Henrik Bautista and Hameed Seyed look back on more than 20 years with BSBG!

Words by BSBG Media Team, Wednesday 11 September 2024

Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) Associates Henrik Bautista and Hameed Seyed are celebrating over 20 years of service with the company. They joined in 2002 during a period of expansion in Dubai, as a second discipline of engineering was added to complement architecture, and large-scale projects at Dubai Festival City were getting underway – at that time the largest project undertaken by BSBG.

In this blog, we sat with Henrik and Hameed to reflect on the past two decades, which have witnessed change and growth both personally and for the business, as well as a look forward to the future.

BSBG Media Team: Over 20 years with one company is a wonderful accomplishment, and a very long time. What has kept you with BSBG all these years?

Henrik: “BSBG has certainly kept me busy all these years. I think that’s why I hadn’t noticed it was already that long until someone reminded me recently. BSBG is a company that is super focused and driven, and at the same time it takes care of its key staff. I have witnessed the company survive economic crises and market dips through the span of more than 20 years, and emerge far stronger on the other side. This is a testament to the management’s leadership and dedication. That’s the honest reason why I’ve stayed for this long.”

Hameed: “Primarily it is the faith shown in me by the management, followed by the growth potential, easy accessibility to the senior management, freedom to express, responsibilities given to us to handle the projects, development through training. I think BSBG is one of the top companies in Dubai that gives you all the tools and support to excel.”

Dutco House, completed in 2004, would become the Dubai Headquarters of BSBG.

MT: How have you seen BSBG change in your career?

Henrik: “When I joined BSBG, we were only a handful of staff. Today, BSBG has grown to become one of the prominent design consultants in the region, and internationally. Being a part of BSBG’s growth is an honour for me.”

Hameed: “It has been a lengthy period, and of course we have seen tremendous change. When I joined BSBG in December 2002, our office was operated from a 3-bedroom apartment in Jamal Abdul Naser Square (now known as Baniyas Square). Our staff numbers were around 22. We had to arrive very early (before 7:00am or after 3:30pm) to get a car parking space in the DM parking lot along the Creek. My first Project with BSBG was the DUBAL Headquarters in Jebel Ali, and then soon after, Dutco House, which would later become our Dubai Headquarters.

“Generally, the types of projects we were working on at that time were very industrial, but that has dramatically changed now. After I joined BSBG, the structural division started, and our first structural project (designed by Mrs. Mona Saleem) was the Lamprell office building at Jebel Ali. I am proud to record that I was the first engineer at site to inspect the structural element executed prior to authority (JAFZA at that time) inspection.

“Shortly thereafter, the staff numbers began increasing, and our teams were split across three locations: the office in Baniyas Square, an office in The Greens, and one in International Media Production Zone (IMPZ). I recall IMPZ vividly, as there were no discernible roads at that time and camels were constantly blocking the temporary roads that had been created.

“A real turning point for us was becoming the first architect to commence building projects inside Dubai Festival City – a real milestone for BSBG.

“Currently the type of projects we are doing is remarkable. I’m proud to be a part of BSBG and to have been given the opportunity to be a member of the construction team. I have managed some of the largest and most prominent projects in the UAE, which is quite unbelievable when I think about it.”

Al Badia Golf Residences in Dubai Festival City, completed in 2005.

MT: How have you changed in the last two decades?

Henrik: “Apart from getting greyer and more experienced, my personal growth has been as a family man and a dedicated employee of BSBG. In the span of 20 years, I’ve realised that there is no such thing as balance in life, life is about juggling through different obstacles/opportunities simultaneously.

“But if there is one thing I’ve learned, it is patience. Sometimes, temper gets the better of you, clouding your judgement, affecting your overall mood. Patience at work and home, however, might just bring the balance you need.”

Hameed: “When I joined BSBG, I was looking after the inspection role only. I have developed now to deal with Contract Administration and project management. This is a huge development in my career.”

MT: What has been your favourite project in that time?

Henrik: “It’s difficult to pinpoint which one is my favourite, as all the projects that I was involved in have their own merits. But if I’m going to choose one, it would be The Opus. It was an inspirational experience to work and collaborate with Zaha Hadid’s team of architects. That is not only a building, it’s an iconic piece of art.”

Hameed: “I think for me, my favourite and toughest project in my tenure would be The Beach in JBR. The complexity of this project was quite challenging at the time, as every elevation of each building was completely unique in terms of finishes.”

The Beach, located in Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR), completed in 2014.

MT: Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Henrik: “Architecture wasn’t my first choice going to college, but the person who influenced me to pursue it was my father. He was the one who encouraged me to believe in my abilities. This motivation had a profound impact on me as a person and was a deciding factor in my choice to pursue architecture as my career. Rest in peace Daddy.”

Hameed: “Alistair McMillan, Kevin Harper and Andrew Bereza have each inspired me, both at the start of my career and during it. In terms of their leadership, knowledge of client relationships, and the standards they have implemented, it has and continues to be very impactful on my own career.”

MT: What are you currently working on?

Henrik: “I’m currently working on an as-of-now-confidential mixed-use tower development consisting of a hotel, luxury villas and apartments. Currently it’s in the concept stage, and the challenge right now is aligning the client’s expectations with the budget. The project is in a crucial stage, however the team is confident that balance will be achieved."

Hameed: “I’m at Six Senses, The Palm, Dubai, as the Project Lead. This is an ultra-luxury mixed-use development featuring a 5-star hotel and residences. It’s a fantastic project, and we are making great progress toward completion.”

Six Senses, The Palm, Dubai is currently under construction.

MT: What are your hopes for the future? Another 20-plus years?

Henrik: “I am in a fortunate position where I am content with what the company offers and more than glad to stay long term, to adapt, be flexible, and competitive with the changing demands as architecture evolves in the years to come. On the other hand, I am also looking forward to settling down. Only time can tell.”

Hameed: “I hope to maintain good health, and continue to keep up with the changes in the construction Industry, and to adapt to those changes. My passion remains for completing the projects in line with the design intent, well within the duration and budget targets, and to the full satisfaction of BSBG and the client. Away from work, my priority is providing a good education for my kids and helping them to find joy and settlement in their lives.”

BSBG Media Team

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