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A touch of class!
In this, the third and fi nal feature in The Negotiator’s series looking at the latest trends in fi t-out and design of estate agent branches we have reached the pinnacle – the high end fi t-out. But no bling please!
W Three Part
hilst ‘high end’ can mean fl ashy bling/money no object, and with some agents may be the case, on a more practical
level it means top of the range in market. This top budget may apply to an entire fi t out or re-branding or it may apply to the single piece of design or equipment that it is always worthwhile going to the limits of your budget to obtain. Although this feature looks at what you can
get for your mega-bucks the principles of good practice and context to the market place and your customers that are outlined can be applied to any budget. Mike Simons from MPL says, “Working on
high end budget is no diff erent than in any price bracket just a diff erent perception of costs relative to return. A top end agent simply has to create an offi ce environment conducive to their clients’ values and expectations. High quality, professionalism and sophisticated styling are paramount.” And when the budget is spent effi ciently, tangible returns can be accrued. Jon Edwards of Excite says, “A quality refurbishment not only creates great working environments attractive to the target client market but is an investment in the future, saving money in the longer term by reduced maintenance costs.”
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
As with anything, getting it right at the start is the best way forward but if you are on a high end budget you will waste even more by not getting the foundations spot on. Janice Fairfi eld, Fairfi eld Designs says money should be invested well in the initial design and
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Langford Russell chose crystal for its Chislehurst offi ce.
“High quality, professionalism and
branding as this will help the project to run smoothly. If you have really clear guidelines it is much easier to select materials as they will refl ect the personality of the brand. When working with a high budget it may
be tempting to splurge on extravagant items but this is not always necessary. The key skill is to use your budget to attain what is best for you and your clients, not to create ostentation
Feature
sophisticated styling are paramount.” Mike Simons MPL Interiors
– after all bling is most passé. “A superb design using simple elegant eff ects can help to keep the cost down.” says Janice. And as with most things in life the more
money you spend the better the quality. Often this is directly obvious as with technical equipment. Janice says, “Quality equipment on all levels is always a worthwhile investment; it is a huge upheaval to have
TheNegotiator ● October 2012 ● 29
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