Philip Hannaford has been living and working in the Asian region for the past 24 years, the last 14 of which as a Principal with HASSELL in Bangkok and Singapore. With vast experience leading multidisciplinary design studios across Asia, Hannaford has now joined Realys as a Director – a significant appointment that conveys Realys’ focus on strengthening its Design-led Construction business strategy across Asia.

“I’ve benefited from leadership postings around the region, so when I was approached by Realys it was about leveraging my pan-Asian experience and applying it in a unique way. That really appealed,” says Hannaford.

A project for one of Realys’ ongoing clients in Singapore

Realys has expanded from a project management consultancy firm adding design-and-build services in 2013. Today, just like Realys’ European headquarters in London, the strong construction component of the business in Singapore is matched by the studio’s solid design expertise, project management services and emerging portfolio solutions business.

A project for one of Realys’ ongoing clients in Singapore

The Realys Singapore office will serve as a hub for the Asian region. According to Hannaford, one of the key early objectives in his new role at Realys will be to “strengthen the design-led construction model” that exists in Singapore and to take it “further across Asia.” Apart from Singapore, Realys already operates in Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and China. “Realys’ other footholds in this region are still nascent and we intend to strategically expand their capability,” Hannaford explains.

Allianz in Singapore by Realys

Realys specialises in design and fit-out, project management and portfolio solutions in the office, hospitality, development and retail sectors. Hannaford says he has recently noted “a real step-change in the requirements that clients now look for in their workplace” while the advent of alternate work styles is also becoming an enabler towards more flexible corporate cultures. “By being creative but nimble in responding to these emerging workplace dynamics plays to the strength of what Realys is able to offer,” he says.

Allianz in Singapore by Realys

Hannaford also notes that vacancies are trending towards “a tenant-led market” with office vacancies over the last 12 months noticeably higher in key Asian cities. Even if this is the result of companies looking to consolidate and downsize, or newer corporates requiring a far more streamlined operation “there’s an opportunity now to overlay their specific work style flavour into their new workplaces. What drew me to Realys is that they are able to offer a tailored service that partners with each client through their own journey of design, construction and occupation – in a holistic approach,” Hannaford shares.

Servicesource in Singapore by Realys

Some of Realys Singapore’s major clients include Westpac, Changi Airport Group, Allianz, Servicesource and Booking.com. Hannaford says that Realys’ repeat client list is indicative of “the strong level of confidence” that Realys has been able to develop with its clients and partners.

Westpac in Singapore by Realys

“With the Realys Design-led Construction model, we are not only focused on ensuring that the creative design outcome is seamlessly translated through to the construction, but that our clients feel that they have a trusted partner that can transition them to occupation. Part of what I hope my experience brings to Realys is a client viewpoint of the design and delivery process so our expanding team strengthens that customer experience,’ Hannaford concludes.

Photography by Owen Raggett

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