This is Suki Creative Studio
Aesthetically crafted interiors for small businesses, retail brands & creators.
WHO WE ARE
SUKI Creative Studio was founded in 2016 by Robin Plessl, an interior designer with a background in beautifully crafted customer-facing interiors.
WHAT WE DO
We work with clients who want to seamlessly tie their brand identity into an interior experience. Bringing your brand to life is our passion!
HOW WE WORK
We believe in strong client collaboration, visual exploration and open communication to make sure the built reality exceeds your expectations.
About
We design expressive & meaningful brand interiors.
Background
I’ve been designing commercial and brand interiors professionally for 7 years. My favourite part of each project is learning my client’s brand story and working with them to translate that into a 3D experience for their customers.
Experience
Current
SUKI Creative Studio / Founder
2016-2017
Cutler / Interior Designer
2013-2016
Omicron / Interior Designer
Process
We combine creative concepts with technical know-how to deliver high-quality interior spaces.
1.
Client Consultation
This phase is spent learning about project goals, timeline, budget and any restrictions. In this phase, we typically tour the site, engage any required consultants, and build a preliminary project schedule. We then focus on developing a program (list of functional requirements), and then move onto space planning exercises.
2.
Visual Exploration
This phase is exciting because its where we start talking design! We discuss client inspiration and then create a preliminary design package. This typically includes a concept statement, mood boards, finish selections and high-level renderings.
3.
Design Development
In this phase, we start developing the details of the design. Millwork, hardware, branding, A/V and electrical requirements, finalizing finishes, etc. This is when the picture of the full 3D experience really starts to come together and start to look a cohesive brand environment.
4.
Detail Design + Permits
This phase is the most technical one. We use 3D architectural software to create 3 detailed sets of working drawings: Issued for Building Permit, Issued for Tender and Issued for Construction. Each has more detail than the last. We walk clients through each set in detail to ensure everyone is on the same page before moving to the next phase.
5.
Tender + IFC
From this point on, the General Contractor will be managing the project for the most part. We are available to answer any questions or address issues that come up on site during construction.
6.
Construction
This phase involves putting together a ‘record’ set of drawings detailing any changes that were made during construction, and working with the client to prepare a list of deficiencies for the GC to address prior to client move-in.
FAQs
Ask us anything.
When should we hire an Interior Designer?
An interior designer may join a project team at any point, but we prefer joining the project at the beginning to ensure a cohesive vision between interior design and the project team. If we are engaged prior to you finding a space, we can assist in determining which neighbourhood or building would suit your target market. If you’ve already found a space, we can help engage other required consultants and a contractor and begin the design process from there.
WHAT IS A ‘RETAIL’ INTERIOR DESIGNER?
In the commercial design world, ‘retail’ simply means any business that is customer-facing. We do design retail stores, but we also work with doctors, physiotherapists, personal trainers, restauranteurs and owners of service-based businesses to design spaces that represent their brands in the market.
What is the process of hiring you?
Together we'll have a series of complimentary emails and phone calls to identify your project needs and walk you through the design process and associated costs. We can help you to determine the initial project scope, develop a preliminary project schedule and suggest trusted collaborators we know can get the job done right.
Do you offer on-site consultations?
After discussing your project over the phone we offer a complimentary site visit to determine any design requirements or restrictions. From there, we can begin space planning. We offer initial space planning services that range from $0.20/sf to $0.50/sf depending on the size and complexity of the project.
How do you establish fees for a project?
Our studio bills “flat fees” for most services, which is an estimate of hours to completion, based on experience from past projects. A 25% retainer is collected at the start of the project to begin work, and then we do monthly progress billing throughout the course of the project. We offer some elective services at hourly rates, such as: furniture consultation and staging. For a more detailed description of what your unique budget may look like, please get in touch with us to discuss your individual project needs.
What is the average project timeline?
Our timelines for retail interiors typically range from 1 to 3 months for design/permits, and 2-4 months for construction. Small projects can be expedited. Timelines are unique to each project and will vary.
What is the capacity for client involvement?
We view our clients as active collaborators, so we establish a regular schedule of meetings and calls to help everyone stay connected. In the initial phases of design (Pre-Design, Concept Development and Design Development), we require a lot of client input and feedback. Then as we progress through the working drawings and construction, we like to do check-ins every week or two with the client, depending on the scope of the project.
DO YOU ONLY WORK ON RETAIL PROJECTS?
Nope! We also have corporate clients who are renovating a new office or collaborative space for their staff and want to work with a designer who is brand-focused.
Client Feedback