Planning a New Direction

When “Plan A” becomes “Plan B” and evolves into “Plan C” or “D,” inspiration and creativity can feel roadblocked. However, plans can grow stronger as they develop, and these uncertain times present an opportunity to pause, collaborate and consider your modular build plan and how it fits into your brand’s long-term goals.

When budgets get the green-light, and timelines are approved, having a solid plan in hand will ensure a speedy launch to market. Whether you’re looking at this year or setting strategy for where you want to be next year, here are the planning steps you can take now for setting goals for your container space, carefully considering design details and initiating a modular build.

Define Your Goals

As with any planning process, creating a clear roadmap for your project is imperative to staying on track and ensuring the process directly aligns with your overarching goals and objectives for the year. To begin, take a high-level look at the solutions you’re looking for in your modular build and identify specific and actionable objectives for the unit.

You know that modular spaces are brought to market 30-50% faster than traditional construction methods, so use this time for concepting a space. Do you want the unit to be semi-permanent for an extended period of time? Might your program evolve to a mobile activation in multiple environments? Will you cater to foot traffic or vehicular visitors? What are the ADA considerations? While these questions seem basic, they’re essential assessments to make before diving into a modular build. As the process continues and plans adapt, this step will help ensure a final product that serves your brand and its activation goal.

Take Time to Explore the Details

The details aren’t just the paint colors of a modular unit. With custom-built structures, there are infinite opportunities to creatively concept a unique solution for your brand. Use this time to start with conceptual drawings. Remember: the plans for a modular build go down to the ⅛-inch to ensure quality and, in doing so, open up more possibilities for customization.

Beyond the aesthetic appearance of a unit, the technological details require careful planning and considerations. Will it need HVAC or running water? How can TVs or video monitors complement your activation, and do plans need to include electrical outlets to support A/V? Determining these needs in the planning phase allow MEP engineering during the build and a seamless installation with structural components.

Strategize for a Quick Turn-Around

Whether your project will go to one or multiple locations, you’ll want to use your planning time now to consider transportation and logistics. How can you keep transportation costs low? How can you maintain quality during transport? If your activation dates need to remain fluid, what are storage options until you’re ready for deployment, and how quickly can it get to where it needs to be once you have the green light?

If you already have a big idea or are looking for creative solutions, our team of designers, engineers and logistics managers can jump in to support. Head over to the “contact” page on our website and drop us a note about where we can help you with your planning.