Managing Director Stefano Giudici discusses Fit-Out and Joinery works, FF&E, OS&E hotel procurement.

How does the FF&E process start on a project?

Initially when the project begins we will run a series of meetings with the Client, designer and operator to discuss the design intent. Only then can we determine the procurement strategy and availability from local and/or regional sources for each commodity. We would then Prepare Value Engineering studies as required and Liaise with the client to discuss the impact of any freight, import duties, insurance, and warehousing on the project budget. We would then establish and provide a correspondence protocol to ensure that all communication, submittals, purchase orders and drawings are filed, can be located quickly, and are responded to in a timely manner by all involved parties.

Is there ever an overlap between FF&E and OS&E?

FF&E stands for furniture, fixtures, and equipment and OS&E stands for operational supplies and equipment. Even though they are both split the majority of the time, at times there is an overlap, for example the bed base and mattress, outdoor furniture, gym equipment can fall under either scope. In order to ensure that the procurement process runs smoothly.

What is Fit-Out and Joinery works? 

‘Fit out’ describes the process of making interior spaces appropriate. It is often used in relation to office, residential and hotel developments, where the base construction is done by the developer, and the final fit out by the contractor. Joinery is an essentially part of most woodworking and it is found in furniture, windows, doors and flooring etc.

What is a recent project that your team has successfully completed in Europe?

We just completed the Procurement of FF&E and Fit-Out and Joinery works for the Radisson Blu hotel in Andermatt, Switzerland. The project consists of 179 hotel rooms 100 apartments, restaurants, meeting rooms, wellness, gym and lobby.