Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director and CEO of Eleganz Interiors, writes on invitation and exclusively for our special series BRIEF24.
Learnings and achievements from 2023; Inspiration for 2024
In 2023, the construction industry saw a notable uptick in sustainable practices, emphasising eco-friendly designs. Our firm promptly embraced this shift by incorporating green principles and materials into our projects. Concurrently, technology played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape and enhancing efficiency and precision in design and construction.
We responded with a transformative embrace of digitalisation, integrating cutting-edge tools like 3D printing, virtual reality, and software such as Procore. Despite these advancements, challenges persisted, including skilled labour shortages impacting timelines and the ongoing need for a secure working environment through training and guidelines. Additionally, supply chain disruptions affected material procurement.
Navigating these hurdles demanded agile solutions, highlighting the industry’s imperative for adaptability. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability and technological innovation positions us to effectively address these evolving trends and challenges in the years ahead.
Success stories from 2023: In 2023, Eleganz Interiors celebrated a significant achievement by diversifying our expertise beyond fit-outs to encompass core and structural civil works. This transformative expansion was complemented by our entry into the Singapore market, marking a strategic move towards global recognition.
Simultaneously, we seized an extraordinary opportunity – the design of a cutting-edge museum for a prestigious establishment, showcasing our commitment to innovation. These accomplishments underscore our ability to transcend conventional fit-outs, embracing sustainability and pushing boundaries in both project scope and geographical reach.
Learnings and realizations from 2023: The journey in our industry, especially the focus on sustainability and tech integration, has been a game-changer. We carefully evaluate materials using state-of-the-art software, leaning towards eco-friendly, locally sourced options. Tech is pivotal in reducing waste through smarter material usage and construction techniques. We incorporate biophilic design into our projects, acknowledging the fundamental human need to stay connected with nature.
Secondly, amid debates on AI taking jobs, we’ve embraced a ‘people-first’ ethos, investing in upskilling our team. This fuelled innovation in our firm and made us achieve the coveted ‘Great Place to Work’ certificate in 2023.
2023 highlights and takeaways: Reflecting on the past year, the return of corporates to office spaces post-COVID-19 highlighted the limitations of remote work. This experience emphasised the importance of in-person collaboration and the unique value of a physical office environment.
It served as a learning opportunity, showcasing the resilience of traditional work structures and the continued significance of shared workspaces in fostering innovation and teamwork. The year provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the workplace and reinforced the enduring role of the office in facilitating meaningful professional interactions.
Looking at 2024: In 2024, Eleganz Interiors is poised to lead in sustainable practices by fostering eco-friendly environments in our offices and project sites. Embracing the potential of IoT, we’re enhancing communication channels among employees for seamless collaboration.
A pivotal focus will be on employee wellness, prioritising initiatives that promote fitness and health, ensuring our team is equipped to achieve the ambitious goals set for the organisation. This multi-faceted approach aligns with industry trends and reflects our commitment to holistic and forward-thinking workplace strategies.
Some advice: To my peers and those entering the industry, I offer this advice: “Come with your pockets full”—with hard work, smart work, dedication, and a commitment to achieving maximum goals.
Understand the customer and always strive to overdeliver. Success in this industry is driven by a combination of relentless effort, strategic thinking, and exceeding expectations. Embrace challenges as opportunities, and let your commitment and excellence set you apart in this dynamic field.
My Mantra for 2024: Do more each day — a simple yet powerful mantra that encapsulates the essence of efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement for the upcoming year.
My personal favorites from 2023
Campaign I liked in 2023: Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign released in March 2023 stands out for me. The ad skilfully portrays an art student struggling to find inspiration in a museum. Its ingenious use of technology makes it exceptional, seamlessly bringing all the museum artworks to life, creatively passing a Coca-Cola bottle through the painting’s narratives before reaching the student. He takes a refreshing sip from the bottle and creates a beautiful scene, leaving his professor impressed.
The campaign’s visual storytelling, innovative concept, and dynamic execution resonate with today’s spirit. It is a brilliant blend of art, technology, and refreshment, capturing the essence of creativity and modernity.
A book I liked in 2023: One book that significantly contributed to my growth is ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins. Its insightful analysis of companies transitioning from good to exceptional provides invaluable lessons on sustainable success. ‘Built to Last’ by the same author complements this, emphasising enduring business principles. Additionally, the ‘Ram Trilogy’ by Amish, with its mythological narratives, offers profound insights into leadership and human behaviour. I highly recommend these reads for their transformative impact on business strategy, leadership, and a broader understanding of life.
A show/movie that I liked in 2023: In 2023, ‘Oppenheimer’ left a lasting impression on me. This thought-provoking film explores the intricate balance between scientific advancements, ethical dilemmas, and the far-reaching effects of innovation. This cinematic piece resonates with the relentless pursuit of knowledge and progress, offering a compelling reflection on the complexities of our evolving world.
My 2023 hobby-career connection: Engaging in DIY projects has been my passion and a surprisingly valuable asset in my career. This hobby instills problem-solving skills, creativity, and resourcefulness, qualities that seamlessly transfer to the professional realm. Tackling hands-on projects has taught me to approach challenges with a practical mindset and find innovative solutions, contributing significantly to my career growth.
