: MATTIA PARMIGGIANI ARCHITECTS (MPA) Name: Mattia Parmiggiani Email: Info@mparchitects.it parmiggiani@mparchitects.it Web Address: www.mparchitects.it Address: 985 int 6 via Emilia Est 41122 Modena - Italy Telephone: +39 059 366029, +39 059 3681232

Always Moving Forward Drains covers and similar functional items, in the world of modern construction, have no real aesthetic value. They just serve a purpose – they stop our gardens, kitchens, bathrooms (and even our sitting rooms!) from becoming paddling, or even swimming pools, in stormy weather. Drains are a necessary evil, and their ugly covers hide a multitude of sins. John Harte, Managing Director of Lateral Design Studio is daring to challenge the widelyheld belief that functional items have no business being attractive. He asks the construction world to cast its mind back to school history lessons, to remember what they taught us about Classical Greek and Roman architecture, with its precision engineering, attention to detail and drive for aesthetic perfection. Or to the Gothic cathedrals of late-medieval Europe, where even the roof drainage systems consisted of ornately carved gargoyles. John is leading a modern Renaissance – bringing art back to the finer details of construction and architecture, asking “Why? Why shouldn’t we mix art with functionality? Why can’t we have works of art in the middle of our showers, or alongside our bi-fold patio doors and in our streets?” Lateral Design Studio, is doing just that, by taking the mundane, and transforming it into the remarkable. And to great acclaim. Since 2011, when the company was launched, Lateral has won five awards including two Sustainable Building Awards in 2016 – European Product of the Year and the Best for Targeted Construction Products. With a remarkable slate of clients, Lateral has provided 316 grade Stainless steel floor registers to Hampton Court Palace, cast iron channel drains, manholes and gully covers to Blackburn Cathedral, and it counts Grosvenor Estates in Belgravia and London Borough of Hackney Council as some of it esteemed clients.

70 BUILD / February 2017

Increasing numbers of developers, Local Authorities and architects are approaching Lateral too, realising that the unpolished finish of a cheaplymade, unattractive grate or drain cover does little to enhance the impact of even the most exquisitely designed buildings or urban space. Lateral is the only company in the UK providing designed solutions to replace functional construction products - both inside and outside the home. It’s a family-run company, with John in the driving seat, his daughter in charge of sales, and partner, Anne, in accounts. The uses for its products are endless, from homes to businesses and landscape projects up and down the country and internationally. Lateral operates under three main brands, creating a range of functional, but yet beautiful products for internal and external use. They take a client’s brief and design in-house the products that always excel their clients’ expectations.

Aquascape now fulfils the need for well-designed, good quality bespoke landscape components for the external and landscaping sector, from designer channel drain covers to decorative bespoke manhole covers and tree grates, they all receive the same treatment. The designs are pushed to the point where design meets function to produce a piece of art. They then enhance both the landscape area and the users experience. Their covers won the first SGD Society of Gardeners Designers product of the year and their products are highly sought after by professionals who really care about how their project will look on completion. Aqualevel, a new high performance modular drain system, offers level access through doors and a range of architectural quality covers. It means homeowners no longer have to use inefficient slot or pebble drains or unsightly plastic or galvanized steel ladder-style drains which scar their project. It gives a choice of architectural

quality drain covers in a variety of designs and materials including stylish & modern stainless steel, smart & natural Jonite stone composite or classic & sophisticated cast iron. The Aquaduct range is produced for internal use, including, but not limited to, bathrooms, wet rooms, showers, air vents and floor registers. Aqua drains are available in square, combined, linear and round ranges and are made from 100% marine grade reclaimed stainless steel and are suitable for internal and external usage. As the creative powerhouse behind Lateral Design Studio’s innovative repatriation of art with utility, John was always innately drawn to the construction industry. He studied construction and construction drawing at school while working in a hardware store from the age of 16, a position which gave him the insight into all construction products - good and bad. Upon leaving his homeland in the Republic of Ireland, John

