3D design solutions for high street retail

As technological advances continue, more and more clients expect 3D computer-generated design solutions.

RDC Foley Cooke, a design consultancy working on retail and leisure projects, provide complete 2D and 3D design solutions for the high street, airport and marine sectors. These solutions encompass retail strategy and concepts, brand identity, graphics, visual merchandising and project implementation - a tough challenge for a small in-house graphics team.

Previously, Foley Cooke had to outsource 20-25% of its consultation design work to cope with client demand raising significant problems for the company, such as reduced margins, quality control issues, incompatible technologies and inconsistent formatting. A KTP project with London South Bank University seemed the obvious solution.

The KTP project was implemented to develop an in-house graphic design/3D visualization system to overcome the problems caused by outsourcing and to enable it to compete against other design firms who could offer integrated retail interior design and 3D graphical capability. A KTP programme was initiated and two LSBU academics were placed on the project to provide their invaluable expertise. Hilary Dalke has helped expand and develop the company’s creative side whilst Dr Ebad Banissi has advised from a technical and IT perspective. “Foley Cooke wants to use 3D maps for designing retail settings. Our aim is to introduce a 3D design system which will enable the company to go after new business opportunities more effectively,” comments Ebad.

First Associate, Coung Phan developed the 3D visualization software capability for use at the initial design stage. Coung began this ambitious task by conducting a market analysis to create a profile of retail design companies throughout the UK. Using his research Coung could then decide which software would best meet the company’s goals. After selecting a suitable system, Coung then went on to training the staff on how to use the software and how to incorporate the programme with the rest of their work.

By eliminating outsourcing, Foley Cooke estimates that its profit margins will be boosted by 15-20% per contract. Design Director Roger Cooke, is delighted with the progress being made and explains “Our KTP project helps to control the design process. Unexpected circumstances have been mitigated, which helps us better manage our business strategy as a whole.”

To monitor the performance of the new software, Coung implemented a project management tool that allows the company to organise contracts, work schedules and invoices. Gavin Ferguson, Graphics Director and Industrial Supervisor on the KTP project said “This software is streamlining the design and financial management processes of our business significantly. It maximizes the use of the in-house graphics system whilst simultaneously improving business management efficiency.”

Commenting on the benefits that the company has reaped from involvement with the project, Roger Cooke concludes “The structural way in which KTP functions helps us stay on track with project goals and development. KTP has highlighted areas of potential weakness and allowed us to improve and develop those areas. KTP has given us a competitive edge.”