CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position.

I am the President-Owner of a Condominium Management company. We service over 200 condominium corporations in the Greater Edmonton Area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what purpose did your company hire CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

We have grown our business over the past 10 years, ever expanding our lease space. The space is not as functional as we desire due to on-going renovations/expansions. We decided it was time to buy/build our own space. We had a vision of designing the building from the 'inside-out' and this fit perfectly with CK's vision and methodology. I had met Chris through another acquaintance but was also familiar with CK's work in the restaurant business.

What were your goals for this engagement?

Our goals were to design a great space to come to work everyday that was both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. We had certain needs of course with office sizes, layouts and meeting spaces but one of the main features was our kitchen/outdoor patio. As a family run business, we have a lot of staff get-togethers and wanted a space that could accommodate everyone. CK delivered.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were introduced earlier by a mutual contact. Based on our needs we felt especially after the initial meeting that they were the right firm for us. They had both office and restaurant experience along with the right approach to design and process. It was a perfect fit for our needs.

Describe the engagement in detail.

We had multiple meetings along the way. The initial meetings were geared to what we were looking to use the space for and what we wanted it to feel like. From there we got into space designs, layouts and eventually put in contact with an architect to design the exterior and 'wrap the building'. A lot of the vendors/contractors that we engaged/entertained were referrals from CK, though we were also welcomed to use/provide our own.

What were the terms and the value of the lease?
What percentage did CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design take in commission?

Not applicable in this case. We are an owner/user of 2/3 of the entire building so the design fees were priced on a 'per sq. ft.' basis. The future lease space is remains undeveloped and up to future tenants.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with the principal (Chris K.) and Sabrina (staff member). This was also great as we felt important and well taken care of. Sabrina is excellent at what she does and a pleasure to deal with. Dealing with only those 2 kept communications clear and consistent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the engagement that demonstrate progress or success?

We have yet to complete this project and move in. Based on the design, we are hopeful that when we do market the available tenant space it will go quickly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow between us was great. Keeping it to just the 2 of them, regardless of what went on behind the scenes was paramount to achieving our design and in a timely manner. There were of course a number of face-to-face meetings and the rest was able to confirm via e mail/phone. They were good with response times, which is important as we are all busy people.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They really delved into finding out who we were and what we wanted out of our space. I think this may seem understated to some, but when investing millions into a project that you are going to occupy with 30%+ of your life, it's really important to get it right.

Are there any areas for improvement?

In my experience with CK I can't really offer any areas for improvement. Maybe by the completion of the project I will be able to, but so far it has been a great experience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the practice leader for property management at Avison Young, a Northern Alberta property management firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

We had an asset that was built several years ago. It just had been modernized, but over time it lost some of its appeal and competitiveness in the marketplace. We needed help with the design because we wanted to bring a more hospitality feel that could warm the building. As a medical office building, it had a cold white sterile feel.

We wanted to bring a designer to give it warmer tones, a hotel lobby sort of feel. Therefore, we hired CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The project isn’t completed, but they’ve been a part of work since the beginning. They started with a visioning board, collecting our ideas and dreams from other samples. They put it into a pallet so that we can see what we like and what we don’t like.

Then, they moved to conceptual drawing in design. Through this process, we could see what areas of the building we could improve. Afterward, we moved to the material selection stage where they brought in samples to help us feel what we could use. This step also gave us a sense of future maintenance requirements and the longevity of the materials.

From there, they moved into construction drawings. We’re currently at that stage. They’re moving forward from that to help with the equation building next. They’re as turnkey as you need them to be — they’ll be working on this project from start to finish.

What is the team composition?

Chris (Experience Maker - Licensed Interior Designer AAA) is our main point of contact. He’s extraordinarily enthusiastic about what he does. They have an insane amount of energy and experience. He quarterbacks the process, but he has a team of about 4–5 behind him who we’ve had a lot of success with.

How did you come to work with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

I worked with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design in the past. My family owns commercial real estate, and he did some impressive work with them. He also has a phenomenal reputation in the hospitality industry.

I really like working with him – he’s not doing über-chic design. He’s doing pragmatic warm design that’s perfect for the hospitality industry.

