A keen eye for detail

We get the lowdown on creating the perfect working environment with Swift Interiors Design and Build’s Satish Babu.

“In the Middle East, the design and build (D&B) industry is extremely competitive by virtue of the number of players here”
-Satish Babu

How do organisations needs differ across industry sectors and different countries when it comes to interior design and construction?
Satish Babu. Commercial organisations are mirrors of the society in which they operate. Obviously, the needs of different Industry sectors vary depending on their function, products, markets and so on, but the common thread is society and the concept of 'global village' that is very much prevalent here. The big names across all industry sectors strive to portray themselves as leaders, and rightly so, in all that they do – and where better to start from than their office interiors, which immediately convey their status and commitment to all their stakeholders.

In the Middle East, the design and build (D&B) industry is extremely competitive by virtue of the number of players here. The clients here need something very fast and creative. The D&B sector needs to be prepared to come up with designs to outclass, outpace and outdo the existing architectures. Hence, we need to constantly look out for what is not available rather than what is available. Above all, as in every other industry your relationship with your client is of paramount importance. A relationship that is built on trust and dependability ensures the sustainability of any business.

With companies struggling in the global downturn, what impact has this had on your business?
I suppose that the impact has been positive, in that we have been able to kick start organisation-wide restructuring as well as undertake new initiatives. We are strengthening our process to make them more customer-centric. For this we have chosen the Quality Management System model of ISO. We have also invested in CRM-based sales, marketing and deliverable models. I think that we are getting ready for the big push once again. We have also started developing more vendors and are in the process of building a very strong internal planning and control department. For us, without a shred of doubt, it has been our relationships with our clients and the trust they have reposed in us that has ensured our growth during these difficult times.

What has been the most daunting/complex refurbishment you have undertaken to date?
It is difficult to point out any one project – we have been involved in complete refurbishment of functioning offices of banks, complete turnkey fit outs of four floors of a commercial tower from a 'shell and core' stage, concept restaurants, educational institutions, broadcasting studios and more. I am sure that all our projects have been very challenging in its unique way and satisfying to us. The challenges have mostly always been the time frames in which these jobs need to be executed and we have been fortunate in that we have a workforce that, if I may say so myself, is extremely dedicated. We as a company look at every project as an important milestone. We are thankfully involved in a lot of exciting work and believe that our work should be the strongest brand for us. We look at all the aspects very carefully and also ensure that customer is benefited through our competency, skills as well as ethics and honesty.

How much potential do you see in the Middle East for Swift Interiors  and what challenges do you envisage in the region?
The potential is huge and cannot be quantified. We are mid-range players and even in this segment, the opportunities are immense. The design and construction industries need to be more innovative – from mindset and design to material sourcing. More time and attention has to be focused on long-term achievements, quality and practicality. We have a social responsibility in focusing on sustainability and promoting 'green certified products'. Fortunately the government here is leading the way by laying bench marks for future works and it is all very exciting and promising.

Satish Babu is an industry veteran in the area of design and build (D&B). Having worked for one of the more aggressive D&B companies in Dubai, Babu has honed his skills in the entire gamut. Swift Interiors, is now known for its commitment to customer and professional workmanship.