TEAM MEMBERS KEITH KOVAR, FRDI, IIDA - PRINCIPAL • Graduate of The Art Center College of Design, California • Fellow of the Retail Design Institute • Professional member of the International Interior Design Association • Member of the Display & Design Ideas magazine editorial advisory board • Project analysis • Planning expert who solves problems • Construction knowledge • 30 years of experience in retail planning & designing ………………………………………………………………………………………… SALON BENEDETTO, a full-service hair and aesthetic salon in Livingstone, NJ. Situation Owner finds long narrow space with main-street frontage, which is ADA accessible and parking at back with another entrance. Task To design a space with seven hair stations, hair-washing facilities, product display and storage, nail stations and a wax treatment room. Action Planned the space backwards to facilitate entrance from parking lot. Used some existing ceiling fixtures to accommodate low ceiling and save money for extras. Designed large showroom windows, which bring in natural light and attract passersby. Result Reflecting light off the ceiling produces a light without shadows and makes the space sparkle and glow, making staff and customers happier. ………………………………………………………………………………………… KOROSEAL STUDIO, the first showroom for the RJF family of interior brands in Manhattan. Situation New D & D Building location intended to attract and educate residential & commercial designers. Task To imagine the brand image for the showroom. Action Planning and design implementation, taking ideas to reality. Result The showroom highlights a range of wall coverings, flooring materials and window treatments. Products attract designers and encourage their experimentation using a range of KOROSEAL products. ………………………………………………………………………………………… GETO & DeMILLY, a Manhattan-based lobbying firm. Situation After 16 years in the same office building, firm moved when poor economy provided good opportunity for relocation. Task To design a space which met landlord’s specifications for buildout and to light it efficiently. Action Planned desired office spaces with a conference room, bright efficient lighting and space to accommodate specialized office equipment. Result Bright loft-office space with open ceiling and beams improves staff morale and increases productivity in difficult times. ………………………………………………………………………………………… DANDELION, a five-store chain based in Philadelphia, which sells hand-crafted silver jewelry and handbags. Situation Owner has five stores, which though individual, should all promote the Dandelion brand. Task To apply brand image to various spaces, adapting identifiable elements to fit each separate space. Action Dandelion’s artisan image and details created and highlighted throughout the chain. Result New store image helps sales during the tough recession era times. ………………………………………………………………………………………… YELTON FINE JEWELRY, a fashion-forward jewelry store, West Chester, Ohio Situation Owner purchased an old restaurant, which needed to be rehabbed to serve as a jewelry store. Task To dramatically alter the building front to emphasize the building’s new function. To plan and design the store interior to highlight product and echo storefront design. Action Planned a curved entrance, which serves as a billboard for the store. Specified light and dark stucco to alter the building’s shape. Inside the circular motif is reflected in extensive use of the curve on the showroom floor. Result Yelton Fine Jewelry recently wins “Best of Show” in Con-Tech’s Retail Design Division, awarded for its energy-efficient and successful lighting solution. ………………………………………………………………………………………… TEAMWORK THE GRID/3 PARTNERSHIP Kovar / Mellergaard Joint Projects ………………………………………………………………………………………… INDEPENDENT JEWELLERS, Family jewelry store with two locations in Winnipeg, Canada Situation Landlord asks jeweler to move; father decides to turn this store over to his two sons. Task To reflect the generational change and design a customer-friendly store which appeals to younger trendier customers. Action Created walk-up and three-sided cases as part of showcase layout to encourage browsing; designed lighting for efficiency and accurate colour rendition; chose combination of metallic and dark colours and rich materials, which are bright and contemporary. Result Sons and staff enjoy working in well-planned welcoming space. The store works well and appeals to younger clientele. ………………………………………………………………………………………… GOLDSMITH GALLERY JEWELERS, Second store for family jewelers in Billings, MT Situation Owner buys land and commissions A & E Architects to design a building. GRID/3 wins the commission to design the interior. Task To plan the store to suit the architecture and to create an interior that showcases Rolex and diamond boutiques, plus coloured stone, gold and silver jewelry in an environment that reflects Montana. Action Planned to facilitate ease in operations and customer entertainment. Designed entrance with high ceiling; custom-designed lighting truss over entrance showcase island has a fireplace focal point. A customer lounge is created behind the fireplace. Windowed space emphasizes showcase layout, complemented by energy-efficient lighting. Result Owners are delighted saying store reflects their casual lifestyle. Customers say it is a pleasure to shop.