Member of the Week - IDS
Introducing Tas Kyriacou, Director at IDS
What does your company do, and what makes it special?
We design and implement luxury lifestyle technology for the prime residential and commercial markets. Our seamless solutions elevate the home experience by fusing technology and lifestyle to create a beautifully automated environment. We work closely with architects, interior designers, project managers, main contractors and property developers. We use lighting, shading, climate control, sound, visual, network, Wi-Fi connectivity and security systems to intuitively connect every element of the home or workspace.
What led you to your current position?
Totally fell into it… My brother George was working as an accountant; however, his passion was in technology, he decided to leave the accounting world and after I spent a few years working in the city, we agreed to join forces. He could work on the technical elements, while I focus on the commercial end of the business. We never looked back!
Describe a typical working day in your life
Every day is different, but I always like to start with a workout at the gym, as it helps with my energy levels and focus.
From the gym, it’s into the office to meet the team for a quick update meeting and plan for the current/upcoming week. Then onto my favourite bit of my day - client meetings – face to face (it’s good to be back) –on-site if required to work on developing briefs with new prospective clients and building new relationships.
I like to end the working day back in the office (if there are no networking events) by compiling proposals for clients.
Are you currently working on any exciting projects?
Yes! Some inspiring new projects, most of which we cannot speak about in detail just yet, unfortunately. But some we can touch on include a very prestigious super-prime residential project on Avenue Road in St Johns Wood, and we recently secured a commercial project at the iconic MET building in Fitzrovia. And a first for us, we are developing a bespoke control system that has many facets to enhance the BMS reporting, incorporating a guest booking system and control of all of the security systems, AV, and automation. It’s going to be a special project!
What has been your career highlight so far?
Educating the design community is something that I thoroughly enjoy and passionate about; I usually do this via CPD seminars. In 2020 I conducted 25-30 workshops; however, we’ve had an incredibly busy year, so that took a back seat in 2021, but I’m hoping to pick this up again towards the end of 2022.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to venture into your area of the luxury property industry?
Relationships, trust, and attention to detail are essential factors. People buy from people, and in the luxury industry, with the level of money spent, you must work with people you can build strong relationships with who you can trust and have mutual respect. I think this goes both ways. If a client doesn’t trust me to deliver, then I am not the right person for them, and I have previously walked away from projects if I cannot develop this level of understanding with a client. Similarly, the devil is in the detail. Nothing must be missed on every level of the project.
What do you love most about the luxury property industry?
The WOW factor - I love delivering it for my clients. Their reaction is priceless. When you have demanding clients with a high level of expectation, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing they are totally in love with their home technology. I have also recently discovered a sense of community in the prime and super-prime industry. I’ve enjoyed meeting some incredible people that I can call friends over the past couple of years. It has been such a pleasure to bounce ideas and solve problems. The luxury property industry is a great place to be a part of!
What does “luxury” mean to you?
Luxury to me is not necessarily something tangible perse. Luxury is a feeling that you get from your environment, your surroundings, smell, sound, and vision, these all enhance your experience, and I believe this is what creates a sense of luxury.
get in touch
Website: https://www.idsgroup.uk.com
Telephone: 0208 819 1044
Email: info@idsgroup.uk.com
Address:
Southgate Office Village, Block F, Ground Floor, 288 Chase Road, Southgate, London, N14 6HF