At times, relationships between designers and construction contractors can become a turf battle which results in communication breakdowns and therefore costly changes for the client. The solution relies on having a great working relationship amongst the design and construction team. It’s a matter of solid communication, viewing the project from a holistic perspective, and utilising one another’s unique skill sets.
We have successfully worked with Fi Thomas, Partnering in Design on a recent office refurbishment and fit out at Recall in Alexandria, Sydney.
Kinvel Projects and Fi Thomas had a vital role in steering the design and construction direction of the project. D&C is a process, an evolution of ideas and cooperation with the team and the client working in unison. Both the design and construction brief were established in collaboration.
Fi says, “We compliment one another’s work style and expertise. Kinvel Projects provides a multi-faceted operation and delivers to all projects, including Recall, a dedication to detail and superior customer experience. They work tirelessly to meet the design brief and outcomes of the client within a timely and professional manner. The attention to detail from a construction point of view is faultless and seamless.”
Fi Thomas’s approach to design is a marriage of functionality and pushing the design envelop as far as the client will permit. She seeks inspiration from travel, architecture, art and the wider design world. All her interior fit outs look and feel different, creating a level of uniqueness for each one.
Working in partnership with a design company whose work ethic and values align with our own ensured that our clients received a seamless process and a positive outcome that met their expectations.
Summary of Design Brief:
- Refresh the existing spaces and create a contemporary fit out
- Massage the existing staff culture into a more interactive and energised team environment
- Modernise the open plan space to encourage increased communication between staff
- Create activity based sections within the open plan area including a collaboration space
- Incorporate the company ethos, branding and colours
- Increase the number of desks and offices to suit the company’s growing staffing requirements
- Create a separate executive area including offices and meeting area that reflected the professional conduct
- Link the finishes and furniture in the Executive area with the overall built environment
D&C Process:
- Obtain an understanding of the existing culture of the company, work and downtime
practises/ activities and psychology of staff - In collaboration with Kinvel Projects, Fi Thomas and the client establish the construction and
design brief
- Explore the new requirements and expectations of each workspace, work and leisure activity and new cultural direction
- Put forward construction plans, spatial layouts, design concepts, furniture and finishes schedule
- Obtain quotations for construction, trades, services and furniture
- An appointed Recall staff member initiated consultation process with the staff to assist with the transition to a new culture and work practices
- Demolition and Construction Phase
- Delivery and installation of workstations and furniture
- Defects and post project meeting with the client including: suggestions for styling, furniture
placement and how to assist with implementing the cultural changes moving forward
Contact Fi Thomas if you have a brief that calls for fresh, innovative but practical ideas. Or feel free to call us if you have an upcoming project that calls for a reliable collaborative team.
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