g Architecture & Design / Always Moving Forward

set out to seek his fortune in London. There, he spent a few years advancing his knowledge of building and construction before establishing Ormond Construction Ltd in 1989, quickly winning an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects for one of his projects. After spending decades in the construction industry as a quantity surveyor, listening to people making the same comments about the poor quality of certain fixtures and fittings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; drain covers (internal & external), floor registers, recessed manhole covers, bi-fold door channels, fan plates, shower bases, sink strainers and much more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John resolved that he would reinvigorate the market, challenge the norm and develop quality products which combine high specification utility, but with aesthetic appeal being the primary lead within the design and production process.

Lateral Design Studio, as a result, was born.

Company: Lateral Design Studio Name: John Harte, Managing Director Email: info@lateraldesignstudio.co.uk Web Address: www.lateraldesignstudio.co.uk Address: Unit 5, Cotswold Business Park, Millfield Lane, Caddington, Bedfordshire LU1 4AJ Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8450 2244

1610BU15

Construction / Providing the Personal Abode

Company: Miros Bogdantsaliev Email: info@avalonbuild.co.uk Web Address: www.avalonbuild.co.uk Address: Britannia House; 1 Glenthorne Rd; London; W6 0LH Telephone: 02088347072

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Providing the Personal Abode Avalon Building & Decorating, Ltd. is a London-based construction and design firm offering customers the chance to turn a house into their dream home, as represented in their recognition in BUILD Magazine’s Defining the World Awards. Providing complete renovation and refurbishment building projects, Miros Bogdantsaliev and his team set out to transform the homes of their clients by bringing to them a level of space, quality and value that are unrivalled on the market. Approaching new clients and making the right first impression is a major priority for Miros, a motive that he works hard to diffuse throughout the rest of his firm. As Miros describes, the very best way of maximising client relations from the get-go is by “clearly setting the client’s priorities and aims, and working out how to achieve these through a combination of standard old school methods and innovative materials and design approaches.” In Miros’ experience, the combination between these approaches has worked out very well, and has proven to be the recipe for Avalon achieving the best outcome across so many incredible projects. “Our Clients benefit from our very broad spectre of knowledge and expertise,” Miros continues.” This includes but is not limited to: design, structural, building work, high-end finishes, management and coordinating, enhancing value, etc. “This enables us to look at each project from very broad perspective, and to advise our clients on the best options, in order to achieve our objectives and for them to get to live in their dream home – all without the need for compromise.”

This approach has drawn Avalon a well-earned reputation for its hugely satisfied – and steadily expanding – client base. Indeed, word of mouth has often been one of Miros’ greatest assets in witnessing and participating in the growth of Avalon. Perhaps this is why Avalon chooses to focus itself within the London hemisphere, taking advantage of an infinite network of connections. It is difficult for Miros to select a single project as an example of this, as they are all successful and there is always something to learn from each project, but the experiences of Mr. Jack Linton testify to this strategy:

Moreover, Avalon pledge to deliver these bespoke services as a price that is far more competitive than other participating firms on the market. Mr. Gary Linton explains more:

“Our daughter and son-in-law used them to virtually reconstruct and renovate their five-bedroom house and they did an excellent job. My company then used them to do a virtual complete rebuild on a hotel/pub in Fulham Road that involved lowering floors and completely gutting the premises. This proved a challenging task but we finished with a miniSainsburys on the ground floor and basement and three floors of luxury apartments that sold in excess of one million pounds each. The top floor penthouse has been featured in several magazine articles and is fetching well over two million pounds.”

Of course, another important aspect to Avalon’s mission within the wider industry, besides maximising its client relations, is to demonstrate its professional knowledge to the wider market, and impress upon competitors and partners alike that their practices should be seen as a model. In order to do this, as Miros explains, “we voice our views about the values and ethics in our industry, as well as sharing our experience and expertise through professional publications – such as Build Magazine.

