FADQ issue-4

QUARTERLY FITOUT – ARCHITECTURE – DESIGN

JUL-SEP

2014 100% design the biggest design event in the UK Spanish flair AJAR brings Spanish designs to Australia making your mark does your business stand out from the crowd? systems go a store blends design and technology

17-20 September Earls Court, London

The Design Kaleidoscope exhibition will showcase design excellence in a unique installation, bringing product and visual impact to the 2014 show.

Register at www.100percentdesign.co.uk

| contents |

08

10

12

FITOUT

100% DESIGN

DESIGN GURU

This beautiful store uses bold and sophisticated colours synonymous with the brand

A preview of the biggest design event in the UK, 100% design, celebrating its 20th anniversary

Design business AJAR fills a gap in the market by bringing Spanish design to Australia

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32

38

DESIGN

STUDY TOUR

MARKETING

The salon’s brand is based on a fictional character called Boris and needed a fitout to match

This Austrian women's fashion store’s strength lies in the blend of design and technology

What is the secret ingredient that makes a business remarkable and stand out from the crowd?

06

CONCEPT BOARD

26

QUARTERLY FITOUT – ARCHITECTURE – DESIGN

FITOUT

08

STUDY TOUR

28

100% DESIGN

10

FINANCE

36 JUL-SEP

2014

DESIGN GURU

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12

MARKETING

38

DESIGN

14

INDUSTRY NEWS

40

ARCHITECTURE

22

ASOFIA & EVENTS

45

100% design the biggest design event in the UK Spanish flair AJAR brings Spanish designs to Australia making your mark does your business stand out from the crowd? systems go a store blends design and technology

Cover: Alannah Hill, fitout by Krueger Shopfitters

EDITORS NOTE

Creating solutions for your business from design through to final construction Combining expertise and specialised manufacturing processes, O.M.A. can design, prototype and produce to exact client specifications. Our strength is an ability to take your ideas from concept through to design and manufacturing.

Our team are constantly researching the use of new materials, local and international design trends and new construction methods.

We also offer a range of eco-friendly products, indicated by our O.M.A. GREEN logo. As the worldwide push for increased sustainability continues, O.M.A. plan to remain at the forefront of greener product manufacturing and welcome clients with the same environmental concerns to consider the options available when it comes to retail fit-out.

IDW Mannequins Showcases & Glass Cabinets Counters & Reception Desks Novofibre: Ecological Straw Constructed Panels Custom Design & Manufacture Plankwall Display Systems Point of Sale & Accessory Displays Eco Friendly Options Available

O.M.A Shopfitting Systems Pty. Ltd. 16 Kearney Street Bayswater VIC 3153 t. 03 9720 2488

f. 03 9720 2499

www.omashopfittings.com.au

MANAGING DIRECTOR Simon Grover PUBLISHER Mark Kuban EDITOR Marion Gerritsen marion@intermedia.com.au SALES MANAGER Kelly Wintle kwintle@intermedia.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alyssa Coundouris PRODUCTION MANAGER Jacqui Cooper FAD Quarterly is the official publication of the Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Association Limited.

Published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd, 41 Bridge Road, Glebe, NSW 2037 Australia, Telephone (02) 9660 2113 Fax (02) 9660 4419 On behalf of The Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Association, PO Box 6347, Kincumber NSW 2251.

Telephone (02) 4369 0055 Fax (02) 4369 0555 Email national_office@asofia.com.au, Web www.shopfittingassociation.com.au

DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials.

The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information.

All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.

Copyright © 2014 - The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd.

National major sponsor

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E T O N S R O T EDI The redeveloped Westfield Garden Centre in Queensland is the perfect example of what the current trends are in design and architecture. The centre blends the outdoors with the indoors, shares a commitment to the environment and supports local businesses. Integrating the inside and outside, the centre has created green, vibrant rooms, tranquil oases and casual living spaces. It uses many plants and trees which have been mixed with botanical light sculptures, customised pots and resort style furniture— greenery complements the clean architectural forms.

Another feature of the centre where outdoors and indoors meet is the lush living wall, similar to a vertical garden, which has a mixture of plant heights and depths and up to eight different varieties of ferns. The plants were sourced from local businesses while the centre commits to the environment by using rainwater tanks for watering supplies.

You can read more on the centre and its redevelopment on page 20.

Trade fairs are a great opportunity to see the latest trends and 100% design in the UK has readily tapped into the sustainability trend with a section called Eco, Design & Build, which looks at sustainable and more environmentally sensitive alternatives in flooring, glass, surfaces, furniture and more. Trade fairs like to show their support for up and coming design talent and promote innovation and 100% design continues to offer a global platform for young design companies from around the world to launch their products and services.

See page 10 for more on the UK’s biggest design event.

Many companies like to support local design and products, however, sometimes you have to look abroad to fill a gap in the market. While Australia’s 'Nordic' love affair with is still going strong, design business AJAR has decided to go south instead and focus on Spanish product. The unusual, sometimes quirky and innovative designs are resonating with the Australian market. Read more about AJAR and the people behind it on page 12.

One of the biggest missed opportunities we see in business reports is lumping all revenue into one account and not breaking it down into categories. Breaking down, not only the revenue, but the costs associated with each revenue source, enables you to see clearly where you’re making and losing money. On page 36 we show you how and in our marketing feature on page 38 we look at what makes a business remarkable and stand out from the crowd.

Again, we have some stunning fitouts and designs in this issue including a great new fitout for Alannah Hill undertaken by ASOFIA member Krueger Shopfitters as well as a new space for the Beauty EDU Melbourne campus. We also feature quirky Adelaide based hair salon Boris the Cuttery, redesigned German fashion store PoeSie and a new office design in Turkey.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of FAD Quarterly and I would love to hear what you think, so drop me a line when you have the chance.

editor marion@intermedia.com.au

Hair salon Boris the Cuttery, located in Norwood, Adelaide.

See page 16

FADQ

7

| fitout |

The feminine touch THIS BEAUTIFUL STORE USES BOLD AND SOPHISTICATED COLOURS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE BRAND.

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SNAP SHOT Client: Alannah Hill Location: Emporium, Melbourne VIC Architect: Travis Walton Architecture Fitout: Krueger Shopfitters

K

rueger Shopfitters was engaged to undertake the fitout of the luxurious Alannah Hill at the Emporium in Melbourne.

A beautiful fitout designed by Travis Walton, it comprised a subtle layering of soft neutral tones with highlights of rich colour set against brass metal detailing.

The store appears to glow from within by the use of colour between wall to wall recesses accompanied by concealed lighting.

Materials included Limed European Oak timber parquetry flooring, a decadently unique custom designed tiled sales counter and lushly wallpapered interiors that showcased the use of bold and sophisticated colour throughout the store synonymous with the brand.

The colours and materials strongly align with the Alannah Hill brand and have been composed to create a rich and feminine retail experience with sophisticated charm. â——

FADQ

9

| 100% design |

GRAND DESIGNS AS THE BIGGEST DESIGN EVENT IN THE UK, 100% DESIGN HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS LEADING POSITION IN COMMISSIONING THOUGHT-PROVOKING CONTENT, TO QUESTION, INFORM AND INVIGORATE THE DESIGN COMMUNITY.

