1. OVERCOMING SUDDEN DELAYS

The sudden emergence of COVID-19 posed a huge challenge for us. In addition to grappling with the intricacies of managing a full operation for the first time, we had to deal with delays due to partial lockdowns in both Singapore and Indonesia; issues with material availability; disruption of partnering suppliers’ businesses; staff movement restrictions; and shipping issues. Luckily, learning from the operational measures taken by our sister facility in China, we were able to plan ahead with assessing the specifications and preparing all technical shop drawings. Material samples and colour swatches were also secured smoothly before the lockdown restrictions were in effect. Thanks to our resourceful Indonesian production team, we were able to accumulate material stocks for production in anticipation of material shortages caused by lockdowns.

2. OUR SCOPE OF WORKS SO FAR

Joinery and Interior Works—Built-in wall shelving, bar counters, and glass features/artworks for multiple areas (restaurants, reception, pool bars, roof areas, etc). Each piece is fabricated, assembled, and inspected in Java before shipping for installation on site.

Loose FF&E (loose furniture)—From mass production to the development of one-off pieces, there are many different types of items commissioned, across categories such as seating (chairs and sofas), table, pottery and lighting. And they are made from various materials (metal, solid wood, plywood, natural and synthetic wicker, natural rattan, resin, clay and stone).

3. KEEPING THE PROJECT ON TRACK

Bridging clients and designers—Regular weekly meetings are held between clients in the UK and Germany with our respective project representatives in Singapore and Indonesia. Here, designs are discussed and approved before assessing mock-ups and finalising details such as materials, colours, and finishes.

On-site project and main contractor management—Planning is the name of the game. We are constantly meeting with project managers on-ground, coordinating and discussing construction details and getting site measurements relayed to production. Delivery schedules are confirmed to determine the arrival of containers and transportation required to ensure the smoothest efficiency. After which, follows some of the more crucial logistical tasks required: securing the arrival of the on-site construction team to receive the materials and prepare for installation. This involves visa preparation, lodging, food arrangements, and the setting up of an on-site workshop and storage area. The project management team then ensures a smooth sailing operation with frequent correspondence with on-site managers via video conference.

4. ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL

Factory management—With Indonesia closing its city borders and all airports, and land transportation also restricted, our internal processes had to adapt quickly. The progress of our production team is now constantly monitored by the managers on the ground via video calls, assessing production issues and timelines. Internal mock-up assessments and tests are also held between teams in Indonesia and Singapore in the same manner. Staff are further trained in these applications and networks are upgraded to accommodate these new processes as well.

Setting up our virtual office—Google conferences. Zoom video calls. These terminologies are now a staple of our everyday vocabulary. The addition of this virtual channel of communication comes with it an inevitable development in the physical world as well. Now, we have dedicated enclosed spaces in factories with optimal acoustics for product assessments through video calls. Details and close-ups of items are sent over via high-resolution images before any video conference, as a workaround for slow networks, loading speed issues, or video camera image quality issues. Open communication about any changes to designs or schedules is the key to upholding efficiency between teams.