We speak to Oliver Rehm, managing director of bespoke eco homes company Baufritz UK, about working in the industry.
What’s brought you to your current role?
I was trained as architectural engineer and interior designer in Germany. In 2001 I set up my own design practice in London where we designed anything creative from websites to multi-storey buildings. Running a small multi-disciplinary studio equipped me besides design with a very versatile skill set extending to accounts, legal matters, business acquisition etc.
Has it always been an ambition of yours?
Naturally I always wanted to run my own studio to be able to get involved in a variety of different design projects. Over the years my focus moved towards environmental projects. With our great group pf people we are able now to make a real difference creating exceptional living environments.
What’s your main duty?
As we are a small firm I have to deal with all aspects of the business. My most important task however is to manage our staff and clients′ expectations.
What makes you happiest about working in the new homes industry?
My great inspiration is to use my artistic and engineering skills to create socially minded and environmentally friendly architecture and buildings. The construction industry has given me the chance many times to build real buildings that people use and enjoy every day.
In a way the construction industry is still very old fashioned, but the need for a carbon neutral society has accelerated the process for radical change in use of materials and building systems, e.g use of timber and off site manufacturing.
Is it easy finding the right people to work for you?
There is a diminishing number of young people who chose a career as craftsman. The type of hard work and low reputation puts many off, they prefer a higher education job. This development has been ongoing for many years.
In order to attract young people you have to promote your business at school level and offer something very special. As our company is very different to a traditional construction firm we can still find very good apprentices and workers. But equally we have to invest in further automation and digital skills to become more independent from recruitment issues.
Is there a secret to attracting a great candidate to the role?
We have a professional HR department that promotes our business regularly at different levels from schools to recruitment fairs. Equally we offer a special workplace with attractive pay and many benefits e.g in-house kindergarten, further education and training programs.
The success of our product is very much dependent on the people who develop and manufacture it.
What are your personal ambitions?
My ambition is to stay in my position managing the UK and other international markets. I like to learn every day from the many challenges we face in our industry and use my experience in developing an even better product, enhance customer experience and make our product more accessible to a wider audience. As time never stands still you have to align processes and train staff to meet future demands.
What makes a business successful?
Everyone is obviously different and there is no one recipe for success. First of all there needs to be an idea and a combination of vision and pragmatism will help realising it. As mentioned before the success of a business is dependent on the team and the way that you are able to lead it, with tolerance, respect and patience. You should understand and promote the skills of your team and the individuals, encourage change and innovation and share the success.
