Driven by a mission to be a one-stop shop for all things design, Denver’s brand-new Ultra Design Center opened its doors in May. The three-floor center was conceived to bring the experience of interior design to a new level, with convenience and cross-selling at the heart of the vision.
According to the showroom's general manager Kevin Castelo, who has led Ultra Design Center since 2012, the company wanted to bring all the design resources under one roof. In doing so, clients and customers can reduce travel time between design destinations and get everything done more efficiently.
Ultra outgrew their existing location and made the decision to build an entirely new facility. For their part of the building, Ultra partnered with SH Design-Build on the layout and displays for the kitchen, bath and lighting sections.
Kevin learned about SH Design-Build through the Luxury Products Group (LPG) and spoke to other showrooms who had worked with the firm before deciding to bring SH on as a partner.
We asked Kevin about the partnership with SH and how the showroom has evolved from idea to reality.
Showroom as destination
“For Ultra specifically, we’re really focused on what is it that makes a retail store a compelling destination…we really wanted to make it…engaging so that customers can really discover what is possible with their project."
Experiential Retail
“I think that the access that people have to products online has forced companies to really raise the bar in terms of the experience that you’re providing in a retail location.”
Design Phase
“I think overall we worked very well together in the design phase. We had certain preconceived notions, but this was really the first time we had done a showroom from scratch, so we really were looking to learn from your experience. At the end, both parties had a lot of input and we ended up with a good final layout.”
Reaction of the sales staff
“It’s a fresh start for everybody. Everybody is energized and looking forward to a fresh start. We also took input from our sales team and understand what their needs are and try to engage them in the process. Everybody is very excited.”
Favourite element
“I think the two favorites are in the lighting section, SH really pushed the boundaries of what they were willing and able to try to do, and one of the pieces is a big open freestanding box where we can hang a chandelier, and that’s a really dramatic effect. “The second is a massive 22-foot by 11-foot collection of shadow boxes, which is a very dramatic way to show off lighting fixtures. Lighting is kind of new territory for us as well, so I find that section to be a little more exciting.”
What have people been saying?
“The feedback has been excellent. In general, everyone feels that the showroom is clean and organized. The display furniture is special but it still lets the product be the star.”
Ultra Design Center has a floor dedicated to their specialties, decorative plumbing, bath furniture, home accessories, and a recent addition to the lineup, lighting. Tenants on the other floors of the center sell their unique wares and have the opportunity to attract customers who have come for another purpose; they can also encourage them to visit other vendors.
Photos courtesy Ultra Design Center.
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