Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement: two critical factors in any interior design project
Today’s post is dedicated to two fundamental topics in the world of interior design. We are referring to Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement. In the following paragraphs, we will give you all the information you need to make the best choices for your furnishing project, so you can avoid the most common mistakes. These are the ones that can compromise your final result. Let’s get started!
Let’s start with an observation. When reading an interior design project, it is easy to think that all the value lies in the concept or even in the rendering. In reality, the quality perceived by the customer and the actual functionality of the space come from the execution, i.e. the choice of suitable materials, the correct integration with the systems, and the precise execution of the details. And this is exactly what the furniture Procurement and installation of furnishings is all about.
It is worth specifying further: we are not just talking about ordering furniture and then bringing it to the construction site, but rather an integrated process that translates the project into working drawings, prototypes, production, logistics, installation and final testing.
For an architect or contractor managing complex projects, delegating this responsibility to a partner who works as a true extension of the project team means drastically reducing risks. The benefits include fewer delays, fewer uncontrolled variations and fewer compatibility issues between the furnishings and the systems.
Those seeking information on the subject of Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement therefore expect content that explains how to transform the design intent into repeatable and certifiable outputs. Well, our operational guide is dedicated precisely to explaining in detail how to recognise and collaborate with a partner capable of successfully carrying out these activities.
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What to ask for in the brief? Skills and a documented process!
The first thing to check is the working method. A supplier that operates seriously in the furniture Procurement and installation of furnishings must have an in-house team with design skills (architects, technical designers, engineers, etc.) and must produce high-quality working drawings.
Having a management system that includes drawings, bills of materials and finish tables is essential. In fact, this information is needed to assess actual costs, production times and the impact on the construction phases.
So what should you do? Ask to see the interior designer’s processes . For example, how are change requests handled? Who signs and when? It is essential that there are clear milestones, with a link between the progress of the work and the payment status, so that the project has measurable goals. The ability to work in BIM or to integrate Revit/CAD files into document exchange is also a decisive plus for complex projects.
Finally, always check your partner’s willingness and ability to create mock-ups. If the provider only offers prototyping as an option, consider this a red flag! Prototyping is a necessary step that significantly reduces uncertainty.
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Il Piccolo has been a reliable partner for over 50 years.
Furniture Procurement: the decisive starting point!
Hold on! Perhaps we should take a step back and talk about furniture Procurement, which is the basis for everything that follows. In fact, this phase is the operational backbone of Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement.
It is not just a matter of “buying”, but of defining how, where and when to acquire the materials, components and services that are critical to meeting quality, time and budget requirements.
A professional approach to furniture Procurement involves a sourcing strategy that balances local and international suppliers based on delivery times, total costs and customs risks. That’s not all, because contracts with precise delivery terms, different responsibilities, guarantees and penalties also need to be considered. Not to mention the supplier qualification processes through audits, references and material testing.
Effective furniture Procurement coordinates orders, manages inventory and plans the logistics flow through to site delivery, ensuring the traceability of the various batches and compliance with the required certifications. It also monitors performance against KPIs (lead time adherence, waste, etc.) and feeds the value engineering process with alternatives that have already been verified in terms of quality and impact on timing.
Finally, furniture Procurement must be integrated with the design team, as this reduces surprises on site, anticipates any constraints, resolves technical incompatibilities and ensures that what arrives on site is exactly what has been approved.
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Prototyping, mock-ups and testing: how to reduce problems before construction
The economic and operational advantages of prototyping are often underestimated. A mock-up is not only used to “show” a finished piece, but also to test the assembly sequence, interactions with real light, the material’s response to stress, the functionality of closures and openings, and so on.
Let’s look at some concrete examples. For those who work with custom-made display cases, integrated panelling, technical counters or display systems with electronics, a mock-up is a sort of “visual contract” that defines the acceptable threshold of variability.
A good furniture supply and installation partner includes the mock-up as a mandatory step for critical elements. In particular, they photograph the status, document tolerances, and issue acceptance reports that become the basis for production.
All this greatly reduces non-compliance on site and allows the contractor to meet the scheduled deadlines. Furthermore, prototyping is essential when it is necessary to propose more efficient alternatives. In fact, it is thanks to prototypes that the validity of alternative solutions can be demonstrated without compromising the aesthetic intent.
