Essential Install September 2017 | Page 58

Essential Install | Day In The Life: Avande UK The team is preparing some of the apartments for hand-over The company provides a complete package for the developer from electrical infrastructure to automation “However, there is huge value in being able to deliver what you say you will, when you say you will and add value to the project with your knowledge.” Ashley says: “We make ourselves part of the planning process for the whole project offering advice on delivering improvements to areas which are not strictly under our control. On this project, we have advised on getting underfloor heating to work correctly with existing HVAC, prevented the wrong type of supply cable being used on some aspects of the build and removed old-fashioned wall mounted doorbell sounders within the apartments by integrating and sounding through the automation system. We have become the trusted go to people for the electrical and automated integration design and specification adding real value for the developer.” As the tour continues, it’s clear this development is nearing hand-over, the place is a hive of activity with different trades working to deliver their part. On this aspect Ashley has a warning: “Contract wise, you have to be absolutely on it with the detail. Understand exactly what it is you are promising to deliver and document your work, so you can show that you have delivered. Things can get very difficult and very expensive if you don’t.” As for now, in just one month’s time Ashley explains the company is due to hand over 30 of the automated apartments and all of the communal areas, so the whole team is really focused on that. Towards the end of the year, more apartments are due and then next year, the penthouses will be completed, which incidentally have not sold yet, they are not cheap, but they are stunning. Avande is also committed to 5/6 other major projects in London over the next few years. A confident Ashley predicts: “We don’t see any slowdown in the London market any time soon, this area is one of the busiest in the world. Right now, we have around 1,000 apartments under development along this stretch of the Thames. We can deliver on this scale, because we have the right team and the right planning in place. Our approach is tried and tested. Its great being involved in this industry right at this point in time, it’s a very special period where technology, design and building development are in close harmony and we are looking forward to creating some very special buildings.” More information: Avande + 44 (0)20 7537 8585, avandeuk.co.uk Avande UK Key Contacts Ashley Said-Kirton – managing director Cliff Stammers – head of operations and programming Nicholas Canacott - head of IT and technical sales Vincent McAtamney – project specification Manager 56 | September 2017