When it comes to luxury property developments, planning, design and space all play a pivotal role in producing a premium product. Underpinning the principles of interior design and spatial planning is the concept of Volumetric Design, which Landmass have trademarked because of its importance to space planning and the layout of properties.
“Skill levels, quality levels and resource procurement are vital in the planning stages in a practice predominated by precision”, according to Alan Waxman, Chief Executive of Landmass.
As seasoned specialists in Interior design, property development and architecture, the Landmass team share their top ten tips with luxury developers.
1. Distinctive Design
Given the competitive nature of the property development industry, developers have to exercise their creativity by setting themselves apart from fellow designers. Landmassbelieve that design aspect within property development should be centred around factors such as space and light enhancement as well as neutral palettes as opposed to repetitive, distinctive features; simple is best.
2. Talking to property agents
Consulting property agents is a key component of the property development planning process. Developers should regard property agents as an integral part of their planning process due to their sound understanding of the market and their clients. It’s important for developers to include agents from the beginning of the planning stage process, from design to layout and specifications.
3. Specification precision reduces cost overruns
It’snot necessary for designers to overspend on the exclusive use of super-luxurious or branded furniture in high-end properties. The procurement process is fundamental in sourcing beautiful, high-quality furniture at a reasonable cost. Luxury design items or fabrics can be used to complement the overall context. Our designers tend not to use one supplier, and although it makes the process more difficult logistically, it creates a more unique look.
4. Closely monitored building contracts
Making sure that the contract with the builder is properly monitored and fair on both sides is essential to a successful build. It’s imperative not to cut corners on having an excellent team of professionals to oversee the cost and quality of the project. This includes a professional project manager and a qualified quantity surveyor to oversee not only the project but also the contract with the builder.
5. Avoid cutting corners to save on costs
Craftsmanship is essential and in order to deliver a high standard, it’s really important to commission a well-skilled team. For example, for designer wallpaper, you should commission a high-standard installer, as otherwise the wallpaper might not be installed properly and it will cost developers in the long-run. Another example of a specialism requiring careful procurement is joinery. There are plenty of suppliers in skilled fields, but it’s about finding dedicated workmen who are specialists in their field of expertise.
6. Don’t forget the layout
Planning the space layout should always come before planning the design and the finishes. Developers often put too much furniture into one room, thinking it will give the illusion of more space through its richness. For a potential buyer entering the site, it often has the opposite effect – you want to sell the space and not the furniture. The right use of the given space is essential to give a sense of arrival and opening potential clients minds to imagining they could live in a property.
7. Underestimating the importance of Volumetric Design
A lot of designers overly focus on the square footage rather than the volumetrics. As with the furniture, less is more. Instead of putting three small bedrooms in a property, having two spacious and light-filled rooms will give a more spacious feeling and thus add greater overall value to the property. Also, double height ceilings will provide the property with more light and make it seem more spacious overall.
8. Less is more!
Try not to overuse textures, colours and finishes. If spaces are too busy potential buyers focus more on the features than the actual space the property provides. The lure, appeal and subliminal effects of the space, should be what people notice when they walk into a room.
9. Always furnish your property
Nine times out of ten, developers only furnish their show apartment properties and rely solely on them to sell the rest of their stock. Many times, when the space in the other units is architecturally laid out differently, it will be difficult for the viewer to imagine the space furnished. A furnished property will give potential buyers the chance to envisage themselves living in the space.
10. Don’t forget the fundamentals
It’s easy to overlook the fundamentals such as storage in bathrooms and kitchens, and under-thinking plug point spacing. All these seemingly subliminal factors can significantly affect the overall look if they are not carefully considered.
