Interviews

Transforming Spaces, Redefining Excellence: An Interview with Mr. Sammeer Pakvasa, CEO of Eleganz Interiors, on Vision, Tech Innovations, and Global Expansion

  1. Eleganz Interiors Pvt Ltd has established itself as a prominent interior design and fit-out company. Could you share some insights into the company’s vision and mission, especially in the context of its expansion to Singapore in 2022?”

At Eleganz Interiors Pvt Ltd, we’ve always been guided by a clear and compelling vision – to transform spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that consistently exceed our clients’ expectations. Our mission is simple: to provide innovative interior design and fit-out solutions that enhance productivity, promote brand identity, and create positive atmospheres for clients across various industries.

In 2022, our journey reached a significant milestone with our expansion to Singapore. This move aligns perfectly with the thriving Singapore Interior Fit-Out Furniture Market, which is currently experiencing remarkable growth. From an estimated US$ 2,044.9 Mn in 2022, it’s projected to reach US$ 4,909.1 Mn by 2030, maintaining a steady CAGR of 7.0%. The driving force behind this growth is the increasing demand for extensive interior fit-out work, primarily due to the ageing buildings in Singapore. With over 1,000 structures aged 30 years or older as of 2018, these ageing buildings are prime candidates for redevelopment, opening up significant opportunities in this market.[1]

Our move to Singapore isn’t just strategic; it’s a pivotal moment in our journey towards global leadership in the interior design and fit-out industry. As we step into this new territory, our core vision remains crystal clear: to continue creating smart spaces, stay at the forefront of technology and design trends, and, most importantly, exceed our clients’ expectations. We’re excited about the opportunities this venture brings and are fully committed to delivering exceptional interior design and fit-out services, just as we have been doing for over two decades in India.”

  1. Technology has been a driving force in the evolution of Eleganz Interiors. How has the company harnessed technology to enhance its design-build solutions and fulfil its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction?

At Eleganz Interiors, we have strategically harnessed technology across multiple facets of our operations to elevate our design-build solutions and fulfil our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our integration of technology extends to various critical areas within our workflow, each contributing to an overall enhanced experience for our clients.

Firstly, in the realm of design and presentation, we employ cutting-edge digital tools that facilitate precise visualisation and communication. Through 3D modelling, virtual reality simulations, and augmented reality applications, we provide clients with an immersive understanding of their future spaces. This not only fosters clarity in design concepts but also enables clients to actively engage with and influence the design process.

On the financial front, our utilisation of advanced costing tools empowers us to offer transparent and accurate project estimates. Clients can trust in our ability to provide detailed cost breakdowns, minimising surprises and ensuring projects remain within budgetary constraints.

In project and construction management, technology plays a pivotal role. We leverage state-of-the-art project management software to streamline operations, monitor progress, and enhance communication between stakeholders. This not only promotes efficiency but also enables us to maintain stringent timelines, ensuring timely project delivery.

Lastly, within our manufacturing facilities, technology-driven optimisation tools have revolutionised our production processes. This allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality while optimising production times, ultimately translating into cost savings for our clients.

In essence, technology is not just a tool but an integral part of our commitment to excellence. It empowers us to provide innovative solutions, foster transparency, and ensure the utmost satisfaction of our valued clients.

  1. As a leader in the industry, Eleganz Interiors has embraced sustainability measures. How has technology enabled the integration of renewable materials and waste-reduction programs, aligning with the company’s environmental goals?

Sustainability isn’t just a catchphrase for us at Eleganz Interiors, it’s the guiding force behind our Design and Build practices. As industry leaders, we’ve wholeheartedly embraced sustainability, and technology has been our trusted ally in seamlessly integrating renewable materials and executing waste-reduction programs, all aligned with our unwavering environmental commitment.

When it comes to assessing the environmental impact of materials we use in our projects, technology has been a game-changer. Cutting-edge software and comprehensive databases empower us to meticulously evaluate the sustainability profiles of various materials. This equips us to prioritise materials that are not only sustainably sourced and locally produced but also leave a minimal environmental footprint. We’re equally passionate about selecting materials that can be efficiently recycled or biodegraded at the end of their lifecycle, thus further diminishing our ecological impact.

Waste reduction forms the bedrock of our sustainability initiatives, and technology is our key enabler. Through the optimisation of material usage, the adoption of efficient construction techniques, and robust recycling promotion, technology empowers us to minimise waste generation. Additionally, our Design and Build principles are rooted in creating spaces that can adapt to future needs, reducing the necessity for extensive demolitions and rebuilds.

To conclude, technology has become our invaluable companion in the pursuit of sustainability. It not only aids us in making well-informed decisions but also streamlines our processes, enabling us to deliver projects that not only meet the highest standards of design and quality but also contribute significantly to a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

  1. “The transition from general contracting to design-build is impressive. Could you elaborate on the technological advancements that have facilitated cost-saving opportunities and timely project execution, positioning Eleganz as a top design-build firm?

Our transition from general contracting to design-build has been nothing short of remarkable, and we take immense pride in our journey. A significant driver of our success in this transition has been the strategic adoption of cutting-edge technology throughout our project lifecycle, solidifying our position as a top-tier design-build firm.

