Page 20 - Designing Ways 290

IID

IID update, May 2025.

he IID was proud to collaborate with A: Whitney - I firmly believe that clear
Whitney Pienaar, Senior Interior communication both within the team and
TDesigner, and Warren Papier, with the client goes a long way in ensuring
Associate Director at KMH Architects. project success. Regular check-ins and on-
Their insightful discussion offers valuable site meetings help manage expectations
design perspectives for Interior Designers effectively and keep everyone on the same
and Architects page. Building strong relationships with
KMH Architects (Pty) Ltd is a Level clients, consultants, and contractors plays a
1 B-BBEE studio with over 110 years’ key role in creating a smooth, collaborative
experience, delivering 3,000+ buildings process. When all parties are aligned,
across sectors from Cape Town and there’s little room for things to go off track.
Johannesburg. With strong BIM and A: Warren - By recognising the approach to interior design evolved, and
a growing Interiors division, KMH is contribution and expertise of every role- what advice would you offer for shaping
expanding its interior design offering player from the very beginning, we create an interior design department within an
to complement its architectural legacy, an environment where collaboration architectural firm like KMH Architects
committed to setting new industry thrives, resulting in the best possible to foster seamless collaboration between
standards and making a lasting impact outcome for the client. It’s about putting architects and designers?
aside egos and embracing true teamwork. A: Whitney - Fortunately, interior
Q and A with Whitney and Warren Another key factor that has proven design is ever-changing, and this allows
Q - How does a strong interior design invaluable is actively involving the client us to constantly challenge and push our
offering enhance an architectural firm’s throughout the design process. design limits and boundaries. This forces
value, boost revenue streams, and you to move past your own personal
strengthen long-term competitiveness? How do you personally remain comfortability withing design, which
A: Whitney - Our integrated approach competitive and forward-thinking by can forge new design strategies moving
delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions leveraging innovation, new technologies, forward. My key takeaways for a seamless
in both architecture and interior design and sustainable design practices in a collaboration between architect and
a one-stop shop many clients value. This constantly evolving industry? designer are ensuring we are involved
fosters seamless collaboration, boosting A: Whitney - It’s essential to stay informed with the project from the very beginning
project efficiency. From a revenue about current trends while continually within the briefing and conceptual stages,
perspective, the interior design division researching what aligns best with your to allow us to contribute to the finer
generates additional income through practice. Often, the products or tools we see details internally that can also shape the
FF&E and post-project services, often advertised aren’t necessarily suited to where way for the building externally.
with quicker turnaround times. Unlike your firm is at or what you specifically
architecture, which is often fee-capped, offer. With so many platforms available to Warren - In addition to your core
interior design work, especially when enhance both productivity and creativity, architectural responsibilities, you
paired with procurement or consulting it’s important to ensure that whatever you manage marketing and foster office
offers higher profit margins adopt genuinely complements your firm’s culture at KMH. How have these roles
unique approach and capabilities contributed to your leadership style and
How do you manage roles, A: Warren - Staying ahead in our your ability to drive both team cohesion
responsibilities, and communication constantly evolving industry requires and business growth?
between disciplines to ensure efficiency, deliberate effort. Technological advances, A: Warren - A studio with over 100
innovation, and client satisfaction whether new materials or software have years of history should be well known.
throughout the project lifecycle? always shaped our work. Today, BIM It starts inwardly fostering pride and a
is widely adopted, and AI is gradually sense of belonging among staff, what we
becoming part of our processes. While call “KMH green blood.” We celebrate our
online platforms like LinkedIn offer team and their successes through awards
insight into global trends, attending and publications. Outwardly, visibility at
CPD presentations remains invaluable industry events, conferences, and student
for hands-on learning. The sooner we talks helps promote KMH. When both
integrate these innovations into daily inward culture and outward presence
practice, the more we establish ourselves align, it builds a strong foundation for a
as pioneers and boost our marketability healthy practice that makes a meaningful
impact on the built environment. dw
Whitney - With over a decade of experience
across various sectors, how has your www.kmh.co.za

20 Issue 290 • dw