Design, construction, and project management for US-based business and residential

This project started with an inquiry from the client, a leading employment agency in NYC. The client considered whether to renew their lease at the current location or to move to a new location when their office lease contract was expired. After carefully analyzed all aspects, including the trend of the market and the prospective business for the next decade, we prepared a financial comparison sheet for both scenarios. The client decided to move to a new location and MDK managed the whole project, such as design, construction management, furnishing and moving.

Hearing

We asked the client various questions, including the area preference, the budget, and the layout image, to clarify what would be the best.

Site Survey and Space Planning

Moving is not simply a change of a location. After inspecting and evaluating both current office and candidate spaces, we proposed the test fit plan to fulfill the client's requirements, such as employment plan, design image, and the function of the space.

Support Lease Negotiations

We cautiously reviewed the contents of Tenant Improvement in the lease agreement and if it reflected the tenant’s requirements. Also, we prepared the basic drawing in order to attach the lease agreement.

Space Planning and Design

In this case, the client decided to go with the "Landlord's Pre-Built" style, which the landlord is responsible for the construction within the building standard. We prepared the basic drawing set reflecting client's requests, including the furniture plan, the data and power plan, the finish plan, and the construction plan. Also, we discussed details and worked closely with the landlord's architect to finalize the filing drawing.

Construction Estimation and Value Engineering

The contractor provided the estimation, based on the drawing MDK submitted. Generally, the tenant is required to pay the construction cost that exceeds the building's standard. We reviewed the estimate and modified the drawing in order to meet the client’s budget.

Furniture Estimation and Purchasing

We specified with the client about the office furniture, such as color and materials within the budget. For this project, the client's corporate color is red. So, we suggested using red for the furniture as an accent color and coordinated the modern and sleek interior finish as the total color coordination. In addition to it, the client appreciated the designer discounted price for the furniture, and we ensured the completion of installment of the furniture.

Construction

The construction started with a kick-off meeting. All parties, including the client, IT vendors, furniture vendors, attended this meeting and confirmed everyone was on the same page. After that, we attended the weekly meeting and provided the progress report to the client.

Construction Completion and Prep for Move-in

Towards the end of the construction, we scheduled for furniture delivery and installation. Also, all parties, the client, the landlord's team, and MDK, performed Walk-Through to examine the site. Some minor defects and adjustment were listed on the Punch-List and corrected by the time of the moving-in.

A well-established Japanese hair salon company planned to open its very first salon in NYC. The client previously experienced frustrating delayed opening in Hawaii, so they searched for a company they trusted to work with. We, MDK proposed the services to manage their entire project. Like this client, the companies who launched a new business in US appreciated our total management, like “one-stop shop”, including start-up consultation, property search, design, and construction.

Hearing

We value the importance of listening to the clients’ requests, so we found out what the client’s needs, such as the locations, the targeted population and the opening time at the initial consultation.

Property Search and Space Planning

Based on our consultation and the list of the locations, we performed our own survey at each site. Especially, we checked thoroughly if the size of water pipes, the capacity of electricity, and the condition of AC were suitable for the salon business. We provided a space tour and the client selected the one they liked the most from our list. They wanted to start the negotiations immediately.

Support Lease Negotiations

We supported the client in communicating/translating with the attorney during this negotiation.

Architectural Design and Filing

While the lease negotiations were still in progress, the designing phase started. We made the drawing ready by the time signing the lease, so that the landlord’s architect was able to start reviewing it and filing the permit application to the NYC. This process was crucial for the completion of the project without any delay.

Estimate for the Cost of Construction

We ensured whether the construction cost was within the budgets, and all client’s requirements and design were reflected in the estimate. Also, we prepared for the construction contract as a design-builder and processed the payment.

Construction

The construction started when the permit was approved by the authorities and the payment was made. We visited the site frequently to ensure that quality and schedule during the construction period. Thanks to our trusting relationship with the construction companies, the construction was completed as scheduled, and the client did not need to pay unnecessary additional payment.

Project Completion

We prepared for the equipment and accessories for the salon, such as lighting fixture, a washing machine, the shampoo sinks, and decorated furniture, towards the end of the construction. The timing of the delivery and installation was the key for the grand opening in time.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project

After the successful project for their new office design-built, the clients contracted MDK to help setting up their CEO’s private residence.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 01

Consultation

We carefully listened to the client requests, from the budget to color preference. Considering the period of CEO’s assignment in the US office, they had options to buy or rent furniture and decided to purchase them. In addition to furniture, they also requested us to prepare all necessary furnishings, to make a smooth start in the US.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 02

Site Survey and Measurement

We measured each room of the residence for the interior planning. Also, we checked details, such as the amount of sunlight in each room, need for cosmetic upgrade work, and any restrictions of the building codes.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 03

Planning and Designing

We made a tour to the furniture stores with the client to understand the client’s taste.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 04

Furniture Layouts and Procurement

After site survey, we provided the floor plan and an estimate for the furniture, listed with dimension, price and pictures. This helped to get approval of budget from the headquarters in Tokyo.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 05

Delivery Arrangement and Furniture Installation

We ordered furniture, and managed the various deliveries, and reserved the freight elevator. We also submitted necessary documents, such as insurance forms, to the building management company.

Furnishing ( office & residential ) project 06

Walk-through and Check List Delivered Items

We were on the premise with the client to ensure all orders were delivered and assembled correctly.

A NY based CEO was looking to purchase a 2 bedroom condo. We brought in our Feng Shui consultant who collaborated with the realtor to find an appropriate property. We provided a cosmetic renovation that made the property move appealing.
* Feng Sui Serviceclose
- MDK International is committed to provide not only space but the lifestyle that speaks to you on a deeper level. Feng Shui will read the flow of “chi” to find the best location, direction and date/ time for renovation or moving in. Feng Shui has been a crucial part of the decision making process for people in power since ancient time in Japan and China. A Feng Shui consultant is often a key member of the strategy team when searching for a suitable property. We would be your Feng Shui consultant.

Real estate and feng shui advisory & Property management 01

Consultation

We gathered information, based on the clients wish list , and identified the properties to view taking the Feng Shui viewpoints into consideration.

Real estate and feng shui advisory & Property management 02

Site Viewpoint and Research

We selected sites to view based upon the client’s desires and the Feng Shui recommendation. We arranged a site visit with a realtor. We inspected details such as direction of the entrance and the floor plan. The client was extremely pleased due to the positive vibe on the site and from the Feng Shui viewpoint.

Real estate and feng shui advisory & Property management 03

Offer and Contract Negotiations

An offer was submitted . Brokers on both sides negotiated a fair purchase price and terms. During the negotiations MDK translated and explained key points to the client in order to finalize the deal.

Real estate and feng shui advisory & Property management 04

Negotiations by Real Estate Lawyer

A contract was prepared and submitted to our real estate lawyer. The contract was reviewed and items that were unclear were clarified. After 6 weeks the contract was signed.

Real estate and feng shui advisory & Property management 05

Renovations after Purchase

MDK International created a design plan, budget estimates, and time schedule based on renovations requested by the client. A Feng Shui consultant suggested the exact date the client should move in to begin a new life. MDK International made all the necessary arrangements so the client was able to move in without delay.