The Optic Shop, Abergavenny
Abingdon Eye Centre, Abingdon
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!
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.
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.
The Advantages of Employing a Project Manager
Taking on a shop fit or office refurbishment is not an easy task and can be costly, time-consuming and will always have an element of risk. The more complicated the project, the greater chance for potential issues to arise, including overspending and time delays.
Unless, of course, a Project Manager is there to take control.
The role of a project manager is to have the overall responsibility for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of a project. They also have the ability to control all aspects of the project, including dealing with costs, safety and all contractors.
Many companies believe hiring a project manager means increased costs. This may be true in the short term but over a long term job a PM’s ability to deliver on schedule and within budget saves their clients both time and money. The experience and expertise a PM brings will often more than offset the additional cost of their salary.
There are several advantages of employing a project manager:
– Purchasing power; Knowledge of the sector and marketplace can help reduce costs and time, from employing the right contractors for the job to purchasing the right equipment at discounted rates.
– Avoiding pitfalls; In any job experience is key and in refurbishment it is essential. An experienced project manager will understand what pitfalls to avoid from the early design stages to help the project run smoothly.
– Project focus; A project manager will have sole focus on the project at hand, freeing up time for the client and allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business.
– One contact; The one and only contact during the project will be the project manager. They will deal with all other aspects including the contractors and deliveries to ensure all items on are site at the correct times.
– Quality control; The quality and final look of the project will be constantly overseen and approved by the project manager.
Ultimately a PM will control everything and see it through from the initial brief to completion whilst maintaining the highest quality throughout. By ensuring everyone is in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, a project manager will help avoid redundancies, rework and costly mistakes.
Mewscraft presents to Hoya
On December 7th Mewscraft were delighted to present to a distinguished optical audience at Hoya’s office headquarters in North Wales.
The day included a tour of their fantastic Wrexham based facility and the chance for our CEO Hal and designer Steph to take to the stage and deliver an informative and entertaining retail and office design presentation on Enhancing the Customer Experience.
Creating the presentation was a big ask alongside a busy work schedule, but the team pulled it off exceptionally with a slick slideshow, engaging speakers and brand new marketing packs to pull together the whole experience.
Hal and Steph really enjoyed the chance to highlight the benefits of a practice refit, from discussing customer flow, to colour schemes, lighting and even a video package from one of our esteemed clients Jude Edwards of Healthy U.
The Mewscraft team look forward to the chance to present again in the future.
