Architecture firms share in developers’ bounty

Dubai architectural practices are on a hiring spree as developers roll out new master plans and restart stalled buildings.

Developers yesterday unveiled plans for projects worth billions of dollars across the city including new housing projects, malls and hotels.

The building boom is attracting architecture firms from around the world, several of which are exhibiting at this year's Cityscape show in Dubai.

“We’re actively looking for staff,” said Neil Van der Veen, director at RMJM International in Dubai. “There’s also the turnover, which happens as soon as the industry starts moving. People had been stuck for a while, things were stagnant post 2009 and people were nervous to move. That’s changed.”

RMJM, whose staff stands at about 70 people in Dubai, has added 20 architects this year.

DSA Architects International has increased its workforce by 20 per cent in the past 12 months to about 95 people.

Developers including Meraas, Nakheel, Dubai Properties Group and Damac unveiled plans for several major projects yesterday, undeterred by signs of cooling demand in the market.

Dubai will host Expo 2020, and that has helped to reignite interest in the property market.

But memories of the 2008 property collapse are still fresh for many international practices who are wary of over extending themselves again. That has encouraged a more cautious approach in the industry.

“We’ve seen the good times and bad. The boom times and the challenges. The hype is here again but hopefully this time Dubai is mindful of 2009,” said Steve Kelshaw, the managing director at DSA Architects International.

“As architectural firms we need to make sure our exposure is not so much, because after the crisis everyone took a big hit. Expo 2020 has been a fantastic catalyst to reignite and relaunch Dubai. But when the proposals come through the door we need to make sure we don’t overcommit,” Mr Kelshaw said.

His statements were echoed by Rod Stewart, the regional managing director for property at Atkins Middle East:

“I think there’s more activity. We are seeing steady streams of enquiries on residential, mixed use and hospitality. The new laws that sought to curb speculative investing have freed up more controlled developments. The market is much more mature now than it was five years ago.”

But even as the volume of projects rise, architects say margins remain under pressure.

“It’s terrible, even with the pick up,” Mr Van der Veen said. “There’s more work but the margin isn’t getting better. There’s more competition and people are really pushy.”

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