Seagar & Partners

Seagar & Partners, Registered Valuers and Property Consultants, who had been in business for over 25 years, were looking to combine their two offices.   The company consisted of a commercial and residential component which historically had been operating from two geographical locations in Auckland.

By shifting both divisions to one location they were able to combine staff resources, rationalise their office functions and set up new office systems.   New premises provided the image they required to reinforce their position in the market place.  The site was selected to take advantage of the future business potential the growing area had to offer.

Director, Joe Gillard, said the developer's architect had supplied a plan with little consultation.   Seagar's needed someone to fine tune the layout and make it work.   An overall design and corporate colour concept was required as were working drawings for construction and building consent.

"Malcolm & Sumner provided a structure to implement the whole project.  They took over all the practical decision-making.   We are good at our own area of expertise but didn't have the skills or time to devote to the task of planning our offices."

"We can see the benefits of good design.  We have absolute confidence in what Malcolm & Sumner were suggesting.  Their attention to detail meant the end result was excellent. We got on well and were on the same wavelength throughout the project."

"I've always been a fan of using experts.  A lot of people think they can do it themselves but they are restricted by the extent of their own knowledge and imagination.  The end result was better than expected.  In property we see the same thing, so many lost opportunities: developers who use draftsmen, with no creativity, instead of hiring an architect."

"Our interior designers were good value for money.   We appreciated their service included on site liaison with the developer's construction team.  We found the hourly rate was good value rather than on a percentage basis."

"When planning new premises, don't repeat what you already have.   Take the opportunity to make improvements and not repeat past mistakes.  We highly recommend Malcolm & Sumner to others who are planning an office shift.  They were very helpful during the whole process."