Project Description
DESIGN PROJECT:
A Bespoke Footwear boutique is opening in ___________________________, in an area known as Spring Valley Village, one of Washington DC’s upscale residential neighborhoods. The neighborhood has been home to diplomats and a handful of prominent politicians over the years and houses most of the main campus of American University.
BRIEF:
Design an interior space in which to sell a product, that appeals to a discerning clientele, with a high level of customer service. At the rear, design provisions for staff that incorporates the following:
- Main retail area (Merchandise display, commerce, media, seating) – 414 Sq. Ft.
- Staff area (two seats, table, small kitchen area) – 86 Sq. Ft.
- Staff restroom
- Small office (Desk, two seats, filing cabinet
- Small systems room (HVAC, HWH)
The submitted drawings show a set of on-site freehand drawings of the plan, sections, and front elevation of a small retail boutique unit found in upscale town centers. The front of the shop is simple, consisting of plain glazed aluminum, and marine-quality plywood. Inside, the floors are solid concrete with a screed finish, plastered brickwork walls, and a smooth plaster ceiling. The existing mouldings had no architectural merit and welcomed replacement. Further, the interior plasterboard on 2 x 6 timber board was also optional to remove/replace.
ZONING:
- Main Retail Area
- Staff Area
SPACE PLANNING:
- Entrance and reception
- Merchandise display Area
- Staff facilities
- Media center
- Services/storage
- Managers office
- Restroom (ADA compliant)
CONCEPT:
An elegant and modern space to display high-end men’s bespoke footwear, through the use of unique architecture and illumination.
PROGRAMING (General):
- Retail re-design
- Single product
- Relate product to the client
- Minimal storage needed
- Counter area
- Specify suitable surface materials, furnishings, and illumination
- Main Retail Area – 424 Sq. Ft.
- Staff Area 254 Sq. Ft.
PROGRAMING (Product):
- Create a suitable background that supports the chosen product – Specialized/Custom Bespoke Men’s Footwear
- Individuality
- Long-term relationships
- Investment quality
- Foot Health
- Prestige
ANALYSIS:
- The structure is sound and on one level
- Full-length fenestration offers good visibility from the street
- Egress (one way in-one way out)
- Adequate ceiling height
- Outdated HVAC
- Plumbing is in good condition
- Existing restroom facilities can accommodate ADA
- Storm windows or energy-efficient glazing needed
- Space feels hard and rigid
- DPM required for any surface flooring over existing concrete
- Board approval needed to alter the front structure
- Specialized contractors needed for the interior construction phase
VISION:
- A luxurious visual experience
- Fluid, organic shapes vs hard lines and sharp corners
- Unique illumination
- Open ceiling in the main retail area
- Hidden storage in both areas
DEMOLITION:
- Remove all existing mouldings, one partition wall in the existing storage room, and one wall in the existing restroom.
- Remove existing HVAC
CONSTRUCTION:
- Construct a new partition wall to divide the main retail area from the staff area, via a sliding jib door
- Add two additional partition walls in the staff/manager area
- Create a new office, HVAC room, and ADA-compliant restroom
- Open plaster ceiling to the rafters
SURFACES:
- Construct walls with curved gypsum wallboard panels and wire for lighting in the main retail area
- Construct walls with standard gypsum for the staff area and restroom
- Install hard-surface flooring (Walnut hardwood) over DPM next to concrete in the main retail area
- Install stone field tile and wall covering in the staff area and restroom
FITTINGS:
Quarter-inch flexible gypsum wallboard: Certainteed.com; FRP Interior Ceiling Louvers: Inside Out Builders Supply; Walnut Flooring: Hallmark Floors; Aura beige stone field tile/Staff area: Artistic Tile; Custom elliptical reception/transaction counter: WB Stone; Surface-mounted downlights: Delta Light; Entry door hardware: Phillip Watts Design; Demolition/Construction: AJ Kochis Company, LLC
FURNISHINGS:
Serge Upholstered Bench: Demurodas; Walnut and leather lounge chairs, counter chair, office seating: Sandler Seating; Bench upholstery fabric: Rubelli; Manager’s office suite: Haworth; Café Tables/Staff area: Crate & Barrel; Acrylic Drinks Tables: Burke Decor; Media monitors: Samsung; Signage: Signs by Tomorrow
Photographic Renderings © Rhonald Angelo Interiors Rendering Team