Georgina Wood sat down with Nick Walton and discussed the past, present and future of the London development industry.
A good project manager can make all the difference to a project and to a client. The ability to coordinate between several different teams and communicate effectively is indispensable.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU WORKED ON WITH GEORGINA?
The Churchill Bar, because it was something different and had incredible attention to detail. You can't see any grills, yet you know it's air-conditioned and controlled. With the cigar lounge and bar, you've got the incredible history of the space, the joinery and furniture. It was our first commercial hospitality project, we're very much residential focussed which was the client brief for the Churchill Bar and since then we've done others since.
We also worked with Georgina on a project in Casson Square where the client needed a developer spec apartment transformed and fitted out with furniture and equipment for the rental market. Georgina worked closely with Walton Wagner to meet the client’s timetable and budget and delivered a finished spacious apartment that has been rented consistently ever since.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE UK WITHIN THE CURRENT CLIMATE?
Technology has advanced remarkably, the development and quality of finishes available now, veneer finishes, for example, have come a long way. The way joinery can show four different materials on one door is fascinating and will continue to advance.
The Building Safety Act, which many are upset about, will actually be good for the industry because it prevents the race to the bottom on costs. Clients will need to commit to a full team early on to get planning permission, which actually gives them better cost certainty and project control. It may have been implemented badly, but long-term, I think it will work out well.
Thank you Studio Clementine for some very productive collaborations, we look forward to many more. Read the full interview here: https://www.studioclementine.co.uk/journal/studio-clementine-meets-walton-wagner
