The stages in a retail architecture and construction project

We discover the step by step of an integral “turnkey” project and all its advantages.

When considering the opening or refurbishment of a store or planning the expansion of our brand, uncertainty may arise as to the steps to follow in the design, implementation and construction of our space. Choosing a good location, choosing one premises or another depending on its technical characteristics or meeting the delivery date of the work can often become a big headache. The sum of our services of architecture and engineering, construction and shopfitting allow us to provide a complete solution to the needs of our clients. Our method is reduced to 6 steps, six phases that help us to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in Design and Built.

1. Drafting of the feasibility study

The first step of the project is the drafting of the feasibility study of the premises. We collect images of the space, carry out a study of the location and its characteristics to determine the suitability of the premises. The feasibility study is a detailed study to assess whether the premises meet the minimum technical conditions necessary to carry out the activity, whether it is a retail space, offices for the brand or any other type of activity. 

To do this, our technicians will check the measurements of the premises, possible structural pathologies or any other type of pathology, the time period foreseen for the granting of building and/or activity licences, the connections of the installations, accessibility, ventilation and lighting, or fire safety, among other aspects. 

It is essential to check these aspects before renting or buying premises, as this study can be used to negotiate aspects such as grace periods or to obtain a better price for the purchase or rental of the premises. These aspects largely condition the success of the business you want to open. Therefore, gathering all this information is essential.   

2. Layout definition and approval by the client

Once the choice of premises seems ideal, before proceeding with the decision making process, a preliminary study of the interior space is carried out. Based on the necessary functional programme provided by the property, first the spaces and routes of both the areas open to the public and the internal areas such as services, archives and other more private uses, but necessary to carry out the activity, are schematized and zoned. The accesses and evacuation routes are also analysed and reflected. Because it is not only a question of seeing if the uses fit into the space in terms of surface area, but also of analysing whether the premises will allow the logic of the routes necessary for the user experience in the space required by the brand.

From there, in this study, one or several distribution proposals are included in which the future technical development and the zoning of the space for the use of the premises is schematically drawn. This is what we call the Layout. In this Layout, the distribution of the elements and spaces within the design to be developed in the following phases of the project will be plotted. If this work is not carried out, it is possible that although the premises may seem ideal in terms of surface area, free heights, unevenness and other technical characteristics of the space, it may not be so, as it will not allow us to implement the specific Customer Journey that the project requires.

Once the layout has been completed, an initial cost estimate is made with Abessis.

3. Obtaining all necessary permits

The next step is to obtain the necessary permits for the work and those licences required depending on the country. In Spain, for example, even within the same city, the procedure with the administration can vary and previous experience in other projects is very important. It is important to know which procedures are necessary depending on the characteristics of the premises. 

Your choice depends on obtaining the building and activity permits in a quick and agile manner.

At Grup Idea we have carried out projects, managed and built works in the main cities throughout the peninsula and the Canary and Balearic Islands. Likewise, in Europe we have extensive experience in architecture and engineering services as well as in construction. We incorporate local technicians with extensive experience in each country into the project to avoid surprises and to know, from the outset, what the deadlines are for obtaining permits and complying with the regulations in each country, both for installations and civil works. Find out about our complete architecture and engineering (implementation) service.

4. Preparation of the Construction Pack: Architectural and MEP executive project 

When the time comes, we move forward with the technical development of the project: the architectural executive project and the engineering project or MEP, also known as the Construction Pack. 

With the architectural project we draw up the plans, elevations and sections of the final proposal and through the engineering project or MEP, the calculation and realisation of the installation, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing plans. In parallel to the executive projects, the choice of furniture and the application of technology and branding in the space are approved with the client.

5. Allocation of the work and turnkey projects

Once the Construction Pack has been prepared, and with the actual project defined and delimited, it is ready to go out to tender and assign the work. 

At Grup Idea and Abessis, we offer turnkey projects to our clients. With this method, the client has the peace of mind of having a single interlocutor, the Project Manager, who is in charge of the complete management of the project and the work. At a time of heavy workload, it is optimal to have a single person in charge of the project who can inform the client at all times and resolve any unforeseen events quickly and effectively. 

On the other hand, with this formula we involve the construction company in the design process, providing solutions that, from the specialists’ point of view, can help to optimise the final budget. Find out more about our turnkey service.

6. Execution of the work, legalisation of the installations and AS Built

In this last step, Grup Idea and Abessis carry out the management and execution of the work and all the industrialists involved. We are in charge of everything from the demolition phase, masonry, finishes, electrical installations, air conditioning, plumbing and fire protection, manufacture and installation of furniture, right through to the final fitting out of the premises on the day of the inauguration. 

After completion of the works, we carry out the legalisation of the installations: electricity, plumbing and drainage, air conditioning and fire protection.  Finally, we generate the As Built dossier, which consists of drawing up the modified end-of-works plans and delivering all the documentation to the company. 

At Abessis we have our own working method based on good planning, a direct and close relationship and transparent management and execution. In addition, we have the quality certifications and sufficient technology so that our clients can monitor the work remotely and through any device. Discover the step-by-step of our methodology graphically here.

It may seem like a long road full of obstacles, but at Grup Idea and Abessis we optimise all our efforts by working with clients and technicians as a single team. In addition, we guarantee a surprising and profitable result, our 25 years of experience all over the world endorse us. Discover now all our projects and works in the retail sector.