An Interview with Klaus Schweizer (Managing Director, Ganter Property Development GmbH):
What is the task of the Ganter Property Development GmbH (GPD)?
The GPD is a further important building block in the Ganter competence network and thus therefore concludes the entire value chain of the Ganter Group as a modern construction and property service provider. We develop and market sophisticated real estate projects that keep up with the times. We create value and quality in close collaboration with sophisticated and contemporary architecture and we manage the interface between design and implementation in the property sector.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for the newly founded GPD?
This certainly lies in acquiring the right property, developing an economically sustainable concept in the context of a demanding construction culture and presenting a tailor-made financing model with the appropriate partners. Where do particular opportunities lie? The good name of Ganter carries weight. For this reason, we would like first to build up our position in the region where the Ganter Interior brand is already well established as an international player with long-standing experience in the implementation of projects. From here, right from the outset we will then self-confidently and professionally position GPD as a newcomer to the competition. What fundamental claims can GPD make in terms of the implementation of construction projects? It‘s all about generating constantly high quality in terms of design and implementation – a bit like the old adage: good planning is half the battle. In this, one of the unique features are the perfect balance between economic benefits, an authentic construction culture of courageous individuality. We are able to benefit from many years of project work for international and demanding lifestyle brands.
You come from an interior design background – what role does that play today?
These days, people increasingly define themselves and their lifestyle by brands, labels and design and by their belonging to a particular style direction. In previous years, this significantly and positively influenced the design of buildings and the design of living spaces. Successful and stylistically sophisticated interior design conveys a clear message and attitude, with which users and visitors of a building can identify. Just like in fashion, many people would like to express themselves and position themselves in society by means of their own style. Interior Design therefore has an important role to play in property development – to offer people a pleasant spatial experience, in which, for example, they can work happily, have surprisingly new ideas or feel secure and in safe hands.
What changes do you see coming in the future in your sector?
I am convinced that in the future real estate products will increasingly have to become brands, in order to legitimise and implement themselves in a society which is permanently changed. In the ideal case, it will be possible to gain a fan base, who will aid projects by lending greater visibility in the social networks. I therefore view an intense and profound dialogue between all those involved in the property project, to which the marketing department also contributes from the outset, as being essential in the future. Only in this way can the goal of a real identification of the user with the property be achieved.
Will further societal changes play a role?
Yes, of course. In particular, the situation of the urban living space affects us. Even if this varies from region to region, overall the demand for urban or semi urban residential space is on the increase, which is currently especially articulated by ever higher sale prices. And the need for age-appropriate properties is increasing with the demographic development. One answer to these challenges will be integrated and intelligent concepts, which will bring us back into the game.
In the property industry, as was previously the similar case in mobility, the „Service Experience“ has an increasingly large and crucial role to play.
Can you explain in more detail what you understand by an intelligent concept?
Well, for example properties with individual service and care services will be under ever greater demand in the future. In the Black Forest, GPD is currently developing an innovative living concept for safe and worry-free living in old-age. The ensemble in Breitnau offers living with service, assisted living, a care home with a day café, medical practice, physiotherapy and a holiday village nestled into nature. All the apartments are barrier-free, fitted out to a high standard, feature spacious terraces or balconies and offer a variety of service and care services on request. The potential older customers for such living concepts today are self-confident and self-determined, versatile, sophisticated and design savvy. As a result, modern architecture and a contemporary interior concept also play an increasingly important role.
In your opinion, what roles will new technologies play in the real estate of the future?
When talking about this, there can be no doubt that building digitisation has to get first mention. And in this, in my opinion, the most important thing is having the right amount. I like to call it „high-tech downsizing“ – our task will be to select the appropriate system from the enormous variety of technical possibilities and to equip the property accordingly. We also see great opportunities in so-called „Building Information Management” (BIM). In this case, the entire value chain of a property is anticipated digitally with a view to optimising costs and processes. In all this, as a start-up we are still at the very beginning and are therefore working with external partners who are able to fall back on specific experiences in this area.
Tell us a bit more about GPD‘s current plans?
Gladly, we are continuing especially to develop ever more interesting projects and are always on the lookout for new properties or sites. Alongside Sonnenhöhe in Breitnau and Lake Residence in Überlingen near Lake Constance, GPD is currently working on an interesting concept for holiday homes and apartments in Herrischried in the Black Forest. As well as this, we are also dealing with hotels and resorts on Lake Schluchsee and Lake Titisee. And we are also engaged in the evaluation of further opportunities for apartments on Lake Constance.
Hailing from North Baden, following his carpentry apprenticeship Klaus Schweizer studied interior design. After holding positions in Berlin and southern Germany, the graduate engineer came to Ganter, where, since 2005, he has held various functions, including Senior Project Manager, Head of Construction, Head of Sales and has been a member of the Executive Board. He has won clients such as Apple, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Victoria’s Secret and various architectural offices for Ganter and has been responsible for numerous large-scale projects in the areas of commercial and residential business. Furthermore, he was also responsible for Ganter’s trade fair appearances at EuroShop. Since August 2016, he has been Managing director of Ganter Property Development GmbH.