“Avalon’s original quotation for the job was extremely competitive especially considering their expert finish of their job. Throughout the project there were significant structural and design changes which did not phase Avalon and they were very open about what the increase in cost was going to be. They were extremely transparent and reliable when it came to their pricing throughout the job.”

“Keeping updated and informed, especially when it comes to the latest research and technologies in our trade is a key factor of success. Using and applying new technologies and materials gives us a broader approach and alternatives, resolving various, sometimes unexpected problems and issues that arise with almost every project. “We hope that this will reach other businesses and people and will help them to prosper and offer their clients even better and more valuable service. In addition, we strive to employ new and innovative materials and technologies that provide better value to our clients. Miros sees the future as being dominated by these newly improved and innovative materials, and hopes that they will be able to provide more value in terms of quality, durability and practicality. “The companies that adopt these will most certainly prosper, as they will offer the best value to their customers,” he says. “Achieving better value through innovation and creativity is our dream and we work hard to apply it on every project.”

1610BU11

Nob Hill Construction, Inc

San Francisco Bay Area tami@nobhillconstruction.net

FM160061

, Technology

Software Solution Success: CAFM Explorer CAFM Explorer supports help desk, building maintenance, property management, space management, room booking, resource scheduling and cost control within a single integrated package. It offers an all-in-one solution that is able to deliver the functionality needed to successfully manage a facility as Claire Visser, Director at CAFM Explorer, explains.

One of CAFM Explorer’s unique selling points is the ability to grow with the needs of clients without having to purchase additional modules and functionality; Help Desk, Work Planner, Cost Control, Stock Control, Asset Tracker, Property Management, Room Booking, Space Management and Reporting are all included as standard. Additional web, mobile and engineer functionality is also available to provide a complete solution for users.

“CAFM Explorer can help you achieve your facilities management objectives, quickly and efficiently; our software helps FMs manage facilities as varied as hospitals, sports stadia, banks, universities and over one million historical documents for one customer! We work collaboratively with new and existing customers to ensure a smooth installation and transition from any existing software. Our CAFM Explorer User Group continuously provides feedback and requests to guarantee that updates to the software are

relevant to the industry and driven by customer needs, rather than what vendors suggest is required. “We’re grateful to have been recognised for this award and we recognise that we would not be in this position without the hard work and dedication of all of our staff, from sales and account management through to training and product management. Our focus is on continually striving to be the best in class and to provide software that is clear, easy to use and user focussed. Technological advancements are a constant driver for us, ensuring that we stay ahead of the competition, and while the ease of development of cloud and SaaS solutions mean we need to be increasingly agile in our business processes, our all-in-one solution means that customers don’t need to invest in multiple, disparate systems to get the job done.

“In 2017 we will have two new product releases and host a multi-stream User Group event in order to showcase our product updates and case studies. We believe that the future is bright – being a part of Idox gives us the stability and digital ability to really enhance private and public sector business processes, transforming the way facilities are managed and how clients interact with those facilities.”

“Our focus is on continually striving to be the best in class and to provide software that is clear and easy to use.”

Company: CAFM Explorer Name: Claire Visser, Director Email: sales@cafmexplorer.com Web Address: www.cafmexplorer.com Address: Second Floor, 1310 Waterside, Arlington Business Park, Theale, RG7 4SA Telephone: 0870 333 7101

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Best Renewable Energy Consultants 2016 – UK Xpert Energy design, supply and install bespoke energy saving solutions for commercial and domestic properties. We invited Director Sarah Jones to talk us through the company and its service offering.

Xpert Energy offers turnkey solutions for both residential and commercial properties to improve their energy efficiency, as well as providing maintenance services for renewable energy systems, with a focus on heat pumps.

solutions. Xpert Energy is able to offer the spectrum of its services in-house, from SAP calculations right through to installation and commissioning of systems, so that clients receive the support that they need in all elements of the project, with tailored solutions provided at each stage.

