Innovative Solutions for Existing Buildings
Interview with Wolfgang Sigg, Managing Director of Schwitzke Project GmbH
Schwitzke Project GmbH has established itself as a specialist in interior construction and offers customized solutions for existing buildings. In an interview with Managing Director Wolfgang Sigg, we learn more about the company's philosophy, its market position, and the challenges of the industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Sigg, could you please briefly introduce yourself and describe your career path at Schwitzke Project?
Wolfgang Sigg: My name is Wolfgang Sigg. I am a trained architect in high-rise construction and initially worked in the traditional architecture field. In 2004, I took over the management of Schwitzke Project, where we operate as general contractors in interior construction. Our focus is on the realization of remodeling and expansion projects for our clients.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is Schwitzke Project structured and where do you see the company's main competencies?
Wolfgang Sigg: Schwitzke Project is part of a larger group of companies that includes several subsidiaries. Each of these daughters offers different services. We specialize in interior construction, while our sister companies are active in the fields of brand communication and architecture. Our main competence lies in the implementation of existing projects, especially in the retail sector, where we have built up expertise over the years.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the particular challenges you face when working with existing buildings?
Wolfgang Sigg: Working in existing stock brings many challenges, especially in terms of logistical conditions and protected buildings. Often, we have to deal with unforeseen situations when working with old structures. This requires not only flexibility but also extensive experience and precise planning.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has the focus of your company changed in recent years?
Wolfgang Sigg: Originally, we mainly worked for brands in the retail sector. However, in recent years we have expanded our expertise to other industries, including gastronomy, hospitality, and offices. The demand for revitalizations of vacant buildings has increased, and we see great potential here.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you see the current market development as an opportunity for your company?
Wolfgang Sigg: The current market situation gives us the opportunity to focus on the reuse of existing buildings. Many office spaces are vacant, and owners are looking for new ways to use them. We support them in making these buildings attractive to new tenants.
Wirtschaftsforum: How many employees does Schwitzke Project have and how are they distributed across the locations?
Wolfgang Sigg: We currently have about 70 employees, spread across four locations in Germany: Düsseldorf, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. This decentralization enables us to be closer to our customers and better understand their needs.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the unique selling points (USPs) of Schwitzke Project?
Wolfgang Sigg: Our USPs lie in our extensive experience in interior construction, our adherence to deadlines, and cost certainty. We come from architecture and engineering, which allows us to cover the entire planning process. This combination is crucial to meet the high demands of our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: The coronavirus pandemic has affected many industries. How has this impacted Schwitzke Project?
Wolfgang Sigg: The pandemic has led to a decline in residential construction, but at the same time, we have found that many office spaces need to be redesigned to meet new requirements. There is still a demand for attractive workplaces, and we see that companies are willing to invest in the design of their offices.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is the issue of sustainability in your projects?
Wolfgang Sigg: Sustainability is a central issue for us, even though we often only get involved in the implementation phase of a project. We are working to make our own processes sustainable and advise our clients on how to make their projects more environmentally friendly. The choice of materials and the energy upgrading of existing buildings are crucial here.
Wirtschaftsforum: What do you see as the future of Schwitzke Project?
Wolfgang Sigg: We are optimistic about the future. The demand for our services is expected to increase, especially in the area of revitalizing existing buildings. We will continue to grow at our locations and establish new partnerships to ensure the quality of our projects.