Are you looking for a reliable interior designer?
Il Piccolo has been on the market since 1968.
Logistics, packaging and international Fit-out works : the practical issues that make the difference
If the project remains in the same city, logistics are relatively simple. However, when it comes to rollouts across multiple countries, the complexity increases exponentially.
A reliable partner in the furniture Procurement and installation of furniture is familiar with technical packaging, handles customs and insurance documentation, and plans the transit of furniture and accessories taking into account local restrictions, such as restricted traffic areas, loading/unloading times in shopping centres, work permits and material regulations.
But there’s more! Logistical planning must include calculating the dimensions for lifts and doorways, arranging temporary storage plans and checking architectural constraints on site.
In addition, the supplier must be able to send a site manager or assembly team with international experience, who can communicate with the local site management and solve problems independently of external directives.
In short: the quality of an international installation is measured in advance! Clear packing plans, piece labelling, packing lists, pre-shipment photographic documentation: all this transforms logistical risk into operational routine.
Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement?
Il Piccolo has been working in this field for over 50 years.
Quality control, post-assembly documentation and maintenance
Completing the installation does not mean the job is done. A true Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement partner provides complete documentation: technical data sheets, maintenance plans, manuals, spare parts lists and certifications.
Before packaging, there must be documented quality control inspections. Upon arrival at the site, surveys and assembly reports must be carried out. Upon delivery, a complete set of photo reports must be produced and checklists signed by both the supplier and the site management must be produced.
A non-compliance management system with defined closure times and a post-installation approach with guarantees and intervention plans minimise the total cost of ownership of the furnishings. For the architect and contractor, this means being able to plan maintenance, replacements and upgrades in advance and without surprises.
Furthermore, the availability of a spare parts warehouse or customer care service beyond the warranty period is often the factor that maintains the quality of the work in subsequent years.
Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement?
Il Piccolo has been doing it for over 50 years.
Sustainability and cost management in the medium and long term
Today, when selecting a partner for the supply and installation of furniture, it is important to consider not only the supply price, but also the value over the life cycle, known as value engineering. It is not a question of cutting costs, but of optimising choices without compromising the design of the supply.
A reliable partner offers documented alternatives, comparative samples and cost/benefit scenarios. At the same time, sustainable choices affect both the environmental impact and customer perception. For example, certified wood, low-emission panels, special paints, recyclable packaging and optimised cutting to reduce waste are practices that add value.
The maintenance we mentioned above is also part of sustainability: restorable surfaces and replaceable parts extend the life of the furniture and limit waste.
What concrete advice can we give you on these points? Well, always compare proposals not only on initial costs but also on maintenance plans, possible spare parts and ease of repair. After all, these aspects also contribute to the actual cost of the project!
Choose the best interior designer!
Il Piccolo has been a reliable partner for over 50 years.
Fit-out works & Furniture Procurement: how to start an effective collaboration?
For an architect or contractor, establishing a good relationship with those responsible for the supply and installation of furniture is really essential.
What practical suggestions can we give you to get off on the right foot? Well, first of all, we can invite you to define the single point of contact and governance right from the start. Then, we can tell you to include mandatory mock-ups in the specifications for critical elements in the collaboration contract. In addition, set milestones and KPIs related to payments, request technical documentation and maintenance plans, ask for references from similar projects, and consider a field trial.
Furthermore, never underestimate the corporate culture of your partner. What does this mean? A supplier who communicates, proposes well-argued alternatives, and agrees to work transparently is a partner with whom you can build long-term value.
In short, choosing the right supplier and installer for your furniture means reducing risks, keeping the actual costs of the project down and ensuring that the final result is faithful to the design concept. This means that the furniture will last over time and maintain the agreed identity, to the benefit of your brand.
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Il Piccolo, a second-generation family business, is opening its own showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design expertise of the highest level, thanks to the numerous interiors it has designed and furnished around the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents many of the best international luxury furniture brands. We design, manufacture and sell the best in design. When it comes to La Cornue kitchens, we support our customers from the design stage right through to the completion of the project, integrating the entire process with a precise and professional service. Contact us
