DSA Digest Issue 12 by DSA

DSA Digest Q3 2018 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 12

DSA ARCHITECTS STRENGTHENS OPERATIONS IN OMAN

DSA are delighted to announce the signing of an MOU with Muamir Engineering & Design Consultancy to act as strategic partner and local representatives for ongoing and future projects in the Sultanate of Oman. DSA, who already have an extensive portfolio of hotel and large mixed-use developments in Oman, including Muscat Bay for Saraya Holdings, are also currently undertaking projects for Omran, Muriya and the Royal Oman Police in association with MEDC. DSA Director, Peter Davison, commented: ‘We are extremely committed to Oman and His Highness Sultan Qaboos’ vision for the future of the country and its citizens. This cooperation with MEDC, a first-class Omani consultancy now gives us a formal local presence, which will only serve to solidify and build upon that commitment and focus’.

Peter Davison, Director, DSA Architects and Muamir Al-Hasny, Managing Director of Muamir Engineering & Design Consultancy pictured signing a new partnership agreement.

In this issue: • Welcome from the MD

• DSA Share Care Packages

• Onwards & Upwards

• Le Touessrok, Mauritius

• Project Update - Athaiba Beach Club Hilton Resort

• Project Update - Hawana Lagoons

• DSA OPEN 2018

• Wings for Life World Run 2018

• One to One with Liesle Aucamp

• MEA Markets Business Awards

• Shamwari Private Game Reserve

• African Construction Expo Winner

WELCOME TO DSA DIGEST A very warm welcome from all of us at DSA Architects in Dubai to the latest edition of DSA Digest. I am truly delighted to once again report on how many of our colleagues are celebrating more than a decade of service with DSA. This underlines the strength of our company in recruiting talented people and continually developing a culture where personal and professional development is nurtured and valued. As our Senior Associate and HR Manager, Liesle Aucamp highlights on page 4, “a happy staff is a happy company.” Despite continually challenging trading conditions, the quality of the projects we continue to be appointed for and those that we have delivered on time and within budget, are testament to DSA’s enviable reputation for quality of design, project management and service. This is only achieved due to the experience, dedication and professionalism of our people and the teams in which they work. Further evidence of our strong International position is seen in the awards that our architectural designs and projects receive. DSA’s Africa office excelled in winning the coveted title of ‘Best International Architects 2018’ at the MEA Markets South African Business Awards 2018 and many congratulations also go to Janine Strachan in winning the BIM Design competition for healthier living spaces at the ‘African Construction Expo 2018 .’ It is the world-class projects that DSA design and deliver that maintains our positive momentum and through prestigious developments such as the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa and Hawana Lagoons in Salalah, Oman, we display our versatility and

market leading ability to create original, environmentally and culturally sensitive developments. We continue to develop a stronger presence in the Sultanate of Oman, notably through the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement with Muamir Engineering & Design Consultancy which will facilitate greater local efficiencies and knowledge on future Omani projects. Additionally, the Athaiba Beach Club Hilton Resort in Muscat and the aforementioned Hawana Lagoons, sees DSA at the forefront of Oman’s continued evolution as an international tourist destination that offers world class quality in hotels and resorts. In parallel to this professional success, DSA remain focused on community projects that we believe reflect our core values and are deserving of our involvement. It is fantastic that in every edition of DSA Digest, I am able to read of colleagues’ personal commitment, often involving many weeks of sacrifice and of our continuous participation in raising funds and awareness for worthy local and international causes. It was a great effort from the DSA Africa team in the ‘Wings For Life Run 2018’ and many thanks also to staff who raised funds to provide ‘Care Packages’ for our construction workers in Sharjah, UAE during Ramadan. Thank you all for flying the DSA Architects flag so high and best wishes. Thank you and good luck to you all for the rest of the year. Steve Kelshaw, MD Middle East

Onwards & Upwards Congratulations on More than 10 years service to: MAGDA DE JAGER

WELLINGTON KAMBARAMI

Accountant - joined 1st May 2008 (10 years)

Site Architect - joined 13th June 2006 (12 years)

JOPHY THOMAS

VINOJ VELAPPAN

Senior Architect - joined 1st May 2008 (10 years)

Associate - joined 15th June 2008 (10 years)

MOHAMED ALI SALIM AL-HASNI

BERNARDO RIZON

ALEKSANDAR MILOJKOVIC

Project Co-ordinator

Team Coordinator - joined 20th May 2006 (12 years)

Senior Associate - joined 28th June 2005 (13 years)

JOSEPH AGNEW

SABEER NAMBALAKKANDI

Associate - joined 1st June 2003 (15 years)

Architect - joined 1st July 2007 (11 years)

SUJI SUGATHAN Senior CAD Technician - joined 5th August 2007 (11 years)

Welcome to our New Joiners:

DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 12 | Q3 2018

HARKEERAT SINGH Project Co-ordinator

Harkeerat & Mohamed recently joined the Design Management team at DSA Architects International. Their role is to facilitate and co-ordinate with the design consultants, clients and construction site teams. They serve as the point of communication on assigned projects supporting senior management and directors.

