We understand the diverse and evolving needs of global businesses, and, with decades of experience delivering workplace design and fit-out projects worldwide, we have built a reputation as a trusted partner for international companies. From understanding cultural nuances to ensuring compliance with local regulations, our approach is tailored to meet the unique demands of each client and region.
Recently, GTA’s Project Manager, Peter Rice-Evans, returned from an insightful trip visiting one such client with an international footprint. Drawing from his vast experience, Peter sheds light on GTA's tailored approach to managing complex international projects and shares how he ensures seamless collaboration to deliver innovative workplace solutions that align with the unique needs of global organisations.
Peter, how important is it for you to visit GTA’s international clients and build strong relationships across regions?
It’s essential for us to meet client’s face to face, to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and to get to know them personally and to build trust. It is also vitally important to visit the proposed site and meet our supply chain.
Site visits allow me to assess the environment first hand, ensuring our solutions are tailored to the businesses specific requirements. Meeting with the supply chain is also an important step to ensure these visits foster seamless collaboration and to ensure that all parties are aligned in delivering value to the client.
Can you talk us through some recent projects you’ve worked on for global clients?
We are currently managing four major projects across India, New Zealand, Spain, and Switzerland. Each of these countries presents unique challenges due to differing cultural nuances, contract structures, local regulations, and supply chain dynamics. For instance, local laws and terms of agreement can vary significantly, which requires careful navigation to ensure compliance and to avoid delays. Key to the success of these projects has been early engagement with all stakeholders which allows us to address potential challenges from the outset and to build strong, collaborative relationships with the local team.
Can you share an example of how GTA incorporates in-country culture and regulations into its design to ensure workplace inclusivity?
Incorporating in-country culture and regulations is both a legal requirement and a crucial part of delivering successful projects. We have worked in numerous countries worldwide and we are familiar with the local cultural and regulatory landscapes.
We also understand that listening to our clients' needs and collaborating with local teams is the most effective way to ensure our designs align with cultural and legal expectations. For instance, when working in certain regions, we may adjust design elements to reflect local traditions or comply with regional building codes. Additionally, we often engage local professionals—such as designers, project managers, or legal experts—to advise us on any specific dynamics or cultural considerations. This approach not only ensures regulatory compliance but also promotes an inclusive and respectful workplace for all stakeholders.
What unique challenges have you faced while managing workplace design projects across different continents, and how did you overcome them?
Every project has their own unique challenge, which is what makes this role so interesting and rewarding to deliver! Having the right team in place from the beginning of the project, ensures that when challenges arise, they can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Collaborating across multiple time zones can be complex, and navigating these cultural differences in design preferences adds another layer of complexity. But our team has extensive experience managing international projects and overcoming these hurdles, so we are well-equipped to handle any obstacle.
What do you think sets GTA Interior apart as a trusted partner for global organisations when it comes to workplace design?
We have extensive experience working across all continents around the world. This global expertise is complemented by a strong network of local contacts which enables us to understand and adapt to regional nuances seamlessly. With this unique combination of experience and connections, we are confident in our ability to deliver projects faster and more successfully than any other company.
What do you enjoy most about visiting GTA’s global clients?
What I enjoy most is getting to know our clients, building trust, forming great teams, and successfully and repeatedly delivering outstanding projects.
A highlight is always seeing clients excitedly take occupation of their offices which makes all the hard work worthwhile! We recently completed a 20,000 sq.ft workplace refit in Delhi which was an extremely challenging project for the whole team. We were delighted that it completed on time and budget, and seeing the transformation was a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s these moments which make visiting client’s and managing complex projects so rewarding.
For more information on how we can transform your workplace and support your global business needs, contact the team at hello@gtainterior.com
