Over the past five years, Singapore’s landscaping services industry has seen a compound annual growth rate of around 4-5 percent, fueled by substantial investments in public parks, gardens, and green infrastructure projects. The Singapore government’s Green Plan 2030, which aspires to transform the city-state into a ‘City of Green Possibilities,’ underscores the importance of this sector.
This ambitious plan involves increasing urban green spaces, integrating nature into the built environment, and enhancing biodiversity, all contributing to a robust demand for advanced landscaping services. Companies offering landscaping services play a vital role in this dynamic industry to meet the high expectations of clients who demand unique, innovative designs and superior quality. One such company is PDAA Design, which has kept pace with change and has consistently been at the forefront of innovation.
Ar. Rowland I. Agullana, Director
PDAA Design has carved a niche by integrating sustainability with cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional value to its clients. “Clients seek not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and functional outdoor spaces,” says Karam Golen, Managing Director at PDAA Design. To address this need, the company operates through a multifaceted approach emphasizing creativity, technological integration, and a solid commitment to sustainability. The firm’s dedication to innovative design is evident in its portfolio of projects, which seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
PDAA design incorporates advanced technology into its operations, like drones for site surveying and maintenance and data analytics for monitoring plant health, revolutionizing traditional landscaping methods. The technologies enable precise planning and efficient resource management, ultimately leading to cost savings and enhanced service quality. A noteworthy example is PDAA’s implementation of automated irrigation systems with rain sensors. The systems ensure optimal water usage by automatically adjusting irrigation based on weather conditions, conserving water, and reducing operational costs.
To achieve such high working standards, PDAA invests heavily in training programs to equip its employees with the latest skills in sustainable landscaping practices and technological tools.
The investment ensures that the workforce is competent in delivering high-quality services that meet the stringent standards set by both clients and regulatory bodies. Training programs cover a wide range of topics, from advanced arboriculture techniques to the latest in green building standards, ensuring a holistic development of skills.
Sustainable & Customer-focussed Landscaping
Understanding that effective communication is key to meeting client expectations, the firm strongly emphasizes maintaining transparency and fostering open dialogue throughout the project lifecycle. The approach ensures that client needs are understood and addressed promptly, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction. The firm’s comprehensive after-sales service ensures that landscapes remain sustainable and well-maintained long after project completion.
The firm’s projects consistently incorporate sustainable materials and practices, from using locally sourced and eco-friendly materials to implementing biodiversity-friendly habitats. An exemplary project that highlights PDAA’s dedication to sustainability is its work in urban farming initiatives. Collaborating with local chefs, the firm has successfully integrated urban farms into hotel landscapes, creating a farm-to-table experience that enhances the aesthetic and functional value of the space.
The firm actively researches to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies. The proactive approach has led to several patent-pending innovations, such as developing proprietary grow lights tailored for indoor and urban farming applications. The grow lights, successfully tested and implemented in various projects in the Philippines, demonstrate PDAA’s capability to bring innovative solutions to the market through its Manila based sister company, Cubesystem.
The firm’s exploration into electric vehicle infrastructure and other sustainable technologies further exemplifies its forward-thinking mindset and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. “We do electric vehicle infrastructure for electrification in the Philippines led by Charge Cube, another subsidiary of Cubesystem, and that’s something that we will also adapt in Singapore later on,” says Ar. Rowland Agullana, PDDA Design Director.
While the firm has a strong presence in Singapore, it has successfully ventured into the Maldives, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The expansion broadens the firm’s market reach and opens up new avenues for revenue generation. In addition, PDAA’s diversification into related areas, such as interior design and retail, underscores its adaptive strategy to meet the evolving demands of the market.
The Systems Ensure Optimal Water Usage By Automatically Adjusting Irrigation Based On Weather Conditions, Conserving Water, & Reducing Operational Costs
The firm aims to achieve an annual growth rate of 10-20 percent over the next few years, driven by its commitment to sustainability, technological integration, and customer satisfaction. By continuously improving its offerings and expanding its market presence, PDAA Design is well-positioned to lead the landscaping industry into a future where green, sustainable, and technologically advanced solutions are the norm. Its unique value proposition lies in its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly practices, delivering high-quality, sustainable landscapes that meet the diverse needs of its clients.
Karam Golen, Managing Director, PDAA Design
Highly experienced and multidisciplinary professional Karam Golen brings expertise in landscape architecture, arboriculture, and training with a passion for harmonizing nature and urban spaces. With a unique blend of creative vision, technical skills, and assessment expertise, Karam designs and delivers innovative landscape solutions, nurtures tree care practices, and empowers professionals through training and assessment. Committed to sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments, Karam’s comprehensive approach enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
Ar. Rowland I. Agullana, Director, PDAA Design
Ar. Rowland Agullana is a prominent Filipino architect renowned for his commitment to sustainable architecture and biophilic design, integrating natural elements into urban spaces. As principal for Cubesystem, CS + a Design Studio, Charge Cube, and PDAA Singapore, he emphasizes environmental sustainability and human well-being.
His participation in events like the Circular Cities Summit highlights his advocacy for blending nature with architecture. Agullana leads biophilic design in the Philippines through Cubesystem, spearheads mobility electrification at Charge Cube, and oversees multidisciplinary design at CS + a Design Studio. He is also Vice President at LACISAP and Co-founder of the Philippine Garden Festival.