March 2009
Keech Design has overcome logistical hurdles to complete a retail interiors contract on the remote Isles of Scilly.
The consultancy has refreshed the flagship interiors for surf brand 49º Clothing Company on the islands, which lie off the coast of Cornwall.
Keech Design founder David Keech explains that, due to the remote location of the islands, there were logistical issues to overcome in terms of the design and retail fit-out.
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"Everything had to be manufactured on the mainland, shipped over, then re-assembled on site. Site time is limited and all works had to be completed in roughly a two-week window," says Keech.
"The only [non-freight] access at this time of year is via small aircraft or helicopter. It requires very careful co-ordination and understanding between designer and the site and manufacturing teams. Everything must fit and work first time, and there is very little room for error," he adds.
49° briefed the group to redesign an extension to the flagship store rear, as well as to oversee interior furniture, display and point-of-sale material.
As part of the project, Keech has created a bespoke display system, lighting scheme, interior and exterior signage, as well as branding.
49º founder Terry Ward says that his company’s most popular design, the IOS graphics (pictured), has not been synonymous with the 49° brand, and that part of Keech’s task was to raise awareness that the two are connected.
"What we realised was that a lot of people were looking for the IOS brand but not realising where they could get it."
"They’d see the IOS brand but didn’t tie it up with the shop. Keech has helped us to tie those up together through signage and branding," says Ward.
The Isles of Scilly are set to go under the design spotlight this summer as Designs of the Time Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly rolls out.
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