James Baker of ‘Nest’ has been appointed to design bedroom case goods for the new Hotel chain La Tour. The first Hotel of the chain is a 174 bedroom, new build in Birmingham and is scheduled to open early 2012. The 3 room grades will offer 4 star accommodations and the overall look is to be sleek, modern and understated.
The Process
“An interesting project; any wiring within the room has to come down from the ceiling. This does of course present problems for design, manufacture and fitting alike. Because I have direct experience in all three of these areas, I can ensure that a design brief is met, that furniture can be manufactured and also installed, all within the budget set by the client. A room price was set and the designs came well within it. ” James Baker.
A complete, pre tender, room Matrix was then drawn up with all furniture and room variations accounted for.
Post design the project matrix, with complete drawings, was issued to ‘Nest’s manufacturing portfolio, for tendering. Fifteen plus quotations were received, these quotes were filtered and a presentation made to La Tour, giving informed and impartial advice on who and where the contract could be manufactured.
Adrian Colman of La Tour:
“We are very pleased with the designs that James produced, he was given the brief and without fuss or any prolonged process, managed to capture the brand and styling of the new group very well.
“Of course James also offers more than just a design service! Having a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the functionality and operational aspect of the furniture, produced great benefits”
“It is important that design is right, but also those designs have to be manufactured, installed and function well in the hotel environment. Specialising in furniture, James is able to bing all these aspects together in one go. We would be more than happy to employ his services again”
Learning Experience
Nest are currently putting out to tender interior manufacture and fit-out for a chain of national high street ‘education centres’.
“We are currently waiting on the first fit-out, but so far we have been able to reduce prices from previous suppliers and are looking forward to starting the first fit-out, of a national program. This is a great example of connecting client to manufacturer, with the obvious cost benefits coming in!”
‘Magical Water Falls’
A 5 star luxury destination, situated in 300 acres of magical woodlands and cascading waterfalls, a unique location on the edge of Kenmare Bay. With its luxury accommodation Sheen Falls Lodge is considered as one of the top Hotels Ireland has to offer.
When the hotel start to consider room designs, it is fairly crucial that the styling fits well into the period building and the exquisite location. “Bringing the outside in” was one way that General Manager, Alan Campbell, described the brief for a newly commissioned sample room for the Hotel. The room was manufactured by local furniture makers O’Donnell Furniture, designs by James Baker.
“For me bringing the outside in was the key. The styling had to be relatively classic, to keep in with the period interior of the hotel and buildings, but with a contemporary twist. Choosing the materials was crucial, the final decision being European walnut with highlighted details in Wenge. It is always too easy to go for the ‘American Walnut’ option, something different was needed and the more natural, subtle colours of the European Walnut fitted perfectly with the amazing views that you get from all the bedrooms”. James Baker.
