While managing Ivo Petrov - Architects, what did you dream about?
Having a Bulgarian company that offers a full range of services, as is already the case in developed countries. Dreaming of partnering with foreign investors and international architects and engineers, I wanted a company that could handle large-scale projects in Bulgaria. Our progress has been driven by this.
Do you remember the moment you realized you were successful?
The key to success was perseverance and a few basic steps. It is first and foremost the large team we count on - in particular, people with different professional backgrounds who provide internal resources for the development of projects.
Our success also came from following the international trend - our design was BIM, not only creating three-dimensional, volumetric projects, but ones that contained much more as well. There is more development in this direction, as this is the place where Blockchain technologies will be used in architecture.
In what ways does "IPA" stand out from other architecture studios in Bulgaria?
In contrast to others on the market, we offer all types of investment services: industrial, residential, public, and urban planning. Our constant drive to provide better services keeps us a step ahead and sets us apart.
What is IPA's biggest accomplishment?
We're most proud of our team. They are among the leading specialists in Bulgaria and are constantly learning and developing. Professionals who put quality, service, and their profession first. The greatest asset we have in our company is the quality of our employees.
How far are you from being able to handle it all?
As the company grows, there are not enough people to fill the positions available. In the future, we plan to develop more and more talent development activities, including internships and developing young colleagues within the team.
In recent years, how have the projects changed?
Our company is experiencing the same problems as the industry in general - a lack of specialists. Working with younger and inexperienced colleagues at all levels makes us design more slowly, but with increased clarity and thoroughness.
Likewise, the construction industry is undergoing changes as a result of a heightened focus on transparency and openness with customers. This all leads to migration, the direction of the future - more complete and clearer projects that contain more and more information.
How does an architect improve the quality of life for people?
We need to adapt to the new and critical role of the architect as a mediator in the investment process. While the main task until recently was the contact with customers and administration, today the expectation is to build a dialogue between investors, municipalities, and society.
It is our responsibility to make this communication with civil society a reality, for it represents an unending source of creative ideas for filling the deficits of the environment. Having muddy streets, not being able to enroll his child in kindergarten and lacking suitable places for family walks or pleasant free time are all unacceptable to society. There is already plenty that has happened for which all of us - responsible business, architects, civil society - need to get involved and change together.
If you could design anything, what would it be?
We do what we dream of. No project is created by us that we do not like. Each project is a dream come true for us, with its own charm and characteristic of its environment. With creative solutions and attention to detail, we strive to make every project meet the investor's specific needs and help people live and feel better.
Originally published in Manager magazine in February, 2022 as "The architect today has much more responsibility for the environment he creates."
