AGENCY DESIGN
“We have released several new Light
Panels designs, all of which have come into existence due to estate agents’ demands. And the LED is top of the pops at Simply
Ace; “The introduction of smaller LEDs has made a significant difference to the display industry,” says Aaron Greenfield. “We are using the latest LED light panel technology to produce some of the best looking window displays available, free standing or hanging. Slimmer LEDs also allow us to manufacture sleek illuminated fascias. “Metal halide lighting is a pure brilliant
white light which is so much more powerful than halogen. This lighting helps us to increase the presence of our clients on the high street. The light catching acrylic displays make a big difference – a lot of agents appear to be closed in the middle of the day because of bad lighting.” But not everyone gets so excited. At
Kraft, Jared Saggers says, “LED is definitely the word of the moment and much more use will be made of it in the future, but I don’t think its technology really drives the trend right now. When plasma screens first became available, it was seen as cutting edge to have a screen in the window. That isn’t the case any more. It’s amazing how quickly technology like iPads become the norm rather than the exception. More important is the content and keeping it fresh – and that is down to the agent.” And Fairfield has another caveat;
“Screens can be simple media players or cloud-based solutions. HD screens are becoming standard, but, to fully benefit from the new screens, agents need to ensure that they produce high definition images; otherwise the benefits are wasted.” Dave Paddock goes even further; “In our
experience at Mid West Displays, technology can make or break a display, you have to get it right. Deciding on the technology displayed in your window should depend on the window. If an agent has a south facing window putting a media screen in may not be a good idea; during the day the sun could overpower the LCD screen. A rotating display could be the option as they double the property details and attract customers. There is no point in spending money on a display that simply won’t work in your window. Getting the whole thing right really matters!”
a more informal life Given that you ‘get it right’ Technology is also changing the way agents discuss options with their clients, Harry Simons says that it’s becoming a more informal and
46 JUNE 2011 PROPERTYdrum
The one certain thing is that all
property details of the future will be illuminated.’
interactive environment, “Now, the client and negotiator sit over a coffee on a sofa, looking at details on an iPad, or at a screen in a feature wall using wireless keyboards. “Other technology offers hand held
touch screen computers such as iPads. Sandfords in Paddington Street have breakfast bar units with touch screen units built in that staff and clients can interact with. We’ve also been asked to create a free-standing iPad docking station. Janice Fairfield says, “Many agents we
speak to see digital signage as an integral part of future displays but haven’t yet decided what they really want it to do; used smartly it can be incredibly effective in
More dream screens, this time from MPL for Messila (top and bottom) and James Anderson (centre).
engaging customers, screens can be used for much more than just showing properties in the window. With our new cloud-based system information can be instantly updated from any PC or mobile device. You can link topical information, create a Twitter feed or upload an image instantly while an agent is at a property, digital property displays are more engaging. “Screens can be spilt so that the property
information can be at the top of a screen showing several views of a house and at the bottom of the screen some live information can be shown. The options are numerous and creative agents will use this to differentiate themselves.”
Campaign for Colour With so much flashy technology today’s estate agency also needs an equally on trend setting; and it had better be bold
and bright! Harry Simons plumps for: No 1 – lime green No 2 – purple No 3 – burnt orange No 4 – gold No 5 – black
“Lime greens have become a popular
colour throughout interior design and corporate branding disciplines. This partly due to the fresh connotations of a vibrant colour and associations with the green movement,” says Harry. “Agents use lime green as a signature
colour across wallpapers, maps, flooring and furniture. To offset its vibrancy, it is being blended with very dark colours, most commonly walnut and charcoal. Janice Fairfield says you have to keep up,
“Colour is as transient as technology. The trend is to use vibrant colours as large format graphics on the walls; vertically or horizontally in blocks to form the back drop to a property display. Colour and texture is used for focal points, turning property details into works of art.”
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