South Africa Business Awards 2018

MEAMARKETS / 2018 South African Business Awards 7 Best International Architects 2018 quality architecture, designed and delivered passionately with responsibility, contributes to a better environment.” However, it is not just the belief and drive that has contributed to the company’s success, as there are many aspects which differentiate DSA from its competitors within the architecture sector. Zinon alludes to what other qualities the firm possesses which has seen it become a leader in the market, including its ability to deliver outstanding projects on a consistent basis, and the worldwide presence that the company is able to boast. “Adding to our team’s ability of producing fantastic designs, we believe that our international experience of working on iconic award-winning projects such as The Madinat Jumeirah and The Old Town precinct in Dubai, The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg and Torres Rani Towers in Maputo, Mozambique is what differentiates us. Another is probably the geographic spread of our projects, having worked in 28 countries around the world. We believe that it is important to ensure that each project is unique in itself, and designed appropriately for its location. “A distinct advantage that DSA Johannesburg offers clients is our broad geographic footprint in Africa. At present, DSA is working in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Namibia, Seychelles, Mozambique and Nigeria.” Working alongside the client on a project from inception to completion is something that clients truly appreciate when working with the team at DSA. It is important to Zinon and his team that they gain a true understanding of the client’s desired outcomes, as well as meeting all the required environment and safety standards. “By applying a holistic approach to solving a client’s design requirements, and understanding their environmental objectives and operational pre-requisites, we can then strategically evaluate Sustainability, Building Performance, Operational Dynamics, and Budget. “DSA is committed to delivering ecologically responsible and environmentally responsive projects that accomplish optimised boundaries between the built and natural environment. As such, our international offices are members of the Emirates Green Building Council (LEED) and Green Building Council of South Africa (Green Star). Our membership and affiliation with the respective councils and application of the rating systems allows DSA to collaborate with recognised industry specialists and accredited professionals to deliver complete green building solutions that are sustainable, efficient, pioneering, and complementary to our clients’ vision.” In order to guarantee that the firm can deliver a project that satisfies both the client and the company itself, Zinon explains that DSA has certain policies which the project must meet, resulting in a project and design that satisfies clients and surpasses expectations, in particular with regard to Africa. “Generally, our policy is to be led by opportunities introduced by operators and developers in the various African countries. When working outside of South Africa, we often work in association with local architectural practices rather than opening offices in these countries. This policy has proved to be beneficial in terms of understanding local cultures and building regulations, whilst bringing international expertise to these local practices. “Moreover, our policy regarding working in Africa, is that the country must be both safe and stable, and we have previously worked in Botswana, Egypt, Mauritania, Djibouti, Madagascar and Equatorial Guinea. “Importantly, a fundamental requirement when dealing with staff, clients and fellow Professional Consultants is integrity, and this applies to conduct, performance and business relationships.” With the architecture industry evolving at a rapid rate, the team at DSA has had to adapt constantly to the technological advances which are arising on a daily basis. Zinon explains how DSA uses technology to stay ahead of the emerging developments within the sector. “Over the past decade, our primary focus has been the implementation of a BIM workflow across the DSA group. In recent years, we have been exposed to considerable advances in BIM software, allowing our systems and workflows to become more powerful, thus providing us with greater and more useful outputs in a quicker and more accurate manner. “BIM provides us with many design advantages as it facilitates a new way of working by creating 3D models with intelligent objects. Proposed Office Tower - Sandton, South Africa Park Hyatt Resort - Mallorca, Spain