Despite the economic recession, it would seem that international, award-winning architects, masterplanners and interior designers Benoy has had an exciting 2010 and is looking forward to further success in 2011 and beyond. RLI spoke to some of Benoy’s global team to get the lowdown.
“Benoy tends to look forward, not back, but despite the challenging economic environment that still prevails in much of the world, the past six months have been good for us and, perhaps more importantly, the coming months promise to continue in a positive way.” Reports Graham Cartledge CBE, Chairman of Benoy. “It’s not been easy for anyone but perhaps the experience of the Team has helped us to steer our way through the troubled waters? A few of us have been here before!”
The company has seen a number of highly significant projects open in the past 12 months or so including St David’s in Cardiff, Wales and Renoma in Wroclaw, Poland. Just recently Phase 1 of IFC Shanghai in China – a mixed-use development located in the heart of the city’s financial district with a six level luxury retail podium and two hotel and office towers opened.
“These, and others, have provided us with excellent opportunities to reinforce our credentials within a global marketplace that is definitely growing in confidence.
“We are delighted that our proven track record has resulted in the securing of a number of new projects around the world,” Added Cartledge, applauding the effort of his global team.
Not one to dwell on past achievements, Cartledge is quick to announce a few more highlights that we can look forward to, including the 56-storey, 90 per cent pre-let Residential Tower atop the award-winning retail mall ION Orchard in Singapore. Of course in December, all eyes will be on the Middle East for the opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest multi-sensory indoor theme park.
To support its long-term global strategy for growth, Benoy is considering new territories and the opportunities they bring but in the more immediate future, to further enhance its offer to the Asian market, Benoy Beijing opened in October 2010.
Despite its global network, Cartledge insists that the company remains true to its well-established values and is keen to ensure that these are continued and consistent in each of the offices in terms of design quality, service and indeed the inimitable Benoy personality. Having spent six years in Benoy’s London office, Jun Huang relocated to set up the office in Beijing, so perpetuating the ‘Benoy Offer’.
“The opening of the Beijing office provides a fantastic opportunity to explore further development opportunities in the emerging cities of Western China” said Huang.
His move is timely as the region continues to be a vibrant market for Benoy. Just last year, Trevor Vivian, one of Benoy’s UK Directors, transferred to the Shanghai office to spearhead growth in the region and service the growing client list.
“We continue to develop our exciting global portfolio,” says Managing Director, Nick Lamb. “Next year will see the opening of a mixed-use development on the prestigious Huai Hai Middle Road in Shanghai, China and a pioneering initiative in Hyderabad, India that will create a benchmark for sustainability. 2011 will also see work continue on site in the UK, Belgium, Sweden, Syria, Abu Dhabi, South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam and India.”
www.benoy.com
For the full article, please see the November 2010 issue.
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