P & T GROUP
Dubai , a headquarter complex in Dubai and a residential development in Bahrain down to the Gulf .
Frantzén also reveals that P & T has a residential tower under construction in Lagos , with another hotel also being designed . “ We see more projects coming out of Africa , possibly in Ethiopia and Senegal ,” he adds .
Standout Trust , thoughtfulness and reliability have formed the backbone behind P & T ’ s formidable growth into the global design giant it is today .
“ P & T is known for working closely with clients , developing and expanding visions and finding opportunities , creating synergy and adding value ,” Frantzén explains . “ In simple terms we do thoughtful design that is appealing , where humane scale and functionality is key , and buildings are future proof .”
By utilising its expertise , P & T secures 100 percent of a project ’ s development investment , often saving its clients time , money and reducing maintenance efforts . Frantzén and other partners like to be involved close up with projects , combining their top-level strategic roles with the hands-on design work they remain so passionate about .
“ One has to understand what is at hand , read between the lines and try to reveal every relevant opportunity ,” Frantzén says . “ Architects used to work in their home country and be specialist , understanding local materials , technology , culture etc . Today architects work all over the world and have become generalists managing design to a great extent .
“ Being all over the world means that we must learn and understand local culture , traditions , local climate and find suitable solutions , using suitable materials , and this can be good . We are all victims of ‘ habituation ’ meaning that we stop reflecting over things that we get used to . The danger is that we stop thinking .”
After discussing how difficult it can be to educate true thinkers - designers and architects of tomorrow - Frantzén revealed some of the criteria he looks out for when recruiting new talent . “ Most important for us is to recruit people that relate to our projects , are open minded , imaginative , intelligent and have a positive and
40 November 2016