icatchers recently completed a new cocktail bar on the Gold Coast in the prestigious Beverly Hotel in mid-September 2022. A few months beforehand we were approached by the owner, Joey Lamattina, to rejuvenate what used to be an already beloved establishment at the top of the old Melbas on the Park staircase, it was to be called “The Beverly” with an obvious nod towards Hollywood glamour.
We had a 10-week timeframe to go through our usual process before construction began and usually this would be tight and not without its challenges. We received a full set of plans from the client, which we then used to work on the final details and improvements especially with the banquet seating. Our client appreciated our attention to detail as these needed some thought into the construction and set up.
Our Solutions to The Brief
The brief was simple, glitz and glamour – and lots of it. Whilst this seems easy the myriad of ways to include this and within the budget that all complement each other to create the overall atmosphere was nearly overwhelming. However, we used our skills to bring the architects vision to life whilst remaining faithful to the design.
- A baby grand cocktail piano was incorporated with the assistance of LIAM (Life Is A Myth)
- A vibrant colour palette that would be exacerbated by the lighting of rich greens, blush pinks and golds
- Multiple chandeliers above high tabletops with luxurious high stools
- Hanging bar lighting creates an intimate atmosphere and leaves a sense of vast black space above the ceiling
- Mirror-backed cocktail alcoves behind the bar increase the space and reflect the light whilst drawing your attention to the main focus of the cocktails themselves
- Carpets, bleed with other flooring types to slightly distinguish between stage, bar and lounging areas whilst being somewhat practical too
The above ideas all combined to create an elegant high-end atmosphere completely in tune with Hollywood and Beverly Hills, feeling quite nostalgic but modern at the same time.
Challenges and Solutions
Bringing this iconic design to life took all our skill and determination. Even with all our experience, we couldn’t have imagined how many challenges might present themselves with this exciting project. On the surface, it seemed simple, but the brief was clear as were our ideas to implement it.
The first of the challenges was access, the only way into the premises was tight, so we couldn’t get things on site in bulk, and we would have to be very careful with delicate items to avoid any scratches or damage which slowed us down.
Another challenge was that some of our normal tradespeople were unavailable. So finding replacements with high-end skill sets for this kind of work wasn’t easy but in the end a combination of extra hard work and everyone pitching in meant we had the people and the skills to finish the job on time.
Unsurprisingly we also had supply chain shortages and disruptions meaning we were at the mercy of our suppliers for some items like a fabric specified by the architects that was coming from overseas. Being agile we were able to re-arrange our project workflow and concentrate on other things whilst waiting but without that ability to adapt we would not have met the deadline. Our professional expertise and resourceful team ensured we found alternative solutions to the supply issue whilst also remaining on budget.
Multi-Stage Planning
First of all, we improved the plans given to us by the client and then present our improvements in multiple meetings to showcase our practical solutions to what their brief was creating. This generally takes 7 – 10 days, but in this case longer due to having to refine the finer details of the project through further discussions with the client. We render the working drawings for construction and execution and obtain design approval during this period.
Then, like most of our projects whatever their size, it is composed of 3 main group stages:
- Planning Group – Where account, planning and production managers review the strategic requirements of the client and its objectives as well as the exhibition centre and its objectives. The planning team considers scope, time, cost, production, procurement and risk, developing this into an initial plan.
- Creative Group – Account Manager, Project Manager and our Design Director will work together to interpret the brief, discuss ideas and develop a design concept that meets functional, aesthetic and branding objectives.
- Execution Group – This varies depending on the size of the project, but usually the Account Manager, Production Manager, Visual Communications Manager, IT/AV Technicians and Warehouse Manager meet to discuss the build process.
In this instance, some elements were already outsourced by the architect but otherwise, we are able to have complete control over the project’s construction, dismantling, installation and all critical timelines from start to finish.
Summary
As can be seen from the photos, icatchers were again able to deliver the brief, incorporate our own ideas to meet the aims and deliver under exceptional circumstances thanks to all our experience in exhibition spaces. Best of all, the ultimate critics were the press and the clients and we had amazing reviews complementing the design, style and overall feel here, here and here!
To fit out a venue that has replaced the much beloved Melbas was an achievement and a privilege and again icatchers were able to meet all the challenges faced.