A

s the driving force of creativity and commerce during London Design Festival, 100% design will return this September (17-20), celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since the show was first staged in a tent off King’s Road (London) in 1995, it has gone

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on to become the benchmark event for promoting design excellence and creativity, both within and outside the UK. 100% design also continues to attract a record number of UK and international visitors year-on-year, and this year it has increased its overall exhibition space by 20 per cent. Promising innovative content to reflect the key influences which have made London a global design capital, the 20th edition of 100% design is set to celebrate the show’s overall contribution to the rise of British design in the last two decades, whilst reinforcing the importance, longevity and future of the show.

Based upon the central curatorial theme, Serendipity, this year’s 100% design aims to express the opportunities created by the show— from collaborations, to projects and product launches.

The fair will comprise four key industry sections—Interiors, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Workplace and Eco, Design & Build. The ever-popular Emerging Brands—with 30 per cent increase in exhibition space this year—will also return, showcasing new design talent, alongside International Pavilions, featuring an array of innovative designs by creative practices from around the world.

Furthermore, as a leading commissioner of creative content to encourage thoughts, discussions and interactions, 100% design has commissioned a group of design teams—led by show designers Thomas.Matthews— to produce thought-provoking installations for the central hubs of the industry sections. The show’s long-established design excellence will further extend to the dramatic entrance tunnel, central bar (sponsored by OIKOS), restaurant and VIP lounge—all of which will be designed by Studio Design UK. Meanwhile, the auditorium—home to Talks with 100% design—will be designed by El Ultimo Grito and host a series of live debates and seminars over four days.

To mark its 20th edition, 100% Design 2014 will also present a range of celebratory events—from an integrated timeline around the central bar designed by Studio Design UK, to a curated exhibition— entitled Design Kaleidoscope— showcasing 20 iconic design products launched at 100% design.

“100% design has achieved so much in the last 20 years— from starting as a boutique UK design show, to now becoming an international event with an extensive global reach,” William Knight, show director, comments.

“Despite the increase in both scale and visitor numbers over the years, 100% design stays true to its long-standing commitment to design, innovation and quality. The show continues to offer an unrivalled platform for aspirational design brands, as well as emerging young designers, to showcase their talent and creativity. Our visitors come to the show not only to see new ideas and innovative products, but to connect with others—whether they be fellow visitors or exhibitors.

“This year’s 100% design will celebrate its legacy but also look ahead to see where design will take us in the next 20 years. In addition to another great line-up of exhibiting brands, the central hubs of our key industry sections will fully encapsulate the unique position of our show in the global design industry, as a leading commissioner of thought-provoking features that engage, inspire and inform.

“100% design 2014 will be one of our best shows yet with the highest standard of design, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone who has been part of the show history this September.”

This special edition, staged over 22,000 square metres within Earls Court London, will mark the show’s last appearance at this iconic venue before moving to Olympia London in 2015. ◗

FADQ 11

| design guru | WHILE AUSTRALIA’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH DANISH DESIGN IS STILL GOING STRONG, THE LOCAL MARKET IS EMBRACING A NEW SPANISH FLAVOUR, WITH AJAR FILLING THIS GAP WITH ITS COLLECTION OF SPANISH PRODUCT.

Spanish flair A

JAR is the name behind the Collingwood-based design team who curate, import, custom design product for spaces and install Spanish furniture (for indoors and out), joinery, lighting and homewares. The collection of 15 brands, 80 per cent of which are new to Australian shores, is emphatically contemporary and original in design, suited to both commercial and residential applications.

Directors Andrew Boddington (interior designer), Josep Vallhonrat (Spanish born and trained architect) and Richard Fanale (interior designer), joined forces in 2012 to launch the niche business. The design trio has an impressive pedigree in design— garnered locally and internationally— making a formidable sales team.

All three have worked for high-end architectural firms, while Boddington previously worked with Poliform, as did Fanale who brings additional sales expertise from top3 by design.

They have also pooled the letters of their first names to arrive at the clever acronym AJAR. “In a play on the definition—of leaving the door partly open—the underlying philosophy of AJAR is to be open to new design and ideas,” explains Vallhonrat. Indeed,

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they identified the Australian marketplace’s eagerness for something fresh and an unfilled gap for Spanish product.

“We understood the limitations we have in Australia when specifying high quality, designer European brands at compatible prices,” adds Fanale.

The product lineup is built on strong relationships. The AJAR team has visited many of the Spanish design houses that they represent and which are predominately located in Barcelona and Valencia.

“This enables us to pass on design stories directly from the makers as well as the manufacturing techniques behind each piece,” says Boddington. “As designers we realised that Spanish design is on par with Italian design.

Spanish design has always been well received and well known for creating innovative products throughout Europe for centuries.”

And while Australia has been smitten with the ‘Nordic puritanism’ of Danish design for some time, the Australian market is embracing the ‘Latin flamboyance’ and quirky, playful quality that characterises the AJAR collection of Spanish designs.

Since launching AJAR in 2012, market uptake has been extremely positive. “We are finding that the Australian architecture and design community and the increasingly design-aware public, recognise the detailing, the design of the product and the quality manufacturing,” says Vallhonrat.

Adds Fanale, “quite particular to the Iberian Peninsula are the centuries of traditions of manufacturing and handicrafts.

Contemporary designers can use that knowledge to create new products that re-interpret old designs or features—to make something fresh.”

For clients who are familiar with some of the Spanish brands on offer—the dream of being able to specify the modular and customisable product for projects with ease of access—is now a reality. Resonating with the Australian market are the very “unusual designs, their elegance, execution, level of detailing, innovation and amazing quality control”, says Boddington.

“Spanish designs, especially emanating from Barcelona are not afraid to do things differently.”

AJAR has curated Spanish furniture manufacturers that carry the work of both well-known Spanish designers and those collaborating with designers from all over Europe. The level of service provided is unique.

Not only do customers have direct access to design advice in store, AJAR gets to know a client’s design aesthetics through site visits—commercial and residential settings alike.

“As designers, we can assist clients with their functionality needs in a space and draw those up, and design appropriate product for their space.” ◗

FADQ 13

| design |

UNDER THE RUG

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TAPPETI PROVIDED A RANGE OF SCALE OPTIONS AND COLOUR RENDERED DESIGNS TO ASSIST WITH THE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR THREE RUGS AT BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE.

C

rone Partners' vision for Broadway shopping centre for three largescale rug designs was an exercise in design precision and logistical choreography for Tappeti.

Each of the three striking rugs was manufactured in one piece and carefully shipped to site for installation. By doing this Tappeti avoided cuts and joins to the designs and maintained a seamless and accurate finish across very large surface areas. Weighing an impressive 200 to 300kg each, the installation was scheduled outside of shopping hours to minimise disruption to the centre's business.

Tappeti's manufacturing documents were converted into full scale colour maps and all yarn is hand-dyed to match Tappeti's custom colour system.

“A colour association theory was adopted for the Broadway project, resulting in selecting corresponding rug colours for each floor,” says

Olivia Chylinksa from Crone Partners. ”Furniture selection played a key part in the design of the rugs and we drew on the pixel design of the Do-lo-rez sofa extending it from seat to floor, drawing one’s eyes seamlessly across both elements to create a synergy of colour and 'pop' for the space on level two.

