Paragon Group gears up for changing market dynamics in 2021
Another new trend is middle-class housing, according to Paragon Architects South Africa (PASA) Director Thulani Sibande. He adds that the Paragon Group welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of infrastructure development as a key driver of the country’s economic recovery plan. “We will be happy to form part of such a programme as the group can play a significant role once the government has finalised its plans in this regard.”
However, Sibande cautions that business “will still be slow for the first and second quarter of 2021. Market demand has dropped substantially and most clients have adopted a cautious approach. Africa will always have potential, as it is still growing and developing. We are getting a few enquiries from various African countries, which is heartening.”
In South Africa, the Paragon Group’s Cape Town office continues to fly its flag high in the Western Cape. “Our small team there has done a fantastic job in building the brand. A highlight of 2020 was having our first project start construction. The Cape Town market seems alive with possibilities, and we are looking forward to see what 2021 will bring,” highlights Meiring.
One way that the Paragon Group has been disseminating its knowledge to the broader industry, especially students, during this difficult time has been online masterclasses, which have proven hugely successful. “We have put a lot of time and effort into this initiative, basing it on detailed research and compiling it in a way that is quick and easy to digest in the format of visual presentations that deliver up-to-date information,” explains Meiring.
While remote working invariably has involved some adjustment, staff have adapted quickly to the ‘new normal. “In a way I think it has improved communication, as suddenly it is possible to dial into a meeting from a car, a building site or anywhere you might find yourself at that moment. I think remote or flexible working is here to stay, and that is a big shift for our business.”
Sibande adds that the overriding message from 2020 was that “we managed to survive and came out strong. Our main challenge going forward is to sustain a business of this size in a shrinking economy. My message is to stay safe and remain positive and optimistic.”
Meiring agrees: “It has been a difficult year, but I am super proud of how our teams pulled together and the high quality of work we produced. The way we overcame challenges proves the extraordinary talent and agility of the Paragon family. We are also able to adjust to new circumstances quickly, with a bit of grace and a lot of humour. I am proud to call this company my home,” she concludes.
Ends
Connect with Paragon on Social Media to receive the company’s latest news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParagonGroupZA
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/ParagonGroupZA
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ParagonGroupLinkedIn
Instagram: paragongroupza
Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Paragon link to view the company’s press office.
About Paragon
Paragon, established in October 1997, is an internationally-active design business, based in Johannesburg. We deliver commercial architecture, masterplanning, interior design, and space planning to visionary clients in all property sectors, from retail to residential and education.
We are committed to global urban development. We are able and agile. Paragon is flexible and diverse in its approach to design. Each project is unique and not driven by style, but by lifestyle and a response to user needs. Elegant and efficient planning form the core of our designs. We understand the needs of our clients, and know how to generate ever new architectural forms in a competitive property market.
We are known for hands-on engagement with all opportunities present in the modern global building industry. The true measure of our skill is our ability to engage at all levels and with all players that make up the colourful world of construction and property development. Our buildings look forward. We embrace the future, because we will be a part of it – part of its problems and responsibilities, and part of its great freedoms and achievements.
Paragon Group Contact
Cindy Faux
Director
Phone: (011) 482 3781
Email: cindyf [at] paragon [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.paragon.co.za
Media Contact
Renay Tandy
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 082 562 5088
Email: renay [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za