Kennethpark Architects designs for the Global Village.

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Many of the challenges inherent to global trade come out of the woodwork when U.S. firms attempt to design local retail space for multinational clients.

The increasing desire of multinational companies for prime U.S. retail space offers exciting opportunities for American architects and designers, so long as they are able to meet the universal and industry-specific challenges associated with global trade.

Beyond cultural, language and time barriers, architects and designers have a unique set of challenges; to realize the clients' vision within the parameters of U.S, safety standards and units of measurement, on time and within budget. It is a daunting ask in itself. kennethpark Architects, a New York City based firm, is steadily raising its profile as a world leader in delivering projects on time and within budget for such international bigwigs as ADIDAS, Toumeau, Miss Sixy and Carolina Herrera. They were recently retained as the Executive Architect by the Pronovias Group, one of the world's leading bridal retailers headquartered in Barcelona Spain. Mid-town Manhattan will be the home of Pronovias' 7 story, 22,000 s/f flagship store. The following are some valuable tips from kennethpark Architects on setting up shop for foreign companies in the global village:

Implement a Communication Liaison: To ensure quality, meet deadlines, honor costs and otherwise fulfill the client's expectations, constant dialogue must take place between designer and client. In the interest of continuity and, more importantly, to ensure against linguistic and cultural gaffes, kennethpark Architects selects a project director to translate differences in code restrictions, permitting, construction sequencing, and key architectural details like materials and finishes.

Utilize Foreign Labor to Ensure Perfection: The different construction techniques must come together seamlessly within one structure. In the case of Pronovias, European mill workers, who are well versed in the Metric System of measure are installing wood paneling under the supervision of kennethpark Architects. Doing so ensures that issues having to do with conversion are mitigated. Additionally, architectural metal & glass finishes made by Italian craftsman must be integrated into the European foreign produced millwork. A series of site meetings along with coordination drawings must be carefully analyzed to ensure perfection.

Be mindful of Local Codes & Standards: Bringing materials in from Europe must meet local & federal requirements. Imported finished material needs to have a flame spread rating as well as constructed with proper technique, kennethpark Architects facilitates the translation between European Standards and local standards through the UL process.

As global commerce becomes the norm and foreign companies continue to vie for a piece of the ever-lucrative American marketplace, the forecast for U.S. design firms like kennethpark Architects is vibrant. It is imperative that constant communication, well documented attention to detail and a willingness to collaborate with foreign manufactures and crafismen take place. In doing so, the aesthetic and fiduciary visions of multinational clients are well maintained.