Amanda Bucklow, Mediator and Consultant at Unity Legal Solutions has given her insights into the interior design industry from a legal perspective.
Unity Legal Solutions offers a portal into the legal services market which is often a minefield, and we provide expert guidance on which services and approaches might suit a client’s business goals. Unlike traditional legal firms, we don’t represent clients in court, hold money for clients or undertake services like conveyancing. And because we don’t ‘act’ for clients we are better placed to guide them in choosing the right approach for their case.
A good deal of our work is concerned with dispute resolution. That includes non-payment of fees which may be withheld due to dissatisfaction with performance, whether that is real or perceived. But there are other areas of business where clients might need legal support to resolve conflicts arising from doing business and running a practice. In addition to dispute resolution, we can assist with many other aspects of business which include contact drafting, collaboration and partnership agreements, trademark or copyright infringement, project optimisation, and buying or selling businesses.
We have a practical and proactive approach to our work. We listen. We take on board our clients’ knowledge of the detail and to that we bring a clarifying lens, expertise and creativity. That makes for a very powerful partnership and springboard for delivering better outcomes.
Interior designers face many challenges as part of their business and not just disputes. Sometimes the challenges can be within their practice, for example relationships with employees, business partners or suppliers. Those challenges have a ripple effect with consequences for their operations, client relationships, and overall reputation. For a sector that relies on referrals to sustain their business, this is a strong dynamic which requires careful consideration and is further affected by the perceived power balance between designer and client.
Designers can only sell their time once so getting paid in full and on time is fundamental to profitability. The financial strain of dealing with non-payment is a hamster wheel of distraction and stress. Unity can provide economic advice, strategies, and interventions to help mitigate the risks of disputes arising and if they do arise, we can support the designer in dealing with them cost-effectively.
Unity Legal Solutions is a portal to a wide range of services, and we can recommend the most suitable ones for the circumstances. Additionally, we have access to trusted professionals when the need arises to act.
Reviewing contracts early can pinpoint ambiguities that might trigger disagreements about the scope of work. Similarly, achieving clarity regarding fees, payment schedules, and processes for variations can enhance the effectiveness of the designer's administration. Designers often take these aspects of the client/designer relationship for granted and seldom review them until issues arise. Disputes frequently arise from mismatched expectations, communication breakdowns, and unforeseen delays. Contracts lacking specificity or failing to address potential issues may create the conditions for disputes. We can add value by addressing those subjects proactively and not just with clients but with their own suppliers.
We offer contract drafting to ensure that design contracts provide a route map through a project, and that designer and client are fully aware of their respective obligations. As a portal to legal services, we can provide preliminary advice on any problems that have arisen during a contract. We would always seek to guide members towards resolving disputes by negotiation and sometimes they might need help with that from an expert. Our mediation service aims to resolve disputes between designers and their clients and offers the best chance of preserving the relationships involved.
And we can source the best possible advice from solicitors and barristers should further legal assistance be appropriate.
Developing our partnership with SBID is a significant highlight and we believe that our innovative approach is valuable for the sector. We have plans for several supporting services which will benefit the membership and we look forward to fine tuning those in response to feedback and information received from members.
2023 has been a successful year for us. We have provided consultancy on interesting cases with unusual challenges for the clients leading to successful outcomes. There are more in the pipeline.
We are developing a programme on essential skills and approaches which support designers in managing disputes. There will be opportunities to strengthen negotiation skills, to build capacity and achieve their business goals. Our first free session will be early in the New Year, and we have planned a dispute resolution surgery where my colleague Roger Billins and I will be online to answer questions and bring participants up to date on recent changes in legislation. There will be more structured training workshops which will be available for a modest charge.
We offer practical risk assessments and develop options for addressing current issues and challenges which underpin growth and success. Members will consistently gain valuable insights that they can apply to their current and future projects.
About Unity Legal Solutions
Unity Legal Solutions is not a regulated firm of solicitors although our people are mainly legal professionals. We provide initial advice and, if necessary, open the door to the legal market and help clients navigate the way forward to give them the best available options. We advise on disputes, commercial contracts, company matters and intellectual property which is so important to SBID members. We also offer a comprehensive mediation service in order to resolve disputes before they get out of hand. Our aim is take the worry out of facing legal issues by being clear, commercial, collaborative and friendly!
