Joinery:
Improva
Designer:
Improva & Mandy Alice Interior Design
Photographer:
Nshot Creative
Our clients came directly to Improva for this extensive renovation and extension of their Dover Heights home – essentially creating a brand new home with breathtaking views of Bondi Beach, the iconic ocean pools, and Sydney’s stunning coastline. They entrusted Improva to be their one-stop shop, connecting and engaging the entire A-team for the project.
We engaged an architect for house designs and council approvals, an interior designer for hard and soft finishes, plus the builder, joiner, and stonemason. Our CAD design team handled the internal layouts and joinery design. While some services fell outside Improva’s capabilities, by engaging these suppliers ourselves, we maintained control over the outcome to ensure the project stayed on budget and delivered exceptional results.
As a time-poor, busy corporate couple with young children, our clients had been burnt by the design and construction industry before. They didn’t want designers creating elaborate plans with no care for budgets or their actual needs, and they didn’t have time to waste on endless meetings, reviewing countless quotes, or making decisions in an unfamiliar industry. They knew the industry is notorious for designing grand visions that don’t deliver value, forcing clients to waste time redesigning projects multiple times.
They wanted a team that could design amazing spaces while keeping control of the project – someone involved from the design process through to supplier engagement and beyond, with transparent knowledge and communication around costing and timelines. This would ensure that when it came to the pricing stage, supplier quotes aligned with their desires and budget. They needed professionals who understood their industry, so they could focus on their family and careers while we handled the complexity.
Design
Our clients envisioned a home with a true wow factor, blending elegance with practical functionality. Our design approach was both strategic and creative, transforming the existing layout into a grand, sophisticated open-plan showpiece. The design fully embraced the coastal panorama, with our CAD design team creating comprehensive internal layouts that maximised the breathtaking views. We facilitated the inclusion of expansive glass doors and windows leading onto an outdoor entertainer’s terrace – the perfect setting to watch sunsets over Bondi Beach.
Collaborating closely with our clients, our design team crafted spaces that seamlessly integrated functionality with aesthetic appeal. For this busy household, sufficient storage was essential. We introduced tailored storage solutions into the kitchen, including a butler’s pantry designed to simplify culinary tasks and keep everyday items out of sight. Integrated appliances and clever layouts created a streamlined, visually calming effect.
A standout feature is the bar area, designed seamlessly into the framework of the house. Invisible doors act as walls, then slide open to reveal an entertaining delight right next to the living and dining areas. Each decision and design detail was thoughtfully chosen to allow our clients to live, entertain, and create memories in a space that felt uniquely theirs, ultimately delivering on the wow factor they had imagined.
Project Oversight & Supplier Management
Throughout the design stages with the architect and interior designer, we oversaw every choice and decision, advising the client when we believed budgets were being compromised or when value engineering options could provide better outcomes. This ensured the client remained informed throughout and the project stayed on budget during the critical design phase.
We then undertook meticulous review of quotes from all suppliers – architect, interior designer, builder, joiner, and stonemason – each chosen for their skill, expertise, and alignment with the project’s demands. With our industry knowledge, we analysed multiple proposals, providing our clients with clear, comprehensive reports that empowered them to make confident, informed choices with our expert guidance. Throughout this process, we advocated for quality and reliability, ensuring every recommendation was backed by trust and experience.
The renovation unfolded seamlessly. Our clients appreciated how well-matched the suppliers were – not only in their ability to deliver high-quality work but also in their personal fit. Throughout the project, Improva was the glue between clients and suppliers, always just a call away for advice, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish. Today, our clients enjoy their beautifully transformed home overlooking Bondi Beach – a place where they can relax, entertain, and take in stunning coastal views while creating lasting memories with their growing family.
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