Session

The journey from concept to construction

Starting the panel discussion, Jonathan Nehmar, president of JN & Associates, enquired about the criteria based on which a new property has to traverse from conception to completion.

He said that from owners, we have to dig out all the conditions and visions based on which feasibility study is being conducted.

Iain Bernard Roebuck, associate director of Small Reynolds Stewart & Stewart, expressed that one needs to know the potential of the market and be aware of the demands of the particular region. One cannot decide to open a hotel randomly. The owner has to decide which kind of hotel will suit the particular location and the demand therein - whether a budget hotel or a luxury hotel. The product should follow the demand. He also echoed that a feasibility study is a must and will help in positioning the product.

Talking about the investment issue, Nigel Harris, Sr VP- Technical Services, DLF Hilton Hotels, said the veracity of the project depends on the investment put in a project. He said that most of the time developers conduct an assessment, like finding an operator, if they do not have the requisite expertise and skill. Once the investor decides to go ahead with his project and has made up his mind about the kind of investment he would be making, finding an operator with the required credentials is the next major concern.

Citing the words of caution, Isabelle Miaja, MD of IMA Interiors, said that if positioning is not clear, there's some issue in terms of tie-up, change of partners, conflicts leading to further problems and delay, all these mars the development of a property. Jonathan explained that one should make sure that the architect is making it as per the design. Explaining about the rules applied at different locations, Harris explained that rules change without prior notice. "In fact, rules change with just a press notice. Therefore, one has to be updated on that front too."

Nehmar expressed that with the growing risk factors, several other security and surveillance measures are to be taken once the property starts functioning. Adding to this, Miaja expressed that all these measures will lead to making your project successful. Talking on the issue of selection of consultants, Harris said that consultants should be selected on the basis of ability and not just on the basis of name. He expressed that also the developers should avoid involving close relatives in design. "There should be no disturbance from any corner," he said. Incorporating the local flavours in the design, Harris expressed that designing should be with the flavour of the city, with local touches. He said that owners should understand and respect construction, as there is nothing called a cheap hotel.

Concluding the session, he said that hotels are an asset, as they are an integrated product. "Keys to a successful project are planning, following schedules, avoiding scope addition, having a realistic budget, qualified operator, organising finances and finishing close out smoothly."