INTERVIEW – Dewan Architects & Engineers
1. Kindly tell us something about your business
Dewan Vietnam is one of the 8 studios of Dewan Architects, a globally recognized design consultancy with over 40 years of international experience. Our Vietnam studio, located on the Thai Van Lung, in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, brings together local insight with the backing of a global network of more than 950 professionals across eight international offices. What sets us apart is our ability to pair deep knowledge of Vietnam’s architectural and regulatory landscape with the creative and technical expertise of a world-class team.
2. What made your company decide to develop in the Asian market, especially in Vietnam?
We’ve seen Vietnam emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising markets, thanks to its rapid urban development and ambitious infrastructure goals. For us, the decision to open a permanent office in Ho Chi Minh City was a natural evolution after several years of successful work here. The Vietnamese market is dynamic, with strong demand for hospitality and urban development projects. What’s more, the work ethic and pragmatism of the people make it a great environment for design collaboration. Our presence in Vietnam not only allows us to serve clients more effectively, but also positions us to expand across the region, supported by our long-standing Manila office.
3. Please tell us a little about the future plans of your company in Vietnam
We’re focused on growing both our team and our regional portfolio. We’ve already hired talented Vietnamese professionals, and we plan to expand steadily to support increasing project demand in the South East Asia region. On the project side, we’re already delivering a 5 star hotel in the center of Danang, together with a luxury hospitality development in Ho Tram and a section of a huge seafront resort in Can Gio. With tourism and real estate bouncing back, we’re well positioned to contribute to Vietnam’s next wave of development. Long term, our Vietnam office will serve as a strategic base for broader expansion across the country and the wider Southeast Asia region.
4. As far as your sector stands today, what services does Dewan Architects offer to their clients?
Dewan offers a full suite of multidisciplinary services, from master planning and architecture, to interior and landscape design. We support projects from concept through to construction supervision, allowing us to maintain consistency and quality at every stage. Our portfolio spans hospitality, residential, commercial, education, and urban planning. In Vietnam, we focus on delivering locally relevant design solutions while drawing on global best practices and advanced technologies, including BIM and sustainable building techniques. This integrated approach enables us to meet diverse client needs in a competitive and evolving market.
5. What do you think are the biggest challenges for this sector in the future?
With the new regulations that bigger scale projects need to be delivered in BIM, we see that not all important disciplines involved in the project, have the ability to deliver it in a correct and proper coordinated environment. As a Lead consultant and strong backing from our long term technical experience, we see that our services and support are beneficial for the Client and the process of the projects.
Another pressing challenge is sustainability. Clients and regulators alike are demanding greener, more efficient buildings, which raises the bar for design innovation. Lastly, the rapid pace of technological change – from digital modeling to AI – means firms must constantly invest in new tools and workflows. Adapting quickly while maintaining design quality and client service is critical to staying competitive in Vietnam and beyond.