Redbrick Mill, Batley

Sofology - The Edit Concept

A specially curated stand-alone concept set within a purpose made department store for furniture and interiors.

Role: Designer / Project Co-ordinator

Although established as a separate entity to the recent roll out of new store openings for Sofology, this proposition still had to include some of the main brands currently being offered at the larger stores. The building itself, an old wool mill built in 1860 and since converted into one of the North’s premier shopping destinations, made the design approach totally different to the normal portal frame ‘sheds’ of a typical retail park.

Focusing on using the history and existing features of the building the approach was to utilise what was already available and add the necessary enhancements where possible. As a one-off concept this gave the design team room to experiment and have fun through introducing novel features such as a cinema room including a pop corn machine whilst displaying furniture for people’s own homes.

Press Articles:

https://www.bigfurnituregroup.com/sofology-opens-sofology-the-edit-concept-store/

https://www.redbrickmill.co.uk/events/sofology-the-edit-now-open

https://www.redbrickmill.co.uk/editorials/create-cinema-room-sofology-edit

https://www.redbrickmill.co.uk/editorials/george-clarke-sofology-edit

https://www.bigfurnituregroup.com/sofa-retailer-grows-profit-beyond-10m-as-store-rollout-continues/

Responsibilities included:

Concept coordination: Facilitating in-house design meetings and liaising directly with the Sofology creative team to align on project direction and design intent.
Technical delivery: Producing the full drawing package issued to the fit-out contractor; including detailed lighting design layouts and construction drawings for all bespoke joinery and screening elements.
Project management: Chair weekly meetings to ensure full co-ordination between the client requirements and the work being carried out by the contractors on site.
Design integrity: Ensuring that the creative vision was consistently translated from concept development through to on-site implementation.

Services provided:

Our Process

Planning

Through consultation and meetings, we can provide clients with a clear and concise approach to both establishing and meeting their brief to achieve the overall end result. This continues through the life of the project and at each stage we can offer support where required.

Design

Offering a full design package, we create a concept based around the client brief adding our own experience to provide every component required to make the design a reality. Through our design expertise we will provide a solution that both meets your needs and goes beyond your imagination.

Detailed Plans

Once a client agrees the design then we will put together the layers of drawings and information required to form a complete drawing pack; allowing the design to move into the construction phase. This detailed information will allow all third-party consultants and contractors to effectively cost and deliver your project.

On-Site Project Management

Once construction has started on site we offer a both physical presence to oversee and direct the required aspects of the build, from planning and execution to monitoring progress, managing risks, and ensuring quality and safety. Key responsibilities include coordinating with various contractors, maintaining communication, tracking budgets and schedules, resolving issues as they arise, and ensuring the project meets both regulatory requirements and most important client expectations.