The firm’s range of products includes air, ground and water source heat pumps, under floor heating, MVHR (mechanical ventilation heat recovery), insulation, solar thermal, photovoltaic, thermal stores, efficient radiators, and biomass. Sarah provides more detail on the firm’s vast offering and how it aims to ensure that every client receives the solution they need.

“Currently there is a major lack of knowledge and experience on how to create integrated energy saving solutions in this country. We learn from European countries such as Sweden and Germany where we see the true scope of what can be done.

“Xpert Energy support clients with all of their energy needs, whether its an existing building or a new build. Thanks to our dedicated, professional team, we can provide services throughout the project, from conception to completion.

Over here very little is known about these techniques so clients often miss out on the solution which is right for them.

Our team include designers, 3D modelling specialists and energy consultants. We also have an in-house installation team. Acting as a one-stop-shop for our clients, which means that we are able to ensure that the quality of our work is second to none.”

We aim to ensure that our solutions are tailored to meet the client’s needs, budget and individual property. Many of the residential buildings we work on are listed, and this limits the changes we are able to make, but our trained and knowledgeable staff are able to work around such challenges to produce a range of solutions for the client. We then showcase these and provide the client with the pros and cons for each, allowing them to make an informed decision.

According to Sarah, in the UK sustainability market there is currently a severe lack of knowledge in the provision of integrated energy saving

In design, our focus is to determine the heating load for each individual room with pinpoint accuracy. Equal emphasis is given to designing

76 BUILD / February 2017

heating to maximise the efficiency of (for example), heat pumps or gas boilers, which will in turn minimise running costs making this a valuable investment for our client.” One of the firm’s recent projects is supporting the conversion of a 1960s detached family home, helping the client to reduce their energy requirement from 24kw to just 5.93kw, despite the house increasing in size by 40%. This says Sarah, was calculated using Xpert’s own heat loss calculator to determine exact heating load requirements of the building. This takes into account the air infiltration rate which can account for 30/40% of the physical heating requirement of a property.” Xpert Energy acts independently, not tying itself to any one manufacturer so that it can match the products most appropriate to each client’s needs. This is what sets the firm apart, according to Sarah. “Our employees have varied qualifications in sustainability and energy efficiency, many at degree level and we are accredited by several governing bodies, including the AECB, MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), REAL Assurance Scheme, IDHEE and CHAS Health and Safety, as well as being Passive trained. This vast amount of technical knowledge enables us to make an accurate assessment of every

client’s individual requirements and then create a solution which will fulfil these needs.” The firm is currently inundated with bespoke projects thanks to the quality of its service offering. Looking to the future, Sarah stated that she had high hopes for the improvement of the UK sustainability market, and that her firm aimed to be at the forefront of these developments. “The governing bodies in our industry are currently looking into providing more rules and increased inspections of those who provide energy saving solutions, in order to protect both clients and those who work in the industry. I am optimistic that the industry will improve in the coming years. Xpert Energy is dedicated to help move the industry forward and we are looking to provide training courses to provide opportunities for other professionals to broaden this knowledge, so when specifying energy saving solutions, they have a full understanding of all of the factors involved. We are keen to offer advice and support to builders, architects, project managers and the public so that they can offer the same high standard of construction that we pride ourselves on.” Xpert Energy is the trading name of Xpert Energy Installations Ltd.

g Energy / Best Renewable Energy Consultants 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK

Company: Xpert Energy Installations Ltd Phone: 0118 93 03 700 Website: www.xpertenergy.co.uk

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Pioneering Productive Work Environments As a part of the USA Construction Excellence Awards, BUILD Magazine has recognized IES Commercial, Inc., Commercial & Industrial Division. The Commercial & Industrial Division has been operating within the USA electrical and mechanical industries for over 18 years.

