How important is collaboration with suppliers, operators and designers? Why?

David: Working together is the only way to make a project successful. Our expertise makes each of us a link in the chain of a project with individual roles to play. For Great Scotland Yard, London — designed by HBA Dubai — the design team worked very closely with many suppliers in order to adhere to all local regulations whilst implementing the specific requirements from the operator for this high-end property located in a very demanding market.

Dausser: Collaboration combined with clear and timely communication with stakeholders such as suppliers, operators and designers is extremely important. It is what keeps a project on track for timely completion. It’s also essential to ensure that the design is acceptable and fits the vision of the owners (and the public) while costs are curtailed, budgets are met, and materials are available and obtainable as required. Without collaboration, any project could easily derail and take much longer to complete after facing tremendous hurdles.

Amyas: It’s important to have good communication with both the client and the wider delivery team. Having strong relationships with suppliers allows us to specify the latest materials with the confidence that when an order is placed, the product will be available. It’s about trust and integrity — avoiding reproductions and copies is paramount. As designers, having a creative visual solution isn’t enough. To achieve the design vision, there also has to be an understanding of the operational aspects, too.

Rosha: The hotel brand, its interiors and operation are all elements that go hand-in-hand, and it is extremely vital to ensure they work in harmony. At Creneau International, as restaurant owners and operators, we emphasise on sharing our operational expertise with clients, and design interiors with an in-depth understanding of how the operations work. Great opportunities lie in true collaboration, leading to a more successful project delivery.

Martin: Very. I would add the property owner into the team, too. Between them and the operator, they create the vision and develop or choose the brand that will be delivered. In a very competitive market, to be able to provide something special, you need clients that can think outside the box. It is then our job as designers (together with the suppliers) to deliver their vision. As designers we need to interpret this vision into three dimensions — colour, texture and light — which together, function efficiently and will last for the specified life cycle of the development.

Tareq: The contracting industry in particular, has to deal with very high standards when it comes to quality, efficiency and timeliness. The construction and renovation industry in the Middle East has seen a dramatic shift in recent years. Dubai is increasingly becoming a designer’s heaven with the passage of time, because of so many start-ups entering the market each day. It is therefore very crucial to work with experienced suppliers, designers and fit-out contractors in Dubai to guarantee the project’s success.

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