Case study: Square & Crescent Ltd
The Client
Square and Crescent is an Edinburgh-based property developer specialising in new-build apartments and converting commercial buildings into luxury residential dwellings. They are committed to providing sustainable, modern living in various locations within the city.
The Situation
With a reputation for delivering luxury, high-end developments, Square and Crescent understands the powerful impact a kitchen has on the overall impression of a residential property.
This is why their choice of kitchen design and installation specialist is so critical to the success of every project they undertake.
As a growing company, Square and Crescent realised they needed to introduce another supplier to cover the increase in projects. However, having previously only worked with Edinburgh-based companies, they were initially reluctant to select a firm outside of the city.
The company felt its clients place significant value on the fact that it only works with well-known, local suppliers. In addition, from a commercial perspective, there was also an element of “better the devil you know.”
However, joint MD Euan Marshall had previously worked with one of our consultants when she was with another kitchen company, so he felt comfortable placing his trust and confidence in us.
Once the Square and Crescent team met with us, they quickly appreciated our fresh approach and eagerness to find solutions to their style and budget challenges. They then felt much more comfortable appointing us as a supplier.
The Challenges
Increasingly, kitchens are seen as much more than functional areas – they’ve truly become the beating heart of a home, bringing friends and family together in one flawlessly functional yet undeniably beautiful living space.
After talking with us, Square and Crescent felt confident we would not only understand this paradigm shift but also appreciate their passion for exceptional design and unmatched installation quality.
As with all projects, however, commercial considerations always need to be considered. The problem is, consumer demand and expectations for the way a kitchen looks, feels and functions are high, but developer margins are tighter than ever. We reassured Square and Crescent that we would deliver the luxury spaces they wanted while still respecting their time and budget considerations.
There is also an industry-wide issue with a shortage of both materials and quality labour. This, when you consider that kitchens are often one of the last parts of a project to go in, means there is often significant pressure to finish the installation within a limited time.
On our first project for Square and Crescent, they asked us how many kitchens we could install in a week and were sceptical when we said between five and 10, as the standard is around two or three.
As the project continued, they needed to accelerate the programme and asked if we could install 24 kitchens in four weeks. We rose to the challenge, not only delivering and installing all 24 kitchens within the timeframe but doing so with only 4 damages. Of these, two were resolved within days using stock items from our warehouse, and two were fixed within two weeks after stock arrived from Germany.
This meant the site team was able to get the project back on programme, and they were delighted we’d been able to help.
The Detail
Square and Crescent knows that being able to deliver a high-quality, luxury kitchen is only part of any installer’s remit. It’s also essential that the chosen supplier listens closely to the specifications of every brief to ensure all assurances and promises are kept, and all commitments met.
At Silver Birch, we know that to deliver an end product that exceeds expectations, it’s not enough to rely on the excellence of the brands we use. As such, we were laser-focused on Square and Crescent’s requirements on everything from the choice of appliances and worktops to the values and standards of our craftsmen carrying out the work.
The Result
Square and Crescent were so delighted with the finished product they appointed us as one of their primary kitchen suppliers. They now rely on us to find solutions that not only align with their commercial, design and installation expectations but also deliver a truly exceptional finished product on time and on budget – without compromising on quality.
When asked how they would describe working with us, two things stood out – our “can do” attitude and our willingness to always look for new and more efficient processes and methods.
Three words to describe the Silver Birch Interiors team:
Innovative | Reliable | Exceptional