The government plans to diversify the economy away from the oil & gas sector. Do you think that Trinidad & Tobago’s framework is open enough for attracting FDI or do you see the need for reforms?

From an architectural perspective, Trinidad has always been welcoming to foreign business, especially in the construction industry, where foreign architects and contractors are allowed to come and go. It’s pretty open, unlike some of the other countries that are closed by comparison. I don’t think that foreign investors are going to have a problem coming here. There are the usual bureaucracies involved, but compared to other islands in the Caribbean we are open.

How does the open economy impact your sector?

If there is more investment in the country, there would be more development and therefore more construction work, provided that the government establishes a partnership role for local participation. But the government has to set certain limits so that the benefits will stay here, otherwise it would just create a flow of money going out. To some extent, we have to rely on the government to protect the interests of the locals and regulate the industry to benefit the local construction industry.

Do you see a bright future for this sector?

Trinidad is a resilient country, and its people can be competitive and efficient provided the right conditions. I’ve been through this cycle a few times before and I have faith that it will bounce back. With good governance, dealing with corruption and the crime situation, things will begin to flourish. It may take another year or two before we start to see an upswing in the construction industry.

What is your core source of business?

The private sector is our main source of business at the moment and I would say construction activity is mostly in housing right now. Private housing generates the strongest demand right now.

What percentage of that comes from foreigners?

Very little – less than 5%.

Between 1991 and 2006, there was a boom in foreigners buying houses here. According to the Ministry’s website, there was growth of 400%.

I’m suspicious of that figure. It wasn’t that they owned the houses, it was that there was a boom in apartments being rented to expats and then overall rental prices went up. The owners were mostly local people renting houses and apartments to foreigners working in the energy industries.

Are you aiming to go international or form any joint ventures?

We are keen on joint ventures. Mostly when foreign architects work here, they come to our firm. We’ve been around for a long time and have experience with big projects, so we are happy to work that way. We are doing one project now for a quasi-governmental institution, and we are working with American architects. The Hall of Justice was done with British architects 30 years ago. We’ve been doing this for a long time.

Do you have any experience with green or sustainable architecture?

One of the directors of our firm is a LEED architect. Only one project in this country has received LEED certification – it was done recently; one of the new buildings around the Queen’s Park Savannah. The problem with Trinidad is that many architects are ahead of the curve. Because of the price of oil, electricity is cheap, which doesn’t help in generating green projects. It could cost clients more to do a green initiative because of low electricity prices.

What makes you stand out architecturally?

Our work is cutting edge. We have been consistent, which isn’t easy here. Operating in this country, it can be a challenge to get things done. What sets us apart is a high standard of design. We are consistent and our delivery is professional and efficient, meeting budgets and all the things that clients need. At the same time, we are keen on the corporate and social effects of the buildings we produce and how they affect the country. It’s not just about delivering for the client, but also promoting the country.