“Communication with Tappeti couldn't have been simpler, as they tirelessly worked to convey our exact vision for the rugs. Their quick understanding of the brief and concept made it a smooth process from initial sketch design to client sign off.

“Tappeti was everything we expected from a company which is built with strong foundations and a great desire to achieve exceptional service and production from start to finish. We could feel that the in-house design team share our passion for design and attention to detail, creating the most seamless process possible for us,” she says. ◗

FADQ 15

| design |

Who is Boris?

THIS SALON’S BRAND IS BASED ON A FICTIONAL CHARACTER CALLED BORIS AND NEEDED A FITOUT TO MATCH THE FUN AND QUIRKY DESIGN.

B

oris the Cuttery is a salon like no other. Its brand hinges on the tastes, aesthetic and opinions of a fictional character called Boris.

Located in Norwood, Adelaide, owners Damien Rinaldo and AnneMarie Garreffa say the idea behind the design was to create a space, a place Boris lives in.

“We wanted to maximise the space to make it feel bigger, and work better for clients and stylists, a space that takes you to a different world to what is outside,” explains Rinaldo. “A space clients will feel glamorous and entertained, and a space for our stylists to feel inspired and energetic.

“The new brand has an offbeat personality. The name Boris was decided on to create an air of curiosity, intrigue and humour. Who is this Boris? It’s a fun brand that needed a fitout to match. Our fitout is eclectic and playful yet beautiful which matches perfectly with our brand. From the 800 hand painted tiles covering walls, to the carefully curated works of art adorning our walls, it all supports and reinforces our brand persona.

“The salon is inspired to a certain extent by a reflection of our personalities. Anne-Maire is refined

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and polished, whereas I am out there and energetic. This reflects in the contrasting fixtures, fittings and atmosphere inspired by layered space,” he adds.

Inspiration for the Boris the Cuttery fitout came from a variety of areas. Eclectic residential homes and apartments from around the world were a huge inspiration as well as handmade visual pieces, sculptures, paintings and furniture.

Rinaldo and Gareffa also took influence from mid-century furniture and the homes of Palm Springs, California. Other external influences were Danish mid-century furniture, NY workshop, local craftspeople, 70s parties, fashion and glamour.

One of the beautiful yet fun features is the salon’s mirror system, which includes a solid walnut timber-dividing wall of mirrors within beautifully crafted joinery work. The twist is that every second mirror is actually not a mirror at all but simply a hole in the wall, complete with matching framework. This plays with the eye, as the brain perceives this as another mirror, when in fact there is nothing there.

“I love client’s reactions when they see a hand reach through the space to pass tools to a fellow stylist. A small shock followed by

laughter creates a great atmosphere for us and the client. It’s actually a design feature that helps to build rapport with our clients—amazing,” says Rinaldo.

Also contrasting things that match—for example the print of the black and white basin tiles and the stencilled pattern covering the waiting area walls are actually the same pattern, but have contrasting textures and colours.

The fitout took months of collaboration with designers and the builder, but the salon was only closed for a two-week period. ◗

art direction and interior design: Mash interiors consultant: Samantha Agostino builder: Interior photographers: Dan Schultz and Sam Roberts

FADQ 17

| design | THE CONCEPT FOR THIS CAMPUS WAS TO OFFER A NEW APPROACH TO PRACTICING BEAUTY THERAPY, AND SET THE SCHOOL APART FROM OTHERS ON THE MARKET.

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Beautiful people

T

he new space for the Beauty EDU Melbourne campus is right in the middle of the bustling and stylish CBD. Surrounded by iconic restaurants, boutiques, and high-end chains, the campus is just seconds from the best the city has to offer.

When the opportunity came up to collaborate with the creatives from Beauty EDU on this new space on La Trobe Street, Techne Architecture jumped at the prospect—designing spaces for how people interact with the space and the end user are at the core of their work.

The challenge for the company was to marry the practicality requirements of a traditional school, whilst creating a polished and inviting salon environment.

The space created by the team is known as ‘The Salon’ and consists of a real-world learning centre, where students can experience on-the-job training in a professional environment. Upon entering the building there is a large reception and booking area, creating a calm and welcoming environment for clients and enabling the students to refine their customer service skills.

The reception area is the main attraction in the Beauty EDU fitout—it is the hub of the space, with a large desk for clients to perch at with copper and timber detailing. From the reception

space, there are views into the treatment, meeting and classroom areas, giving a sense of what is happening behind the scenes.

The treatment room, two classrooms and communal area are all finished with copper tones. Other features include custom copper floor lamps in the Nail Lounge—created by talented Melbourne duo LifeSpaceJourney—floor to ceiling linen drapes sectioning off the treatment areas in the classrooms and a custom designed make-up station in The Salon. White washed timber and accents of mint are used throughout the space to tie in with the Beauty EDU brand.

The finished result is a space that provides a professional environment and sets the tone of the high standards of the school and of course, a space where the students will enjoy coming to learn.

Techne Architecture and Interior Design is a multidisciplinary studio based in Melbourne. The practice is led by Nicholas Travers and Justin Northrop, who bring together their creativity and passion for design. Founded in 2002, Techne has quickly built an impressive portfolio across a broad range of projects including hospitality, single-residential, multi-residential, commercial, automotive and retail. ◗

FADQ 19

| design | WESTFIELD COMMITS TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN ALL ITS CENTRES INCLUDING GARDEN CITY IN QUEENSLAND, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING A $400 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT.

Greener pastures W

estfield Garden City in Queensland is currently being redeveloped adding plenty of new features to the centre including resort-style leisure areas and a new dining precinct. The new design also focuses on a range of indoor and outdoor spaces.

“Westfield Garden City will integrate the inside and outside, creating green, vibrant rooms, tranquil oases and casual living spaces,” senior interior designer at Westfield, Natalie Bayly, explains.

“We want visitors to discover and explore the many aspects of the centre whether they be shopping, dining or enjoying leisure time.

“We’ve used many plant species to create diverse and unique colour palettes that transition as people move through the spaces. Greenery has been mixed with botanical light sculptures, customised pots and resort style furniture. Large,

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sweeping gestures of green complement the clean architectural forms, with the effect enhanced by bespoke lighting.”

The new restaurant and entertainment precinct of the centre, Town Square, comes complete with a central water feature area as well as a boardwalk, water gardens, palm islands, and quiet retreats. It will also feature five layers of planting, providing shade where needed.

Another standout feature is the living wall, which is similar to a vertical garden, says Stuart Elder, centre manager for Westfield Garden City. “We are using planting in an innovative and practical way at Westfield Garden City,” he says. “The design will create separate colour cues to identify different zones within the shopping, dining and leisure areas, helping to direct customers smoothly through the space.

“We’ve also demonstrated a commitment to supporting local businesses by sourcing plants, wherever possible, from local Queensland nurseries and a commitment to the environment by using rainwater tanks for watering supplies.”

The centre’s new dining precinct, 8 Street, is based on Asian food customs. Designed with traditional architecture in mind, the stores will feature wooden fixtures and fittings and allow shoppers to see their food being made to order. There are also two beer gardens.

