An interview with Darren Ciantar, Founder of Ciantar Group
Sitting down with Darren Ciantar, we discussed his journey and Ciantar Group’s approach to development, which is the drive to leave behind environments that enhance the lives of their occupants as well as their surroundings.
Development is a process that involves many ingredients to produce a result. Various professionals and tradesmen are required throughout the process, but to achieve an outcome that is comfortable, practical and visually striking, requires that all these contributions enhance each other. Ciantar Group’s team approach is to be involved throughout, to be able to realize the overall vision and having as many of these elements working directly within the group. Ciantar Group, through its expertise can execute project design, applications, excavation, construction, supervision, and finishes, always interfacing with their clients to integrate their wishes for their home.
Ciantar Group’s team approach is to be involved throughout, to be able to realise the overall vision and having as many of these elements working directly within the group
“My employees understand the company ethos, and this makes them central to the Group’s growth. I am keen to retain good employees as it is through my team that I can achieve this vision. In the end it is a promise of value to a client.” The Group prepares a project from conception to completion starting with their in-house architect and designer to provide the ideas that can be taken forward down to the detail of each individual residence.
The groups’ own project managers take care of commencing and supervising the execution of works, most of which is carried out by its builders and site workers. “It’s important that everyone on the team understands what we need to deliver and achieve.” But at its core, Darren sought to emphasize the importance of having a team that is as driven as he himself feels for each project. “Each project gives us the incentive to achieve our own identity.”
This combination of integrating expertise and embracing the commitment of a project can be traced to the backstory of Darren Ciantar himself, who started his first project whilst he was a student in university. Having been appointed to perform finishing works in a terraced house, this work was well received by its owners who provided him with a reputation for good workmanship that led to more projects thanks to the referrals this created. Working within the time constraints of his education, the workload continued to increase “to such an extent that I was employing three team members to manage projects while I was studying architecture at university.” Darren always remained available in between lectures and would regularly check in on the progress of the jobs.
The onset of a major construction opportunity led to the decision to commit fully to being active on projects by withdrawing from his studies four months before the masters in architecture course was set to be completed. “This project comprised developing a block of 24 apartments in St. Paul’s Bay. I didn’t think that the clients would wait on me, so I took the plunge.” Another milestone was when Darren decided to begin developing his own projects starting with Emerald Mansions, a 45-apartment complex in Zabbar with full country views.
“In the end it is a promise of value to a client”
Ciantar Group today works exclusively on its own projects and is looking out for new opportunities that contain within them the best potential for yet another challenge. The group’s portfolio includes both residential and industrial ventures throughout the island. These include a 2,600 square metre development in Dingli, a 2,400 square metre project in Gharghur and a 4,000 square metre industrial development in Tal-Handaq.
The challenge is always how the end result will benefit the area as much as its future occupants
Having outlined the nature of the projects that Darren carries out, we prompted him to delve deeper into the reasoning behind the selection of which projects are taken on board. Darren emphasised that when purchasing land, the location and the availability of surplus space are the two main critical factors. “Starting with a good site is very important, not just if it achieves the basics of a good return, but also if it allows the creation of a landmark property that looks as great as living within it. This requires a calculation that is not based entirely on which site is the easiest to acquire as it inevitably leads to the creation of yet another run-of-the-mill building.” Darren conveyed that he was always fond of large projects, since these give more freedom of space to provide comfort and aesthetic elements within projects. The challenge is always how the end result will benefit the area as much as its future occupants.
“I want to see the company’s brand and reputation grow through the projects we undertake”
Darren is keen to be present throughout each project, from vetting and refining layouts in person with the architecture department, through liaising with the project managers to meet project timelines and ensure good workmanship, to regularly meeting with clients whether in the early stages or on site so that they are aware of how their requirements are being implemented.
Whether at the stage of making layouts or when on site discussing finishes, Darren’s own hands-on experience with single-family residences allows him to see the end client’s perspective. This keeps his focus on relating to the occupants and how they will experience the project. As new opportunities appear on the horizon, the integration of more open space, whether close by or within the project is something that the Group is seeking to achieve. “Projects need to make sense to me … I am always on the lookout for a project which is a cut above the rest, I want to see the company’s brand and reputation grow through the projects we undertake.”
“we need to leave behind a legacy of projects that earn the satisfaction of our clientele and the appreciation of the public”
Darren emphasised that growth can only continue by staying committed to applying the template he is establishing within the Group. Darren discussed how working in an industry that is currently viewed in a negative and critical light also gives the Group’s approach a real relevance. The public’s perception is not likely to change any time soon if the industry does not gain the reputation for good projects and hence the trust of its clients. For clients and the public to change the way they look at development, we need to leave behind a legacy of projects that earn the satisfaction of our clientele and the appreciation of the public.
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