ACROSS: CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS UNIT WITHIN THE UMDASCH STORE MAKERS WORLD?
MARCO GÖSLING: As the Managing Director Business Unit Construction Solutions at umdasch The Store Makers, I am responsible, together with my team, for general contracting and construction services in the area of interior fittings. Our task is to carry out the entire construction process, reliably and as turnkey solutions – from site analysis, approval planning, and commissioning to the coordination of all trades and services after project completion. We act as a central interface between the client, architects, specialist planners, and all trades. We ensure that everything runs smoothly – regardless of whether the contract involves the interior construction of new buildings, transformation projects, revitalization, conversion, or even energy-efficient renovation projects.
ACROSS: WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS UNIT FROM THE OTHER BUSINESS UNITS OF UMDASCH THE STORE MAKERS?
GÖSLING: umdasch’s roots lie in craftsmanship and traditional shopfitting. Over the years, the company has developed into an international provider of comprehensive interior fit-out solutions. However, craftsmanship is something that unites all of our Business Units. The point at which we start implementing our work within a project is what sets us apart. The Construction Solutions Unit begins its work prior to the other business units, literally laying the foundation for the future retail, hospitality, or office environments. That includes dismantling, technical building equipment, and complete interior fit-out, such as demolition work, screed and shell construction, drywall construction, wall and floor coverings, painting and ceiling work, lighting, electrical, sanitary, air conditioning, and ventilation technology, sprinkler systems, carpentry, and advertising systems. So, we do quite a lot. The provision of all furnishings and digital elements are often part of our overall service.
ACROSS: WHY IS GENERAL CONTRACTING MORE RELEVANT TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE – ESPECIALLY BEYOND TRADITIONAL RETAIL?
GÖSLING: Our construction environment has changed dramatically. New buildings are no longer the primary focus; emphasis has shifted to transforming existing properties. There are plenty of those to work with, especially in the commercial sector. Changes in use are the order of the day, for example, from office to hotel, from retail to hospitality or to social housing and co-working spaces. Such conversions are, of course, a major planning and coordination challenge and require suitably qualified employees who are dedicated to providing tailor-made expansion solutions and expertise.
ACROSS: WHICH PROJECTS OR MARKETS DO YOU FIND PARTICULARLY EXCITING THESE DAYS?
GÖSLING: We’re pretty focused on our existing portfolio. We’re not just looking to revitalize spaces, but to make them energy efficient as well. Thermal retrofitting is a huge way to reduce CO₂ emissions. The transformation of real estate is a structural challenge as much as it is an ecological and economic one. It’s a challenge that we’re passionately committed to tackling.
ACROSS: HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, RETAIL HAS BEEN CLOSELY LINKED TO UMDASCH THE STORE MAKERS. HOW IS THE WEIGHTING OF ASSET CLASSES (INDUSTRY SECTORS) CURRENTLY CHANGING WITH REGARD TO YOUR WORK?
GÖSLING: Retail continues to play a major role for us, albeit mostly in the context of mixed-use concepts. We began to broaden our focus in the Construction Solutions business unit years ago, with a strong emphasis on office space, reception, and customer areas in the service industry, in banking, and in the health insurance sector. This strategic development is now paying off. Living concepts have also gained in importance, especially in the area of energy-efficient refurbishment. We see great potential to make effective use of our construction and project management expertise and to implement projects holistically.
ACROSS: HOW HAVE THESE NEW ASSET CLASSES / INDUSTRY SECTORS AFFECTED YOUR WORKING METHODS AND FIT-OUT REQUIREMENTS?
GÖSLING: Projects are becoming larger and more complex, requiring significantly longer-term planning, particularly in terms of capacity, skilled workers, and supply chains. At the same time, we have to respond to the specific requirements of each industry. Our expertise is expanded in a very targeted manner with every new project. One such example can be found in our collaboration with the architectural firm Formwerk on the concept solution THE REMAKERS, which allows us to pool our expertise in planning, construction, and project management and effectively apply it to holistic building transformations.
ACROSS: WHAT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES HAVE ARISEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS UNIT AS A RESULT?
GÖSLING: It is particularly challenging to integrate modern technology and standards into old structures, especially when it comes to heritage-listed buildings. In many cases, we only know what to expect once dismantling work has begun. That requires flexibility, in-depth expertise, and, above all, close coordination with all parties involved – including the authorities.