“There’s a strong Asian influence in our local community that we are pleased to celebrate through the 8 Street dining precinct,” says Elder. “8 Street will enhance the shopping experience at Westfield Garden City, not only by offering tasty, authentic Asian food, but providing the buzz of a lively marketplace to enjoy.” ◗

FADQ 21

| architecture |

A CUT ABOVE

AN ESTABLISHED UK-BASED HAIRDRESSING CHAIN, WITH SALONS WORLDWIDE, TURNED TO AN EMERGING AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECT FOR A ROLLOUT OF NEW FITOUTS FOR A NUMBER OF ITS SALONS.

D

elivering a new design direction for iconic hairdresser Toni and Guy, Travis Walton Architecture concentrated on form and function for the redesigns, winning the Retail Design prize at the 2014 Australian Interior Design Awards for the Port Melbourne salon in the process.

The Port Melbourne fitout features a VIP mezzanine area and a secluded washroom below. A minimal but luxurious palette of black steel and American Oak wall panelling infuses the space with a subtle blend of a historic warehouse and sleek sophistication.

According to lead architect Travis Walton, the brief for the project required the relocation of the salon from a 220 square metre (sqm) tenancy to a 70sqm warehouse.

“We needed to create an intimate, boutique salon experience despite the limited space that we had to work with,” he says. “So we incorporated a mezzanine structure

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that cantilevered over the main salon space, and drew ideas from the traditional salon experience, where each new process took place in a separate area—the cutting floor, the colour salon and the washroom.

“We installed timber cladding and dim lighting in the washroom, to encourage relaxation, and retained the existing heritage roof trusses in the mezzanine colour salon to contrast with the sleek fitout below.

“The cutting floor became a minimal gallery-style space, with individual stations zoned and framed by black metal units that conceal equipment and power supply.”

Travis Walton Architecture is known for its cutting edge retail design work for well-known brands including Gorman, Claude Maus and Alannah Hill. Next on the cards is the opening of a UK office and international website, design tours of Tokyo, New York and London, and the completion of Walton's own home. ◗

FADQ 23

| advertisement |

EDA’S HOLISTIC RETAIL MARKETING MEET THE TEAM LEADING THE BUSINESS BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND IN ASIA

From left to right: John Kerby, Rosemary Chegwyn, Daniel Schembri and John Atwill

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Successful companies understand the importance of a strong executive and senior team to lead the business, achieve goals and drive the team towards continued growth. Leading point of sale and retail merchandising company, EDA Australasia (EDA), is no different having bolstered its executive team to achieve its business goals and shepherd the company through its exciting phase of new growth and expansion. Managing director John Atwill, chief operating officer John Kerby, head of sales and marketing Rosemary Chegwyn and head of production and design Daniel Schembri are spearheading EDA’s expansion into the Asian market following a very productive 2013.

EDA delivers high quality production and cost control across the entire supply chain of POS—from concept and design through to installation. Meet the faces of EDA’s executive team and find out how they are achieving innovative retail marketing solutions that are powerful, original and creatively disruptive.

John Atwill, managing director John Atwill has 30 years experience in helping clients in Australia, New Zealand and Asia to increase retail sales through award-winning point of sale and retail merchandising solutions. As the owner and managing director of EDA Australasia, John is an expert in all areas of point of sale, from retail consultancy, category management and design, to engineering, manufacturing, logistics and installation. John’s focus for EDA is to continue developing and maintaining the company’s long-term strategic partnerships with clients both locally and internationally.

He is currently guiding the business through a new and exciting phase; harnessing the company’s strong knowledge and reputation in Australia to expand into the overseas market. “Expanding into Asia was a natural evolution for the company following the success of our new office in Shanghai last year,” said John.

“Part of our continued success is due to our ability to deliver comprehensive tailormade solutions to retailers and brands, enabling us to maintain long-standing partnerships across a diverse range of industries and companies. As a full service company, EDA is truly a one-stop shop for global brands delivering unrivaled consistency and complete quality control,” added John.

John Kerby, chief operating officer John Kerby has recently been appointed as chief operating officer at EDA Australia. He brings to the role extensive experience in helping companies navigate successfully through a period of growth, which EDA is currently undertaking.

His background is primarily in the manufacturing sector, having worked with leading niche corporations including well-known Australian transport company, Custom Coaches. John will play a lead role in the management of the EDA team and the implementation of EDA’s vision to become a major force in POS in Australia and throughout Asia. “My major focus for EDA is to take advantage of the big opportunities in the market and expand our product offering into Asia. We are planning a number of innovative projects which I’m eager to bring to life,” added John.

John will be responsible for the day-to-day operating activities of EDA including expanding revenue and sales growth. He will also play a key role in general HR management and improving the overall performance of the business.

Rosemary Chegwyn, head of sales and marketing Rosemary Chegwyn is a senior sales and marketing professional, with over 30 years experience working in both Australian and overseas markets.

In her role as head of sales and marketing for EDA, Rosemary is responsible for leading the business development and sales team to drive the company’s expansion overseas. “The Asia Pacific region has one of the fastest growing health and beauty sectors in the world, which makes it the perfect market for EDA. We already have an impressive portfolio of global brands such as L’Oreal and Coty and I’m so excited to build on this further,” said Rosemary. She also works closely with an external communications team to drive awareness of EDA’s capabilities as an industry leader in the retail space.

Daniel Schembri, head of production and design Daniel Schembri has a been a key member of the EDA team for over 15 years and has extensive experience in manufacturing and strategy development for successful project implementation. As the head of production and design, Daniel is responsible for leading EDA’s design team and manufacturing development for new countries in addition to current facilities in Australia and China. “EDA’s expansion into Asia will enable us to deliver cost effective POS solutions, quality POS products and unrivaled consistency in future production and manufacturing for our clients,” said Daniel.

As a leader in the retail and POS space, EDA is at the forefront of innovation for the latest technologies and industry trends. EDA’s expertise spans the beauty, fragrance, health, alcohol and confectionery sectors, with long term partnerships with premium global brands, such as Coty, L’Oreal, Procter & Gamble, Treasury Wines, Moet & Hennessy, Wesfarmers and the Coles Group. Through owning manufacturing facilities in China and domestically here in Australia, EDA offers unrivaled consistency and complete quality control for its clients.

Increasingly brands are seeking a complementary relationship between online and traditional retail. A core strategy is a renewed focus on holistic retail marketing.

EDA is at the forefront of these conversations and business planning, with its expertise in delivering the right in-store environment and shaping retail to influence the mindset of shoppers, leading to great commercial outcomes for all different types of companies.

FADQ 25

| concept board |

www.moroso.it

www.pedrali.it

www.kvadrat.dk

www.ajar.com.au www.fibonaccistone.com.au

www.heals.co.uk

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www.caesarstone.com.au

www.coucoumanou.com

www.marianne-guely.com

www.fabiobiavaschi.com

www.anomaly.com.au

www.ajar.com.au naomipaul.co.uk

www.dhliberty.com

ebbandow.dk

FADQ 27

| study tour | THE PROJECT’S MAIN IDEA WAS TO CREATE AN OFFICE WITH A DESIGN WHICH ENSURES THAT PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL THEY BELONG TO ONLY ONE PART OF THE OFFICE BUT EMBRACE THE WHOLE OF ITS SPACE.

