Meet Andy Prozhmi-Mason: “I can see the potential in every property”

Andy Prozhmi of Promas Building enjoying a day off with the family!

Andy Prozhmi-Mason is a grassroots type of guy. He started from the bottom, learnt all he could on the job and built himself up to owning a successful building company in London and now Marbella. But still to this day Andy enjoys it best of all when he gets back to working on-site with his team.

Owner of Promas Building, Andy builds and renovates homes on the Costa del Sol; his forte is that he has the vision to see the potential in every building, no matter what condition he finds it in!…

How did you find yourself living on the Costa del Sol?

I am Albanian by birth, but moved to London back in 1996. My foundation in the construction industry is as a plasterer and bricklayer. I worked for many years as Project Manager for the construction company Morgan Elliott, overseeing all of their projects.

I set up my own company back in 2001; then, as many do, I came here on holiday with my family and saw great potential in setting up in business here. The Marbellaproperty market was at its height and I knew that a good builder, with solid experience from the UK, would be a welcome addition.

And so here I am. Promas Building was launched on the Costa del Sol in 2004 and together with my team, I've been creating beautiful spaces for clients ever since.

How do you start your day?

It’s an early start for me. Up and out of the house by 6.20am. I head straight to my warehouse to meet the different teams that are working on our current projects. We always start with a coffee and plan the day, briefing out the work required at each site.

Then we all head off on our separate ways to start the day’s work, some beginning a new project and others completing the finishing touches on an existing one.

What part of your work do you enjoy most?

I generally spend most days visiting each site and ensuring that all our projects are running smoothly and on time. Building isn’t an occupation for me, it’s a passion.I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if there was an issue with a job that we were working on. I’m 100% dedicated to every project we undertake.

When we first go to meet with a client and they brief us on the work they need carried out, they tend to brief their ideal concept, rather than what is possible and practical. I see the potential in every property, but it’s also my duty to inform the client of the most sustainable and energy-saving options and also to tell them if their big dream isn’t really viable or wouldn’t turn out how they imagine it should.

I try to steer each client in the right direction, which can be difficult. Often you have to persuade them that their dream renovation isn’t actually functional; sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t! But I wouldn’t ever do anything that I knew would just end up looking awful, then I really would have to put my foot down and say that I wouldn’t do the work.

What motivates you?

Every part of my work motivates me. Creating something special and individual for every client. Finishing a job and the client seeing the work for the first time. Ninety per cent of our clients are not in the country when we carry out the work, as this may be their second home, yet all of our clients say that the finished result is 10 times better than what they had imagined.

That’s why it’s important to have the vision and the confidence to work with each client and take their project in the right direction. Even if it’s slightly off the track they originally planned.

And when you’re not working?

I love playing golf. It’s one of the big bonuses of living on the Costa del Sol. I get to play more, in fabulous weather and we have so many top quality golf courses on the Costa del Sol to choose from. I also love watching football, I’m an Arsenal fan. And I have two beautiful daughters who make me happy every day.

What do you love best about your Marbella lifestyle?

Being able to see the sea every day. I drive up and down the coast so much and just being able to get a glimpse of the sea on my journeys makes me feel alive.

Jump in the car at the weekend, where do you head?

Tarifa and the whole of the Costa de la Luz. We’ve found a gorgeous little rural hotel in Vejer de la Frontera just slightly inland, between Tarifa and Cádiz. It’s called Casa de la Siesta and the owners make every visit unique and very special.

We also love travelling down to France and, if I am allowed to say it, I adore Tuscany in Italy. It’s my favourite place in the whole world!

Can you give our readers a survival tip for moving to the Costa del Sol?

Planning is the key. Have a very good idea of what you want to do when you get here. Work hard and believe in what you do. The Coast is very small, if you don’t do something the right way, people will know about it.

Andy Prozhmi-Mason is owner of Promas Building, a VIVA Recommended Partner. Visit their website www.promasbuilding.com