The Final Touches: Why Mastering the FF&E Phase is Vital to a Cohesive Project
- Syndicate
- May 30
- 4 min read
Installing furniture on a project is an indicator that you're turning a major corner on a project. At this point, we have spent months crafting our interior narratives for the interior architecture, selecting the perfect finishes, and following up on the construction process to ensure our clients receive the best result in the final product. When it comes to installing furniture, we know that we have poured our hearts and souls into the project, and it is time for the final finishing touches and the last layer of our rich story.
Karissa is a project lead and furniture guru in our office. We work hard to ensure our clients aren't just getting a great look, but are also getting quality pieces that will last the test of time. We asked Karissa a few questions about what to look for and what her process is during the furniture phase.
On Sourcing and Finding Furniture:
Q: What role do lead times and supply chain considerations play in your sourcing decisions?
A: They do play a large role, but it also varies from project to project. We strive to start the specification process early to ensure we have the maximum amount of options at our disposal. This allows us to find pieces that work best and elevate our design. But, sometimes a project schedule is expedited, and we need furniture quickly, which puts lead times at the forefront of our considerations. Even in rushed circumstances, we work hard to ensure that what we choose still speaks to the project's narrative and delivers a "look" that meets our clients' expectations that they fall in love with. It's an added piece of the puzzle that we are adept at solving. We make sure to foster our connections with manufacturers, dealers, and vendor representatives, so despite a time crunch, we always have options to choose from.
Archer Rooftop for Jamison On Designing & Customization:
Q: When is it worth designing custom furniture versus selecting from existing lines?
A: Both cost and look/function are key factors when choosing to design custom. I think most people associate high costs with custom, but with so much experience going the custom route, it can sometimes be the most affordable solution, and is often why we turn to it. As designers, we are always envisioning what the furniture in a space will look like early on, and sometimes, when you finally get to specifying, you can’t find that exact piece in the real world - one that meets not only a desired aesthetic, but a function as well. Designing custom allows you to control every detail, which can make for extremely functional pieces that meet the end user's needs to a "T". You can infuse the design of your space into the furniture in a way something off the shelf would never do. It also allows you to create a collection of pieces to extend the look in other rooms.
Q: How does furniture contribute to the overall narrative or brand of a space?
A: Furniture is the piece that brings everything together, but when it's a departure from the design in scale, function, or aesthetic, it’s immediately noticeable and can disrupt the way people experience a space. That’s why it’s essential that furniture feels like an extension of the narrative. It’s also one of the most fun and liberating parts of a project, a chance to layer in texture, color, and personality. When thoughtfully selected, furniture becomes the final layer of storytelling, transforming a beautiful space into one that feels complete, intentional, and deeply connected to its identity.
Nari Lounge for Harbor Group
Being Project-Specific & Client-Focused
Q: How do resident or guest expectations shape furniture choices in different types of spaces?
A: For multifamily specifically, it is a fine balance of what the developer and management team need and the expectations of the residents. Developers are looking for furniture that is easy to maintain and withstands heavy use, so durability is always a top factor. But beyond that, another key component is that it will function best for its end user. When selecting pieces for certain amenities, we carefully evaluate all the ways the space might be used and ensure it can be flexible enough to meet the needs of one or many. Multifamily developments have to cater to a wide audience, and the worst thing would be for furniture to sit unused. For specialty rooms, we focus on who the tenant demographic is and how we can appeal to them.
Q: What is your approach to selecting furnishings that are both timeless and aligned with current design trends?
A: In both the multifamily and commercial world, my mentality has never been to align with trends, but always about the space and who you’re designing for. I feel a strong story and design will always be timeless. People can sense when you put careful thought and consideration into selecting furniture. Too many times have we been tasked to renovate a space because at one point it followed a trend that now no longer aligns with their demographic/user, and spaces are left underutilized. The goal is to always select furniture that will enhance the space for years to come, one that people look forward to being in and using, one that’s comfortable and inviting.
Lincoln Place Lounge at Aimco LA HQ Practicality and a Look Behind-the-Scenes:
Q: How do you manage furniture budgets without sacrificing design integrity?
A: Overall, it's knowing how to maximize your dollar and resources. As furniture costs have gone up, we’ve had to exercise our resources to keep costs low and the design impact high. Additionally, it's all about knowing where to spend your dollar. There are key furniture elements in a space that you know will make an impact, so choosing to put a little more money towards those pieces and pulling back in other areas is always a great tool. With so much experience, it becomes second nature to know where to look and what to swap to retain the level of design while delivering on budget. Experienced designers and specifiers will understand that not everything needs to cost a fortune to look good.
Nari Outdoor Space for Harbor Group
All of this great knowledge is part of the reason why, after 15 years, we have such great success with projects. Looking out for the design means looking out for our clients, and understanding the typology and demographic we are designing for means we can nail it every time.
Comments