Our Approach
Our methodology helps us grow and improve continuously. It provides a bullet proof solution whilst being multi-award winning.
01 DISCOVER
Understanding who you are today and where you want to be in the future.
02 DESIGN
Thinking strategically and creatively with conceptual solution.
03 DEVELOP
Developing the concepts and ideas into buildable solutions.
04 DELIVER
Project execution including post occupancy services.
Results come from striking a harmonious balance between all the elements that make up the real estate:
- the location
- orientation, shape and size of space
- functionality of the building services
- fitness for purpose
- efficiency and comfort of the space
- ability of the space to define identity and create a brand experience
A unique suite of Services
Autonomous or combined in part or whole; that is the beauty of our services and methodology. Clients benefit from our customised solutions to address the requirements of any given project.
At SW1, project and construction methodology is based on the model of likely constraints taking place in projects where various strategies have been idealized to overcome them.
Cost is the glue that binds every project together and it sits right at the centre of our approach. In view of this, we advocate Cost Management as an essential process which involves the planning and controlling of the budget to give optimal outcomes for the given spend. Put simply, it is a ‘bang for buck’ approach which focuses on value and long term gains – something that our clients definitely appreciate. We also provide comprehensive and competitive access to the industry’s supply chain and constantly maintain, research and develop products, services and materials.
Our service umbrella and design process integrates various skill-sets for a simple unified approach.
Branded Environments
Applying the value of your brand in the physical space.
The office is more than a physical environment. It’s a place in the mind. A brand experience.
To brand the work environment effectively with sophistication, meaning and purpose you need a strategy that aligns with the full program of your fit-out project. Engagement at the early stages of design with brand guardians, marketing teams, architects, interior design consultants, change managers and forward-thinkers is essential.
At SW1 we believe it’s more than just placing a logo or vision statement in reception. All elements that comprise a place – architecture, interiors, lighting, furniture, wayfinding, graphics, landscape – should be integrated to create an intuitive brand experience. A strategically branded environment promotes loyalty, trust and motivation; putting companies in the best light and connecting staff and visitors to their products or services. The fact is, space does play a role in your brand expression – an unavoidable one.
Build
Our understanding and importance we put into design and process allows us to bring tremendous value to construction projects. Our approach combines complete, end-to-end project program management and cost management with our ability to interpret and enhance the design intent. This allows us to slot seamlessly into the project team complimenting and adding value with every interaction.
We have our own dedicated safety department as well as independent quality assessments within our methodology. Thus quality, safety and value are all assured and the experience we give you is one of a collaborative, helpful and committed member of the project team.
Change Management
To facilitate the transition of people to a new working environment.
From cubicles to open floor plans, office layouts have changed significantly over the years. The idea of working in a space that best reflects the task at hand is known as Activity Based Working (“ABW”).
Many companies have now realized that employees need options – options that accommodate the various types of work they do on a daily basis as well as their most productive working style.
Apart from office planning and design, another key success factor in any workplace is Change Management. Planning for change is a journey that revolves around the human element and SW1’s value is to manage employees to view change from a different perspective.
Employee experience in any organization can be comprised of three distinct environments: the cultural environment, the physical environment, and the technological environment. Change Management influences how an employee feels at work, their relationship with their co-workers, their physical and hierarchical place within the organization, their physical surroundings and the tools they utilize to get their job done. It’s the ‘people-side’ of change that ensures the project is successful as it empowers employees to embrace change as well.
Change Management allows proper initiation and support of the change process, whilst addressing employee’s concerns, fears and anxieties. As this process puts employees concerns of “What’s it in it for me (WIIFM)?” in the forefront, the end result is an increase in productivity and morale.
Design + Build
Designers & Builders working together to achieve an outstanding solution.
Our approach and methodology differentiate our design and build solution from all others. We take a Client centric approach which prioritises the design brief and engineering requirements over all else which results in an end product which is delivered faster, cheaper and most importantly of a much higher quality than a traditional contractor led approach.
To achieve this we assemble highly qualified specialists in all fields of design, engineering, construction, change management, branding and digital solutions all working together with Clients in unison. We act like an extension of the Client’s own company very much like a new department which can slot in and integrate with their processes and procedures.
Design Implementation
Converting the design concept into something real. Bringing the big idea to life.
Using our experience & understanding of how international brands need to be portrayed in the region we have the capability to translate brand values, global workplace guidelines, design principles & design intent into a local context, supporting and collaborating with global partners to ensure design expectations are executed effectively.
SW1 has regularly worked with International Design firms such as Gensler & Hassell along with their International Clientele to provide a seamless integration of services from concept to reality.
This also works particularly well in a design and build context where we add value at every part of the process as well as provide all the necessary technical expertise to realise the projects vision.
Digital
A digital infrastructure with the flexibility and capacity to adapt to new technologies.
As most companies go through a digital transformation journey we have the capability to build a strategy that delivers effective digital solutions. Our strategy team collaborates with key stakeholders to deliver customised and interactive experiences using technology to shape & create people’s experiences in their workplace environments.
We provide personal digital journey mapping, digital content with physical and digital touch-points including consultation on the infrastructure and technologies to deliver a complete digital experience.
Interior Design
Creating the look, feel and function of the space.
