After 85 years at Bahnhofstrasse 44, third-generation owner Mr. Adriano Maestrini took the decision to move the family-owned business to St. Peterstrasse 11. Taking advantage of the relocation, the brief was to create a fresh new look that would honour the history of the store and remain appealing to its long-lasting clientele, while also delivering a more contemporary feel that would attract new, younger-generation customers. The relocation, demolition and fit-out were completed in just over three months, in the midst of COVID-19 and the August holidays. The new Brunos has been open since October 2020, welcoming its distinguished customers as always.
While the interior designer and joiner were producing and reviewing joinery drawings, the demolition, plasterwork, electrical and plumbing works were already being carried out, in preparation for furniture fit-out. Then, with joinery in production, the paintworks were finalised. After the furniture had been installed, final paint touch-up and decoration of the store took place.
The architect, interior designer and engineers develop the concept design documents. These include sketches, plans, computer-generated images, schematic drawings, specifications and budgets. We ensure that the design, specifications and budget are in line with the project brief, and help the client evaluate the design concepts and draft comments. We keep the project schedule up to date, provide regular reports, and review and approve professional fee invoices prior to payment by the client, to make sure they are in line with both contract terms and services and project progress.
The handover and closeout phase was conducted while decoration was taking place and the client was moving stock into the store, which made snagging a challenging process. However, after a few hurdles relating to unforeseen movements in wall structures arising from previous fit-outs, snagging was concluded and the shop was ready to open its doors in flawless condition.
The planning application is made. Depending on the project, this can be a simple application to the respective authorities or a more intricate process that involves various expert opinions and preliminary approvals from other authorities and political parties prior to application. In this phase we closely monitor all processes and communication between the project team, authorities, political parties and neighbours, and pay particular attention to the public relations and communication strategy.
Given the time constraints, we skipped the design development phase and moved straight to the tendering process with joinery, plaster and paint contractors. Once tender returns were received and analysed, prices were negotiated and contracts awarded.
For simple projects, tender and procurement can be conducted using the design plans of phase 32. For larger, more complex and in particular hospitality projects, where general contracting might be envisioned, we always recommend conducting the tender and procurement phase after the detail design. For each trade and work we tender, we select a minimum of three contractors. Once we receive the tender returns, we analyse each offer and prepare an offer comparison. We then shortlist 2-3 contractors and hold negotiation rounds. Next, we review our offer comparison according to the negotiations, and prepare our recommendation to the client. Once agreed, we prepare the relevant contracts in consultation with the project lawyers, and finalise the contract award and appointment.
The interior designer developed the detail design package with the help of the contractors, for further value engineering.
The architect, interior designer, engineers and consultants develop the detail design. Using the latest technology, they create the necessary plans and document packages. We ensure the design, specifications and budget are in line with the project brief, help the client evaluate the detail design and draft comments, keep the project schedule up to date, provide regular reports, and review and approve professional fee invoices prior to payment by the client.