DSA IN THE SWING BEAUTY ON THE BEACH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER The second edition of the DSA OPEN in support of the ‘Swing Against Cancer’ series will be staged on Thursday 13th September 2018 at the iconic Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club and underlines the commitment of DSA Architects in supporting outstanding local community causes.

DSA Architects are proud and excited to be appointed for The Athaiba Beach Club Hilton Resort, Muscat, a luxury beach style resort in the heritage rich capital of Oman. This world-class destination will offer unparalleled architectural sophistication whilst maintaining and reflecting the cultural and historical heritage of the surrounding landscape and built environment. The Hilton brand is world renowned for its rich, authentic style and luxury, synonymous with a global elite of young and ambitious whom all share a common interest for a lifestyle of luxury. It is set within a strategic location of a 140 metre wide stretch of beach front property in Muscat, Oman, The design aims to achieve a unique and authentic experience by drawing on the rich heritage of the Omani cultural experience in the contemporary context.

ch es te r Unite d ac tio n fo r M an in pe ar Sh e Le

Golf lovers, UAE business leaders and former Manchester United and England international footballer, Lee Sharpe, will join together to help in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases by taking part in the DSA OPEN 2018. The series, which is open to amateurs and professionals is run by Worldwide Golf magazine in partnership with Sixteen10 and has gained significant momentum since launching the 2017 series of events. Further to the success of last year’s inaugural DSA OPEN, the region’s corporate and golfing communities have continued to increase in numbers to raise funds and awareness for local cancer charity, Friends of Cancer Patients, whilst enjoying a unique day of golf and business networking. As Steve Kelshaw, MD, DSA Architects, Middle East explains, “Cancer is a dreadful disease that has most likely in some way touched most of our lives and the pursuit of a cure and the support of those affected by cancer is a cause that DSA Architects is committed to.”

The interior draws its inspiration from its local context, not only the spectacular landscape setting and the strong language of shapes and forms from its historical architecture, but also weaving in references from fabrics and jewellery, to fragrance and food. Every aspect of the hotel interiors has been designed in accordance with Hilton Brand Standards as well as taking cognisance of local architectural and design practice. Athaiba Beach Club Hilton Hotel is a 5 star Contemporary Resort Hotel. The hotel design aims to create a sophisticated contemporary design that acknowledges its geographical and cultural location within Oman, as well as well as resonating with the global resort traveller’s aspirations and needs. The towering overhead palms, manicured hedges and all year round seasonal colour created by the landscape emphasise the grand architecture and create an impressive welcome statement. The shape and orientation of the site and the master plan design allow the ‘central lagoon pool’ to work harmoniously with the overall design, integrating seamlessly with the beach-front environment. The lagoon is the key feature of the resort, and has been enhanced to offer multiple activities and uses around its periphery, creating a fully integrated outdoor experience. The landscape design takes into account the architectural intent to create a contemporary Omani landmark destination.

www.dsa-arch.com

One to One with ... LIESLE AUCAMP Senior Associate / HR Manager

Liesle emigrated to the United Arab Emirates from South Africa in 2004 and joined DSA in the same year, becoming Office Manager in 2006. She has been an integral part of the company’s growth from four employees when she started to over 75 today and her passion for the unique supportive, family environment that DSA has developed over the years is a clear reflection of the DNA of the firm and the factor that ultimately delivers a unique position in a highly competitive sector. This also means that managing the ‘cultural pulse’ of the DSA Dubai Office is central to Liesle’s role as Senior Associate / HR Manager. Prior to Dubai, Liesle’s role as a General Administrator and PA to 5 directors of Ellerines, South Africa’s largest furniture company, provided the solid skills required to manage processes, policies, systems and staff recruitment, whilst staying abreast of the country’s constantly changing employment laws. It is the retention of staff that Liesle believes is critical in building a harmonious and profitable company and when one considers the average length of service of DSA employees, over 70% of staff have more than seven years of service, including senior staff and directors, it is an impressive statistic, a solid foundation for future growth and testament to the company’s human resources strategy and execution. Attaining an ‘employer of choice’ status is a product of years of dedication and teamwork and the rigorous recruitment policies of DSA ensures that only people with the appropriate skills, attitude and experience are able to join the team. Equally critical in selection is a person’s cultural fit. Liesle and her team ensure that everyone shares the philosophies and values of DSA, namely, teamwork and mutual respect and Liesle describes the recruitment process as creating “a long term mutual benefit” for both DSA and all members of staff.