How much have you invested with them?

We have probably spent $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began work in April 2018 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The client is incredibly happy seeing the vision boards. The design is great so far and the numerous creative options they’ve presented to the client are very valuable.

Design is all about expectation management. If one runs in front of the other too fast, I would get very frustrated. They don’t do that – they have a phenomenal process and I never felt out of sync.

How did CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design perform from a project management standpoint?

The process is very collaborative which they’re great at. They never let us or them get too far ahead without checking in. They sit down with you throughout the process, always with some progress they made. They’re never one-sided — they’re transparent and honest.

They do formal in-person checks. It’s not just about frequent meetings, it’s about how they present the work. They do a great job of ensuring there’s open communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re an awesome company all around, and I wish them the best.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They do a really good job, I don’t think I can give them feedback on how to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them and trust the process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner at a company focusing on commercial real estate and hospitality.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

I needed a professional designer to help us with drawings for spaces.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We contacted them to create design drawings for commercial and retail spaces. For instance, one space they assisted us with is a gastropub in downtown Edmonton. There, he helped with drawings and sourcing furniture and other design assets. That was a big help because he was able to find pieces that were unique and interesting.

For another project, he helped us bring life back to an existing building by focusing on a tower’s facade. Chris (Principal) came up with lighting and signage design on the exterior facade that was intended to attract new tenants to the property. After he helps with the planning and design process, he typically comes in during implementation to ensure that everything is being set up correctly. Additionally, he typically has the trades that can finish specific jobs. 

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Chris and Sabrina (Interior Designer). 

How did you come to work with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

We’ve known them for many years. I originally met him through my father. At this point, we’ve been working together for over 15 years.

How much have you invested with them?

For both of the projects mentioned above, we spent a total of $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working with them for 15 years, but the project I mentioned earlier started around June 2019. The gastropub was completed in early Septemeber 2019, and the facade was done by December 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The concepts and execution of his designs were exceptional. He brought innovative looks to our properties that were successful in attracting new tenants and customers.  

How did CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design perform from a project management standpoint?

We were very satisfied with their project management. They were attentive and quick to respond to us when needed. We communicated through phone, text, and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They put the time in to visit their clients and discuss needs. They’re willing to push the envelope of what’s innovative and interesting. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

He treats all of his customers like he treats us, so other clients shouldn’t run into any problems.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a plant-based café based out of Edmonton, Alberta, and my role with the company is to look after franchising, store development, and real estate for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

The goal of this project was to put together design plans for a new restaurant concept so that we had an idea of what the final concept was going to look like.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

CKDESIGN focused on the various aspects of the restaurant design specifically, so coming up with the finished and different looks at the inside of the restaurant, including all the theoretical decorations, lighting, seating, and layout.

We sat down with Chris (Owner) and gave him some thoughts about what we were going for with the restaurant, and he put together a sample board with all of the finishes he was suggesting and essentially painting the picture of what the overall look and feel of the final restaurant would be.

What is the team composition?

I know he’s got a team working with him, but I interacted with Chris directly for this project.

How did you come to work with CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design?

I met him initially through a large juice and smoothie bar chain that I worked on, and he was with a firm that handled the original drawings for that restaurant. He did a great job there, so when the need came up for these new chains, I reconnected with him and brought him on for the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent about $50,000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

This particular engagement started in January 2016 and is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The restaurants have been pretty successful, so we’ve opened three so far and have three more on the way. They have been well received by the public, especially in terms of the interior design. A lot of people asked who designed our concept when we first opened, which is a big compliment to the designer.

How did CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design perform from a project management standpoint?

He is very easy to get a hold of, whether through email or phone, which has been really helpful in addressing any questions or requests that we want to talk through with him.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Here in Alberta, CKDESIGN is really recognized as the restaurant designers because they do a lot of this type of work, and it’s all incredibly innovative. He’s worked with some big chains as well as smaller single restaurants, and he hits the nail on the head every time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, he knows what he’s doing so I don’t have any complaints.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

He’s been at this a long time, so trust his expertise and he will definitely deliver the best results.