InterContinental Procurement

Over the past 3 years, Space Studio has been working closely with Precinct Properties, IHG, RCP and Warren and Mahoney Architects to deliver the complete FF+E and OS+E packages for the InterContinental Auckland.

The interiors were conceptualised by renowned New York hospitality design specialists – AvroKO.  Site constraints and operator feedback required updates to some of the prepared FF+E concepts.  Central to our approach was developing a clear understanding of the intent of the concept and treating this with reverence.   Another key aspect was engaging with local suppliers for the selection and manufacture of the FF+E and OS+E.  This exercise was also central to Precinct Properties’ desire to support local industry and provide an identifiably Auckland guest experience.

As part of the procurement process, the Space Studio Design team were invited to refine the furniture, lighting and decorative packages.  This was essential for elements requiring specialist manufacture and modification beyond the initial design.  Directly specified products were also reviewed and assessed for their availability, budget, durability and contribution to the overarching design.

For the custom elements, we returned to first principals and considered their contribution to the space.  Each piece had to work hard to be perfectly functional, serviceable, durable and have their own visual appeal.  With 20 years’ experience delivering hotels, we applied our understanding of the guest experience, sustainability and useable life to every element.

Concepts, finishes and details were presented to the client, operator and project team.  Visuals and graphic schedules ensured expectations were clear.  An extensive shop drawing and prototyping process was also undertaken in the next phase to monitor quality at every step.

Finished products are fit for purpose and each has its own quality to be enjoyed by guests.

With the integration of our procurement and design teams, we were able to deliver a service that enriched the end result at every step.  On projects of this scale, it can be a risk that design can lose out to the logistical and financial challenges.  We were able to advocate for stakeholder objectives on the procurement, balanced with our deeper understanding of the design, protecting the underlying motivation for the hotel.

Placement of FF+E and dressing of spaces was also an integral role that we provided for the project.  Artefacts were selected to work with the concept and display a broad range of New Zealand’s artisans.

We worked with the build team to manage the logistics of delivering multiples of 1700 individual specifications via two shared goods lifts. Each item was accounted for, placed and checked for defects.

Precinct Properties had a clear vision for the hotel and we are proud to have played a leading role in the delivery of this incredible new hospitality experience for Auckland.