This week we got a chance to have an interactive session with Mr. Kerem Cengiz who is the Managing Director – MENA at LWK + PARTNERS. Mr. Kerem is highly experienced in the field of architectural design and aims to create developments that contribute in combining high urban design quality with assured commercial success through thought, innovation, strong leadership and effective management. We discussed in brief regarding the future innovations in the architectural design, effects of the pandemic on the construction industry, and how EXPO 2020 Dubai will revive the real estate landscape of the region.
How has business been after Pandemic?
Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we managed to keep our numbers strong and we can see the market moving again with the assistance of projects from Saudi Arabia who has relatively been active to buffer some of the challenges in the UAE to work across the region, said Mr. Kerem.
Did COVID-19 restrictions bring any structural change in operations?
We had to make some structural changes in the way we operate, in terms of technology as well as delivery methodology. Being a business with a main HQ in HongKong, we were able to forecast the impacts of the pandemic to a certain extent. As the pandemic started to affect the UAE region, we had already put into place remote working measures and protocols with a well connected workforce added Kerem. Fundamentally business is all about the people who work within that business, and one of the biggest challenges we understand is that one model of operation doesn’t suit everyone, certain employees flourish working remotely at home and some need guidance in a well structured work environment said Mr. Kerem.
How is your business participating in the EXPO 2020 Dubai?
We are participating in an event which is part of the EXPO 2020 Dubai – CityScape Global starting from 9th of November 2021 to 11th of November 2021. It’s a big platform for this region and we are the only Architectural Sponsor part of the event. As a global entity we are participating in the Cityscape Global to share industry knowledge and talk about Innovation and bring in value change across the industry, said Mr. Kerem.
Watch the exclusive interview on our channel here:
About LWK + PARTNERS
WK + PARTNERS is a leading architecture and design practice rooted in Hong Kong. Its 1,100+ creative minds collaborate across a network of 12 offices around the globe delivering world-class solutions to the built environment. Its wide range of services include architecture, planning & urban design, interiors, landscape, heritage conservation, building information modelling (BIM), brand experience and lighting design. With over 35 years of growth, the practice has completed many outstanding projects across different sectors, such as mixed-use, commercial, residential, education, transit-oriented developments, and leisure and public facilities developments.
LWK + PARTNERS is a member of C Cheng Holdings Limited (HKEX stock code: 1486), the first listed architectural services provider in Hong Kong and mainland China. Strong synergies and unified capabilities within the group offer unique advantages for the practice to spread leading design power around the globe.