ACROSS: WHAT TRENDS ARE CURRENTLY SHAPING THE GENERAL CONTRACTING MARKET, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO MIXED-USE AND EXISTING PROPERTIES?
GÖSLING: As I mentioned earlier, refurbishment and transformation are major trends in general. The resource-efficient use of an existing building shell makes sense from both an ecological and an economic perspective. We are also seeing a clear trend toward multi-functional spaces, mixed-use concepts, and flexible floor plans.
ACROSS: HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALIZATION TO MAKE FIT-OUT MORE EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE?
GÖSLING: We use modern technologies such as BIM and digital measurement. That helps us to plan more precisely, react more quickly, and communicate more transparently with everyone involved. The subsequent use of data during later project phases is also a major advantage.
ACROSS: WHAT ROLES DO MODULAR FIT-OUT SOLUTIONS AND SERIAL REFURBISHMENT PLAY IN YOUR APPROACH?
GÖSLING: We keep a close eye on what’s happening in the market – what manufacturers and suppliers are offering as well as what they’re working on. That is particularly true of modular systems, which can improve efficiency and budgets. These solutions are still very much in development, but we see potential – particularly in serial energy-efficient refurbishment, both in terms of time and the use of costs and materials.
ACROSS: HOW DOES THE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS UNIT INTEGRATE SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION INTO THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS?
GÖSLING: The answer to that question is short and simple: Every building that we redevelop rather than demolish is, in itself, a huge contribution to sustainability. We also regularly collaborate with partners to test sustainable solutions throughout the construction process. One such example can be found at the Kammerei in Dusseldorf, where we carried out the interior work in a particularly resource-efficient and energy efficient manner as part of LEED certification. Such projects like the Kammerei help us to further develop our innovative and sustainable approaches with a focus on practical implementation.
ACROSS: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES CURRENTLY FACING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, AND HOW ARE YOU RESPONDING TO RISING CONSTRUCTION COSTS, SKILLS SHORTAGES, AND REGULATORY CHANGES?
GÖSLING: As a general contractor, we operate within a defined framework, as the client is responsible for the budget. Even though price plays an important role in the awarding of contracts, reality has shown that: Those who rely on experience, reliability, and technical expertise minimize risks, ensure quality, and save costs in the long term. That’s why so many clients choose to invest in partners who not only work in a cost-effective way, but also with a focus on sustainability and solution-oriented approaches. We are able to meet those demands thanks to strong partnerships, a stable network of subcontractors, and targeted in-house skills development. Our company is ISO-certified, and we are committed to training programs as well as the continuous development of our teams.
ACROSS: CAN YOU PROVIDE US WITH AN EXAMPLE OF A SPECIFIC PROJECT THAT EXEMPLIFIES YOUR WORK AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS?
GÖSLING: The Kammerei in Dusseldorf, a former administrative building that we have transformed into a modern mixed-use property, is a good example. It combines technical expertise, sustainable concepts, and aesthetic design.
ACROSS: WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU AND YOUR TEAM PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?
GÖSLING: Apart from Lucid Motors in Frankfurt, it’s definitely: Le big TamTam in the Hanseviertel district. That refurbishment project, which is located in the heart of Hamburg’s city center, was a demanding undertaking that presented a number of exciting challenges, but the result was even more exciting. Another project we are particularly proud of is the NIO House project in Berlin, which set new standards thanks to its architectural quality and structural complexity.
ACROSS: WHAT PERSONALLY MOTIVATES YOU WHEN IT COMES TO WORKING IN GENERAL CONTRACTING?
GÖSLING: I am motivated by the fact that, as general contractors, we are able to make things happen. We take responsibility, solve problems, and see projects through to completion – reliably, efficiently, and with a strong team. I like it when things move forward. As a general contractor, we bear responsibility – and that’s precisely what drives me.
ACROSS: WHAT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
GÖSLING: I would like to see more willingness to embrace change from the relevant stakeholders, such as politicians and investors. That would be my wish for the industry, but, more importantly, for the environment. If I could wish for something for myself and my team, it would be for our efforts to pay off, for us to take on a leading role in this sector, and for us to become the market leader for high-end finishing solutions in all asset classes.
Marco Gösling
Managing Director Business Unit Construction Solutions at umdasch The Store Makers