IES Commercial, Inc.’s Commercial & Industrial Division is owned by the parent company IES Holdings, Inc., (“IES,” also f/k/a Integrated Electrical Services, Inc.). IES is a NASDAQ-listed holding company that owns and manages diverse operating subsidiaries, comprised of providers of industrial infrastructure services to a variety of end markets and is currently operating through four segments: Residential, Infrastructure Solutions, Communications and the Commercial & Industrial Division. Residential provides electrical installation services for singlefamily housing and multifamily apartment complexes; Infrastructure Solutions is engaged in providing electrical and mechanical solutions to domestic and international customers; Communications provides technology infrastructure services to corporations and independent businesses throughout the nation. The Commercial & Industrial Division, being the focus herein, provides electrical and mechanical design, construction and maintenance services to the commercial and industrial markets in various regional markets nationwide in certain areas of expertise.

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Employee safety is the cultural foundation of IES – ‘nothing we do in our industry is worth a life’ is the mantra of the company, and by it there is a determined, striving and ongoing effort to review safety values through in depth assessment. This begins with each new hire orientation training class, and prior to commencement of all other training classes. IES is also an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities, Women, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. “Since it was established, the division has experienced multiple changes over the years,” says John Werner, President – IES Commercial & Industrial Division. “Two primary changes we have encountered and continue to address are lower volumes of new entrants into positions for skilled trades/construction management and rapidly changing technology.” “Our recruiting approach has adapted by determining the value of acquired skill sets within our markets, and by establishing training to develop required skill sets of new entrants in addition to offering competitive merit compensation, a wide array of benefits, training and development opportunities, quality leadership and supervision, and advancement opportunities in support of acquiring the skill sets needed to facilitate and maintain our growth.”

In response to rapid technology changes, John is also instigating means by which the company can achieve faster, more reliable communications, effectively by creating and transmitting vast amounts of detailed information in seconds, resulting in the implementation of multiple security protocols. Keeping up with these constant changes in software and related hardware operating devices is a particularly essential focus for the company to be able to remain competitive as time goes on. The company’s approach is through a combination of internal training and development programs, including outsourcing more specialized training as needed for end users. “I am personally a strong believer in requesting input and participation from employees, and in ‘taking it to heart’ by reviewing the input received from them to develop solutions together,” John says passionately. “Setting a clear vision of our business objectives and the actions required to meet these objectives forms a synergy to move the business forward, by inspiring employee creativity through ignition of a purpose and passion, which in turn fosters growth. Also, a highly-valued reputation of an organization is its most valuable asset which is consistently in need of being protected through the favourable actions of the organization. Consistency builds

credibility, and in turn, credibility allows a business to experience longevity.” “Our construction projects aim to conduct daily or weekly employee safety talks depending on size of the project to reinforce awareness of safety among themselves and others on the jobsite,” comments John. “Our safety managers are generally certified safety professionals who perform regular equipment condition/placement safety checks and weather-related employee physical condition checks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) checks – to include fall protection harnesses, confined space training, etc. , to support utilization and training on proper wear of PPE as required in addition to all other safety duties including as trained first-responders, and accident investigators, and also to support consistent adherence to IES Safety Policies and project/clientspecific safety requirements.” The company’s experience yields an exceptional safety rating that is recognized throughout the construction industry, which permits the company to be much more competitive in demonstrating a high level of commitment and management support. This is essential for the company to be able to perform regular, much-needed maintenance of a very competitive bonding surety capability, as well as

g Construction / Pioneering Productive Work Environments

guaranteeing diversity in multitrades capabilities, remote project capability through employment of industrial mobile workforces, and electrical and mechanical capabilities within the Commercial and Industrial Division, with the ability to draw on additional resources from within IES overall. The company is also a proud recipient of multiple Safety Recognition awards, including the 2016 National IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) Top Safety Award and 2015 National ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors) Excellence in Safety Award. “We focus on applying best practices through experienced internal resources to first plan and then execute customer relations and project management efficiencies, based on contract requirements and customer preferences,” John says. “Our internal culture also keeps our employees wholly geared towards adopting any and all due diligence in evaluating relevant environmental influences in advance, in order to include recruiting speciality direct workforces or sub-contractors as needed in all areas of services that are provided from the pre-bid process through project completion.”

