Isaac Lord Ltd, High Wycombe
Abingdon Eye Centre, Abingdon
Residential Listed Building at St James Street, Monmouth
Dipple & Conway Opticians, Diss
Are Your Patients Sitting Comfortably?
Or perhaps we should be asking, are your patients waiting comfortably?
The right waiting chair can set a patient up for a good experience at your practice or a bad one. I’m not just talking levels of bounce in cushions here – with popular trends moving towards more relaxed, living room style seating, is your waiting area accessible to all users?
Although most able users will enjoy relaxing into a comfortable sofa, many older people or those less physically able could be instantly alienated by their lack of stability. Many less physically able patients will need some form of arm rest to assist in getting to their feet, as well as a seat that isn’t too low or too high, padding that isn’t too soft etc. So while that vintage shabby chic sofa may look nice, is it offering all of your patients a comfortable experience?
What is the difference between Commercial Grade furniture and Domestic Grade furniture?
The simple answer – durability. Commercial grade furniture has been designed and tested to be more hardwearing and therefore, to last longer. It is about more than just looking good, commercial grade furniture has been designed for the job. It will have many people of all different shapes and sizes sitting on it day in day out and is designed to manage this.
Domestic furniture typically does not endure anywhere near the same levels of wear and tear as commercial furniture and therefore does not undergo the same rigorous testing. Commercial furniture is tested for Safety, Stability, Strength, Durability, Flammability, Durability and Performance of Fabrics, Durability and Performance of Foams amongst many others. Ensuring a lasting product and a safe experience for your patients.
Does it come at a cost? Yes. Kind of. Commercial grade furniture may set you back slightly more at the beginning, but it’s durability and length of warranty will often far outweigh the costs of continuously replacing domestic grade equivalents.
There are many different styles of commercial seating, from stackable conference style seating to more homely tub chairs and sofas. You are sure to find something that suits your style.
In summary, it may be worthwhile making a few small changes to your seating area to appeal to the maximum amount of patients. Consider arms for at least some of your chairs and where possible, be sure to have plenty of space around them for ease of access. If you do want to opt for a sofa, consider whether there is an alternative sturdy chair available for those that wish to use it. When it comes to purchasing commercial grade or domestic grade, we will always recommend commercial, in our opinion it is definitely worth the investment!
Mewscraft helps transform an old bank into a beautiful new home for opticians practice
Mewscraft recently completed the refurbishment of an old bank in the heart of Ilminster. Transforming the beautiful listed building into a wonderfully modern and calm home for Richard Stent Optometrists.
For more information and photographs, see the Case Study page here.
Mewscraft Fits Optical Practice in Listed Building in Norfolk
Mewscraft are proud to offer a sneak preview at one of our latest optical practice fit-outs. Located in the beautiful village of Bungay, Norfolk, this practice is based inside a Grade II listed building, Originally two cottages previously being used as a cafe, our client undertook the challenge of renovating them into one optical practice.
Having met our client at 100% Optical earlier in the year, Mewscraft were involved from the beginning, working on lighting and electrical plans, as well as displays, furniture and flooring.
A cosy feel was vital for this village location. The red wallpaper, dark woods and our clients excellent attention to detail have helped transform this building into a beautifully, warm and modern practice.
Keep an eye out on the website for a full case study with photographs coming soon!
Optrafair Review
The first weekend of April saw the Mewscraft team head to the Birmingham NEC for the annual Optrafair exhibition. Always a calendar highlight, Optrafair is a great opportunity to get together with other optical industry professionals, check out the new developments in technologies and – most importantly – catch up with our existing clients, whilst hopefully finding some new ones too!
As we have our own stand at the show, preparation for the event begins months in advance. This year our Senior Designer, Steph, took on the challenge of heading up the stand design. Keeping things simple, she chose branded Mewscraft graphics with just our Scope window system on display. However, one controversial design decision was left to a team vote. Can you tell what it might have been?
In a toss-up between a funky bright orange carpet and a more conservative champagne colour, the team were somewhat divided. Eventually Steph and our new designer, Jane, won out to bring plenty of colour to Optrafair!
As Mewscraft covers the whole of the UK and Ireland, it is not always easy to meet up with all our clients face-to-face so trade shows like Optrafair provide the perfect opportunity to catch up with multiple clients, all in one place.
Whether it’s a new client interested in finding out a bit more about what we can offer them, or an existing client sitting down to talk through our latest design proposals, talking face-to-face is always preferable. Over the three days it became more and more clear that many practice owners in the UK recognise the need to smarten up their premises and present their businesses in a professional way. Many are planning refurbishments, which range from complete re-fits, to perhaps just renewing their window displays.
While most of the Mewscraft team are seasoned Optrafair attendees, this was the first time at the event for our newest designers Jane and John. It was a brilliant opportunity for them to not only see what it is all about, but also meet a lot of our longstanding clients. Having chatted to them over the phone so much it’s always great to be able to put a face to a name!
The planning and preparation led to a very successful weekend for Mewscraft. Lots of fun was had by the whole team, many leads were generated and we’re hoping to see even more of you there next year!
Mewscraft support Part with a Pound Day
Helping to raise money for local hospices in the Monmouthshire area, Mewscraft hosted an afternoon tea event at their brand new showrooms at Wyastone Business Park today.
Part with a Pound Day, in association with Sunshine Radio was attended by a variety of businesses who generously donated money and enjoyed an afternoon of coffee, cakes and conversation.
With more than 20 people attending the capability of Mewscraft’s new showroom as an efficient meeting space as well as an attractive show space was highlighted.
Mewscraft are dedicated to supporting local events and PWAP is one of several fund raising activities on the Mewscraft calendar in 2016.
To arrange a viewing call Mewscraft today on 01600 891 525.
Mewscraft's new showroom opens its doors
Mewscraft impressive new showroom is now open at our offices in Monmouthshire.
The 650sq ft show space at Wyastone Business Park highlights an extensive range of modern optical and retail fittings. In addition, we now feature a wide range of lighting options set up to view as well as wall coverings and flooring options.
Following contemporary trends in optical interior design the new showroom features a variety of LED backlit displays and media screens.
The bright new space also doubles as an elegant and private meeting space where individual requirements can be discussed and projects organised.
To arrange a viewing call Mewscraft today on 01600 891 525.
