TEAM MEMBERS Ruth Mellergaard, BID, CID, FIIDA – Principal • Bachelor of Interior Design, University of Manitoba • NCIDQ qualified, #008719 • NY State Certified, #000236 • Design consultant for IJO (Independent Jewelers Organization) • Lighting expert • Colour and materials originator • Designer with environmental awareness • Accomplished speaker and workshop presenter ………………………………………………………………………………………… DIAMOND DREAM FINE JEWELERS, Diamond and precious stone jeweler, Bernardsville, NJ Situation Couple buys a 100-year old barnlike building, housing two stores, which needs rehab. Task To make the building into an elegant and energy-efficient store, with an exterior visually in tune with the town’s historic Revolutionary War-era roots. Action Designed large central entrance structurally supported; contoured the ceiling to hide air conditioning. Re-used existing fixtures and added some new ones, creating a central island in a classic showroom. Result “Thanks for saving the building” say town and customers. With new Dryvit façade (a system incorporating insulation and finish) changing the roofline and decorative architectural elements, the rehabbed building contributes to a more vibrant downtown. ………………………………………………………………………………………… WINDSOR PHARMACY, third-generation drugstore in New York, NY Situation Owner bought the store next door with an out-dated storefront. Task To unify the two spaces with a storefront that signals continuity of service and to plan and design an updated interior, cost effectively. Action Crisp clean color scheme, new fixtures and lighting system inside; redesigned storefront signifies the updated interior and exterior. Result Contemporary storefront attracts new customers; interior is easier to operate & merchandise. ………………………………………………………………………………………… CLARKES JEWELERS, a mother-and-son store with 52 years of Rolex representation in Shreveport, LA Situation Owner leases a larger space just 108 steps from old store location: 2500 sq. ft. including a mezzanine and lower level. Task To design a space, which accommodates two different successful selling techniques and to ensure watchmaker’s shop meets Rolex standards. Action Planned showroom, offices and community room to promote client/community interaction. Painted cream-coloured showroom with tomato-colored wall to highlight the jewelry spa. Designed a new 360 showcase adaptable to presentation and browsing. Result Store facilitates mother/son selling techniques. Watchmaker has negative-pressure workroom, which is virtually dust free. Combining energy-efficient and decorative lighting shows off merchandise and contributes to warmth of store’s ambience. Customers enjoy the space. ………………………………………………………………………………………… IJO, JCK in LAS VEGAS and THE SMART SHOW Situation Show directors want to educate and inform members and visitors. Task To inform and entertain participants about design and lighting trends which improve retail business. Action Presents information-packed seminars and answers questions from the audience; meets with individual IJO members to provide design consultation. Result Individual jewelers and organizations benefit. Retailers learn to work with designers and to create beautiful stores, which work efficiently and sell.   ………………………………………………………………………………………… 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.