Design is an integral process. Based on this understanding, we adopt a traditional form versus function approach to generate substantial creative output that not only looks great but also works well with everything. The methodology splits the process into two key components which not only looks great but also allows these components to influence one another. Spatial planning incorporates function to the space and generally involves preparation of plans showing workflow, facilities, work points and other elements to ensure the client’s requirements are met. Design development focuses on the look and feel of the space as well as the visualisation of materials, furniture and finishes. This approach to design ensures maximum effectiveness.
Each aspect involves and requires different skill sets and engages specialisation of resources. This approach further enables us to speed up the design process and run each aspect of the design activities in tandem with each other whilst complying to authority regulations when necessary submissions need to be carried out.
BIM facilitates better project coordination and collaboration with stakeholders and produces more efficient workflows and integrated 3D visualizations, resulting in improved project outcomes for clients.
SW1 uses numerous types of software to implement their BIM process and are particularly proud of their REVIT team. REVIT is considered to be the most ideal, robust, functional and flexible BIM tool used by the top design and architecture firms the world over.
As Interior Design fulfils different requirements by architects and engineers from structural to technical, we will continue to improve technical documentation from the inside out through the implementation of REVIT.
Post Handover
Aftercare, including post occupancy report.
As part of SW1’s post handover services the following activities and documentation are provided during the Defect Liability Period:
Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manual
The O&M manual contains the information required for the operation, maintenance and possible decommissioning of a client’s project. The O&M manual includes:
- A project directory and information
- A copy of the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC)
- As-Built Drawings
- The scope of works
- Design schedule of finishes
- Design specifications
- Certificates of warranty
- Service and operations manual from trade contractors
- Project handover site photos
- Testing and commissioning reports
Defects Works
Our project team will conduct a walkthrough with the client and its representatives after the project handover to inform on the defects identified after issuance of the CPC. The defects may occur due to design, material and/or workmanship deficiencies. A copy of the Defects List will be given to the client and progress of the defects will be documented accordingly once touch up works are completed within a reasonable time.
When both SW1 and client consider and mutually agree that all items on the Defects List have been rectified, the Certificate of Making Good Defects will be issued.
Maintenance Response Time During Defect Liability Period
We ensure the dedicated Project Manager involved in the construction of a client’s project will be servicing and maintaining the fit-out works which fall under our scope. This maintenance process is done in a periodical manner.
Whats Next?
Clients who want to maximise on their real estate potential can chose to take this one stage further and opt for Post Handover Plus.
Post Handover Plus+
This is a much overlooked area of a project but can prove to be an essential part of the process. We design is extremely flexible spaces which are future proof and this post handover component is all about of tapping into and maximising the benefits of this philosophy of design.
There are a lot of key learnings which require tweaks and tuning of spaces after a Client occupies their space. All projects will benefit from this as it contributes to make a Clients space more tailored and operationally effective.
We offer post occupancy analysis as well as re-configuration of spaces throughout the occupancy lifecycle. This ranges from updates to technology or reconfigurations of spaces; to simply just fixing issues or defects which may have cropped up. Clients requirements change as they evolve and adapt and it is becoming increasingly important that their space keeps up with this.
Project & Construction Management
Techniques to oversee the execution of the strategy.
Our project, construction and cost management methodology dovetails all our activities in a simple and effective manner. It is interwoven through all service offerings and provides a seamless point of contact to transfer knowledge and information on cost, time and quality back and forth between all protagonists.
Our methodology has defined procedures for the inception of a project right through to the post-handover activities. Several factors influence time frame in one way or another. It recognises that the key is to obtain a proper acceptance and sign-off of all design by the Client and allows activities to be prioritised as necessary to meet the deadlines. Any potential bottlenecks are pre-empted right at the outset. There is a set system of checks and balances which ensure nothing is missed and the client is informed and in control at all stages.
Long lead times are identified early in the process and via the cost management model orders can be locked out and placed in time.
All projects have changes to deal with whether they be from and change in circumstances, requirements or just a change of mind. Our methodology addresses this in a unique and systematic manner. There are standard tools that define and track all changes and ensure that the Client is aware of all the deadlines and decisions required.
We have an extensive QA/OC process, which is ISO accredited and proven. The commitment to quality is a process and all throughout the project there are checks, balances and reviews which ensure that quality is optimized for any given situation.
Our in-house Safety Department ensures all construction works are undertaken under the auspicious of a proper safety regime. Our Safety Managers are certified and have developed an attitude and demeanour about safety that truly adds value to the industry. Safety Managers operate autonomously and report directly to the Management eliminating any conflicts and allowing them to focus on keeping people safe.
Strategic Planning
Setting up a strategy that provides clear direction.
The old adage that if you “fail to plan you plan to fail” is what drives this most important of services. It is a standard pre-requisite for every project undertaken. Strategic Planning makes everything more focused and potent as well as helping to plug into the client’s organisation as if they were their own dedicated department.
Strategic Planning involves outlining clear objectives and how to measure them as well as proper researching, brief and information gathering. Also, it involves setting up of proper approvals processes, committees and stakeholders with a view to keeping them informed and in control of their project from the outset. How this is done varies from client to client and involves workshopping, surveying, data gathering, interviewing, profiling, questionnaires and other methods which are experiential and empirical.
This is one of the most important aspects of the project process that leads perfectly into Interior Design.
This is one of the most important aspects of the project process that leads perfectly into Interior Design.