Business North March 2021

| 93 COMMERCIAL PROJECT AWARDS Alba Interiors A uckland company Alba Interiors has demonstrated its ability to deliver to client’s unique requirements on the Hello Mister projects, one of which has been awarded a silver accolade at the 2020 NZ Commercial Project awards. The prestigious awards provide the benchmark for commercial construction in New Zealand and celebrate collaboration and innovation across the building industry. Director of Alba Interiors, Gordon Smith, says that the Newmarket project, which won the award, was on the back of a previous Hello Mister project completed in Parnell. Gordon added his expertise at the design stage of both projects. Sourcing the specialist materials for the look the client sought for the project saw Gordon having to think outside the square. “Each Hello Mister project has quite a dis- tinct look and feel. For the Newmarket project the client wanted a grungy, raw street feel,” he says. This meant corrugated iron with a ‘rusty’ look, distressed louver doors and an art- ist commissioned to paint the wall with a concrete distressed look. The kitchen area is framed by a metal structure giving a ‘fight cage’ concept. “This project involved using all our resourc- es and searching around to deliver exactly what the client wanted and within budget,” says Gordon. “Of course it all had to work for a restaurant so it was about creating that rustic look but also meeting the food grade requirements.” Additional re-used objects included oil drums for tables and Gordon says the judges particularly noted the use of recycled materi- als in the project. Alba Interiors has now also completed a third Hello Mister located in Halsey Street, which saw Gordon painting, sanding and repainting board cladding many times over to achieve an aged look over multiple coatings and leaving steel out for weeks in the rain to rust naturally. “It’s about being creative and imaginative to deliver what our clients want,” he says. Hard work and thinking outside the square have been hallmarks of Alba Interiors since it had its beginnings around 18 years ago, start- ed by Gordon, a sheet metal worker by trade. Alba Interiors can take care of the whole project including design, consents, construc- tion, project management and even obtaining food and beverage licenses. Over the years the company has worked on the gamut of commercial interior projects with a particular focus on hospitality. Covid-19 of course hit that industry hard leading Alba In- teriors to focus on other markets but Gordon says hospitality is starting to bounce back. At present Alba Interiors is working on a variety of projects including an indoor golf simulator facility, a bakery, two sushi restau- rants and a bar. The company’s capability to deliver projects fast (it has previously deliv- ered a whole kitchen in a week) serves the industry well. Gordon aims for Alba Interiors to remain a boutique design and fitout company and doesn’t want to get too large. He personally works with each clients, providing them with one easy point of contact. “It’s about working closely with clients to ensure their project is finished on time and on budget.” Thinking outside the square key to success Alba Interiors can take care of the whole project including design, consents, construction, project management and even obtaining food and beverage licenses. T Karen Phelps “For the Newmarket project the client wanted a grungy, raw street feel.” AKL Plumbing and Gasfitting Member of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Association www.aklplumbing.co.nz 021 843 215 info@aklplumb.com  ◊ Commercial Gasfitting ◊ Residential Gasfitting ◊ Gas Heating ◊ Water Heating ◊ Maintenance ◊ Kitchens ◊ Bathrooms ◊ Maintenance ◊ Laundries As the preferred supplier to one of Auckland’s largest property developers and owners, we have very high standards for quality and finish. We will work with you to find the best solution for your project, large or small. Get in touch about your requirements today! 0800 PRO ELEC (0800 776 353) www.projectelectrical.co.nz @projectelectricalnz