Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E)
Furniture management is an important aspect of any particular project. Brenner Design provides furniture selection & specification services for most of our clients and furniture procurement services for many. BDI has perfected a process of specification, ordering, tracking and installation to assist our clients in this monumental task, which typically accounts for 25% of the total cost of commercial office projects.
Our FF&E experience ranges from systems furniture and movable walls, to custom furniture, millwork, specialized equipment, signage, awnings, accessories and unique commissioned art pieces. We deal with light fixtures, custom finishes, window coverings and refinishing/re-upholstery of existing furniture.
Managing the entire process often proves overwhelming for our clients’ internal staff, particularly when the project scope is significant (e.g. hotels or government offices). Not only do we have the ability to manage the entire process from start to finish, we are able to negotiate with manufacturers to save project owners and construction managers significant sums of money, allowing their budgets to achieve more “bang for their buck”. The money saved is generally more than enough to cover Brenner Designs’ fees, which are calculated on a sliding scale based on size and complexity of each project. We calculate margins based on “cost-plus” rather than “list less”.
FF&E Selection and Specification
As a Designer/Vendor, we give the client alternative choices during the selection process, arranging for samples and mock-ups and assisting in developing new furniture standards based on their needs. Design is extremely important to us — we know how to make recommendations that compliment and accent the architectural design, while at the same time meet the functional and budgetary requirements for the project.
FF&E Procurement
Negotiation is a key advantage of our services. We deal directly with the manufacturers to negotiate better terms, deeper discounts and better delivery times for our clients. Even when clients have national buying agreements, we have been successful in obtaining better pricing prior to the bid. We maintain the integrity of the design while at the same time reducing cost. For government projects, we purchase off GSA schedules.
Furniture Management Services
We prepare move/installation bid packages tailored to the overall project scope. Our installation instructions to bidders give clear direction as to timing, phasing and access to the site. We have dealt with storage, warehousing and temporary moves required by the construction schedule. Anticipating issues and problems that typically arise during a move-in is something we are uniquely qualified to do, which helps secure a successful outcome.
To learn more, read the article “Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment Services” written by Diana Brenner and featured in the AIA’s publication, The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, Update 2006. Based on over 30 years of professional practice and the specification of over $20M in FF&E, Brenner has documented the process of providing FF&E services and has presented workshops on this topic at the 2007-2009 AIA National Conventions.
What does a client use these services for?
- To furnish new, renovated or relocated facilities
- To evaluate existing furniture and replacements
- To augment in-house purchasing
- To complete fast track projects
Our process offers:
- “Design-Build” process for furniture
- Open book accounting
- Budget management
- Direct cost savings to owner
- Furniture inventory modeling (BIM)
Relevant Brenner Design FF&E Project Experience
Homewood Suites Hotel - $1.9M FF&E
Furniture Selection & Specification
Furniture Procurement & Management Services
State of Indiana Onsite Clinic - $500,000 FF&E
FF&E Selection & Specification
Furniture Procurement & Management Services
State Fair Coliseum - $1M FF&E
FF&E Selection & Specification
Furniture Management Services
Indiana Department of Workforce Development Evansville - $37K FF&E
Public Bid
Furniture Procurement & Management Services
Village on the Green, Carmel, Indiana - $215K FF&E
FF&E Procurement & Management Services
Indiana Convention Center Bid Package V - $275,000
Public Bid
FF&E Procurement & Management Services
Heart Partners of Indiana, LLC - $25K FF&E
Furniture Selection & Specification
Furniture Procurement & Management Services
Seymour Johnson Consolidated Support Center - $1.1M FF&E
SID, CID Furniture Package Preparation
FF&E Procurement & Management Services
Signage Design & Procurement
The Indianapolis Airport, Bid Package H29 - $2.3M FF&E
Public Bid
FF&E Procurement & Management Services
Crane Army/Navy HQ Building - $2.3M FF&E
SID, CID Furniture Package Preparation
FF&E Procurement & Management Services
Signage Design & Procurement
Art Selection and Procurement