The office

28 |

T

he DRD fleet leasing company was founded in 1998 and in 15 years it has become Turkey’s largest locally financed leasing company, with a fleet of some 26,000 vehicles. With its present office having trouble coping with the company’s growth, plans were made at the beginning of the year 2013 to move it to another building situated on a 2,500 square metre plot.

The Derindere Company contacted TeamFores for the design of a flexible and modern office, which could face the midterm growth objectives of the company, while boosting personnel productivity to the highest level.

The main factor was to provide more space for social and smaller areas for working activities, thus contributing to top level work motivation and increased productivity. The design takes account of the changing working habits of today’s employees, providing clever and simple solutions to this new situation. The rooms are conceived as multi-functional units

so as to answer to as many needs as possible, thus diminishing the space needed for a project of this size while leaving the possibility to open up spaces to new potential functions.

The success of the design of the social premises can be seen in the increased productivity resulting from the bringing together of people who would not usually know each other despite the fact that they work in the same office, and the fruitful interaction thus created.

The office takes maximum advantage of cutting edge technology, with automation systems monitoring mechanical conditions and lighting according to the number of users and users scenarios, so as to minimise unnecessary energy consumption. While avoiding needless use of equipment, this well balanced use of energy also results in increased acoustic comfort.

The office design thus reinforces energetic sustainability, the office being moreover situated in a building using geothermal energy for air-conditioning.

FADQ 29

| study tour | Architect: TeamFores Client: The Derindere Fleet Leasing Design: Serter Karataban, Ceyhun Akın, Murat Özbay, Ceyda Atıcı Project: Office/Interior Location: Istanbul, Kagithane Size of project: 2,150 square metres Photographer: Mehmet Ince

All furniture used in the project was designed so as to answer present and foreseeable needs, taking account of the Derindere Company’s 16 years of experience as well as its growth potential. The furniture was designed and created following eight months of serious R&D work and without overlooking the project’s educational and social responsibility dimension. It relieves users from being bound to a given room or desk, creating

30 |

a free and holistic office space and environment. The use of the furniture will lead the user to move around, thus avoiding a routine and stationary working environment.

From working desks to meeting lounges, printer units to moveable caissons, waste recycling units to file storage systems, everything was specifically designed and created for this project.

Another element that can be considered as a contribution to office social life consists of the prayer rooms. Prayer rooms have been conceived as meditation rooms open to people of all religions.

Many of Turkey’s most important artists and designers have undeniably contributed to the project, under the guidance of TeamFores. Each room is decked with carefully chosen works from Turkey’s most renowned painters, which practically turns the office into an art gallery. Also adding value to the office spaces are designs belonging to TeamFores, together with products and furniture pieces from other well-known designers. ◗

FADQ 31

| study tour | THIS STORE’S STRENGTH LIES IN THE BLEND OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WITH VISPLAY INVISIBLE 6, WHICH IS USED IN MANY DISPLAY AREAS THROUGHOUT AND BLENDS IN PERFECTLY WITH THE ASSORTED MERCHANDISE DISPLAY.

Urban flair with poetical charm 32 |

FADQ 33

| study tour |

Client: PoeSie 1895, mode.schauer Location: Bad Ischl, Austria Shopfitting systems: Invisible 6 Architecture: Raumbau Architekten Fitout: Tischlerei Loidhammer Photography: Raumbau Architekten 34 |

T

he Schauer family has been an entrepreneurial force in the spa town of Bad Ischl since 1895 and is renowned for its handmade traditional and modern apparel. The exceptional quality of the tailor’s workshop did not go unnoticed in its early days, and the Schauer family was soon providing custom-made garments to guests of the Imperial household.

English and French styles developed over the years that followed, encouraging the family firm to provide a traditional and international range of clothing.

Today, the company employs 38 people and is managed by a father and daughter team, Gustav and Angelika Schauer. The design and tailoring of traditional Austrian dress is close to the father’s heart, whilst the daughter manages the business side of the textile dynasty.

The women’s fashion store PoeSie 1895 opened in the picturesque town of Bad Ischl at the end of March and offers 700 square metres of shopping space.

The store’s modern architectural design is a source of inspiration for fashion retailers and architects with a passion for shopfitting.

“The development of unique stores and shopping worlds with exceptional interiors is becoming vital to survive competition from the internet and its comfortable online shopping platform,” explains Robert Blaschke, the creative mind at Raumbau Architekten.

International artwork and materials are at home in this store interior— bush hammered marble flooring from Oman, rugs from London, white oiled oak furniture, large seating areas with carefully selected covers from Belgium, and glass lamps, created by two young designers from Prague, with outer contours reminiscent of the famous candelabras in La Scala in Milan or the Met in New York.

An acrylic painting by Austrian artist Kurt Stromberger was duplicated to scale on a canvas and embedded in circular ceiling panels. The store’s architectural design came with a clear directive—the atmosphere was to be bright and neutral but by no means cold and sterile. Alcoves created with Visplay Invisible 6 form eye catching features and used a light-coloured wooden frame to highlight the visual impression of a work of art. The horizontal support system emphasises this idea but disappears behind the merchandise. For Angelika, this enables a unique layout for the multilabel concept. The shopfitting system is therefore used in many display areas throughout the store. ◗

FADQ 35

| finance |

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS A SIMPLE WAY TO ENSURE BUSINESS PROFITABILITY AND HEALTHY CASH FLOW IS TO FOCUS ON WHAT DRIVES BOTH. One of the biggest missed opportunities we see in business reports is lumping all revenue into one account and not breaking it down into categories. Breaking down, not only the revenue but the costs associated with each revenue source, enables you to see clearly where you’re making and losing money.

• What drives revenue needs to be understood.

• How saleable is the product or service and what’s the market?

• What marketing is working and how much is it costing to acquire a customer?

• Is it profitable revenue?

• How does the true cost of delivering the product or service compare with the price?

• Are customers returning and if not why not?

Pricing of products and services is vital to profit. To ensure profit it’s vital to know the true cost of the product or service and keep an eye on it, to avoid ‘margin squeeze’ i.e. allowing costs to rise without increasing prices and absorbing extra cost. Market forces have an impact on pricing but it’s not viable to continually absorb cost increases without price increases. It’s not always necessary to increase everything.

One client recently told us they hadn’t increased prices for years. We did some analysis to find out what were their best-selling products. On each of these we agreed to a small increase with no resistance from customers. A small regular price

36 |

increase is much easier to achieve than irregular big ones. Most customers expect a CPI increase and if it’s written into contracts, it’s much easier to achieve.

Costing of products and services is vital knowledge to work out gross profit, which is an important benchmark. Cost of products may include the product, importing, freight, packaging, labour, warehouse, raw materials, etc. Cost of jobs may include labour, materials, out of pocket expenses, etc. If gross profit is below expectations it may be necessary to assess how products and services are costed and acquired.

