Step into the world of construction innovation with Dietmar Kautschitz, the visionary Founder of SPI. With over three decades of experience, Dietmar has been leading the charge in realizing unique and remarkable construction projects. SPI, founded in 2017 in Italy and expanding to Dubai in 2019, has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in the industry.
In this exclusive interview, we explore Dietmar’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and efficient project management. His expertise has propelled SPI to the forefront, redefining the construction landscape. With a focus on quality and client satisfaction, SPI’s team of experts excels in coordinating and managing complex projects, delivering outstanding results within budget and on time.
Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Dietmar Kautschitz and gain insights into SPI’s innovative approach. Discover the driving force behind their success and explore the future of construction through the eyes of a true visionary. Learn more below.
Give a brief overview of your background and that of the company.
Experienced for over 35 years, I am a seasoned manager in the global construction industry specializing in temporary structures, unique single buildings, and luxury hotel resorts. As an architect, senior project manager, construction manager, numbers analyst, and developer, I have been called upon by companies and investors to review designs, conduct project studies, and ensure successful realization. Founded in 2017 in Italy and expanded to Dubai in 2019, SPI has steadily grown its reputation alongside our dedicated team.
In what ways do you hope to succeed?
There are various approaches to addressing sustainability in the construction industry, one of which is the concept of “less is more.” This involves meticulous material selection, taking into account the sources and methods of procurement to minimize overall pollution. It is crucial to consider local resources and their availability. In today’s economy, there is an increasing demand for innovative thinking, often referred to as minimalism in construction. This entails designing buildings that are efficient, intelligent, cost-effective, and of the highest quality.
In your opinion, what is your company’s or your greatest strength?
Let’s call my greatest strength my experience of over 35 years developed in the field of building construction. This experience spans design, detailed design, special solutions, and a knack for thinking out of the box.
What was the path you took/your company followed to reach your current position?
The path to reach a goal you have in mind is never easy or fast. It requires hard work and determination, but that’s a normal part of the process that you must accept. From handling the concrete pipe of a mixer to pouring concrete for a slab to managing a construction site with 18,000 workers, this journey tells a story of its own. My goal has always been to lead large construction sites and realize projects in a different way than others. Too often, failures occur on major projects due to ignorance, and managers try to hide their mistakes – not my way of action.
What motivated you to start (or lead) this business?
This journey began early for me, right after high school. Planning and executing projects have always been on my mind. Over time, my focus shifted toward organizing and bringing projects to fruition. However, I have now again included design and planning too, as the entire process of comprehending clients’ desires and finding feasible ways to realize them requires time. This involves conducting feasibility analyses, considering sustainability aspects, and ensuring practicality.
How would you describe your company’s culture and vision?
We maintain an open-minded, humble, and simplistic approach. Our focus is on finding solutions. Why complicate things when straightforward thinking leads to greater success? As a team, we prioritize collaboration and actively listen to our clients. We are visionaries driven by
our vision of making construction more affordable. Currently, the cost of building is excessively high, and if we want to make a real change, we must strive for affordability and accessibility in the construction industry.
Tell us about a project that forced you to be innovative and creative.
The peak of Creativity was necessary for constructing all temporary structures used as pavilions for Expos, such as Expo Milan in 2015 and Expo Dubai in 2020. The latest challenge experienced, the Netherlands pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai stands out as the masterpiece of my career. Every day, I faced the challenge of bringing to life the visions conceived by the architects who designed the pavilion. Innovation played a pivotal role, as financial resources were often limited. This required thinking and creating outside of conventional boundaries on a daily basis.
From planning and execution to construction site logistics, transportation, timing, and quality monitoring, every aspect was meticulously managed. In the end, together with my team, we successfully delivered the most sustainable pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, earning recognition as the most sustainable construction of the year.
What are the strategies of your company, and how do they stand unique from your competitors?
We aim to support the transformation of the construction industry into more sustainable fields, working collaboratively with industry stakeholders. It’s important to note that SPI is not affiliated with any particular Green party or green activists.
Our goal is to proactively develop innovative solutions in both design and construction. A construction project begins with the initial design and concludes with the handover to the client or investor, with significant opportunities for value creation in between. We strive to create buildings that are adaptable, allowing for easy modifications and considering energy sources.
Currently, we are actively involved in hotel retreat projects, anticipating a shift in the market as an increasing number of guests prefer to avoid large concrete hotels for their vacations. Rammed earth buildings, timber hybrid structures, less concrete. We firmly believe that our unique ideas are capable of bringing about significant changes in the industry.
Where is your leadership going? What benefits do your clients get from your company in this competitive world?
Leading with brain and enthusiasm, strong but never to forget, humanity is always a priority. It’s a daily challenge. It’s not all about money, but you have to be clear on finances. Every client with me knows I rely on certain rules and regulations: common honesty, trustworthiness, straight forward thinking. Not to take any risk in financials nor in materials nor in unknown or not approved suppliers. In my team, clients feel great and safe. We are not in a competition – we are here to be chosen by clients.
What are the services/solutions or products offered by your company on par with the current industry standards? Tell us something about your upcoming products or services.
SPI offers precisely what we are capable of delivering, focusing on areas where we have full confidence in our capabilities. We excel as coordinators and managers, ensuring the successful realization of unique projects within budget, on schedule, and with exceptional quality. We thrive as troubleshooters, resolving issues on behalf of our clients to their ultimate advantage.
Connect with Dietmar Kautschitz on LinkedIn.
Find SPI on LinkedIn.
About Author