“Our primary accomplishments are based on employing longstanding professional and loyal leaders throughout the Commercial & Industrial division and within all levels of the Company who share in the ability to understand and work together toward common goals. Key attributes include our combined diversity of qualified personnel and project experiences, our capabilities of performance in multiple industries allowing all IES segments to progress while withstanding major market fluctuations or stagnated markets, and a continuous focus on applying the most effective measures to meet or exceed the expectations of all shareholders.” “Providing a safe and productive work environment is central to the ongoing business development strategy of IES overall; developing and cultivating employees through progressive skill-set training programs, while also excelling in the provision of customer service solutions and shareholder expectations, are both essential means of maintaining a corporate reputation of being a responsible and ethical company in all areas, including and most especially in the eyes of the communities that IES operates within. “

Company: IES Commercial, Inc., Commercial & Industrial Division Name: John Werner, President Web Address: www.iesci.net Address: 5433 Westheimer Road, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77056, USA Telephone: +1 305 887 5137

IES contributes in multiple ways across all of its operating industries by participating with local and national safety councils and industry groups to include IEC-Independent Electrical Contractors Association, ABC-Associated Builders & Contractors Association, and the AGC-Association of General Contractors Association. Gaining this broader base of wider industrial knowledge outfits John and his team in the Commercial & Industrial Division with the skills to strive towards continually seeking out self-improvement in all areas of operations and personnel as well as facilitating and empowering key leaders to provide effective leadership at all levels of the organization. John advises, “most importantly, never give up

or stop striving to be the best you can be within your markets and business operations.” “This”, as John describes, “underpins the success that has been enjoyed by IES to date.”

RP16042

cps-property.com

CPS have been in business since 1987 therefore offering a wealth of relevant experience across the province. With each office run by an experienced team of enthusiastic and helpful professionals you are in an ideal position to benefit from an abundance of local knowledge combined with an unparalleled knowledge of the wider property market.

A Reputation Built on Trust

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, Construction / Technology

Built to Last Tim Bingham, Owner of Tim Bingham Building Contractors Ltd, talks to us about the firm and his no-nonsense approach to ensure client satisfaction.

• A personal service: Tim Bingham personally project manages every stage of every project, however large or small. • A fanatical attention to detail. The man behind the company, Tim Bingham, is highly skilled with a deep-rooted practical and relevant knowledge base. Tim has many professional qualifications and more than thirty years’ experience within the building industry. From leaving school at sixteen, he successfully completed a five-year building apprenticeship working on large-scale building

developments. He also trained as a Master Brick Layer, representing Salisbury College in the Regional Finals. His career has included working with some of the top tradespeople on prestigious residential developments. Tim Bingham also has expertise in site preparation, bricklaying and site management for large local companies. He is used to working closely with architects, NHBC officials, building inspectors, contractors and clients to ensure that the planned build is feasible, legal and, above all, translates the owner’s desires from dream to reality according to plan, budget and schedule. Tim prides himself on being hands-on - from project management to getting his hands dirty with a shovel! Tim tells us more about his approach. “Initially, I will meet the client and discuss the project and study any plans from their architect. I look at the details of what is involved in the build and

