The latest innovation is called iDesign, a web-based, on-line customization program that is the first of its kind in the Philippines.
"It is a breakthrough in real estate service," says Community Innovations president Dan Abando. "We developed iDesign to give our home buyers the freedom to express themselves so that their homes will be a reflection of their unique tastes."
The iDesign concept is surprisingly simple. Homebuyers can log on to the website and choose from around 8,000 possibilities of upgrade packages for their units. The service comes with calculator assistance so that as you click on your choice of bathroom fixture upgrades or kitchen cabinet finishes, for example, the costs are reflected on your computer screen. Just as importantly, the picture on the screen changes to reflect your choice, so you are able to see the actual result. The service eliminates trial-and-error home renovation and its attendant high costs.
"iDesign is a more convenient and cost-effective manner of customizing your home," says Dan Abando. "The value of the service is that you can control your spending. Depending on your budget, you can prioritize the upgrades on your unit."
Apart from saving on remodeling costs and the inconvenience of home repair, the guarantee on workmanship holds if a buyer avails of iDesign to customize his unit.
"We have a strong procurement division that selects the best in the industry," assures Abando. Reliable suppliers and contractors ensure that the buyer gets the best value for his money. Still, one may also opt to inspect the materials to be used in the iDesign booth. The service eliminates worries about quality control or project management. Even better, the added costs that come with upgrading your unit using iDesign can be included in the mortgage package.
Community Innovations partnered with Tatham to develop iDesign. The company is a Canada-based firm that excels in process development and engineering, and has been involved with NASA, Bank of America and the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Its credentials assure that iDesign has the same kind of process optimization that these respected companies enjoy.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Community Innovations. Last year’s growth was up 60 percent from 2005 and reflects 12 percent of Ayala Land’s revenue. The net income after tax of P415 million in 2006 is up 52 percent from 2005.
Likewise, Community Innovations has garnered awards such as the Best Website in the Corporate Category for Verdana Homes Mamplasan and the Anvil Awards for the Lovin’ Legaspi Campaign.
The company’s Celadon Park San Lazaro development is its contribution to the local government’s initiative to redevelop Manila, and its other projects are technically compact, intimate, sustainable communities with extensive amenities. The company headquarters’ move to Bonifacio High Street marked the 5th-year milestone. Dan Abando says that the vibrant environment of the area further helps encourage creativity, dynamism and the spirit of innovation of the youthful associates of the corporation.
Why constantly try to innovate? "We feel that innovation sustains leadership," explains Dan Abando. "We don’t want to become irrelevant. We continuously strive to improve on how things are being done. Our market is a dynamic group and to be leaders we feel that we have to seek opportunities to do things differently. We are very sensitive to what the market needs and therefore we are able to address the un-served needs of our market. Trailblazing ideas are what we develop and as a socially responsible company that builds harmonious communities, we have empowered teams who are committed to the mindset of providing added value through innovations  whether through services or products."
What else is up Community Innovations’ sleeve this year? The company is set to introduce the Homestarter Financing Program  another innovative program that we all look forward to. And indeed, Community Innovations is aptly named. "We are tasked to be the driver for innovation. We like to talk the talk and walk the walk ," states Dan Abando.
Learn more about Community Innovations by logging on to http://www.communityinnovations.com.ph.