MEA Q3 2018

6 MEA MARKETS / Q3 2018 , VX Studio is an award-winning developer-centric design consultancy firm, based out of Dubai. Currentlymanaging a portfolio worth over US$5 billion, they are one of the leading design firms in the Middle East, with a well-earned reputation for excellence. In July, MEAMarkets Magazine named VX Studio among the winners of the esteemed 2018MEA Excellence Awards, with the title of ‘Excellence in Architecture’. Following this achievement, we spoke with Co-founder and CEO, Hamid Kerayechian to find out how the firmhas thrived in this notoriously challenging sector. VX Studio: Leading Developer-Centric Design & Construction Firm in the Middle East For the last seven years, VX Studio has fortified its position as one of the best design consultancy firms in the region, with an established history of completing projects varying in size and nature. Created as a multisector, multidisciplinary firm, they have a practised expertise in master planning, hospitality, residential, retail and mixed-use projects. Ultimately, by fulfilling the need for a developer-led design firm, VX Studio has thrived in a sector known for its incredibly competitive disposition. To start, Hamid takes a moment to focus on VX Studio’s philosophy, a factor that has been one of the driving forces behind the business; “We focus on ‘developer-led design’; which means that we place the developer’s key interests and expectations at the core of the design process by maximizing the sellable area as well as the return on investment. As a result, we continuously exceed delivery to the highest efficiencies and quality standards.” Hamid continues, emphasising the importance of the team dynamic in the firm’s ongoing success, “Our hand-picked international team come from developer backgrounds and execute the key design requirements of the developer through each stage of the design process. We ensure the client’s project is commercially viable and will get the best ROI.” Known as a hub for innovation and future-centric developments, the United Arab Emirates is a flourishing environment in which to build a business. In recent years, however, the real estate market has become ever more competitive, resulting in a drip-down effect on VX Studio’s operations. Despite this, Hamid remains optimistic of future growth in the region, “The UAE real estate market is highly competitive especially in Dubai, as oversupply continues to impact prices. Yet we believe in Dubai’s continuous growth and ability to attract more businesses and investments from all around the world moving forward. Our presence is currently strongest in the UAE. Design and workmanship are so important, there is still a strong need in Dubai for tastefully designed, functional buildings.” “We believe that Dubai is the ideal hub for operations domestically and internationally. The laws and regulations are in favour of business owners and investors which makes it an 1808ME01