put together a clear estimate for the client with a full breakdown on the project stages, each stage being carefully explained and costed according to the specification provided. “I always personally manage the project, liase regularly with the client and work closely with the craftsmen from start to finish. “Each build is a showpiece of my company and close management of the site is key in keeping it both safe and tidy.” “Materials are chosen according to the plans or to match the existing building. I use local, highly trained bricklayers who will work to the plans and the instructions I give them. “Joinery and carpentry for the roofing, windows, kitchens, bathrooms and internal features are all designed and built to the highest specification. Every aspect from selection of materials to the fitting and finishing will be dealt with in a professional and caring manner. In any design the roofing makes the look of a building and I will always ensure materials, techniques

and craftsmanship are all of the highest standards. “Finishing the build to the customer’s total satisfaction is my aim and excellence is my cornerstone.” To date, Tim has completed many projects and has many currently ongoing. These include: •

New build Georgian farmhouse including hand built wooden staircases and galleries, and fitting all kitchens and bathrooms.

•

Conversion of a two bedroom bungalow into a four bedroom, two storey house.

•

Conversion of open loft space above a garage and fitting of a mezzanine floor into an adjoining utility room to create a bedroom, bathroom and office.

•

New build four bedroom house and garage on a brownfield plot

•

Creation of an extra bedroom in an end of terrace house via a roof extension

Tim Bingham Building Contractors Ltd provides a highly personalised building and renovation service in the Wiltshire and Hampshire area. The company prides itself on offering:

Company: Tim Bingham Building Contractors Ltd Address: The Hawthorns, Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Wilts SP4 0ER Telephone: 01980 629754 Mobile: 07901 756090 Email: tim_bingham@live.com

FM160057

, Energy

Making Gains in Sustainable Energy Infrastructure In 2012, recognising that their current Johannesburg office portfolio was performing well below cost, design and efficiency benchmarks, the South African-based international chemicals and energy company, Sasol, confirmed the formulation of a consolidated strategy for their global headquarters in the city. At the time, they considered a number of options, including a major refurbishment of their current offices versus the construction of a single complex.

Three years later, and with the Sasol staff relocation now complete, it is clear that Sasol Place has been designed to the very highest standards and showcases a number of innovative features, which makes the office complex a truly iconic architectural landmark. The development brings together more than 2,500 of Sasol’s Johannesburg-based personnel, into a single high quality, 11-storey state of the art office complex. The corporate office consolidation, undertaken by

82 BUILD / February 2017

Sasol’s Project HQ team, will dramatically reduce Sasol’s overall building operating costs and realise significant positive returns. Fay Hoosain, Sasol’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Projects stated: “Through our new global headquarters, we seek to not only optimise costs but also to embed corporate best practices around employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Living up to its promise, in October 2016, Sasol Place received a Green Building Council of South Africa Five-Star Green-Star rating in the design category.” Fay elaborated further: “The building design addresses environmental issues such as water recycling and energy efficiency through the use of the latest technologies, for example, intelligent building management systems that automatically regulate the use of LED lighting, air conditioning, automated blinds, water usage, escalators and elevators.”

The 67,000m2 rentable area features generous floor plates, restaurants and a pastry shop, a wellness centre, a convenience store, a multi-faith sanctuary and a fitness centre. There is also a dedicated art gallery that will showcase Sasol’s respected South African contemporary art collection. A range of natural habitats are being created on the external decks of the building, and will serve as one of the largest elevated corporate gardens in South Africa, with individual indigenous biomes attracting small wildlife, insects and birds.

It soon became clear that a refurbishment on the scale required was not financially feasible, and that a single new building offered them the best value for money. Following an extensive evaluation process, in 2013 Sasol announced that they had selected The Sasol Pension Fund and their partner, Alchemy Properties, to develop and lease a new consolidated office.

Company: Sasol Place Name: Fay Hoosain Web Address: www.sasol.com

Fay concluded by stating that: “Given the focus on the optimal balance of cost, quality and schedule, we are proud to confirm that the project has been delivered under budget, on schedule and to the highest quality standards in the industry. Furthermore, more than 90% of the overall project budget has been channelled back into the local South African economy.”

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