Hyde Park Place luxury residence; Focus SB works with JSRE Partners

JSRE Partners is a niche firm of surveyors, designers and developers who have used Focus SB products for many years now. We recently spoke to their Design Director, Rob Soar, about one of JSRE's latest projects in London, at the prestigious Hyde Park Place.

Could you give me an overview of your company?
Established in the West End of central London and located on Wigmore Street W1, we specialise in advising clients in relation to residential property in central London. Our Design and Project Management department specialises in the design and development of superprime residential property. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a clear understanding of our clients’ needs. Our team has succeeded in delivering complex, detailed residential developments to a highly-refined level; both on time and to budget. Our services are designed to maximise end value through innovative design, diligent project management and the careful consideration of all development costs.

What type of project do JSRE Partners usually work on?
We have successfully delivered a diverse portfolio of projects, including refurbishment, conservation, redevelopment, extension and new build. We offer a tailored service, from concept through to completion, which is individual to each client. As design professionals, we respond to each project with a considered and holistic approach. We are sensitive to location, personality and context. We are driven by the opportunities offered in each project brief.

Why did you/the client choose Focus SB’s products?
Due to the vast array of metal finishes implemented in this project, it was imperative for us to install a complementary solution in terms of switch plates and sockets.

How long have you been using our product?
We first specified Focus SB products some 6 years ago when working on a two hundred year old Wharf building close to the Iconic Tower Bridge. I was struggling to find a metal finish that would complement the rich heritage of the property which retained the original structural pillars, beams and exposed brick walls. The client’s knowledge was limited to white plastic or chrome options. I presented the Antique Bronze in the Morpheus range and which seamlessly bridged the gap between existing heritage features and the mod cons our client wanted to see installed.

What feature of our product was most appealing?
Initially, it was the quality of the metal finish. However, the convenience of the compatibility with the Rako lighting control system we were installing cemented the product's appeal.

Please give me a brief description of the Hyde Park project?
Our Hyde Park project delivers controlled maximalism at its best. Carefully curated statement pieces were used to echo our clients' globally interconnected taste. Bold statement lighting delivers jaw-dropping focal points throughout the property. A polished natural stone floor amplifies light around the interior whilst gold and brass accents create a luxury aesthetic, set within a contemporary neutral palette.

What initial challenges did you encounter with the client that have been helped with our product?
The challenges were more associated with the proposed lighting design than with the client, who was actually the dream client! In the reception room, we needed eight circuits in order to achieve the desired result. We needed bespoke solutions and Focus SB could deliver.

Did you encounter any problems with our products?
Luckily, we didn't run into any issues on this project.

If problems occurred, how did you find Focus SB’s customer service?
No problems occurred.

When installed, what was your first impression of our products?
Personally, I have always felt these products act as jewellery for the home. They enhanced the aesthetic at the property without competing for attention. The products provided a seamless uniformity with the other metal finishes, which in turn assisted in the delivery of a harmonious and consistent aesthetic.

Were you/the client happy with the quality of our products?
I have always been impressed by the quality of products and an extensive range of material finishes. Due to the nature of our business being mainly working with overseas buyers in central London, we have to build confidence instantaneously. Our clients need to trust that we are installing the finest quality their budgets will allow for.

Did you have any special requirements for this project?
We required bespoke back plates and hotel style USB sockets within the inventory. We had total faith Focus SB would provide these both on time and within budget.

Did you find that we were flexible with your requirements, for example with finishes and bespoke plates etc.?
Absolutely, flexibility was one of the driving forces behind our partnership with Focus SB on this aspect of the project.

Were there any products the client requested which we could not supply?
Not on this occasion.

Is there anything about the product you would like to see changed?
No.

Would you recommend our products to colleagues/other clients?
Unquestionably. Due to the quality of the products and strength of the brand we are proud to recommend Focus SB with confidence to both colleagues, clients and industry peers.

Do you have any plans to use our product in the future?
We are currently working on some really exciting projects in central London and all have synergies with Focus SB. We will undoubtedly be specifying from your ranges moving forward. Personally, I will be specifying the Jordan Bronze in the Morpheus range for a project commencing early January 2019. It is such a versatile material, I can’t wait to see it installed.

All photography © Paul Craig and Marek Sikora.

Project electrical contractor: P A Gooby Electrical Services