May '24: Is operational inefficiency limiting your growth?

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A monthly VK Group newsletter, where we share our recent activities

and keep you updated on the latest discussions in the world of built environment design

- May 2024 -

Monthly Highlights

V:Konnect is now on LinkedIn!

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Join us in the Insightful Discussions

Sustainability Initiatives cordially invite you to the interactive session on Ecological Nala Restoration.

Date: 31st May 2024

Time: 5 PM to 7 PM

Venue: Ground Floor, VK Group, Next Gen Avenue, Bahiratwadi, Senapati Bapat Road, Near ICC Trade Tower, Pune – 411016

Grab this opportunity to learn about the significant efforts in restoring our local ecosystems.

Congrats to Rohan Kumar and team on their win!

Rohan Kulkarni, intern at VK architecture in Mumbai, and his team from D.Y. Patil University's School of Architecture in Ambi, Pune, secured second place in the Multi-Family Housing Division of the prestigious National Level Competition, Solar Decathlon India 2023-24.

Participants designed net-zero-energy-water buildings, contributing to real projects while partnering with leaders in the real estate development sector. The competition fosters the development of innovative, affordable, and market-ready solutions.

From the Editor's Desk

Is operational inefficiency stalling your projects?

Architects are burnt-out. Most architects will agree with this even without statistics to prove it. But...if I tell you that it's not the projects itself that often lead to these burn-outs, will you agree with me? In a survey conducted by Monograph in 2021, the top reason is working overtime/overload. However, this is often due to the second top reason: inefficient workflows and processes. Operational inefficiency not only stalls projects but also impacts your firm’s reputation and profitability.

But how do you recognise where they exist?

Some common indicators include:

Frequent Project Delays: Consistent failure to meet project deadlines.
Budget Overruns: Regularly exceeding budgeted costs.
High Employee Turnover: Staff leaving due to dissatisfaction with workplace processes.
Client Complaints: Feedback indicating frustration with project timelines or communication.
Ineffective Communication: Miscommunication between team members, clients, and contractors can lead to errors, delays, and increased costs.
Inadequate Training: Without proper training, team members may struggle to perform their tasks efficiently, leading to errors and rework.

Operations can be time-consuming which is why having a dedicated operational team or person can be beneficial for any firm. Without the proper know-how and expertise, business owners (architects running their own firm) don’t always thoroughly understand what it takes to get by when it comes to these processes.

Find The Solution

VK Group Breaking Grounds

How VK:o operations Helped Scale VK Group

VK Group is one of the handful architecture and design based companies to have a dedicated operations division. VK:o operations, headed by Apoorva Kulkarni and Deepali Bokil, handle the entire breadth of backend operations like HR, quality control, accounts, MIS, IT and communications. Maintaining a system in the organisation and having the acumen to segregate core competencies and operational requirements has allowed the architects and designers to concentrate on producing best solutions to the clients. This has allowed scalability, with VK:o handling trainings to nurture new talent and built aptitude into the work culture with new joinees.

"In our yearly review, we identify the areas of improvement required by the empolyees from their Team Lead and tailor the training programs accordingly" says Meghna Pingle, the Senior Manager HR. The success stories emerging from these initiatives are compelling. For instance, Vikas Waghmare, who joined VK Group as support staff nine years ago, has risen through the ranks to currently serve in the Accounts department. His journey is a testament to the effectiveness of VK 's focused training efforts and the operational team’s commitment to nurturing talent within the company.

One of the most significant impacts of this has been its role in building a work culture that integrates new talent effectively into the company’s ethos. This strategic cultivation of talent and operational efficiency drives VK Group's scaling ambitions forward.

Material in Focus

Sugarcrete

Sugarcrete, a sustainable construction material made from sugarcane by-products, offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional bricks and concrete. Developed by the University of East London (UEL), it reduces the carbon footprint by six times compared to conventional bricks. They are partnering with Chemical System Technologies (CST) in Delhi to produce 400 bricks daily. Discussions with the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi aim to use Sugarcrete for affordable housing prototypes. The material supports year-round production, offers employment opportunities for sugarcane workers, and promotes decarbonization and healthier working conditions.

Learn More

Series Recommendation

Abstract: The Art of Design

The Art of Design is a Netflix documentary series that explores how designers from different fields use abstract concepts to create concrete objects and experiences. The series follows designers as they discuss the theories, impressions, and philosophies that inspire their work, and how they interpret those abstractions into their designs. The show also highlights the process by which their designs become physical reality.

Watch now