Holiday Issue 2019

81 Apr19351 Leading Innovation in Global Luxury Architecture Established in 1985, DSA Architects International are a leading architectural design practice with offices in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. As a result of their exemplary record and reputation in the industry, DSA were named ‘Most Outstanding Architectural Practice in the UAE’ in LUXlife’s 2019 Leading Designers programme. Following their success, we spoke to the firm’s Director of the Middle East region, Peter Davison, to find out more about their expertise in the industry. There are few firms around the world that can celebrate the level of success that DSA Architects commands in the architectural sphere. As undisputed experts, they have amassed a varied and broad portfolio that showcases a singular ability to design simply transcendent spaces that push the boundaries on conventional design. Here, luxury elements come easy: grandiosity is seamless and elegant, sophistication permeates every surface, line and curve. As Peter explains, DSA’s clientele have shaped their work, allowing them to organically develop, adapt and grow over the last three decades. “We work with many types of client from multi-national blue-chip companies to governments, hotel operators and local investors. DSA are recognised as one of the leading hotel and resort architects in the world and we are proud to have delivered over 100 properties worldwide, including brands associated with Hilton, Marriott, Accor, Jumeirah, Hyatt, Kerzner, Four Seasons and Nikki Beach 'to name a few'.” Yet, with thirty years in the industry, it is clear that DSA’s considerable success isn’t simply down to the strength of their portfolio. From their founding to today, they have flourished through an ability to provide an exceptional level of client-centric service and an understanding that great design finds its foundations in a dedication to tailored solutions and personalisation. “DSA approach all of our projects with the same passion and enthusiasm. Our experience and track record of success as a Lead Consultant, offering a 'one stop shop' for design and management services enables us to customise our service to suit the particular needs, objectives and dynamics of a project in a bespoke manner, whilst maintaining the high standards of quality and added-value that we are well known for providing to all of our Clients.” More impressive, perhaps, is DSA’s global team, who have played an integral role in driving the firm’s success and growth. From the outset, a strong company culture has served to differentiate DSA from a wealth of competition, defining their approach to every client. “Firstly, we are extremely proud of how we have been able to retain talent and experience, as currently over 70% of our staff have been with DSA for over 5 years, and half of those for over 10. We purposefully look to develop and promote from within and to offer opportunity for growth and advancement. The team ethic set from the Directors onwards is one of help and support to each other in a positive way. This sets the tone for a dynamic working environment where ideas and knowledge are shared and passed on. With regular staff seminars to discuss projects, lessons learned and debate ideas for providing further value and innovation going forward, we continuously strive to further develop ourselves.” Peter moves on to discuss the greater architectural industry, specifically in regard to the Middle East. “The Middle East market continues to provide an abundance of opportunities. As in all regions and industries, we have seen economic cycles of greater and lesser demand, however what is uniquely interesting about this part of the world is that, as one country or area experiences a dip, others will tend to go the opposite way simultaneously. The reasons will generally vary but, at DSA, we use our market intelligence to respond to these fluctuations to ensure that we are adequately marketed, visible and known to Clients as early as possible in 'growth' areas, and also where we need to adapt commercially to win projects in locations that may be suffering a downturn.” Finally, in his closing comments, Peter discusses the future of DSA Architects. As you might expect for the firm, 2019 is a year defined by further advancement, innovation and progression. “Over the next couple of years, it is important that we never become complacent and are always looking to find ways of developing and moving the business forward. Whether that be in terms of staff development, new technologies, exploring fresh markets or streamlining and improving our existing processes. We are hoping to be able to announce some significant news in relation to Saudi Arabia very soon, as well as our first full hotel design commission in India - so watch this space!” “DSA are very proud to have been recognised as '2019's Most Outstanding Architectural Practice in the UAE' by the LUXlife Leading Designer Awards, and this is testimony to the hard work, effort and creative ability of our team, as well as the opportunities afforded to DSA by our esteemed Clients.We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody that has played a part in this success.” Company: DSA Architects International Name: Peter Davison, Director Address: Office 204, Convention Tower, Happiness Street, Zabeel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website: www.dsa-arch.com Telephone: +97143292288