At the heart of this transformation lies the implementation of industry-leading project and construction management software. These digital solutions serve as the linchpin of our operations, enabling us to efficiently track every facet of a project’s budget, design integration, schedule, and costs. While softwares like Procore are a valuable tool, our technological approach extends beyond a single platform. It encompasses a comprehensive suite of technology-driven solutions that harmonise seamlessly to deliver exceptional results.

Here’s a breakdown of how technology has been our ally:

  • Efficient Budget Management: Our transition to design-build has been empowered by cutting-edge technological tools that allow us to create and manage budgets with remarkable precision. These tools enable optimal resource allocation, ensuring that costs are meticulously controlled throughout the project’s lifecycle. This transparency and control are pivotal in achieving substantial cost savings.
  • Seamless Design-Construction Integration: The success of design-build relies on the seamless integration of design and construction processes. Technological advancements have paved the way for collaborative platforms where designers, contractors, and stakeholders work together with remarkable efficiency. Real-time updates and streamlined communication minimise the risk of costly design-related delays.
  • Timely Project Scheduling: Our track record of timely project delivery is attributed to our effective project scheduling, which is significantly enhanced by technology. We employ advanced scheduling tools that enable us to create and maintain detailed project schedules. These tools help us identify potential delays early and take proactive measures to keep projects on track.
  • Cost Tracking and Control: Technology-driven cost management tools are integral to our project management approach. These tools allow us to monitor expenses closely at every stage of the project. They empower us to identify areas where savings can be realised and make informed decisions to stay within budgetary constraints.

In essence, this technological approach has positioned Eleganz Interiors as a top-tier design-build firm renowned for its cost-effective solutions and unwavering commitment to timely project execution.

  1. 3D visualisation and virtual reality are transforming interior design. How has Eleganz leveraged these tech-driven tools to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of design concepts before execution?

​​We believe in creating a deeply personal and immersive journey for our clients. We understand that envisioning your dream space can sometimes be challenging when presented with traditional design concepts on paper. That’s why we’ve embraced state-of-the-art technology to provide our clients with an extraordinary understanding of our design concepts before we bring them to life.

In today’s world, 3D visualisation and virtual reality (VR) have ushered in a paradigm shift in interior design, enabling an immersive understanding of design concepts before execution. At Eleganz Interiors, we wholeheartedly embrace these tech-driven tools to deliver a comprehensive and captivating experience to our clients. Moreover, our approach revolves around the principle of “What You See Is What You Get.” Therefore, while 3D views and walkthroughs are still valuable components of our design presentation, we’ve gone a step further by integrating the power of VR and AR (Augmented Reality).

  • 3D Visualisation: We harness the capabilities of 3D visualisation to provide our clients with a realistic preview of their future spaces. This technology enables them to explore the design, layout, and aesthetics in a dynamic manner. It helps clients visualise every detail and make informed decisions.
  • Virtual Reality (VR): VR takes our design presentations to the next level. Clients can step into a virtual representation of their project, immersing themselves in a lifelike environment. They can interact with elements, assess spatial proportions, and get a genuine feel for the design. VR not only enhances understanding but also builds confidence in the final outcome.
  • Augmented Reality (AR): AR complements our approach by overlaying digital elements onto the physical world. For example, it allows people to virtually arrange furniture in their own homes to get a feel for how it fits and looks. This interactive experience bridges the gap between the conceptual and real-world, making design decisions more tangible.

By leveraging these tech-driven tools, we empower our clients to be active participants in the design process. They can provide feedback, make adjustments, and feel deeply connected to their projects. Ultimately, this results in a higher level of satisfaction and a design that aligns seamlessly with their vision.

  1. In your experience, which emerging technologies are poised to revolutionise the interior design and fit-out sector, and how does Eleganz plan to leverage them to stay ahead?

Eleganz Interiors is actively engaged in exploring and adopting emerging technologies that are poised to revolutionise the interior design and fit-out sector. One of the most promising innovations on our radar is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT’s ability to connect various elements within a space, from lighting and climate control to security and occupancy, presents a multitude of applications in interior design. We envision leveraging IoT to create smarter, more efficient, and responsive spaces for our clients.

In addition to IoT, we recognise the growing significance of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These immersive technologies are poised to transform how clients perceive and interact with design concepts. By integrating AR and VR into our design processes, we plan to offer clients even more immersive and interactive experiences. This not only enhances their understanding of our design concepts but also fosters a stronger emotional connection to their projects.

Furthermore, in response to the paramount concern for sustainability, we are constantly exploring advancements in sustainable materials and construction techniques. From biophilic designs that seamlessly bring nature indoors to incorporating innovative eco-friendly materials, we are dedicated to integrating these sustainable solutions into our projects, aligning with global environmental goals.

Eleganz Interiors remains committed to staying ahead of the curve by embracing IoT, AR, VR, and sustainable innovations. These technologies will not only enhance our design capabilities but also enable us to create spaces that are smarter, more engaging, and environmentally responsible