PATHFINDERS
36 | September 2019 | Commercial Design
BIMAL DESAI, MEHUL SHAH AND
YATIN PATEL
Co-founders, DSP Design Associates
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believe in creating bespoke spaces by understanding clients and their
needs. The cofounders say, ́With rising real estate costs, efÀciency of
space has become imperative and we ensure that all our design solutions respond
to this. Our research and experience in global workspace design trends along with
our analytical approach help optimise solutions. We integrate research of new
trends, strategy and design to deliver transformative plans that use space more
productively, enhance organisational performance and allow people to connect with
one another.”
In the workspace sector, the team believes that design must imbibe and express
the brand culture and image. ́This is key else, we would end up with all ofÀces
looking the same, now that cubicles have been replaced by open plans, which consist
of a mix of focus work spaces, collaborative areas, social spaces and recreational
]ones,” states 3 atel. The work culture in any ofÀce is strongly driven by company
values, which needs to translate into its physical space to set the right work
environment and allow conducive growth.
6 hah adds, ́OfÀces are no longer looked at as Must a place of work but a strategic
tool for growth, collaboration and learning. This calls for layering to allow and
provide different kinds of spaces that respond to different activities. The challenge
is in striking the right balance.” Meanwhile, 'esai reveals another trick ́Inputs
from facility managers are extremely crucial as they own and run the facility as an
organisation. Maintenance is their responsibility and here’s where we, as design
partners, play our role in ensuring that our plans stand true to expected standards.”I
n the seven years since Brigadier Kaura started with
K 3 M*, he has seen the profession and the company
grow manifold simultaneously. He asserts, “Facility
managers are playing a pivotal role in business operations,
acting as ‘enablers’ to the business rather than just a
‘support’. They need to balance employee expectations,
which are always increasing, and optimise ever-increasing
operational costs. In addition, they also need to support
the organisation in its long-term strategic goals by keeping
abreast with the latest in ofÀce space infrastructures and technology.”
With the increase in complexity of workspaces, technology to manage FM
workÁow is essential for an efÀcient and effective delivery of service. 6 o, Kaura
states that there are various technologies available that help provide an enhanced
level of automation in the FM operations. Computerised Facility Management
(CFM) is the most commonly used tool, which provides both monitoring and
control of operations as well as provide senior management dashboards of
facility performance that can be used to improve operations as well as plan for
future facilities.BRIGADIER HARPREET
SINGH KAURA
Senior VP – National Administration, KPMG