We had one client in a wholesale business whose packaging was a large portion of costs. They said they couldn't negotiate a better price with the supplier. We did some shopping around and found a supplier who offered a 10 per cent reduction. The regular supplier soon agreed to a similar reduction.

Labour is another example of cost management on jobs. It’s often the case where chargeable labour spends time doing non-chargeable work such as admin. If you take the number of people, and calculate the total hours spent on admin multiplied by their hourly charge out rate, it’s often the case that the cost of employing someone else to do it, is less than the missed income.

Overheads can get out of hand where there is no budgetary control.

A budget can be a saver as well as keeping your banker happy.

Also, giving someone the task of shopping around for better deals on supplies can be a saver.

One overhead that can get out of hand is wages. Often in a growing business, staff are employed to meet demand, without proper job

descriptions. An organisational chart can be useful for a growing business. Begin by listing all tasks in the business, then list who currently does them. Any overlaps and gaps should become obvious and job descriptions can be realigned to suit.

Debt collection is an area that has blown out in the last few years. Dunn & Bradstreet recently reported that average collection days were 55.6 days. Compare this to your seven day terms to see what impact this is having on cash flow. Start with terms of trade so your customers understand the expectation. Invoice as soon as the product or service has been delivered or get a deposit or progress payments. Then follow up smartly. Email follow-ups for small amounts and phone calls for large amounts. Keep good records of reasons and excuses for late payment and agree to outstanding amounts being paid off in instalments over a period.

Stock and jobs can be a huge drain on cash flow. Think of stock as dollars piled up on the stock room floor and jobs in progress as dollars on the work room floor. It really pays to reduce the time stock sits in store and jobs wait to be finished and invoiced.

Good records and planning are vital to management of both. There are some cost effective online systems available that can save thousands of dollars in working capital requirement to fund stock and jobs.

Slowing down payment to suppliers is often the last resort where there are cash flow problems.

Often we see suppliers being paid too quickly or worse being overpaid. A close eye on this area can provide much needed cash. ◗ www.cfooncall.com.au

| advertisement |

LAMINEX WALL PANEL SOLUTIONS Bringing walls to life

With the introduction of Laminex Wall Panel Solutions, Laminex gives architects and designers the ability to easily breathe new life into commercial interiors. Design professionals can integrate joinery using the extensive range of options, along with the new Button-fix system exclusive to Laminex Australia.

The versatile patented Buttonfix system allows for 90 degree corners, hidden access panels and hinged doors. Combining Laminex panels with Button-fix provides a complete, simple and warrantied solution. It also enables ventilated mounting and can reduce installation time to save cost.

The Laminex Wall Panel Solutions recently collected a 2014 Good Design Award. The range of solutions was amongst the top entries in the Hardware and Building category of one of the world’s longest standing design award programs.

More than 220 products were vying for recognition as part of this year’s Good Design Awards. A panel of leading international and Australian design experts evaluated entries for their form, function, safety, sustainability, quality, commerciality and innovation.

Laminex Australia, general manager marketing, George Bej,

says it was a privilege to receive a prestigious award.

“It’s an honour to be recognised for our innovation and commitment to providing customers with products that are useful, inspiring and forward-thinking.

“The design-centric strategy developed by our marketing and design team to launch Laminex Wall Panel Solutions has further strengthened our position as a market leader of decorative surface solutions,” Bej says.

To find out more about Laminex Wall Panel Solutions, download a brochure, or find your nearest stockist, visit laminex.com.au

FADQ 37

| marketing |

Making your mark ARE YOU A RE-MARK-ABLE FITOUT SPECIALIST? WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES A BUSINESS REMARKABLE AND STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD? Words by Russell Pearson The Oxford Dictionary states that remarkable is something ‘worthy of attention; striking’.

I think there is more information in the word if we look closer. By breaking the word into pieces we can see much more: RE-MARK-ABLE. My own definition: the ability to share our impression of a thing.

This is the core of branding and in fact the word brand is simply another name for the making of a mark, like a white-hot iron brand leaving its mark on leather.

So the question remains: what makes a business remarkable or what gives your market the ability to share their impression of your business?

It's this 'shareability' that has shaped what we now know as social media. Every minute of every day your potential customers, in your target market, are sharing brands they deem worth remarking on.

Here are three points you may wish to consider if you want your business shared amongst those that would spend money with it:

1] leave an impression You already know when fitting out a store or shopfront that spatial design is important for leaving the right impression, but how can you leave that same impact in a client meeting?

One of the best ways to leave a brand impression is to engage the senses. How can your remarkable thing engage the visual, auditory and kinesthetic parts of the brain?

38 |

Crafting an engaging story can be a great step in this direction.

Neurologists are now able to show the evidence of storytelling for engaging the different areas of the brain. The more of the brain that is engaged the more successful our recall of that story and therefore our remarkable thing. Can you weave a great story? Can you create a story that your audience can mentally engage with? Will it be funny, disgusting or sad? Can you make your remarkable thing emotional?

Will they feel something? If you can answer yes to these questions, you'll engage them with memory anchors and it will make remembering you and your message so much easier.

2] be on message Being noticed or remarkable for the wrong reasons does little for the longevity of your brand and will take you time to steer it back on course. As Seth Godin says on his blog "Running down the street naked will get you noticed, but it won't accomplish much". So be clear about what message you want shared and make sure that you're delivering on that message through your marketing and your day-to-day business activities.

Be the thing you want people saying about you behind your back.

3] do they care?

Before spending a lot of time chasing the next fad, trend or marketing flavour of the week, ask yourself:

Does my market care? Will they see it, hear it or bump right into it? Is this something my market will share with more people like themselves?

Have you ever bought a new car before? Did you suddenly start spotting the same make of car everywhere you went, where before you'd hardly noticed any at all? Most people have blinkers on to everything except what they're focusing on right now, so make your remarkable thing relevant. Make it more relevant than anything else out there. Make it uniquely relevant. Give them something to remark about.

What is it that makes your business remarkable? Are you giving your customers the ability to

I can see clearly now

share what they love about you? Do they love anything? Not just like, but really love. If your customers don't love anything about your business then they're not talking about it and so they're vulnerable to the next remarkable business that comes along.

It's not always easy to discover what is remarkable about you and your business, so ask questions.

Ask your best customers what they love about you and then look at how you can accentuate that thing, to make it grow, make it spread, make it more potent. Make it more remarkable and give your customers the ability to share your brand with the world. ◗ www.crimsonfox.com.au

Recently I met a client who asked me which branding activity was the most effective.

“What is it you're trying to create?” I replied.

Each week I see businesses, similar to yours, spending hours, days and small fortunes on brand and marketing activities that often fail to show results. They are searching in every direction for the magic bullet to branding success.

While I'm yet to see a magic brand bullet, I have found an answer that can potentially save you years of wasted time and money and propel your shopfitting business brand forward toward the success you always dreamed.

Now, this answer was not easy to find. I can share this secret but you must understand that it is something that often eludes most people. Once you discover it your brand, marketing and business decisions will become so much easier.

It's clarity: the clarity of purpose to know exactly what you're trying to create. You need to know what are you building and why are you building it, and most of all, how are you going to measure that success?

Having clarity allows us to know where we are going. It gives us a concrete vision of what it will look like and provides a lens through which to identify opportunity.

