An interview with Simon Green

Redefining the workplace

Meet Simon Green, one of the  top interior designers Dubai and the man behind Schiavello in Dubai. His extensive knowledge of the country and the region at large is responsible for making Schiavello one of the most sought after companies in the corporate interior industry in the Middle East

Set up more than 40 years ago in Melbourne, Australia, Schiavello currently commands approximately 35 per cent of the commercial furniture and fit-out market in Australia.

 The Dubai operation was established by Green in June, 2004. The Dubai branch of Schiavello has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last couple of years, thanks to the boom in the property sector and the influx of multi-national companies in Dubai.

"There is no denying that the residential property sector is experiencing trajectory growth but the corporate property sector is also not lagging behind. The corporate interior industry is steadily gaining momentum and is very much in the growth phase. An honest assessment will suggest that we are right now in the initial stage of the cycle. But of course some serious work is going on and I can see foresee this growth continuing for the next 20 years," says Green, General Manager, Schiavello, when asked how he would like to define the corporate interior industry in Dubai.

"The growth will be phenomenal. Around 4 million square meter of new office space is going to come up in the next few years," he adds.

Schiavello offers design, project management and turnkey solutions to building owners, property developers and business end-users. "We want to clarify that Schiavello is not a décor company. We are your business partner. As a partner, Schiavello looks after the corporate interior policy of the company." What adds an edge in Schiavello's performance is its acquaintance with the region and its issues. "When the companies hire international consultants they are often not aware of the ground realities of Dubai. They come up with excellent design plans without checking feasibilities. When we undertake a project we look at the building, its location, parking space and the availability of power and other critical operational conflicts. As top interior designers Dubai our knowledge and experience enables us to offer comprehensive and practical solutions that take into account all relevant issues," he explains.

 

 

 

Design Trends

Working on corporate interior design can be really challenging - because it should reflect a company's identity, culture, ethos and future expectations. It should speak for the brand the company stands for. It should also represent the goals and dynamism of the corporation. Clients and potential clients should be kept in mind at all stages of office interior design.

On the other hand, the interior should also motivate and make people feel comfortable because this is where they will work, day in and day out.

Space efficiency

"Rents in Dubai are skyrocketing and space is limited. We always try to enhance space efficiency, maximize use of natural light and most importantly make the project cost efficient," Green says. "We make a thorough analysis of corporate culture, look at the economics and then come up with solutions and the change we suggest is always very positive. We believe in bringing new thinking in existing corporate culture."

For Schiavello, economy is as important as décor. It propagates the concept of 'churn' in all its projects. In the words of Green, churn is all about anticipating growth and making provisions to accommodate such changes well in advance. "A company bears a lot of expenses to keep pace with change that growth brings in its trail. But proper planning can reduce the cost of churn substantially."

Marketing adds an edge

Focusing on niche sectors, Schiavello targets decision makers who are responsible for the next stage of growth of corporations. Green acknowledges that the strongest factor for Schiavello is its brand - it is all about consistent quality, transparency, trust and delivery. "Our job in Dubai is to create more awareness of the brand."

Schiavello reinforces the fact that it is keen on establishing a long-standing bond with its clients. It is even willing to go that extra mile to help clients choose right properties for their operations. "In Dubai, developers may often compromise on the quality of the interiors and clients will encounter problems after taking possession. With our expertise we are in a position to ensure that the chosen property meets all the requirements of the client," Green points out.

 

 

 

In the last quarter of this year the company is going to provide an innovative business line in Fixed Asset Management. Under this scheme Schiavello will capture and maintain the data of corporate assets on behalf of its clients so that the clients have a clear knowledge of assets they possess.

 In addition to strengthening its Dubai operation, Schiavello also wants to focus on another growing market - Abu Dhabi.

"Whatever we do, as  top interior designers Dubai our focus will always be on adding significant value to a businesses objectives based on our philosophy that they will fully realize core competencies making decisions concerning the places and spaces in which they operate," says Green.

DAFZA Business Focus Issue 61 2008

 

 

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