The dawn of CO’VIDEO’-19
It is fair to say that the world we live in has changed in the last two weeks, yet it is a change which will bring a positive new approach to architecture and interior design as we move through, and out the other side, of the COVID-19 pandemic. One business looking to embrace these changes is specialist stonemason Ian Knapper.
From their base in the Midlands, Ian Knapper create beautiful solid stone staircases and fireplaces for modern and traditional buildings across the country. The attention to detail starts on the first contact where the team design and work with architects & designers to develop an inspirational solution.
Ian Knapper, founder of the leading stone mason business, said; “Recent times have meant we all need to look at the way we do business and adapt to the new world we find ourselves in. Although we all hope business will quickly return to a sense of normality, we’re already finding new ways to communicate, to share thoughts, and even review materials, from the safety of our homes. In such a short space of time, we are already seeing a shift in the way we do business – something that will remain long after business-as-usual resumes.”
So, what changes are we seeing, or can we expect to see, as we enter this brave new world?
The first is the wider use of video and more specifically video conferencing. This is and will continue to allow us to better engage with architects & designers to really understand and deliver on a project. While not our first choice, video can also replace some of the site visits we make with a live tour of the site giving us a real sense of the space to drive the best design and assess logistical considerations for installation.
Shared input documents will also become more of a tool for businesses moving forward. Gone will be the simple single author plan, and in will come a more organic multi-author document. Although this is already commonplace for us internally where a variety of team members can simultaneously work on a plan, we see this also likely to include permissions for architects & designers to also have their say.
As internal mapping and 3D modelling also develops even further, it is becoming more common for clients, architects & designers to ‘step’ into the space before it’s even created. Along with the recent drive for remote working has been the wider adoption of VR technologies – something that we see as a more commonplace part of our future capabilities.
There will always be a need to travel, however the dawn of this new remote working culture has not only forced us to change the way we work for now, but also given us the chance to revaluate the way we work in the future.
“Sometimes it takes a big paradigm shift like this to take a step back and review how and why you do things,” said Ian Knapper. “Although there is no doubt that the industry as a whole will be affected, it is a time for innovation, adaptation and embracing new ways of working. I am in no doubt that many years from now we will look back at the beginning of 2020 as a time where Ian Knapper changed for the better.”
Specialising in quality bespoke masonry from Staircases and fireplaces to commissioned pieces, Ian Knapper’s team include national and international award-winning masons who have built a reputation for delivering the best.
For more information visit www.ianknapper.com
