Intelligent Design

How do you assess the evolution of the real estate sector in Ecuador?

The real estate sector has been very stable and we haven’t been affected by any crises. Now that the government is working to improve the credit lines, we believe that this stability will be maintained.

What is the organizational structure of Uribe & Schwarzkopf and how has it evolved?

It began with two partners, and is still operated by members of the original families. The company has registered growth since it was established, and has become a large enterprise. We work toward operating in every segment of the construction sector; we build offices, shopping centers, hospitals, and underpasses. Our aim is diversification. We launched several new projects, and currently we have between 20 and 24 projects underway. Our main projects involve multi-housing and single housing units in the private sector. This is our principle focus.

What was behind Uribe & Schwarzkopf’s innovative “housing express” idea?

The concept of vivienda express (housing express) reminds the public that it is very easy to purchase a house, and our company can both handle the customers’ credit and complete the paperwork needed to make the transfers. We have agreements with several banks that qualify the client for a loan, and we have a credit team that rates the clients and matches them with the right bank. We have different products that suit every budget. The high demand from the middle class is a result of our system. Houses can be purchased anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on number of members in each family. In 2010, we sold more than 1,000 residences, and in 2011 we completed around 1,300.

What special features make Uribe & Schwarzkopf different from competition?

I believe that our brand is a recognized as serious and trustworthy. We have earned our name, and when we sell a project with the intention to finish in two years, we keep our word. In this way, we have never experienced any problems.

How do you ensure this level of efficiency?

We are partnered with CYPCO, one of the largest companies in Chile. We have exchanged knowledge with CYPCO and we have learned from each other. For many projects, we receive technical advice.

What are the characteristics of Uribe & Schwarzkopf’s “intelligent building” projects?

The intelligent building is a structure that requires less labor. It has security features and a central gas system, two innovations we did not offer previously. Each building has a central storage unit for gas. Every building is equipped with the internet. In general, every aspect of the structures is energy efficient, from the elevators to the lighting systems.

In what sectors do you have the biggest demand?

Housing and offices are primarily in demand. Demand for housing has increased since the Bank of the Social Security Institute of Ecuador (BIESS) introduced incentives for loans and mortgages. The percentage that BIESS lends for mortgage loans is higher than a normal bank. However, we are currently building a very large shopping center in partnership with Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). The university has numerous resources and we are using that capital to benefit the student body. We will build a technologically advanced shopping center combined with educational facilities, a convention center, and cinemas. This shopping and educational center is a new concept for Ecuador.

© The Business Year – March 2012