Opportunity is everywhere. Ask any successful person and they will let you know that even in hard times opportunity continues to come their way. But, not all opportunity is good. Some opportunities will steal years from

the life of your business as you float from one to the next with no real focus or thought as to the direction you are heading.

What clarity gives us is a tool to help us decide which opportunities to take and which ones are best left behind.

Think of a successful brand as an individual, one who has a strong sense of themself. If you have true clarity around your business, you can ask if your next decision takes you closer or further from your goals. I can think of many decisions I've made that, whilst attractive at the time, simply became a distraction from the true business purpose.

Clarity will give you the focus you need to define your market; not just by a demographic, but also by the values your business embodies and the problems that you solve. Clarity will focus the time and money you spend on your marketing and stop you from channeling it in the wrong direction.

For those of you with a very clear vision of what you want to create, you'll know the feeling of purpose that accelerates your action and I encourage you to share it with as many people as possible. This will help make your vision accountable and will assist you in finding supporters to help you along the way.

Business isn't easy; if it was, everyone would do it. But with clarity, you'll gain the drive to take the extra steps necessary to create the business brand of your dreams.

FADQ 39

| news |

Celebrating 10 years of Decor + Design The Decor + Design show and Furnitex 2014, held from 10-13 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, attracted thousands of industry visitors over the four days. This year is the 10th anniversary of Decor + Design (formerly Decoration + Design) and to mark this occasion, the event celebrated a name change and featured a showcase of spectacular exhibition stands on the concourse of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The ‘Decade of Design’ featured five companies that have exhibited with Decor + Design since the beginning—Café Lighting, Hermon Hermon Commercial, Cromwell, and MRD Home & Warranbrooke.

“We have been delighted with the look and feel of the event this year, and the success of Decor + Design and Furnitex demonstrates that Australia’s soft furnishings and furniture industry is experiencing a resurge in confidence,” says Joel Cooper, group exhibition director of Informa Exhibitions.

“The feedback from both visitors and exhibitors has been excellent, with numerous sales opportunities generated over the four days.”

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A highlight of Decor + Design 2014 was the International Seminar Series featuring interior designer to the stars, Kari Whitman (US), eclectic designer Kishani Perera (US), and leading trend forecaster Victoria Redshaw (UK).

Vibrant Visions in Design (VIVID) celebrated its 12th anniversary this year, showcasing the work of 58 emerging designers. Winners were selected from lighting, student, concept, commercial and green award categories. Winner of the Beacon Lighting Award—best lighting product was Melbourne based trio, Rowan Page, Marinos Drake and Ilya Fridman of Studio Batch, with Diagrid Pendant. Adam Raphael

Markowitz from Melbourne was presented with the Concept Award, for Fred, and Fabio Biavaschi, also from Melbourne, won the Commercial Award for Mek_ac01.

Jeewon Choi, of Lidcome College, Sydney won the Student Award for Flowlight, and Yulia Holil from Perth was presented with the Green Award for Sandwiched Shelf.

“We have been thrilled to work with such a highly experienced panel of industry judges on Vivid this year,” says VIVID curator Caroline Caneva. “The calibre of work submitted has been exceptional, making the judging process a highly enjoyable, if challenging one.

“To date VIVID has assisted over 600 designers kick-start their careers, and we look forward to seeing this year’s group of designers launch their pieces in the market.”

Decor + Design 2015 will be held in Sydney from 4-6 February 2015 at the Royal Hall of Industries. Furnitex returns for its next instalment from 16-19 July 2015, co-located with Decor + Design at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. www.decordesignshow.com.au www.furnitex.com.au

The perfect edge Festool is launching the new Conturo system onto the market—a hand-guided electric power tool for edge banding and a complete system solution to create the perfect edge with virtually invisible joins. The tool is easy to operate and produces excellent results—both on rectangular components and complex free shapes and is perfect for manufacturing small batches.

With the new system, Festool claims to have reached a new level of edge trimming perfection that was previously unattainable with hand-guided machines—the perfect edge, the attachment of edging to simple rectangular components or complex free shapes such as curves, radii, convex and concave shapes.

This includes internal curves of

up to 50mm and outer curves of 30mm and above. Edging with a height of 18mm to 65mm and a thickness of 0.5mm to 3mm (depending on the material) is a quick and easy process. Likewise,

it is possible to attach edging to mitered edges from 0-45° in combination with the bench unit.

Versatile and easy to operate, the Conturo represents a system solution for manufacturing

individual shaped parts as well as attaching edges to work pieces or items of furniture produced in small batches. Packed in a systainer, it is also suitable for mobile use and small companies as well as manufacturing edging in situations that require a perfect quality finish.

The new Conturo KA 65 with system accessories comes with the new Basic MFK 700 edge router, new stationary unit for small work pieces and mitre cuts and the VAC-SYS vacuum clamping system for reliable work without leaving scratches. www.festool.com.au

YOUR stock YOUR advantage YOUR space

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Super 123 from Metalsistem, a high quality, ready-made retail storage system. Rapid assembly for fast fit out completion.

Increase storage capacity on site – minimise/avoid costly offsite storage Optimise income producing GLA footprint Enhance customer experience – quick and easy access to products

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Click here for projects

| news |

Innovation rules at the Good Design Awards Aussie entrepreneurs and inventors have been recognised in this year’s Good Design Awards, held on 28 May at the White Bay Terminal in Balmain.

Dr Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia says that at this year’s awards and Good Design Festival the focus was on how design can play a key role in helping business, manufacturers and service providers thrive in a competitive marketplace.

“So many products in this year’s program were clearly born from a planned and considered design process that sought to not only create a beautiful, stylish and functional product or service, but also address business and commercial challenges to help the business grow and prosper,” he says.

“It’s great to see so many companies investing in design in this way and maintaining such a high standard. This year we were proud to recognise 77 products with a Good Design Award.”

The program’s top prize—2014 Good Design Award of the Year—went to iconic Australian bathroom maker Caroma for its Caroma Marc Newson Bathroom 22-piece collection.

Dr Steve Cummings, research and development manager at GWA Kitchens and Bathrooms, says they are delighted that Caroma and Marc Newson have been presented with these prestigious awards against very strong international competition.

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“A major contributing factor in us winning this award was the very close and productive collaboration we had with Marc and his team, where we were able to maintain the full intent of Marc’s designs while incorporating Caroma’s advanced technologies,” he says.

“The adoption of this approach is clearly seen in the Caroma Marc Newson Collection, that combines superb form and advanced technology, setting a new standard in affordable bathroom luxury.

“During the development of the collection we faced a number of technical challenges in our efforts

to maintain the intent of Marc’s designs. It is extremely rewarding that our research and development team were able to solve these challenges with innovative patentable installation solutions.

Laminex also collected a Good Design Award, the second year running, for its Wall Panel Solutions—a range of wall panels with an innovative mounting system.

Launched on the market in April 2014, Laminex Wall Panel Solutions gives architects and designers the ability to easily coordinate wall panels and joinery using the extensive range of Laminex panel options. To complement the range of globallyinspired panels, Button-fix—a multi-configurable mounting system exclusive to Laminex Australia—enables wall panels to be easily installed and removed.

