In this episode of MERI Podcast, we chat with Dereje Assefa, Principal at ZIAS Architecture + Engineering. Dereje shares his journey as an engineer and becoming an entrepreneur after coming to Ethiopia. ZIAS is known for projects like Mohammedia Village, Abrehot Library, the Federal Police Bureau, and much more. Join us as we discuss: - Starting ZIAS - The construction sector - Past and Current Projects More from our partners: Dashen Bank Website: https://dashenbanksc.com Telegram: https://t.me/DashenBankEthiopia EthioTelecom Download Telebirr Remit App on Playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethiotelecom.telebirr.remit&hl=en&pli=1 Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/telebirr-remit/id6642675033 Website: https://www.ethiotelecom.et/ 00:00 - Introduction 02:13 - Opening 03:27 - Background 07:00 - Zias architecture and engineering 11:4 - First project 15:28 - Coming back to ethiopia: Challenges and Oportunities 17:49 - First payment 19:58- Scaling up 26:37 - The process of architecture and engineering business 29:43 - Auctions 38:32 - Architects and Contracters working together 42:04 - Ways of setting price 49:31 - Value 50:53 - Things that go wrong in a project 59:55 - Lessons Learned 01:03:17 - Ethiopia’s realestate lamdscape 01:13:06 - Design process: concept to delivery 01:19:45 - Projects that are close to the heart 01:28:43- Research process 01:32:42 - Customer interest vs professional standard 01:35:06 - Working outside of Ethiopia 01:38:52 - Biggest business lesson learned from 24+ years of experience 01:39:15 - The most expensive mistake 01:39:24 - Happiest day of your life 01:40:28 - Advice for aspiring new entrepreneurs 01:41:10 - Hardwork vs Luck 01:42:30 - what does the future hold 01:43:24 - daily routine 01:44:15 - Life wisdom Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/meripodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcast https://twitter.com/MERI_Podcast https://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/ https://t.me/MERI_PODCAST https://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1 Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast: All rights reserved. The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited. For permission to use our content, please contact us at info@meri.et Thank you for respecting our copyright.