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a big professional team. But by
                                                                                    successfully executing it, we opened
                                                                                    doors to more projects, proving that
                                                                                    risk can lead to long-term stability.

                                                                                Q: In terms of internal growth, whether
                                                                                it’s through technology or systems, why
           1.   Changing the typical consultant   we were thankful that we had other   is strengthening your internal structure
               hierarchy                      sectors to lean on.               so vital?
           2.   Cashflow
           3.   Withholding taxes             The challenges were:                Jeremy: As the industry evolves, we are
           4.   Back-to-back contracts        1.   Convincing clients that we had the   being forced to do more for less, while at
                                                 expertise despite our retail-heavy   the same time to increase our staff salaries
             Robyn: One of the biggest risks was   portfolio. The outcome? We took on   annually. At the same time since COVID
           shifting away from retail-only projects   a project far beyond our initial scope   staff want to lead a more balanced life, so
           and entering other  design sectors and   or experience.              working long hours to reach deadlines is a
           even  bespoke  projects. Traditionally,  we   2.   It required navigating strict budgets,   thing of the past. Our internal structure is
           were known for retail design, but when   complex logistics, and stakeholder   strong as we have been fortunate to have
           lockdown happened, retail paused, and   management and working with   many team members that have worked for
                                                                                us for many years, and have grown into
                                                                                senior management positions. Our goal
                                                                                is that should something happen to both
                                                                                Mardre and I they are well equipped to
                                                                                run the company and projects without us.

                                                                                  Robyn: Internal efficiency directly
                                                                                impacts  project  execution  and
                                                                                profitability. We have invested in:
                                                                                1.   Project Management Tools – To
                                                                                    track  timelines,  budgets,  and
                                                                                    supplier coordination seamlessly.
                                                                                2.   Cloud-based design  collaboration
                                                                                    – Making it easier for designers to
                                                                                    work  remotely  and  across  multiple
                                                                                    projects.
                                                                                3.   Standardised processes – Especially
                                                                                    for procurement and supplier
                                                                                    vetting,  ensuring  consistency
                                                                                    across all projects. The stronger our
                                                                                    internal structure, the more agile
                                                                                    and competitive we become.

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                                                                                  Facebook: Source Interior Brand
                                                                                Architecture                dw

                                                                                       www.sourceiba.co.za
                                                                                     www.iidprofessions.org.za




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