Kate Rowe, founder at Spaceworks Interiors, details the process behind a design and build project when looking to freshen up a retail store.
A design and build project delivery method is where the contractor can provide both design and delivery under a single contract. “Choosing that partner needs to be a good fit for you personally and also your business as the process can take anything from six months to two years depending upon the parameters of the project,” Kate explains.
So, what makes a good partner in design?
Preparing an initial brief is the first key step, which sets the tone for the project and partnership. This goes hand-in-hand with getting to know the business, asking questions – even the uncomfortable ones – which all forms part of honing the brief into a proper plan. A fundamental point is to clearly understand what is driving the business for the change, while determining the parameters of the scope of works and initial date outline.
And that’s just the start, as Kate continued: “Then, still with our design head on, we take a look around, research the market, look into your competitors, the environment and then start to plan the space, providing mood boards and imagery, as well as initial sketches and materials to determine the design direction.
“We also provide detailed designs for all aspects of the project and present a working budget for implementation. As a fit out partner, we have experience of what things cost, so at this stage we ensure to keep this to a realistic and achievable target.”
Once these details have been ironed out and the business is ready to press the button, Spaceworks jump into ‘Contractor fit out mode’ and really turn on the planning and precision. They manage all trades and aspects within the scope in a detailed programme of works, ensuring safe working practises to hand over a project within budget and on time.
“During the lead up to your project start date, and in the construction phase, we are meticulous about our planning and deadlines focussing on a quality end result,” says Kate. “Arranging pre-start meetings, issuing final drawings packs, circulating programmes and assessing health and safety considerations are just some of the activities we’ll be focusing on. We’ll ensure you’re kept up-to-date on progress with weekly reports, regular site meetings and inspections. With our robust approach to safety always; your space, staff and customers are in safe hands.”
Once the project nears its conclusion, Spaceworks supply all the certificates, maintenance details and training on items as required upon handover. “We’re here to help and to ensure your project works for you, with reviews and regular check-ins after trading has commenced to identify any tweaks and suggestions for continued improvement in your future projects,” Kate added.
Why Spaceworks?
Spaceworks has delivered successful projects for many retailers in various industries, including the likes of Woods – Dorchester, Fairway Furniture and Gillies of Broughty Ferry to name but a few in the furniture space. The benefits of working with the design and build specialist provide vision to reality in a seamless process.
“We forge a strong, honest and trustworthy working relationship with our clients from the beginning stages of concept design to the opening of the doors once the project is complete,” Kate said. “Content and scope are known by both parties from the beginning, making there no grey areas to hide any detail or mask up, while we streamline and efficiently reduce overall project costs.
“All projects carry risks, but for the retailer these can be reduced as they are tied to one single contract and entity. The collaboration through design and build services is vital to ensure errors are minimised – and we’re the one entity that can handle this much more efficiently.”