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Rachel Sargeant, Head of Projects at Gaggenau has given her insights into the industry.
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with over 60 flagships and showrooms in major cities around the world.
Our story begins back in 1683 in a small village called Gaggenau on the edge of the Black Forrest. The aristocratic ruler of the area wanted to improve the lives of his farming communities and built a smelting plant. From forging nails to enamel signage to bicycles, Gaggenau build many products before concentrating on domestic appliances in the 1950s. From there, a series of industry firsts began to shape the luxury appliance market. In the mid 1990’s BSH bought the company and the investment meant that they had a premium brand in the portfolio and Gaggenau had the investment to further define luxury within today’s kitchens.
When looking for the “best in class,” whether it be quality, style, functionality or luxury, designers have been recommending Gaggenau for decades. The available sizes of appliances like ovens, hobs, refrigeration and extractors means that designers will find perfect fit for their kitchen designs. We offer our trade partners aides like a full ventilation planning service and a home visit for end client to understand the functionalities of their steam ovens, for instance. Interior designers can rest assured that working with a Gaggenau partner they will receive the best service.
Because we do not supply end clients directly, we ensure our trade partners are trained and have a selection of working products on display and can offer the best in design service, M & E specification as well as supply. Knowing the products have been correctly specified and installed, allows us to offer a 5 year warranty on all Gaggenau products.
We promote our products through an authorised network of professional kitchen design studios and project partners, who work with lots of the UK’s top interior designers. Whilst we do not supply directly, we welcome interior designers and their clients to Gaggenau London in 40 Wigmore Street to view and see our products demonstrated.
One of the best examples of working with a partner to achieve a luxury installation has to be the 85 apartments at the Old War Office, in the very heart of Whitehall, central London. Gaggenau supplied its suite of sleek built-in appliances from cooking to cooling and dishwashing which enhance the beautiful cabinetry.
Down draft or integrated extraction with our cooktops has to be one of the most popular ways of designing the quietest ventilation. We have excellent solutions for all projects backed up with an individual design service to ensure the correct ducting, motors or recirculating methods are offered. We have also been pleased to see an increase in steam cooking. Our combination steam ovens offer plumbed in or tank solutions and features include sous-vide cooking, steam reduction and self-cleaning programmes.
We recognise the importance of good interior design to enhance modern day living for clients. Taking account of sustainability, longevity and creativity for home design is becoming more important and we certainly hope to engage more with Designers.
Gaggenau is always at the forefront of design and innovation so whilst we can’t divulge too much, one of our newest products for 2024 will be Essential Induction; hobs which are invisible and operate underneath the worktop, using the latest tech to ensure safety and design.
A collaboration with SBID means that we can grow closer to this important area of design and expertise in our industry. Gaggenau looks forward to promoting our CPD to SBID members and engaging through networking events and offering as much help and assistance with product advice and integration with our trade partners.
About Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and is acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany”. The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau has been a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH in Munich since 1995 and is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 25 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
The award-winning design team at The Myers Touch is delighted to present five key trends they predict will feature prominently in their kitchen designs for homeowners in 2024.
Renowned for creating truly bespoke kitchen spaces that offer much more than just cabinetry and appliance options, The Myers Touch design personalised kitchen spaces using their bespoke range, own-brand, German and Italian kitchen partners. These partnerships stem from a deep understanding of their clients, their requirements and how they want to engage as a family within their new kitchen-living space.
Director and co-founder of The Myers Touch Keith Myers says “The expansion of our design partner portfolio has allowed us to answer client desires for ultra-modern design finishes and innovative kitchen systems that reflect European design and functional sophistication. From our new in-house, German-made kitchen range that offers a competitive range of cabinetry to customers to the Italian-made intelligent solutions from Copatlife and the luxury Eggersmann cabinetry range finishes, each partnership has been chosen to allow us to elevate our kitchen design's aesthetic and functional appeal that allows us to offer homeowners kitchen designs that reflect their evolving lifestyle needs and desires".