Although appointed Senior Associate in 2016, Liesle points to her promotion to ‘Associate’ in 2008 as a career highlight and this advancement provided the opportunity to work on a broader strategic level, working more closely with the directors in helping to shape DSA’s future strategy. As HR Manager, Liesle is laser focused on personal development for all staff. This is facilitated through relevant training programmes and performance appraisals, which enable continuous improvement. The fact that the directors and senior associates are actively supportive of this philosophy promotes a healthy feeling of mutual respect throughout the company. A demanding role requires a counterbalance of personal time and Liesle enjoys nothing more than the great outdoors with her family, whether that is a traditional Afrikaans Braai, swimming, or an early morning daily cycle ride on Dubai’s desert cycling tracks. Liesle and her husband, who is a partner in a construction company in Dubai, have two sons. The eldest is studying at University in South Africa and her youngest son is in school in Dubai.

Born and raised in Cape Town and educated in Bloemfontein, (Liesle’s declared capital of South Africa!), she is equally happy and at home in the UAE climate and she believes that “a happy staff is a happy company.” 4

DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 12 | Q3 2018

THE SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

DSA Architects International Africa are deligted to have been appointed for the prestigious redevelopment of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, located in Paterson, Eastern Cape, South Africa, with the specific goal of repositioning the Shamwari brand within the international safari marketplace. The reserve became globally recognised for its pioneering efforts in wildlife conservation, along with an exceptional hospitality experience. Four existing lodges have been selected to be recreated to enhance guest offerings in fine hospitality. Building in such a sensitive, pro-

DSA pays tribute to fellow construction workers in Sharjah DSA were humbled and honoured to share care packages with our brothers and fellow construction workers at the Sajja Labour Camp, Sharjah, UAE, on Saturday 9th June 2018 prior to Iftar. These men work very hard in extreme weather conditions to help realise the creative vision of architects and engineers on site. The ‘Care Package’ funding was kindly raised by all DSA Middle East staff.

tected and restricted environment, where the access, noise and light pollution is limited, has tested contractors’ logistical skills. This had to be expertly pre-planned and executed in order to avoid interruptions and delays. Access to some of the buildings and material storage has been constrained due to the need to ensure no visual impact or damage occurs to the surrounding environment. The construction time has been reduced to allow for speedy, hassle-free reopening of the lodges for the upcoming high season and we are all looking forward to seeing the spectacular end-product!

FAREWELL IN RETIREMENT TO: MICHAEL LARKIN Associate / Commercial Manager – Middle East Office After 10 successful years with DSA as Commercial Manager, Michael Larkin is hanging up his calculator and returning to Australia for a well-earned rest with his family. Best of luck and happy retirement from all of us Mike!

TONY MARQUES Associate Architect Africa Office All of us at DSA wish Tony all the very best on his retirement. Thank you for the huge contribution you made to DSA over the past 18 years. You will be missed by all!! www.dsa-arch.com

Reflection of Excellence LE TOUESSROK, MAURITIUS A true gem in the broad global project portfolio of DSA is undoubtedly the architecture of Le Touessrok Resort and Spa, Mauritius. Inspired by a Mediterranean Village, with white-washed facades and thatched, shaded alleyways and brightly flowered patios. The resort is situated on Frangipani Island, a beach headland, overlooking the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. The 10 suites and villas, and the 193 rooms are situated on the mainland in the Hibiscus and Coral Wings, with further suites in the Frangipani Wing, all sea-facing with a personalized butler service. The rooms are contemporary with the radiant and unusual Royal Suite décor offering a stimulating experience. The mainland also contains the numerous restaurant and bar offerings, tennis courts and kid’s club and the elegant Givenchy Spa. Across the water are the resort’s two private islands – Ile aux Cerfs, with its spectacular championship golf course (designed by Bernard Langer) and Ilot Mangénie, an island retreat exclusive to guests, both a short ride by private boat. Nestled along the untouched eastern coast of the verdant island nation, Trou d’Eau Douce Bay’s tranquil, uncrowded world-class beaches are found. Here, the resort offers an unrivalled standard of privacy and personalisation in an atmosphere of refined island luxury. Thoughtfully renovated in accordance with plush contemporary design, each room and suite incorporates indigenous island touches, featuring uninterrupted, postcard-perfect views of sparkling, turquoise waters.

DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 12 | Q3 2018

WELCOME TO ‘FOREST ISLAND’ Hawana Lagoons, Salalah, Oman DSA are proud to announce the launch in August 2018 of Forest Island part of the Hawana Lagoons development in Salalah, Oman, a DSA-designed prime residential project, developed by Muriya (a joint partnership between Orascom Development Holding and Omran). Overlooking a unique forest park, picturesque lagoons and offering remarkable views of the Dhofar mountain range as a backdrop, Forest Island comprises simplexes, 1-bedroom townhouses, 2-Bedroom and 3-Bedroom semi-detached villas. The development has been designed in two distinct, but equally elegant styles, Moorish and Modern. The Moorish architecture draws its inspiration from across the Mediterranean. Designed to offer palatial living, from the magnificent exterior to the grand spaces inside, an architecture that pays respect to the past in a modern living environment. The Modern architecture is bold and confident; every angle carefully considered. Windows and doorways are generous, yet discreet, hinting at the lavish interiors within and achieving an overall look that is minimalist but opulent. The perfect blend of both modern and contemporary Arabian styling flourishes. This modern architecture is the ultimate expression of luxurious living.

WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN 2018

A major feature of the project is the forest park itself, a unique landscaped amenity for the residential community, featuring waterways and amenities nestled within the central island. Forest Island Park lies at the heart of the development, and will be a focal point for the community. The Forest Island Park development also features waterways of the lagoons, a 1.6-kilometre lagoon promenade, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and children’s playgrounds. In addition, residents benefit from access to the development’s established facilities, including three hotels; the Salalah Rotana Resort, Fanar Hotel & Residences and the Juweira Boutique Hotel, a 170-berth marina, a diverse selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a range of water sports.

Left to Right: Michael Thomas, Ian Manson-Kullin, Carla Hadfeild, Pierre Roux

Congratulations to the DSA AFRICA team for their sterling efforts in the ‘Wings for Life World Run 2018.’ 100% of all entry fees and all donations raised through fundraising campaigns go directly to life-changing spinal cord research projects and clinical trials at renowned universities and institutes worldwide.

www.dsa-arch.com

The Best INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTS DSA recognised at the ‘MEA Markets South African Business Awards, 2018’. DSA were awarded ‘Best International Architects 2018’ at the prestigious MEA Markets South African Business Awards. In making their decision, the judges considered DSA’s entire portfolio of prestigious international projects and reputation as a market leading architectural design company. DSA Managing Director, Africa, Zinon Marinakos commented that ” Here at DSA Architects, we are extremely honoured to receive this award and it is a testimony to our focus on being a leading architectural design services business, delivering iconic buildings and environments from our three strategic global locations, in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Europe.”

Janine Strachan Wins Top Prize At African Construction Expo 2018… Congratulations to Janine Strachan, DSA Africa’s BIM Manager, who was the winner of the ‘African Construction Expo 2018 - BIM Design competition for healthier living spaces.’ Janine was awarded a one-year software licence from the two respective BIM software vendors and a cash prize from insurance company King Price. The competition required entrants to render their designs, submit a 3D model with a fly-through video, and submit the project to a common data environment. The first competition also required entrants to make use of Revit Keynote ASAQS Elemental Classification. Representatives from the BIM Academy, the Northumbria University (UK), Ryder and i2C judged the competition, scoring entrants on their application of BIM principles such as the inclusion of technical specifications, suppliers/manufactures info, URLs and the use of assembly codes and materials. Well done Janine!

Janine Strachan, Vaughan Harris (BIM Institute) and Gerd Bolt

DSA Architects International (Middle East) address: tel: fax: mail: web:

Office 204, Convention Tower, Zabeel, Dubai, UAE +971 4 329 2288 +971 4 329 2289 dsa.dubai@dsa-arch.com www.dsa-arch.com @DSAarchitects DSA Architects International @dsaarchitectsintl

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