Dear readers,
In this edition of our monthly newsletter, we will delve into the role of the procurement division of The One Atelier: one of the pillars that, alongside our design team, brings to life the vision of our esteemed clients.
Through this feature, we aim to shed light on the inner workings of this crucial division, offering you a clear and transparent glimpse into the intricacies of our work.
Let’s begin by describing your role and daily responsibilities: what does your work entail? What is the starting point, and what does the final product look like?
The first category encompasses projects born within our organization, combining a developer’s vision with the signature style and aesthetic of luxury fashion brands to create branded residences. In these cases, procurement collaborates closely with the design team.
The process begins with the “fit-out” phase, which involves defining the foundational elements of a space, such as flooring types, carpets, wallpapers, bathroom finishes, and similar features. At this stage, the design and procurement teams exchange ideas about suitable brands—covering items like doors, tiles, marble, materials, and fixed furniture—that best align with the project’s concept. Based on the designer’s vision, the procurement team proposes brand options for the fit-out.
Once the fit-out proposal is finalized and approved by both the developer and the fashion brand, budgeting begins. Ideally, a general budget framework would inform the fit-out decisions from the start, but this isn’t always possible. Design and procurement continue to collaborate until both the fit-out and budget are approved. Following this, the selection of loose furniture proceeds through a similar iterative process, often referred to as value engineering.
The result is a comprehensive document detailing all materials, fixed and loose furniture, and their technical specifications, including any required customizations. From there, the procurement team oversees acquisition, shipping, delivery, and on-site installation and styling, ensuring the project is completed and handed over seamlessly.
A critical responsibility of procurement during this phase is to align the developer’s vision with the brand’s identity and communication guidelines.
The second type of project involves private clients, who typically approach us with a project already in development. These clients seek a comprehensive procurement package from an Italian business, often comparing our proposal with those of other suppliers. Here, the focus shifts to sourcing materials and furniture that align with the client’s vision while also meeting their budgetary expectations.
Our proposals must strike the right balance between an appealing selection and cost competitiveness. Once a client entrusts us with the project, our procurement and design teams follow a process similar to that used in branded projects. Step by step, we guide the client in realizing their vision, with a selection tailored to their style preferences and budget.
The Dubai Villa project exemplifies this process. In this case, while we weren’t selected as the general contractor due to pricing constraints, but the client requested one of our project managers to oversee the implementation. This ensured the defined style and client’s desires were respected. Nearly two years later, the project is nearing completion.
It’s essential to note that both branded and private projects demand extensive time and care in decision-making and value engineering, particularly in balancing diverse visions with budget expectations. Another challenging aspect is selecting fixed and loose furniture to complement branded pieces. Many luxury brands we collaborate with have varying degrees of interior collections—some are well-established, while others are limited or newly launched. The key is to harmonize these branded elements with non-branded or artisanal/customized pieces to create a cohesive and seamless design.
Each brand in design has its own unique preferences and specific rules to follow. Can you share some examples of “out of the ordinary” requests you’ve received?
Some of the most distinctive requests directed at our procurement team stem from private clients’ highly personalized ideas for customization. On the brand side, we often encounter requests for collaboration with specific designers the brand frequently works with or favors. Additionally, there are broader project-related preferences that reflect the brand’s identity and vision.
At The One Atelier, particularly within the design and procurement teams, we strive to accommodate and align with these requests as much as possible while ensuring they also receive the developer’s approval. It’s crucial to remember that every party involved in the project’s decision-making process—be it the brand, the developer, or the client—must be fully aligned with and supportive of the final decisions.
Let’s now delve into the Cairo and Dubai villas.
These two private projects share similarities, as both began the design phase around the same time. The Dubai villa, as mentioned earlier, is nearing completion, with the final stages of décor currently underway.
In contrast, the Cairo villa project is still in progress. Here, we are acting as the general contractor, overseeing construction through periodic site visits and assisting the client with materials and furniture delivery. However, the client opted to handle the commissioning process independently, following our instructions. Our role encompassed the fit-out, furniture selection, and value engineering phases, but the client has taken responsibility for the procurement and assembly.
This project remains a work in progress, with adjustments still being made, decisions pending, and orders yet to be finalized. While the finish line isn’t yet in sight, our priority remains clear: to guide the client through the decision-making process and ensure every detail meets their expectations. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a home that fully satisfies their vision and investment.
What was the most satisfying part of the Dubai Villa project?
Without a doubt, it was the relationship with the client. It’s always a pleasure to meet, collaborate, and engage in discussions with them. We particularly enjoy explaining how each material, fabric, and detail will play a crucial role in the final outcome, and describing how the render will ultimately be transformed into reality.
The process of exchange, finding alignment, and reaching agreements is deeply rewarding. Supporting the client in bringing their vision to life and seeing their excitement as ideas take shape is truly the most gratifying part of the project.
The majority of our projects are abroad; how is the delivery of furniture and the on-site setup managed?
It largely depends on the extent of our involvement in the project.
For instance, in the Epic Marbella furnished by FENDI Casa project, we visited the site multiple times to oversee the setup of the show flats. These are usually part of the broad agreement between us (as The One Atelier), the developer, and the brand. Additionally, for some private clients—introduced to us by the developer and who had already built a strong affiliation with the brand—we managed the entire process, from fit-out to delivery and setup.
In other cases, however, our role has been more limited, focusing solely on the selection or acquisition of specific items, with no direct involvement in the on-site setup. Regardless, whenever we visit a site, we’re always available to provide assistance if requested.
As this project nears completion, particularly the common areas, we’re planning a trip to ensure everything is perfectly in order. Our goal is to confirm that the brand guidelines are meticulously followed and that the spaces authentically reflect the distinctive look and feel of FENDI Casa.
Thank you so much, dear readers, for joining us in exploring this article. A heartfelt thank you as well to Claudia, Mariagrazia, Kirill, Silvia, Mariateresa, and Sara for guiding us through an insightful journey into your division at The One Atelier.