Laminex Australia general manager marketing, George Bej, says it is a privilege to receive a prestigious award as the brand celebrates its 80th anniversary.

“This year, Laminex celebrates 80 years of providing its expansive array of decorative surface solutions for both residential and commercial projects,” he says. “It’s an honour to again be recognised for innovation as we celebrate our longevity and commitment to providing customers with products that are useful, inspiring and forward-thinking.” www.gooddesignaustralia.com

No earthquake can take this building down Last year the Victoria University Hub building, which was officially opened in March 2013, was subjected to a series of severe earthquakes. While Wellington district sustained moderate damage, the ceiling panels in the hub remained in place and suffered no damage to the panels, due to the Fastmount system that was designed to allow for panel flex and lateral movement.

Last year Fastmount’s distribution company, Forman Building Systems, was asked to supply the unique Fastmount panel mounting clip system to the project contractors Metro Interiors for the new civil construction. Specified into the project by the architects, Athfeild Architects, they wanted a hidden fixing system that was easily installed and removed, while being secure and safe.

Standard profile range

The job entailed mounting 630 full size DecorTech MDF acoustic panels to two floors of the Victoria University Hub building.

These panels needed to be mounted to Rondo steel framing in the ceiling area. The solution was to use the Fastmount PC-SF1 (surface mount female) riveted to the Rondo frames and the PC-SM2 glued to the back face of the panels.

“The FM system was easy to install and gave a beautiful clean panel finish,” says Metro Interiors' Mike Hughes.

As a post earthquake precaution, Metro Interiors have now fitted the panels with Fastmount Panel Restraints, which are designed to restrain panels in high g forces. www.fastmount.com

hide & seek HIDDEN. International award-winning Fastmount™ provides hidden mounting systems for removable panels with a flawless finish and perfect alignment. Panels can be easily removed and refitted in any sequence, time after time. This system is ideal for anything from new builds, re-fitouts, upgrades or facility maintenance.

SEEKING. An Australian distributor to match our passion and success. If you think you’re a perfect fit for us, get in touch today.

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| news |

Staples launches new commercial interiors furniture division Australian business products and services supplier Staples has launched a new branch of its business—Business Interiors

by Staples, which offers globally sourced office furniture from brands such as Thinking Works, Allsteel, HON, Paustian, Rosetto, Gaber, Woodmark and Sinetica.

44 |

In order to cater to customers from all over Australia, Business Interiors has launched a new website—a virtual showroom for its impressive product portfolio.

Case studies and full information on the brand and team are also available on the website to help potential customers get more of a feel for the Business Interiors

by Staples group and what its capabilities are.

“One of the key features of Business Interiors by Staples is that we source premium product brands which have a low impact on the environment, are cost effective and are readily available, without compromising on design, look or functionality,” says Jarad Nass, general manager, Business Interiors by Staples.

“We acquire pieces made from materials which provide a long lifecycle, reduce environmental waste and help our customers reduce their carbon footprints as much as possible.”

As open-plan offices grow in popularity, separate offices and

cubicles are being phased out and replaced with linear or POD desk arrangements featuring low or no screens—all of this facilitating collaboration. Technology also links to collaboration, with the Business Interiors team finding that more of its customers are thinking about how technology can work with furniture to encourage greater collaboration amongst employees.

The team also focus on the use of soft furnishings and textiles to create the look, feel and workplace culture that the client desires. A warm and inviting space can inspire creativity and enhance productivity, so vibrant colours are often chosen to stimulate sensory input and achieve this.

Business Interiors by Staples’ top five tips when designing a new office space include: 1. Review and understand the needs of your employees 2. Understand the current working styles within your business, e.g. what works, what does not work and how you would like the organisation to look in the future 3. Select new furniture which will make a positive impact and differentiate from previous working environments 4. Balance function with aesthetics 5. Keep it simple with clean lines and design To meet the growing need of companies wanting a greener office space, a selection of products from Business Interiors

by Staples have Good Design Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) and Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) accreditations. www.bistaples.com.au

| asofia |

Asofia events

NSW

12 August 2014 annual general meeting

20 August 2014 annual general meeting and trade night

VIC

SA

11 August 2014 annual general meeting

WA

QLD

6 August 2014 annual general meeting

Contact

21 August 2014 annual general meeting and trade night

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Gerard Ryan ASOFIA Po Box 6347 KINCUMBER NSW 2251 P: 02 4369 0055 F: 02 4369 0555 E: national_office@asofia.com.au W: www.asofia.com.au NATIONAL PRESIDENT

For all event details please contact ASOFIA on (02) 4369 0055 or national_office@asofia.com.au

Darren Doggett Clarke & Doggett Building Concepts P: 03 8873 2788 M: 0419 500 022 E: darren@clarkeanddoggett.com STATE PRESIDENTS NSW - Dennis Glover Monarch Group P: 02 9526 1222 M: 0418 241 991 E: dennis@monarchdoors.com.au QLD – Mick McLoughlin Les Wilson Detail Cabinet Maker P: 07 3892 2163 M: 0418 789 569 E: mickm@bencee.com.au

Other events

◗ 10-12 September 2014 Architect@work, Rotterdam www.architectatwork.nl

◗ 5-8 September 2014 CIFF China International Home Furniture Fair, Guangzhou www.ciff-gz.com

◗ 10-14 September 2014 Habitare, Helsinki www.messukeskus.com

◗ 5-9 September 2014 Maison&Objet Projets, Paris www.maison-objet.com

◗ 17-19 September 2014 100% design/100% detail, London www.100percentdesign.co.uk

◗ 6-8 September 2014 Comfortex, Leipzig www.comfortex.de

◗ 21-24 September 2014 Decorex International, London www.decorex.com

◗ 10-12 September 2014 Design&Décor, St Petersburg www.designdecor-expo. primexpo.ru

◗ 27-30 October 2014 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair www.hktdc.com

VIC - Brett Krueger Krueger Shopfitters and Commercial Interiors P: 03 9720 4989 M: 0418 332 724 E: brett.krueger@kruegershopfitters.com.au WA - Geoffrey Raphael Raphael Design Australia P: 08 9328 8890 M: 0419 904 373 E: geoff@rdaus.com.au SA – Josh Kelly Winkle Shopfitters P: 08 8277 5600 M: 0417 821 177 E: josh@winklegroup.com.au National major sponsor

National Principal Partners

The role of RETAIL SIGNAGE Send the right message at the right moment. We realize the importance of the ďŹ rst three seconds, three precious seconds to decide what's meaningful about a brand and what's memorable. very sign is built t ate and an inspiring representa At Na that when customers encounter the brand, it makes a compelling ďŹ rst impr tely a las

and's iden

An unwavering, unfaltering, dedicated focus on helping to protect the brand, solve problems and exceed your expecta y esen ou with work tomers tell us that we perform the equivalent of magic, we an or planning, strategy and essen ou need to focus on all the other things you do best. give you mor equirements covered.

So, go ahead, we've got all your signag

P h :0 2 9 6 7 8 9 5 4 0 F a x :0 2 9 6 7 8 9 5 4 1 www.nationalsignbuild.com.au