Trend No.1: New Surface Finishes that add Personality and Individuality
In 2024, their designers predict an increase in bespoke surface finishes that will add texture, personality and individuality to kitchen spaces. For example, the new material finishes from their German design partner, Eggersmann allow their designers to create cabinetry and island units as a piece of individual craftsmanship. By combining different shades, shapes and contrast materials such as lacquers, glass fronts, slatted oak, Corian, rolled brass and concrete vintage wood, kitchen furniture can be created to look entirely bespoke and handcrafted.
In addition, new cutting-edge materials in a range of wood, aluminium, matt and satin finishes are also available in a range of door sizes and handle solutions from their exclusive Italian kitchen design partner, Copatlife. Their in-house range, Möbelife also offers eclectic colours, internal carcass finishes, minimalist material options and storage solutions such as their new pocket-door cabinetry solution to their designs allowing them increased flexibility to create affordable kitchens that are personalized and reflect a customer’s individuality.
Trend No.2: Natural and Statement Stone to Define and Showcase Kitchens in Homes
Natural stones, sintered stone and quartz will increasingly be chosen as their luxury material in many kitchens with their designers using these materials to showcase and define sculptured island units, statement splashbacks, frame sinks and workspaces in their kitchen spaces. Natural stones, sintered stone and quartz have become increasingly popular in homes as they blend with every design scheme and have a raw, natural and organic feel, whilst giving the look of opulence within a space.
“Sintered stone and quartz offer a wide range of qualities compared to sensitive marble, limestones and hard granites as it’s beautiful, hard-wearing, stain-resistant and sunresistant” – Helena Myers, Director & Co-Founder of The Myers Touch.
Trend No.3: Intelligent Lighting Systems in Kitchen Spaces
New, innovative kitchen lighting systems will allow their designers to be increasingly creative and personalised within design schemes to increase enhancement and task lighting. The increase in lit and framed feature wall systems, illuminated cabinetry doors and appliances, sophisticated cabinetry LED lighting and chromotherapy lighting will allow designers to enhance definition, mood and dedicated framed or task areas in kitchen spaces.
One example of this is the new integrated Copatlife LED lighting technology displayed in The Myers Touch design studio which is complemented by an intelligent Novy Wall light system under the wall cabinetry that allows the user to easily control the lighting tone and on/off switch through Novy’s Gesture Control technology.
Trend No.4: Framed-Steel Sliding Doors within Kitchen Design Spaces
Crittal-styled framed steel sliding door systems have been a dominant trend in interiors in the past few years and that trend will continue as homeowners look to create a light-filled modern, Japandi-style look within their property.
The Myers Touch steel-door partner, ADL Doors offers a versatile door system that can be customised to fit any home’s space, offering privacy when closed and when slid open the benefit of creating an open-plan kitchen-living effect that lets in more light, height and functional definition.
Trend No.5: Creating Bespoke Cabinetry and Storage Solutions for a Homeowner’s Lifestyle
There has been more demand for functional and efficient cabinetry storage solutions as our kitchens have become more multi-functional – for example, a functional, yet beautiful breakfast cupboard for a busy family, a desk within a slim pocket-door system for children’s homework and work-from-home days and even a cupboard designed especially for a Thermomix.
An illustration of this was the installation of a concealed cloakroom and pantry which is accessed via discreet pocket doors to provide an increased sense of space in an open-plan kitchen-living space and a discreet cloakroom behind kitchen wall cabinetry which was also acoustically disguised to consider the open-plan, living environment.
Director and co-founder of The Myers Touch Helena Myers says “Our approach to kitchen design is that we’re not just designing a kitchen, we’re designing a whole living environment. It’s vital that we know how the whole space works, the challenges it presents, and how we can achieve an aspirational feel before we set about answering their brief. Ultimately. the homeowner is buying a new space for their family and friends, so our designs are always created especially for how they want to cook, live and feel”.
About The Myers Touch
We are The Myers Touch, award-winning interior architects and designers who specialise in creating luxury kitchen living spaces. Our goal is to enrich your life through the creation of an exceptional kitchen space that reflects your practical, aesthetic and emotional aspirations. We believe every kitchen should contain elements of beauty, efficiency and personalisation – a place that expresses Light, Space and Laughter for you.
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