As an interior designer, it’s almost impossible to step into a room without instantly taking stock of the surrounding features, both big and small. In a well-designed space, the harmony between components seamlessly works together to create a cohesive environment. However, an effortless design only comes after months and sometimes years of cooperative coordination between various specialties within the design and construction industries. While each specialty has a different level of involvement and role, when it comes to taking a project from a concept to reality, there are no small parts to be played.
While all stages of design development are exciting as one sees the fruits of labor blossom into something tangible, the procurement stage is one of the most rewarding. It is also a stage of design that we believe is vitally important to ensuring not only a cohesive design but a design that truly reflects the needs and wants of our clients. Typically, SR/A is the lead in the procurement process on behalf of our clients. Although rarely, the responsibilities are sometimes shared with other members of the project’s team.
Photo: Coda on Half Procurement Paperwork
The definition of procurement is the action of obtaining something and within interior design that “something” typically refers to the furniture, fixtures, and equipment, commonly referred to as FF&E. By the time the FF&E are purchased the building’s opening date is rapidly approaching which means that particular care must be taken to ensure that all items arrive in a timely manner to facilitate a successful completion. Just because something is aesthetically perfect for the design does not mean it will make it into a project; it must also meet several other important requirements.
The definition of procurement is the action of obtaining something and within interior design that “something” typically refers to the furniture, fixtures, and equipment, commonly referred to as FF&E. By the time the FF&E are purchased the building’s opening date is rapidly approaching which means that particular care must be taken to ensure that all items arrive in a timely manner to facilitate a successful completion. Just because something is aesthetically perfect for the design does not mean it will make it into a project; it must also meet several other important requirements.
To better understand the breadth of the procurement process and how SR/A manages it, it’s helpful to walk through the considerations and stages of the procurement. Prior to making purchases from a global network of vendors, manufacturers, and suppliers, a designer must make sure that the selections not only work with the design concept but that they are in budget, meet all code requirements, and can be received in time for installation. This process must be completed for all interior items, from the largest pieces of furniture down to the smallest accessory. Each piece is important and helps to complete the visual story.
Once all selections have been made, the actual purchasing phase begins. Purchase orders are sent, payments are made, and acknowledgements received. The next step is to wait. While the word waiting may conjure up images of a relaxed moment to reflect and breathe, it is a stage in the procurement process that involves a great deal of work. Unlike the world of “2-Day Prime” delivery and near instant access to items, large scale jobs require more observation and attention to detail. Many items are custom made which often means long lead times, additional time is spent creating shop drawings of custom pieces to ensure the design is what was envisioned, mock-ups are created, and even more time is allocated requesting and receiving samples of everything from fabric swatches to millwork so that the proper dye lot and/or finish can be approved. Only after signing off on every detail will production begin. When the pieces are ready to ship, the moment to keep fingers crossed, say a little prayer and hope that everything arrives undamaged.
Photo: Exterior of Coda on Half
One of SR/A’s most recent procurement projects is Coda on Half. This new multi-family property in Southeast DC is set to open its doors this summer. It is designed to be a personal sanctuary for its residents. SR/A has worked closely on the procurement phase with SK +I, the architectural firm for the project. Lead interiors architect Tekesia Williams of SK + I describes Coda on Half as “an experiential design that focuses on creating a sense of place, community, belonging and wellness within the heart of DC. It speaks to the past and present of the surrounding neighborhood, culture, and lifestyle, while also creating balance by providing a retreat within the city.” The project “really has been a team effort, drawing on expertise from colleagues” (TW). The 161-unit building will not only offer multi-family housing, but a portion of the units will be rentable through Placemakr (previously WhyHotel). Williams points out that, “CODA is unique as it will have both residential and hotel usage. Residents of CODA will have the option of utilizing the hotel amenities such as laundry and cleaning services, pet care, to name a couple, which can be very beneficial given our busy lifestyles.”
Picture: Coda on Half Lobby
For Coda on Half, the procurement of FF&E has been a collaborative effort between SR/A and William’s team. Through the initial development stages, groundbreaking and early construction, the project remained on schedule and SR/A was set to begin procurement in the spring of 2020 so that final installation could conclude in time for a February 2021 opening date. But like many other construction projects in early 2020, the COVID pandemic caused the project to be put on hold as the industry sought to find its footing in a changed world. It is not unusual for a large-scale project to experience timeline interruptions, but the industry has rarely faced such an all-encompassing disruption as felt in 2020 when development, production, and shipping were almost completely brought to a standstill.
Photo: Scene from a recent Coda on Half installation of FF&E
When the US and the world reemerged from the long shut down, it was time for SR/A and SK + I to revisit the FF&E selections for Coda on Half. One of the original goals was to ensure that the interiors of CODA allowed residents and visitors to feel at home, while also feeling inspired and invigorated. Thankfully, it was not necessary to begin from scratch. However, it was crucial for SR/A to reexamine which items could or could not be included, based on changes in cost, manufacturing timelines, shipping requirements and whether the selection still fit the design intent. Some substitutions had to be made but part of achieving a successful design is the ability to adapt and make necessary modifications based on the overall wellbeing of the project.
In late 2021 the first purchase orders went out and in the past nine months the beautiful pieces that will soon fill the amenity spaces of Coda on Half have made their way to DC from all over the world. Most importantly the original concept of a sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city will be achieved and can be enjoyed by both residents and those temporarily visiting this historic city.
Attention to detail enables the creation of a unique and cohesive environment. In the world of interior design, the procurement phase is where the dream becomes a reality and where the minuscule details become enormously important. Those details will be felt, seen, and hopefully enjoyed by the public for years to come. So, the next time you find yourself in a space that feels complete and intentional, take a moment to look around and admire the details. Or if you happen to walk down Half Street in Southeast DC you can stop by and experience it at Coda on Half.
Amy Hinds is a StaffDesigner at SR/A.
