subject: The ABC’s of FF&E [print this page] Author: Michele Evanger
In these challenging economic times, hoteliers are increasingly relying on their management team to make some important decisions under the umbrella of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). Typically, in past years, these design elements were specified by a design firm, then purchased and installed by an FF&E sourcing company or the same design firm that made the selections. This insured that the standards of the flag and the codes of the state were upheld and freed the hotel staff to focus on one thingthe guests. Over the past year, we have seen a shift in responsibilities. Hotel management is trying to do more with less, and as such, placing more responsibilities on the people already on the payroll. The capital expenditure budget has been greatly diminished (or disappeared completely) for 2010, and the folks in charge are being compelled to make these smaller decisions on their own - without the guidance of a professional. This poses some risk beyond the obvious. Below are a few questions to consider before you take on any type of interior project: What is your time worth?
How willing/able are you or your appointed staff to be able to handle the problems and issues that will arise during the ordering and installation phase of the project?
What relationship do you have (if any) with the vendors that will be supplying your product?
How familiar are you with the design and building codes in your state?
Do you have an FF&E sourcing company you can partner with?
A strong FF&E procurement background and understanding of the global market place are crucial to achieving value for dollars invested as well as reducing the issues that go along with any capital improvement project. If some of your answers above lead you to yet more questions, you may want to consider talking with a company that coordinates and collaborates with all members of the project team including architects, designers, management, ownership, and your flag to assist you with your project.
Cost overruns and construction delays can easily turn a profitable project into a development nightmare. Careful consideration of the many options you have available to you before any decisions are made is critical to the long term success of your project.About the Author:
Michele Evanger is an award winning Interior Design professional that has built the DOTI business over the last 20 years serving hundreds of residential and commercial/hospitality customers nationwide. She prides herself on delivering projects within budget and on time out of DOTI's corporate office in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
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